H-Charging Research Institute

The Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) Lab is a research institute at the University of Windsor focused on electric vehicle (EV) technologies. Founded and led by Distinguished University Professor Narayan C. Kar, who holds the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Electrified Vehicles, the lab operates as an internationally recognized research and development center. It fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration among materials, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to advance the design, development, and testing of electric powertrain components.

The institute's primary research areas include electric machine design and testing, machine drives and control, inductive and conductive charging, and EV simulation and testing. CHARGE Lab also concentrates on battery management systems, battery chargers, and the behavior of lithium-ion batteries. The facility is equipped with industry-scale infrastructure, including test systems for various electric motors and drives up to 150 kW, capable of benchmarking prototype components for OEMs and Tier-1 auto parts suppliers in realistic EV environments.

Located in Windsor-Essex, referred to as the automotive capital of Canada, the lab collaborates with industry partners such as Ford Motor Company and D&V electronics, as well as government bodies. These partnerships have resulted in numerous projects with a combined value of nearly $14 million, supporting the local industry and furthering the development of next-generation EV technologies.

Keywords: electric vehicle research, powertrain components, electric machine design, EV motor testing, battery management systems, conductive charging, inductive charging, EV simulation, traction motor drives, automotive research, green energy, e-motor technology, University of Windsor, Narayan Kar, EV powertrain testing, battery chargers, lithium-ion battery research, automotive R&D, EV components, electric mobility