Decarbonizing the transportation sector by shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) over the next decade is an essential component of Canada’s plan to achieve its long-term climate goals. New infrastructure demands are emerging to accommodate this transition – and that has created an era of opportunity for industry experts and academic researchers to work together to find innovative solutions through collaborative applied research projects.

Committed to fuelling the EV revolution, Toronto-based beevrGO+ has recently plugged into the vast array of resources at RRC Polytech to advance its mission of simplifying and streamlining the charging experience for both drivers and operators.

“Collaboration is the key to reaching our shared targets, reducing greenhouse gasses, and ensuring a strong and sustainable economy. To support widespread adoption, address grid reliability, and build consumer trust, Canada’s growing EV charging ecosystem requires a significant upgrade,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Director of RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC). “As an experienced leader in applied research, RRC Polytech offers an incredible network of specialized facilities and expertise, along with access to funding streams that support companies to develop intelligent, data-driven, and cost-effective solutions.”

Their exploratory project aims to:

• give both partners a better understanding of the usage and consumption patterns of EV charging infrastructure
• demonstrate how advanced analytics can improve charger utilization, customer experience, infrastructure planning, and long-term financial sustainability
• explore how intelligent management of existing charging assets can complement infrastructure expansion, creating a more efficient and equitable clean energy ecosystem

beevrGO+ is providing a living laboratory for the research by contributing its beevrGO user-facing app and beevrDASH EV charging management and analytics platform established by EVDrop Technology Inc. The platform provides researchers with access to real-world operational data and practical deployment scenarios which enables rapid validation of new models and accelerates the development of scalable solutions for intelligent charging management.

RRC Polytech’s VTEC is providing support for integration and testing through its existing EV infrastructure, while the faculty, staff, and students at the ACE Project Space are leading the work to develop and connect all the required digital elements.     

 “This research requires a comprehensive approach to data analysis – from collection and ingestion; to processing and storage; to visualization and delivery. By combining data management systems, advanced analytical tools, and forecasting techniques with user-friendly dashboards for clear reporting, we can transform large volumes of diverse information into actionable insights,” said Ralph Dueck, Chair of RRC Polytech’s ACE Project Space. “In this case, we’re consolidating real-time charging session information, grid supply data, and user interaction patterns to better support charge point operators, facility managers, utilities, policymakers, and public-sector decision-makers as the ecosystem evolves.”

Centralized administration of the project through the Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise ensures all available resources are maximized. Staff from Parking Services were brought in to support with logistics and guidance on charger availability while additional funding through the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI) helped to offset some of the salary costs of staff and students. Funded by a Mobilize grant of just over $3.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the DTTI supports projects that address existing gaps in technical and human skills that lead to digital innovation and drive sustainability.

The collaboration is expected to deliver a better charging experience for EV drivers, while providing charge point operators with a comprehensive resource management framework and evidence-based policy recommendations – a white paper that can guide governments; municipalities; postsecondary institutions; utilities; and local communities in planning future investments and operational strategies. The project will also establish a scalable roadmap for expanding similar data-driven approaches into other clean energy and smart infrastructure sectors.

As their six-month pilot project nears completion, all the participants are confident that their mutually beneficial journey toward a greener tomorrow, is just beginning. 

“This collaboration demonstrates how applied research and industry innovation can work together to solve emerging challenges in clean transportation,” said Joseph Chio, CEO and Founder of beevrGO+. “By combining academic research with real-world operational experience, we can create practical solutions that maximize infrastructure utilization, reduce waste, and support Canada’s transition to a smarter, more sustainable energy future.”

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.

As Manitoba celebrated the rollout of its first low-carbon school bus converted from diesel to electric at RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC), another quiet but critical revolution was also taking place behind the scenes – the use of Augmented Reality (AR) to document and guide the electrification process, moving forward.  

