CUTRIC invests nearly C$1 million in eCAMION project to develop new electric bus charging tech
The Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC) has committed a C$999,000 (US$750,758) investment in a project led by eCAMION to develop a new bus charging technology.
“To get 5,000 electric buses out on Canadian roads in the next few years and realize the long-term vision of the recent Throne Speech, we need to make electrification easy for transit agencies,” said CUTRIC President and CEO Josipa Petrunic. “Reducing the cost and complexity of charging systems is a critical step in helping transit agencies flip the switch and go electric with their buses in the near future.”
This investment is also supported by another CUTRIC member, the University of Toronto. The university is working specifically on the development of software systems for battery energy storage systems for local distribution companies and power electronics, communication and software for electric vehicle charging. A total of nine jobs will be created at eCAMION and U of T as a direct result of the investment.
This project highlights the enormous potential for Canadian companies to develop world-class products, as well as the immense export potential of low-carbon smart mobility technology. It also underlines the manifold benefits of investing in industry-integrated, university-led research in Ontario and Canada.
“We are proud to support an investment in green, sustainable transit that not only creates local jobs, but keeps costs down for taxpayers by deploying innovative, cutting-edge technology,” stated MPP Donna Skelly, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Local companies like eCAMION, and projects like those established by CUTRIC, are examples of how we can come together to not only solve challenges our communities are facing, but create jobs and opportunity too.”