Tech & Innovation

Saskatoon Engineers Develop Low-Cost EV Charging Kit for Rural Use

The device aims to fill a critical infrastructure gap in under-served areas where full-scale charging stations remain rare.

Published March 24, 2025 | By Priya Chauhan

A team of mechanical engineers from Saskatoon has unveiled a portable electric vehicle charging kit designed specifically for rural households and farms.

The product, called ChargeCoop, consists of a compact solar array, a modular inverter, and a plug-and-play interface compatible with most Canadian EV models.

The kit was developed over two years as part of a university-affiliated startup incubator focused on green infrastructure innovation.

Lead engineer Marcus Cote says the idea was to reduce EV hesitancy in rural areas where public chargers are few and far between. 'People want to transition, but the infrastructure just isn't there,' he said.

The solar panels are designed to fold into a suitcase-sized carrying unit, making them easy to transport between locations on farms or seasonal properties.

In addition to vehicle charging, ChargeCoop can power tools, lights, and other AC equipment, making it a versatile addition to off-grid setups.

Local testing in Prairie municipalities showed promising results: most users were able to recharge their vehicles overnight without any reliance on external grid connections.

The team is working with provincial agencies to certify the kits for broader distribution and is in talks with northern Indigenous communities for pilot deployments.

Critics note that while promising, the kits are not a replacement for grid-connected fast chargers. Still, Cote believes hybrid solutions are essential. 'This isn’t about replacing the grid. It’s about meeting people where they are.'

The startup recently received a $250,000 cleantech grant to scale up production, and hopes to begin shipping nationwide by the end of the year.