“Augmented Reality will play a key role as the province looks to scale EV conversions, ensuring that the workforce is not only ready but empowered to drive change,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Director of RRC Polytech’s VTEC. “While the positive environmental impacts and cost-saving potential of the school bus conversion kit may transform the transportation sector, the outgrowth of adaptable AR innovation resulting from VTEC’s ongoing applied research with industry partner, Noble Northern, could resonate across all sectors.”  

This additional outcome helped to qualify the project for funding through RRC Polytech’s Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI). Funded by a Mobilize grant of just over $3.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the DTTI is a cross-institutional program created to support collaborations that aim to advance digital adoption and drive sustainability in Manitoba.

On this project, DTTI funding provided the AR goggles and software, offset a portion of the research technologist’s time and supported the input of three students who gained valuable experience working directly with an industry leader to solve a real-world problem.

“The DTTI enables research partners to explore how digital technology like AR can be used not only to achieve their project’s primary goals but, in this case, to reimagine how complex mechanical tasks are taught, understood, and replicated,” explained Delos Reyes. “It’s all about lowering the risk for our industry partners to pursue automation, efficiency, and optimization. Together, we’re developing these new processes, today.” 

Static paper manuals are no longer a match for an AR headset that can overlay interactive 3D instructions directly onto items like physical bus components. This project validated that mechanics and students can now visualize each step of the conversion in real time – from removing the diesel engine to installing electric motors and controllers – with the added benefit of contextual guidance that can adapt to their actions. 

This immersive approach: 

• Reduces errors by showing rather than telling 

• Speeds up training for new technicians 

• Improves retention of technical knowledge 

• Enables remote support and collaboration 

By digitizing the project’s documentation along the way, VTEC and Noble Northern’s experts are also creating a living knowledge base that can evolve with each innovation. AR-enhanced records are easier to update, share, and scale, making them ideal for fleet-wide adoption and future commercialization in virtually any industry.  

“We’re determined to use our manufacturing and metal fabrication expertise to become a force for change in creating a greener future, so it’s pretty cool that a co-product of us adopting cleaner technology has a universal application,” said Tye Noble, President, Noble Northern. “Our teams love working with RRC Polytech on research and development projects because they not only offer leading-edge facilities and resources, their staff and students are always looking for new ways to maximize on opportunities that arise from our work.”                 

This project demonstrates how access to funding streams like the DTTI act as a catalyst for the innovation, collaboration, and skill development that is positioning RRC Polytech and its partners at the forefront of Manitoba’s digital transformation and sustainability efforts.

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.

Led by a high volume of industry and community partnerships and innovative solutions resulting from completed applied research projects, RRC Polytech has once again been designated a top research institution in the country. Released earlier this week, Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges, reinforces RRC Polytech’s leadership role in the innovation ecosystem and its commitment to helping create economic prosperity for all Manitobans through collaboration. 

“These current rankings reflect RRC Polytech’s collaborative approach and industry and community relationships are resulting in practical solutions for our partners,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

RRC Polytech is the only post-secondary in Canada that integrates research into its Indigenous Strategy portfolio, underscoring its unique commitment to social innovation and Indigenous growth alongside its strong industry focus. The data outlined in Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2025  suggests that local businesses are responding and eager to work together on projects that tackle complex global challenges.

RRC Polytech ranked first among Canada’s medium-tier colleges in completed research projects with 158 and second in total research partnerships with 150. Total industry research income jumped 21.7 percent in fiscal 2024, indicating an increasing trust among businesses in the Polytech’s reputation for consistency and productivity.

“Regardless of the size or scope of the project – from entrepreneurs in search of support to launch and grow their business idea to established enterprises looking to integrate AI, adopt automation or explore transitioning to low carbon – Manitobans can count on our technology, facilities, and expertise to provide affordable and effective problem-solving,” said Wilson.  

The applied research activities that connect staff, faculty, and students across all of RRC Polytech’s campuses are orchestrated by its Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise. RPI oversees an ever-expanding suite of leading-edge facilities and resources and coordinates projects that seek groundbreaking new processes and products.

