Big 3 Automaker Eyes Kiwi Charge’s EV Robot Technology for the Future of Mobility

Image Courtesy: KiwiCharge

Toronto-based Kiwi Charge, a startup with a vision that challenges the norms of electric vehicle (EV) charging, is sparking conversations in the auto industry—and not just any conversations. One of the Big 3 U.S. automakers, whose identity is currently under wraps, is reportedly in talks with Kiwi Charge about their game-changing EV robot technology. This could be the beginning of a mobility revolution.

At the heart of Kiwi Charge's mission is a deceptively simple idea: fixed EV chargers, as we know them, are relics of a bygone era. Just as the world pivoted from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, Kiwi Charge envisions a future where the clunky, stationary charging stations we see today are replaced by sleek, roaming robots that bring power directly to parked vehicles. Think about it: why should the cars go to the charger when the charger can come to the cars?

A Solution Born From Frustration

The story of Kiwi Charge began with a simple yet significant challenge: how to make EV charging accessible for people living in multi-residential buildings. For EV owners without a private driveway or garage, charging meant relying on public infrastructure—a costly and inconvenient hurdle for many.

Enter Kiwi Charge’s autonomous robots. These battery-powered droids navigate parking lots, locate vehicles needing a charge, and deliver power without human intervention or costly retrofitting. According to Kiwi Charge founder Abdel Ali, "Each robot can replace the equivalent of 30 Level 2 chargers." It’s a game-changer in an industry still grappling with outdated solutions modeled after gas stations.

Why the Big 3 Are Watching

For decades, the automotive giants in Detroit—General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis—have shaped how people think about mobility. Now, one of these automakers sees Kiwi Charge’s technology as the next frontier.

"The way chargers are set up right now, it’s a relic of gas cars," says Ali. "We’re showing them that there’s a better way forward." While the automaker’s identity remains confidential, the interest underscores the transformative potential of Kiwi Charge’s solution.

Imagine future EVs designed with Kiwi’s tech in mind, where the connection point for autonomous chargers becomes as integral as the charging port itself. This collaboration could redefine how vehicles are charged, paving the way for a more seamless EV ecosystem.

From Proof of Concept to Reality

Kiwi Charge’s robots are not just theoretical. A proof-of-concept model is already operational, mapping parking lots and autonomously initiating charging sessions. A fully autonomous version is set to debut in 2025 as part of a pilot project with Tridel Group, one of Canada’s largest real estate developers.

"Tridel is excited to work with Kiwi Charge and its revolutionary technology," says Graeme Armster, Tridel’s director of innovation and sustainability. "This is going to change the landscape of electric vehicle charging."

With this partnership, Kiwi Charge aims to bring affordable EV charging to residents in Toronto’s tallest residential buildings, addressing the core issue holding back EV adoption: accessibility.

Addressing the Bigger Picture

It’s no secret that Canada’s EV adoption is lagging. A recent DesRosiers Automotive Consultants survey revealed that most Canadians still prefer gas-powered SUVs. Meanwhile, battery-electric vehicles accounted for just over 25% of new vehicle registrations in Q3 2024, a far cry from the government’s goal of phasing out internal combustion vehicles by 2035.

One major hurdle is the lack of convenient charging options. Kiwi Charge’s solution directly tackles this problem, making it easier for condo and apartment dwellers to consider switching to electric. "Portable EV charging solutions eliminate a large barrier to EV adoption," says Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who has partnered with Kiwi Charge for a pilot program in his city.

Competition in a Rapidly Changing Market

Kiwi Charge isn’t alone in this space. U.S.-based EV Safe Charge has developed a robot named ZiGGY, while Toronto’s SWTCH Energy focuses on optimizing electricity load management in aging buildings. Even Tesla has hinted at a wireless charging system in development.

But Kiwi Charge believes it has the edge. "We’re ahead of the curve when it comes to our technology and some of the IP we’re developing," says Ali. The company’s robots don’t just charge EVs—they gather data, predict charging needs using AI, and offer a flexible, scalable solution that competitors can’t yet match.

The Road Ahead

With support from municipalities like Markham and Vaughan, a paid pilot with Tridel, and confidential discussions with a Big 3 automaker, Kiwi Charge is positioned to lead a revolution in EV infrastructure.

The stakes are high, not just for Kiwi but for the entire EV industry. If Kiwi Charge’s robots become the norm, the days of searching for a public charger or paying exorbitant retrofit costs could be over. Instead, EV owners might simply park their cars and let the robots do the rest—a vision of mobility that’s as futuristic as it is practical.

For now, all eyes are on this Canadian startup as it navigates the complexities of scaling its innovation. One thing is clear: Kiwi Charge isn’t just solving a problem; it’s redefining the EV charging experience. And with the interest of a Big 3 automaker, the future looks electric.

(P.S: This is not a sponsored post.)