In today’s evolving transportation landscape, the electrification of vehicles stands as a pivotal frontier, promising sustainable mobility solutions and driving unprecedented innovation. This series of workshops is designed to equip entrepreneurs, engineers and industry leaders with insights to navigate the complexities of the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, seize emerging opportunities, and drive forward the future of mobility.

Invest WindsorEssex is pleased to host these four workshops in partnership with Invest in Hamilton and delivered through Automobility Enterprises and PEM Motion. These workshops are funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Event Details

Join us for one of these free in-person events as we examine the best practices for manufacturing various components in an electric vehicle’s drivetrain.

Throughout the series, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the electric vehicle supply chain, from battery production to electric motors and fuel cells. Led by industry experts, each workshop will cover key topics such as:

• Battery production: From cell manufacturing to pack assembly, participants will gain insights into the latest advancements in battery technology and production processes.
• Electric motors: With a focus on new hairpin technologies, participants will explore the latest innovations in electric motor design and manufacturing.
• Fuel cells: Despite their potential, fuel cells present unique challenges for the automotive industry. Our workshops will shed light on these challenges and explore opportunities for innovation.
• Additional technologies and opportunities: Beyond batteries, motors, and fuel cells, participants will have the opportunity to explore additional technologies and opportunities shaping the future of electric mobility.
• Workshops and discussion:  Engage with industry experts and stakeholders in the EV manufacturing industry, depending on the day and focus topic

While the general content and structure is consistent for each workshop, the focus for discussion and business development opportunities will change depending on the theme (see workshop dates and descriptions below).

Workshop dates and descriptions

• April 22 is tailored towards a general audience, that might include fleet operators, policy-makers, university researchers, or technology enthusiasts and everyone in between. This seminar is focused at a higher level and discussions will focus on the implications of EV manufacturing and general trends in the industry

• April 23 is tailored towards automation and integration companies. If you are focused on PLC design, machine vision, or automated production systems, you should attend on this day. Our discussions will focus more on opportunities to deploy automation and gaps plaguing the EV supply chain and EV industry.

• April 24 is tailored to mold/die manufacturing and CNC machining companies. Many traditional automotive suppliers that offer manufacturing and design services focused on high-precision and low-tolerance metal parts have a huge role to play in the EV industry, and are well tailored to participate in new supply chains. We will focus on some of these opportunities and focus discussions on creating value in this space for the seminar.

• April 25 is tailored to companies focused on stamping, plastics, and 3-D printing. While many interior components may be similar between ICE and EVs, the electric drivetrain and its supporting components offer a lot of opportunities for these suppliers to innovate. The discussions will focus on new types of components required in the EV supply chain, industry trends, and the need for integration of electronics and plastics.

Meet the Speakers

Robin Johnston, Consultant, PEM Motion

Robin started his career as an in-house electrical engineer at a production facility in California. As he got more involved in production planning and process design, decided to pursue an MBA at UC Davis. After graduating, Robin, became a consultant at PEM Motion, allowing him to combine his background as an electrical engineer with his passion for sustainability and future mobility. As the second local employee in Sacramento, he has enjoyed growing the office while bringing exciting new opportunities to clients in the rapidly expanding ZEV market.

Rafal Bulgarski, President/Owner, Automobility Enterprises

Rafal has been in the automotive industry for over 20 years. Spending the initial 10 years working for Honda of Canada Manufacturing, where he managed the start-up of a brand-new engine plant in Alison, Ontario, Canada. His green plant experience continued as he moved to California and started working for Tesla. During his time at Tesla, he worked in the supply chain, contributing his experience in the development of new vendors and complex processes. Eventually moving into internal production, he managed the production of Model S and X assembly. As production continued at work, so it did at home. Rafal and his wife Monika are fortunate to have four wonderful kids. Rafal’s inquisitive nature, dire need for a better tomorrow for our next generation, inspires his quest for viable green energy solutions. Currently, as the President/Owner of Canadian Automobility Enterprises he continues his passion in EV manufacturing by developing new opportunities to bring innovative solutions to reality.