For example, the award-winning Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) has partnered with Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) to explore agri-food opportunities and address barriers to food security in rural and remote communities in Manitoba.

The Centre for Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT), located at the Polytech’s Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics focuses on transitioning to Industry 4.0 technologies like robotics, automation, and AI.

From testing heat pumps to developing a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses, research teams at the Building Efficiency Technology Access Centre (BETAC) and Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) work with various partners to demonstrate how electrification can save energy and support a greener, more sustainable future.

While RRC Polytech’s Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) has developed unique non-destructive inspection capabilities to support additive manufacturing quality assurance, aerospace composite evaluation, and even fire investigations in Manitoba. TACAM is also home to the province’s first full-scale Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) system, advancing high-quality prototyping, process optimization, and sustainable tooling innovations for companies such as Precision ADM and Dimatec Inc.

“Through an incredible breadth of applied research collaborations, we’re solving real-world problems for our partners at all stages, from growth and productivity to adopting new tech and creating more sustainable processes – all while training tomorrow’s workforce to be more adaptable and embrace emerging technology,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation at RRC Polytech.

“Our ongoing and determined efforts to build networks that share knowledge and resources will continue to increase our capacity to lead innovation in Manitoba and beyond, driving economic growth and prosperity for everyone.”

Learn more at rrc.ca/research.

About the Rankings
Re$earch Infosource annually ranks Canada’s top research colleges based on performance metrics such as research income, partnerships, and completed projects. Institutions are categorized by size to ensure accurate comparisons. RRC Polytech consistently ranks among the top performers in the medium-tier category, earning recognition for its research excellence, innovation, and industry impact.

Read more on this year’s theme Research for Canada’s future and the future of Canadian research  at Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2025

Canada’s innovation ecosystem is powered by collaboration and depends on strong partnerships between industry, academia and government to develop the new products and processes that drive economic growth and prosperity for all. RRC Polytech is committed to working with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities on applied research projects that drive innovation – and its vast array of technology, facilities and expertise would not be possible without layers of support provided through government funding.  

Funding announcements for specific projects and new infrastructure often garner headlines given their exciting goals and tangible results, but additional, behind-the-scenes support, while often less publicized, is just as critical to successful collaborations.        

The Research Support Fund (RSF) is a vital federal investment that sustains RRC Polytech’s ability to deliver high-quality applied research in partnership with industry and community stakeholders. By offsetting institutional costs, the RSF enables the Polytech to maintain the expertise, infrastructure, and administrative support needed to advance innovation in Manitoba and beyond.

Dipo Olatunde’s position of Research Coordinator (RC) is partially supported through the program, and his work has tremendous impact on RRC Polytech’s ability to secure new projects by helping other faculty members like Bin Yang pursue research opportunities.

“Without the support of a research coordinator, my grant application last month would have never been completed, giving it zero chance of approval,” said Yang, who leads sustainable transportation research projects at RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre. “An exciting STEM opportunity for local students would have been lost because it would have been impossible for me to navigate such a complex proposal process on a tight deadline on my own.”

Given his busy schedule and a rigid high school calendar of events to work within, Yang faced a short window to prepare a competitive application for a NSERC PromoScience grant. This national program aims to ignite the interest of Canada’s young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, in pursuing careers in the natural sciences and engineering. Yang’s project involved exploring clean energy with a 3D-printed, remote-controlled car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

To ensure the proposal was both complete and compelling, Olatunde brought together a pre-award team and stepped in to guide the process from start to finish. They carefully reviewed the draft proposal, restructuring sections to match the granting agency’s required template. They worked closely with the faculty members to refine the budget justification, ensuring every cost was accurate, well-documented, and defensible.

Recognizing the importance of institutional commitment, they also secured a timely endorsement from the Executive Director of Research Partnerships & Innovation, to resonate with the selection committee.

