EVs, energy research in focus during visit with MTO, Ministry of Energy and Mines
On November 12, the University of Toronto was pleased to welcome staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Energy and Mines for a visit of the EV Chargers at the Landmark Garage, Grid Modernization Centre (GMC), and the U of T Electric Vehicle Research Centre (UTEV).
First, Carlos Da Silva Leal, EHub’s Executive Director and Senior Research Associate at Professor Cristina Amon’s Advanced Thermofluids Optimization, Modelling, and Simulation (ATOMS) Lab, provided an overview of the two, Level 3+ fast charging stations at the Landmark Garage. Jule’s President Carmine Pizzurro and Director of Product and Innovation Monsoon Fu – both of whom are U of T Engineering alumni – also joined.
Jule’s chargers allow EV drivers to power up in under 30 minutes, while reducing the burden on the grid. Unlike conventional fast chargers that pull energy from the grid, Jule’s system leverages energy stored in lithium-ion batteries. This enables the chargers to operate during peak hours without straining the grid. It also allows batteries to recharge during off-peak hours when electricity is more affordable and abundant.
“It was a pleasure to join U of T and showcase Jule’s innovative DC Fast Charging (DCFC) solutions,” said Monsoon Fu.
“Jule has a proud 15-plus-year history with U of T. We’ve been collaborating with several experts and labs to develop the battery energy storage & EV charging technologies, enhanced battery thermal management, and smart energy management. As we work toward a net-zero future, Jule is committed to developing reliable, high-performance Distributed Energy Resources & Services that operate in all climates – meeting the practical needs of EV drivers and alleviating some of the burden on the grid.”
“With EV chargers powered by lithium-ion batteries, we can manage the high-power demands of ultra-fast EV chargers without disrupting the grid, enabling temporary backup power and optimizing energy and infrastructure costs,” explained Carlos Da Silva Leal.
“Because the technology is sensitive to temperature, at the ATOMS Lab and Thermal Management Systems (TMS) Lab, we are collaborating with industry partners like Jule to enhance battery heat management and design thermally resilient structural battery pack components. These innovations are easing pressure on Ontario’s grid while reshaping the way we use electricity.”
Next, Peter Aulich, Managing Director, provided an overview of the GMC, which will be located on two sites on campus.
The GMC provides Ontario SMEs with the state-of-the-art equipment and expertise needed to conduct real-time power system simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. This allows SMEs to test their green technologies (e.g., EV charging stations, battery energy storage systems, and renewable energy sources, etc.) before being implemented on to the grid, thereby de-risking the implementation of green technologies and ensuring the grid remains safe and reliable as more innovations are introduced.
“The GMC is a hub that brings together entrepreneurs, industry, utilities, regulators, researchers, and other stakeholders across Ontario’s electricity ecosystem,” said Aulich.
“The GMC and its partners are keen to support entrepreneurs developing green technologies, help policymakers address grid capacity and other concerns, and provide students with hands-on training opportunities.”
Once the two labs are up and running, the GMC will be the first advanced high-power/high-voltage simulation and testing facility for grid modernization in Canada.
Lastly, Professor Olivier Trescases, UTEV’s Director, provided a tour of his Centre, which is developing and prototyping next-generation EV technologies. It brings together researchers across the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering and works with many Canadian companies and international industry leaders.
Professor Trescases highlighted several recent projects where industry has turned to U of T for research partnerships, including multi-chemistry battery systems with TATA Motors (India), fault-tolerant power architectures with NXP Semiconductor (USA/Netherlands), battery management systems with Litens (Ontario), and high-density power converters using Gallium Nitride with TSMC (Taiwan).
UTEV’s training activities includes Porsche Cars Canada’s collaboration with Professor Trescases and the School of Continuing Studies on a micro-credential program that equips Porsche employees with the latest knowledge to engage EV stakeholders. To date, Professor Trescases has trained over 500 Porsche employees across Canada. In August, U of T and Nissan North America announced a new partnership with Professor Trescases. This collaboration will focus on research that could enable secure, scalable vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging in North America.
“Electric vehicles are at the heart of Canada’s transition to a cleaner and more resilient energy future. Developing the next generation of EV technologies here at home ensures that Canadian innovation doesn’t just follow global trends, it leads them,” said Professor Trescases.
“At U of T, we are working closely with industry partners to push the boundaries of power electronics, battery systems, and vehicle-to-grid technologies while training the highly skilled talent our country needs to compete on the world stage. This is a pivotal moment for Canada, and we are proud to help drive the electrified future forward.”
GRO extends its thanks to MTO and MEM for visiting U of T, and to Jule’s Carmine Pizzurro and Monsoon Fu for their ongoing collaboration.
(Written by: Catrina Kronfli)