Elocity and Wilfrid Laurier University Collaborate on HIEV-AI Platform for Smarter EV Charging Investments
May 22, 2026
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is funding a groundbreaking collaboration between Elocity Technologies Inc. (“Elocity”), an Ontario-based EV charging technology company, and a researcher at Wilfrid Laurier University, to develop HIEV-AI, an intelligent planning and return-on-investment (ROI) estimation platform for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs). HIEV-AI is designed to accelerate decision-making for MURBs and improve charging accessibility and availability for unit owners and drivers.
As EV adoption accelerates, MURBs face unique challenges in planning and financing charging infrastructure. The HIEV-AI platform will use advanced artificial intelligence to help property developers, utilities, and municipalities make faster, data-driven investment decisions – cutting costs and deployment time while ensuring equitable charging access for residents.
“Ontario is leading the EV revolution, and this project will give property owners and operators the tools to plan smarter and invest better,” said Sanjeev Singh, CEO of Elocity. “By combining our real-world experience in large-scale EV charging deployments with Laurier’s AI expertise, we’re creating a solution that helps communities transition to clean mobility faster and more efficiently.”
Led by Dr. Sukhjit Singh Sehra, Assistant Professor in Laurier’s Faculty of Science, the research will focus on developing machine-learning models to optimize charger placement, predict demand, and estimate financial returns. The two-year project will also test the technology at pilot sites across Ontario, integrating real-time analytics, load management, and renewable energy compatibility.
“This collaboration takes applied research out of the lab and into the field,” said Dr. Sukhjit Singh Sehra. “By pairing AI and data analytics with Elocity’s deployment experience, we’re building a predictive framework for smarter EV infrastructure planning – making it more strategic, cost-effective, and sustainable as Ontario accelerates toward cleaner mobility.”
HIEV-AI shifts EV infrastructure deployment from reactive to proactive, giving cities, developers, and utilities a clear view of capacity needs and costs so they can plan, build, and operate in line with sustainability and policy mandates.
ABOUT ELOCITY:
Elocity Technologies Inc. is a Canadian-born global EV charging technology company headquartered in Toronto. Operating in 12 countries across four continents, Elocity delivers end-to-end EV charging solutions for multi-residential and commercial buildings, public charging networks, workplaces, and utilities. As the first Canadian company to achieve full OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) certification from the Open Charge Alliance (OCA), Elocity’s platform ensures no vendor lock-in and is fully future-proof. Elocity provides smart charging hardware and intelligent software engineered for reliable, cost-effective, and scalable deployments, integrating more than 50 charger models and supporting nearly every EV sold across North America and other major markets.
It’s made-in-Canada innovation Elocity’s made-in-Canada innovation continues to set new benchmarks in the EV industry – highlighted by the installation of more than 1,200 chargers at Richmond Centre in Richmond, B.C., recognized as a 2026 Top Project by Canada’s Clean50.
ABOUT WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY:
Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to academic excellence. Laurier’s holistic approach to learning integrates innovative programming with hands-on experience outside the classroom to ensure Laurier graduates are not only ready for the future but are inspired to leave their mark on the world. Community is at the heart of everything the university does. Laurier inspires students to engage in campus life and the broader community, leading to high levels of student satisfaction and engaged alumni who carry the Laurier legacy throughout the world.
As a community of researchers, leaders and educators, Laurier builds knowledge that serves society and creates connections that have a lasting impact. Learn more about Laurier’s 20,000+ students in Waterloo, Brantford, Kitchener, Milton and Toronto at wlu.ca.
