Ontario backs ChargeLab’s AI-powered EV charging controller

ChargeLab won $400,000 from Ontario’s OVIN R&D Partnership Fund to build a local controller for EV charging sites. The device is designed to keep commercial and fleet chargers running during internet outages while managing load and running AI at the edge.

Why it matters: - EV charging sites can fail when they lose network connectivity, creating downtime for drivers and operators. - ChargeLab’s local controller is designed to keep chargers running offline, which could improve reliability at commercial and fleet sites. - The project also pushes more charging intelligence onto-site instead of depending on cloud connectivity.

What happened: - ChargeLab received $400,000 in funding through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network R&D Partnership Fund. - The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade supported the investment. - The total project value is $1.2 million. - Ontario is contributing $400,000, and partners are providing more than $800,000. - The funding will support development of a local controller for EV charging sites. - ChargeLab announced the project in Toronto on July 29, 2026.

The details: - The local controller combines hardware and software in a device installed at EV charging sites. - The device is intended for commercial and fleet locations with multiple EV chargers. - Offline redundancy will let chargers keep operating when the central network connection is interrupted. - Local load management will balance electrical demand across chargers in real time. - AI at the edge will support intelligent session routing, predictive maintenance signals and optimization without cloud round-trips. - ChargeLab says the system addresses persistent reliability challenges in deployed EV charging infrastructure. - ChargeLab is a North American EV charging software and network management provider. - ChargeLab’s platform is hardware-agnostic and OCPP-compliant. - ChargeLab serves site hosts, property managers, fleets and charging networks across North America. - ChargeLab also says its platform helps operators deploy, manage and monetize EV charging infrastructure at scale. - ChargeLab’s website is More information.

Between the lines: - The funding signals Ontario’s interest in EV infrastructure that can operate more independently and withstand outages. - Edge computing can reduce reliance on cloud systems and may improve site resilience where connectivity is inconsistent. - For fleet operators and commercial site hosts, reliability often matters as much as charging speed or software features. - Kelvin Kang, ChargeLab’s vice president of engineering in research and development, said the funding helps the company address outages caused by lost internet connectivity.

What’s next: - ChargeLab will use the funding to develop the local controller. - The company aims to deliver edge intelligence directly into charging infrastructure. - The project is expected to support more resilient charging operations across Ontario. - OVIN says it provides R&D support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports and demonstration grounds to Ontario mobility companies. - OVIN’s website is More information.

The bottom line: - Ontario is funding a push to make EV charging more resilient, with ChargeLab building a controller meant to keep sites operating even when the network goes down.