McMaster University
FCA Canada Inc.
Automotive companies must constantly innovate to meet consumer expectations for vehicles that are more environmentally friendly. A partnership between a McMaster University research group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is putting electric and hybrid vehicles on the innovation fast track.
Ali Emadi and his research group collaborate with more than 40 engineers at FCA, drawing on the automotive giant’s expertise and testing facilities to shift their research from the lab to the road swiftly and smoothly. Emadi’s students are active contributors to projects, bringing ideas, gaining critical hands-on experience and taking part in technical trials, making his lab one of the most prominent training environments for new talent in automotive engineering.
The Emadi lab and FCA partnership has overcome complex challenges to develop new automotive components that increase energy efficiency in electrified vehicles, including a boost converter and hybrid energy storage system. In true confirmation of the leading-edge nature of their technology, they helped deliver a new breakthrough for the automotive industry: the first hybrid minivan in North America, the Chrysler Pacifica. Their partnership is driving eco-friendly vehicles to new peaks, and providing a road map for the next generation of environmentally conscious researchers to lead the charge for Canadian automotive innovation.