The creation of Canada's first zero-emissions concept vehicle got a boost of funding Wednesday.
FedDev Ontario is investing $5-million in the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association's Project Arrow.
The APMA has partnered with key academic partners in southern Ontario to design, engineer, and build a connected and autonomous zero-emission vehicle concept car.
“This lighthouse project is highlighting hundreds of advanced technology companies around the world and will serve as the calling card for the next generation of leadership in Canadian zero-emissions mobility,” said APMA President Flavio Volpe
Project Arrow currently employs around 80 people and supports around 40 automotive suppliers and technology firms.
The funding will go towards a Virtual Reality Cave at Invest WindsorEssex. This is where the digital concept vehicle will be used for testing the autonomous technologies before they are integrated into the physical car.
The Government of Canada has set a mandatory target for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emission by 2035.
"Project Arrow is advancing our country’s shift toward electrification in the automotive and manufacturing sectors, a critical step towards reaching the government’s goal of accelerating Canada’s net zero emissions future,” said Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages Melanie Joly.
The Project Arrow concept vehicle is expected to be released in 2022.