Canada Research Chair
Electrified Transportation and Smart Mobility
Design and optimization of the next generation of cost-effective and smart, energy-efficient electrified vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve performance.
Conventional vehicles are harmful to humans as well as the environment, and serious changes are needed to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. To address this, engineers worldwide are competing to build the next generation of cost-effective and smart, energy-efficient cars. Plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are set to become one of the main forms of transportation nationally and globally by 2030.
Internationally recognized for his work in vehicle electrification research, Dr. Ali Emadi is working to improve the efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness of electrified power trains, powertrain components, and vehicle energy management systems. He held the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain, and is the Canada Research Chair in Electrified Transportation and Smart Mobility.
Dr. Emadi and his team will continue to build on their previously established framework to develop and optimize electrified power trains and powertrain components including power electronic converters and electric propulsion motors.
A typical electrified vehicle will reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly compared to its internal combustion counterpart. This research will bring new, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions to the market faster. This will enable higher performance, lower cost, reduced and zero emission vehicles to be on the roads sooner, and thus help reach Canada’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2020-2030.
Canada Excellence Research Chair
Canadian Excellence Research Chair Laureate in Hybrid Powertrain
The harmful effects that vehicle emissions have on both human health and the environment are leading to major shifts in the global automotive industry.
Engineers around the world are competing to build the next generation of cost-effective, energy-efficient cars.
Before joining McMaster University, Ali Emadi was the Harris Perlstein Endowed Chair Professor of Engineering and director of the Electric Power and Power Electronics Centre and Grainger Laboratories at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He also founded and served as president of the spin-off company Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies.
Emadi is internationally recognized for his in-depth research on hybrid electric vehicle powertrains and electric drives. He holds a PhD in electrical engineering, with a specialization in power electronics and motor drives, from Texas A&M University. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran.
An extremely active researcher, Emadi has authored over 250 publications and conference papers, as well as several books, and has served as guest editor-in-chief on several publishing committees for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He has been awarded several patents, including one for a energy-efficient, digitally controlled electric motor that is available to appliance manufacturers at a lower cost than earlier motors.
At the forefront of this competition are plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Responding to the needs of a growing population of energy-conscious consumers, plug-in vehicles are expected to become one of the main forms of transportation in Canada and across the globe by 2030.
One of the keys to engineering the next generation of hybrid electric cars will be improving their powertrain, which transmits propulsion power. Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain Ali Emadi is at the leading edge of new developments in transportation electrification, including advanced electrified powertrains; the vehicle-to-grid interface of plug-in vehicles with Smart Grid technology; powertrain components; hybrid battery/super-capacitor energy storage systems; and adaptive vehicle control and power management systems.
Emadi’s research provides solutions for industry and environmental policy-makers alike: it meets the current demands of the automotive sector and will further the growth of Canada’s economy, while maintaining a strong position for the future of Canada’s green technology industry.
A rising star in his field, Emadi’s work has already had exceptional impact. His experience and knowledge aligns well with the existing engineering expertise at McMaster University, where hybrid automobile research and development is already heavily supported.
NSERC Industrial Research Chair
NSERC/FCA Industrial Research Chair in Electrified Powertrains