Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre

MotiveLab™

MotiveLab™ is a 7,000 sq.-ft. research facility at RRC Polytech that supports Manitoba’s heavy vehicle sector. A unique facility for Western Canada, MotiveLab™ is capable of supporting on- and off-highway heavy vehicle testing and development requirements for the region.

MotiveLab logo

New Features

  • A 150kW Siemens SiCharge rapid charging station accessible while the vehicle is inside the chamber. 
  • Controlled relative humidity setpoint from five per cent to 95 percent. 

Unlock boundless possibilities across various industries with RRC Polytech’s Motivelab climatic chamber. 

Our chamber offers unparalleled value and precision, whether you’re seeking climatic validation or testing for your product, component, or innovative concept. 

Explore our diverse testing capabilities, including: 

  • Precision cold and hot starts for vehicles. 
  • Engine tuning using our advanced Mustang dynamometer. 
  • Comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) testing. 
  • Thorough product validation in extreme temperature conditions. 

Why MotiveLab™?

MotiveLab™ supports the heavy vehicle sector in accessing appropriate and/or comprehensive domestic test facilities, addresses considerable pressure from regulatory bodies for emissions control and fuel efficiencies, and promotes the development of highly qualified and skilled personnel for the workforce. 

Capabilities

  • Climatic chamber with an operating temperature capability of between -40°C and +50°C, independent of outside ambient temperature, while under full-load conditions.
  • MotiveLab™ can accommodate both on- and off-highway, heavy-duty vehicles, including but not limited to buses, coaches, tractors and Class 8 trucks.
  • Vehicles can be tested on an integrated, adjustable, high-performance, three-axis chassis dynamometer (650HP continuous, 1800HP peak).
  • MotiveLab™’s regenerative AC dynamometer motors can simulate various ground topologies such as slopes.
  • Secondary uses include applications requiring access to a temperature-controlled test environment, including but not limited to prototype and product validation (e.g., aerospace, new building materials), new process validation and extreme physiological tests.
  • Overall Chamber room size: 61’ Deep, 21’ Wide, 17’ High. Main door size: 13’ Wide, 14’ 7” High

“Canada has long been a hub for cold weather transport testing. Now it’s becoming an incubator for technologies that test alternative fuels and high-efficiency vehicles in extreme environments. At RRC Polytech in Winnipeg, researchers are helping global companies warm up to a brighter cleantech future by investing in Canada.”
The Hill, Global Lenses: Canada series

Start a project with MotiveLab™.

MotiveLab™ is part of RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre. Working with us gives you unparalleled access to RRC Polytech’s cutting-edge technology, facilities and expertise. Get in touch with us and propose a new project.

Get Involved

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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