York U engineer launches initiative to help public understand EV charging
Source: https://www.yorku.ca/yfile/2026/03/18/york-u-engineer-launches-initiative-to-help-public-understand-ev-charging/ Parent: https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/about-us/news/
Posted on March 18, 2026
Edited byAshley Goodfellow CraigMarch 18, 2026
SDG Month feature
York University has launched a new public resource designed to help people better understand electric vehicle (EV) charging and make practical decisions about where and how to charge.
The initiative, led by Hany Farag, a professor in the Lassonde School of Engineering, is supported by a $139,294 federal grant from Natural Resources Canada through its Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, which funds education projects that support cleaner transportation.
"The hub is meant to serve a wide range of audiences, from everyday drivers and prospective buyers to building managers and municipalities planning for more charging infrastructure," says Farag.
The EV Charging Infrastructure Awareness Hub is an online platform that combines plain-language explainers with interactive tools. It helps users explore common questions, such as how long charging might take in different situations or what it can cost to install a faster charger at home. It is designed as a practical starting point for anyone trying to make sense of EV charging without a technical background.
The site is organized into two main parts. The first features short explainations and briefs answering common questions about charger types, home charging and why charging speeds sometimes vary. Users can also download information as PDFs. The second section is a growing set of interactive tools that help users explore real scenarios, such as a charging simulator that estimates how a vehicle's battery level changes over time during a session.
"A key aim of the project is to also address common misconceptions that can make EV charging seem more complicated or intimidating than it needs to be," says Farag.
The hub reflects the University’s deep research strengths in clean energy systems – grounding EV charging within the broader electricity infrastructure that powers homes, buildings and communities. It supports diverse settings, including condos and apartment buildings, where planning becomes more complex when multiple residents charge simultaneously within a building's power capacity limits.
Some tools tailored to multi-unit and municipal planning are still in development, but progress is steady and intentional, says Farag. His team is actively engaging collaborators – including representatives from municipalities, dealerships and the EV charging sector – to ensure the hub is shaped by real-world needs.
Core development is on track for completion by June, with an official launch planned for March 2027.
The project is a York community effort, with Abdullah Al-Obaidi, postdoctoral fellow, and Ahmed Abdelaziz, PhD candidate, leading the algorithms and software development that powers its interactive tools. Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers –executive director of York's SmartTO initiative – supports community engagement, events and outreach.
The hub is being developed in collaboration with Moataz Mohamed – director of the Mobilizing Innovation for Transportation Lab at McMaster University – and the City of Mississauga, alongside industry partners EVA Canada and RideAlike.
Three years ago, York's Keele Campus was announced as a sustainability-focused 'living lab' where faculty, students and campus staff tested next-generation electric commuter vehicle prototypes. The hub builds on that momentum – supporting smarter, more practical planning for campus charging infrastructure, helping students and visitors navigate on-campus EV charging with confidence and keeping York at the leading edge of sustainable campus innovation as EV demand grows.
Looking ahead, Farag says the team plans to build national awareness by sharing the hub’s mission and resources through workshops, partner networks and by collaborations across Canada, ensuring the impact extends beyond York's campuses.
“Whenever there is a chance to advertise or publicize the project for any national effort, we will definitely take that opportunity,” he says.
With files from Mzwandile Poncana
Editor's Picks Features Research & Innovation