Hamilton, Ontario – December 19, 2024 – Enedym, Inc. (“Enedym”), a technology company that develops next-generation switched reluctance motors (SRMs), electric powertrains, and powertrain controls, is collaborating with Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc. (“TTCI”), a Toyota group company, to develop rare earth metals-free electric propulsion motors for airport ground support equipment (“GSE”). This project is supported by the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) with funding of $800,000, in addition to a $1.6 million industry contribution, for a total project value of $2.4 million.
“Having attracted over $45 billion in automotive investments over the last four years, Ontario has established itself as a key player in the production and development of cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are proud to support the collaboration between Enedym and TTCI, and look forward to seeing their innovative work help define the future of electrified automotive design in GSEs and beyond.”
The vehicles, electric tow and pushback tractors, will run on next-generation electric powertrains using Enedym’s magnet-free SRM technology. The tractors are widely used by airline, cargo, and freight carriers at airports around the world. The new tow tractor will have a drawbar pull rating of up to 10,000 pounds, with the new pushback tractor having a drawbar rating of over 20,000 pounds. These systems will have high voltage capability and fast charging systems, enabling charging times of 1 hour for the tow tractor and 2 hours for the pushback tractor.
The vast majority of GSE is powered by gas-engines, typically diesel. The market for electrified GSE is growing and remains largely unaddressed by industry. The global GSE market is projected to grow significantly during the next few years. Increased air travel, air traffic, and cargo transportation have contributed considerably to the market’s growth, and increased pressure from airline operators for more reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible equipment solutions.
This project represents an encouraging evolution of the existing collaboration between Enedym and TTCI following the successful joint development of a 5,500-pound capacity luggage tow tractor. During the 18-month project, Enedym will lead design, manufacture, integration, and test of the powertrain components including the electric motor, drive, battery pack, and charging system. TTCI will lead application requirements and support the supply chain for the production of developed tractors.
Through the collaboration, Enedym will design and develop SRMs and inverters for use in North America and Japan. The magnet-free electric motors will convert small commercial vehicles, or tuggers, commonly used at airports and manufacturing plants, from diesel fuel to electric power.
Dr. Ali Emadi, Founder, President, and CEO of Enedym, said, “The support from OVIN and the Ontario Centre of Innovation is so valuable in taking our collaboration with Toyota Tsusho further, and it strengthens our commitment to keeping Ontario a vibrant hub of innovation and investment in a sustainable transportation future.”
Grant Town, President of TTCI, said, “This collaboration with Enedym and OVIN is a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality in the ground support equipment sector. By leveraging Enedym’ s innovative rare earth-free electric motors, we can develop cleaner, more efficient vehicles that will benefit both the environment and Ontario’s future growth.”
“As Ontario accelerates towards an electric future, it is crucial to develop next-generation technologies that will power the shift to electrification across the transportation sector,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “This groundbreaking technology from Enedym and TTCI showcases the unparalleled ability of Ontario-based innovators to drive the adoption of increasingly sustainable and leading-edge solutions that facilitate safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation and logistics applications.”
“This collaboration between Enedym and TTCI is a shining example of how Ontario’s innovation ecosystem drives transformative change,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation. “By developing rare earth-free electric propulsion motors, this joint development not only advances sustainable transportation solutions but also underscores Ontario’s leadership in pioneering technologies that redefine global industries. Through OVIN, we are proud to help propel projects that contribute to a greener, more efficient future while reinforcing our province’s position as a hub for cutting-edge innovation.”
About Enedym Inc.
Enedym is a technology start-up company from McMaster University. The company is headquartered at the McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Enedym has ownership of over 60 patents and pending patent applications and related inventions developed by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain Dr. Ali Emadi and his research group at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), McMaster University. Enedym’s vision is to significantly reduce the cost of electric motors and electrified powertrains, and power a new paradigm in electrification through novel electric motor drive technologies, controls, and digitization techniques. Enedym aspires to help save the planet, one electric motor market at a time. To learn more about Enedym, please visit www.enedym.com.
About TTCI
TTCI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. With 60+ years in America, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a multi-market, multi-business enterprise with expertise in exporting and importing, supply chain management, new manufacturing, intermediate goods processing and logistics in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The company strives for comprehensive excellence by cultivating a vibrant culture of creativity, reliability, accountability, flexibility, and teamwork to activate the full potential of its employees, customers, suppliers, and communities. To learn more, visit www.taiamerica.com.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies. For more information: https://www.ovinhub.ca