Laval, June 22, 2017 – The Government of Québec has granted  4.25M$ to TM4 Inc. for the development of electric buses with range extender in collaboration with The Société de Transport de Laval (STL) and Cummins. This demonstration project, deployed on two buses starting this year, will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 51 tons of CO₂ eq. As a result of the project, the deployment over five years of such a technology in Québec’s urban bus system would result in a GHG reduction of 20,730 tons of CO₂ eq, equivalent to the annual removal of 1400 light vehicles from our roads. This innovative project is financed by the Green Fund, under the Technoclimat program resulting from the 2013-2020 Action Plan on Climate Change.

The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Pierre Arcand, and Francine Charbonneau, minister responsible for the elderly, minister responsible for the fight against bullying and minister responsible for the region of Laval, confirmed the grant today during the announcement of the project, along with representatives from TM4 and partners, Cummins, a global diesel engine manufacturer, and the STL, which will use the two buses with the developed technology.

TM4 Inc., a Quebec company, designs and markets electric powertrain systems including electric motors, generators, inverters and controllers. Currently, most of the buses purchased by Québec transportation companies are non-refillable hybrid buses. The hybrid motor of these buses is manufactured in the United States. The new plug-in hybrid propulsion system will allow the vehicle to be recharged quickly during its journey and to have a longer range in zero-emission all-electric mode. This flexible system will allow public transport operators to gradually electrify their fleet.

“This announcement is part of  TM4’s mission to provide solutions that meet the requirements of transportation markets for electrification. The result of this collaborative effort between STL, Cummins, Hydro-Québec and  TM4 will enable transport companies to gradually electrify their fleet thanks to a flexible system of high efficiency. The perfect match between Cummins’ know-how and components and TM4 provides a highly competitive system allowing for more than 50% of fuel economy. ” Robert Baril, Managing Director of TM4

“We must be proud to support initiatives such as this one. Thanks to the Technoclimat program, we are promoting, among other things, an even greener public transit system in our region, encouraging the development of innovative Québec technology and supporting entrepreneurship and stimulating and promising job creation for the electric vehicle industry.” – Francine Charbonneau, Minister responsible for Seniors, Minister responsible for the fight against bullying and Minister responsible for the Laval region.

“Our government is determined to assert its leadership in the area of transportation electrification in Quebec. We want to provide the necessary support to institutions and companies that want to take a green shift and electrify their fleet of vehicles. We are committed to increasing the number of hybrid and rechargeable vehicles in Quebec, as well as investing in jobs in this industry, and we look forward to doing that. We can be proud of the initiative of the Société de transport de Laval, which is an important step towards Québec’s energy transition.” – Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Thanks to the Green Fund, whose revenues are mainly derived from the carbon market, the government is supporting innovation in Quebec for a more carbon-neutral economy. In addition to contributing to the modernization and sustainable development of our economy, this concrete step, which is part of our Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2020, allows us to fight climate change together to ensure a good quality of life for our children. Let’s do it for them! “- David Heurtel, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change

“Leader in electrification since 2012, the STL tested several electric propulsion technologies on the territory of Laval. I am pleased that the Government of Quebec is giving its confidence to the STL, so that it can contribute to the development of the Quebec electromobility sector. The STL transportation electrification plan is in line with the city’s strategic plan for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Laval. This project reveals, once again, the innovative spirit that characterizes the STL”. – Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval

Source: http://www.transitionenergetique.gouv.qc.ca/actualites/details/comm/621?cn=bWVudGlvbg%3D%3D#.WUvn9es19hF

About TM4

A wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, TM4 designs and manufactures electric motors, generators, power electronics and control systems suitable for the commercial, automotive, marine, mining, rail, motorsports and recreational vehicle markets. TM4 contributes to the highest possible energy conversion efficiencies thanks to its expertise in permanent magnet motors, thermal management, coil winding, outer-rotor topology, and motor and inverter control algorithms. In addition to its production facilities in Canada and China, TM4 has set-up a worldwide distribution and support network to serve its rapidly expanding global customer base. For more information, visit tm4.com.