All-Canadian Project Arrow Concept Unveiled at CES
One of the stars at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this week is an all-Canadian electric SUV concept that we’ve covered a few times already—Project Arrow.
This vehicle is a collaboration between nearly 60 different companies in Canada and led by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA). It was named after the Canadian-made Avro Arrow interceptor aircraft from the 1950s.
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WATCH: Flavio Volpe, President of the APMA, takes us on a walkaround of Project Arrow
Development of Project Arrow began about three years ago but was slowed down by the pandemic like so many others. What you see here is not a mere design study or mockup, but rather a fully operational and driveable prototype.
As we reported back in 2021, the Canadian government contributed $5 million toward the electric compact SUV’s development. Ontario pledged $1.8 million and Quebec said it would allocate $1.4 million over 18 months to small- and medium-sized businesses that make connected or autonomous zero-emission automotive components and systems, including those looking to get involved with Project Arrow.
For instance, Quebec-based Fastco Canada supplied the boldly styled wheels, while the suite of five cameras, four radars and two lidars is supported by technology from Leddartech. The battery is made by VoltaXplore, a joint venture between Martinrea International Inc. and graphene company NanoXplore.
Actually, the only component that does not come from Canada is the dashboard display, which is supplied by Chinese company Lenovo. According to the APMA, no domestic manufacturer was able to take care of that part.
So, when can we expect to see Project Arrow on the road? Don’t hold your breath. Following CES, the concept will go on a two-year tour, stopping by auto shows (at least those that haven’t been cancelled) and also visiting OEMs. The goal is to find a production partner among them.
APMA president Flavio Volpe says a few have already shown some interest, without being more specific. Further information including technical specs such as power and range will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, you can go to projectarrow.ca to learn more.