Canada Invests $3.9M In Autonomous Concept EV Called Project Arrow

Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) of Canada is spending CAD 5 million (USD 3.9 million) on Project Arrow, Canada's first EV idea designed and produced in the country.

The contribution, alongside another CAD 6.6 million (USD 5.2 million) in funding, will result in the development of one real concept automobile and a simulated twin to test and evaluate the tech that propels it. The funds will be administered by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA), which constitutes 90% of all private automotive parts producers in Canada.

“This lighthouse initiative will serve as a calling card for the next generation of leadership in the Canadian zero-emissions movement,” said Flavio Volpe, president of the APMA.

The company intends to bring its partners together to plan, engineer, and build Project Arrow. According to the CBC, the initiative, which is envisioned as an all-electric, linked, and driverless car, will also look to leading universities, such as Ontario Tech University, where the project is already in process.

The initiative will also cooperate with the Virtual Reality CAVE, another FedDev Ontario-funded project, to create the virtual platform that will be utilized to evaluate and test the vehicle's autonomous technology. Following that, the tech will be integrated into the physical concept automobile.

“Reducing carbon pollution is one of the most feasible and desirable actions Canada can take to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050,” said Hon. Deb Schulte, a deputy from Canada's Parliament.

“Today's initiative demonstrates the superior competencies of Canada's automotive and digital technology industries, and places southern Ontario at the forefront of technological development for zero-emission, connected, and autonomous vehicles.”

GM also wants to construct its electric BrightDrop EV600 delivery van at its facility in Ontario.  However, Stellantis' electrification effort has raised concerns that the company's Canadian factory may lose all of its goods, thus convincing the sector that country's suppliers are capable of supporting EV manufacture is essential.

According to FedDev Ontario, Project Arrow will support 80 positions as well as at least 40 automotive suppliers and technology businesses. The actual concept vehicle is scheduled to be completed in 2022.