Vale Base Metals Contributes $750,000 to Cambrian College Electric Vehicle Lab

SUDBURY – Cambrian College has officially opened its new electric vehicle (EV) lab at its main campus in Sudbury, and the opening ceremony included a $750,000 contribution from mining company Vale Base Metals.

To recognize this generous contribution, the facility has been officially named the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab. This innovative, 520-square-metre (5,600-square-foot) lab is located within the Glencore Centre for Innovation – home to Cambrian R&D, the college’s applied research division.

In the Vale Electric Vehicle Lab, Cambrian R&D will work with industry partners to prototype and test industrial electric batteries and powertrains, battery emulation equipment, duty-cycle testing equipment, and dynamometers.

“Our investment in this new lab space is a testament to Vale Base Metals’ commitment to innovation, and sustainable development,” says Gord Gilpin, Director of Ontario Operations for Vale Base Metals. “By supporting state-of-the-art facilities for prototyping, testing, and training, we aim to bridge the gap between industry needs and academic excellence. This partnership will help us all to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving EV landscape.”

The Vale Electric Vehicle Lab is one of the few public research facilities in Canada to focus on mining and heavy-duty electric equipment. Students in related programs at Cambrian will have the opportunity to take part in paid research and development projects in the lab.

“We are honoured to have Vale Base Metals as our anchor partner in this new facility and deeply grateful for their generous investment,” says Cambrian College President Kristine Morrissey. “The Vale Electric Vehicle Lab will drive innovation in heavy-duty electric batteries and vehicles, transforming multiple industries. This state-of-the-art lab will position Sudbury and Cambrian College as leaders in industrial EV technology while offering our students invaluable hands-on experience and career opportunities.”

The grand opening also provided an opportunity to acknowledge all the partners who contributed funding to bring this innovative space to life. These partners include: BESTECH, Canada Foundation for Innovation, Eaton Electrical Canada, Equipment North, FedNor, Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, Greater Sudbury Utilities, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Research Fund, Parker Canada, RBC, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, and Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations – A Glencore Company.

Are you an individual, business, organization or donor who wants to see how Cambrian College can work with you? Visit our Partner + website at https://cambriancollege.ca/partners/.