“RRC Polytech is proud to champion a program that inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers. This initiative will strengthen applied research, meet the innovation needs of Manitoba’s manufacturing and transportation sectors, and expand STEM outreach to high schools across the province,” said Dr. Jolen Galaugher, in her official support letter. “It will also provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for post-secondary students, integrating them into research and development activities while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Balancing these tasks under a compressed timeline requires close attention to detail and frequent communication with the faculty lead. Thanks to Dipo’s coordinated effort, the complete application package was finalized and successfully submitted before the September 15 deadline.

“My role helps to ensure efficiency and accuracy in all aspects of the execution of RRC Polytech’s applied research projects – from stakeholder engagement and resource management to preparing technical reports and ensuring compliance with institutional and funding guidelines,” said Olatunde. “We are so proud to conduct ground-breaking research projects in our world-class facilities and grateful for all streams of federal funding that provide the best equipment and administrative support available to make innovation possible.”

This experience demonstrates how RSF-supported research coordination directly strengthens applied research at RRC Polytech. By helping faculty navigate complex funding requirements and ensuring proposals meet the highest standards, the RSF increases RRC Polytech’s competitiveness for national grants and creates more opportunities for students, partners, and the community.

RRC Polytech and the Vehicle Technology Centre Inc. are hosting the fourth biennial Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 7-8, 2025 at the Victoria Inn.

This 2-day event brings together the heavy equipment and vehicle manufacturing industry in Manitoba and beyond to highlight R&D work along the path to zero emissions, network with potential partners and foster collaboration. Join us to discuss how smart, connected and autonomous technologies are changing the products we build and how digital technologies are transforming low volume custom manufacturing.

The conference is oriented to engineers, practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs and operations professionals at all stages involved with advances in vehicle technologies and practical applications. Presentations, information booths and panel discussions will feature technical information and informed conversations about:

• alternative propulsion technologies
• heavy-duty and specialized vehicle applications
• simulation and testing
• smart vehicle technologies
• advances in heavy vehicle and manufacturing technology
• addressing barriers for new technologies

Listen to and engage with local and international speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics including their challenges and success stories developing and adopting innovative technology. Learn about RRC’s Polytech’s vast network of applied research and practical learning facilities and expertise.

Connect with peers, partners and problem solvers to drive our industry into a greener and more prosperous tomorrow!

Early Bird Tickets Sales have been extended until Noon on September 23rd!

Click to Register TODAY

Topics and Presenting Companies for 2025:

Reducing Emissions

• Cummins – The Future of Propulsion Technology on a Turbulent Horizon
• ABB – The Near Future of Charging Infrastructure
• NRC – Energy Modeling and Simulation for Off Road Truck Electrification
• Cando Rail – Design and Prototyping of a Battery Electric Railway Locomotive
• University of Manitoba – The Future of Wireless Vehicle Charging
• Versatile – Diesel Electric Parallel Drive Technology for More Power in Agriculture
• MacDon – Path to Electrifying Agricultural Equipment
• New Flyer – Dealing with Dissimilar Vehicle Battery Strings
• Fort Garry Fire Trucks – Battery APU for Standby Power to Reduce Fire Truck Idling

Embracing Advanced Manufacturing

• Mode 40 – Artificial Intelligence – Where is the Big Pay Off in Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing?
• MacDon – The Power of Digital Twins When Undertaking Complex Assembly Automation
• Innovair – Weld Location and Sequence Program Generation, right from your CAD Drawing
• Sika – Full Bonded Complex Assembly Technology

Other Topics

• Mojow Technologies – Integrating Autonomy on Existing Product
• Panel Discussion – Understanding Our Hesitancy – Roadblocks to Adopting Industry 4.0
• Interested in Defense Manufacturing? – Understanding the Process to Qualify

Click to access our full 2025 agenda

For more information about conference sponsorship opportunities, exhibit booths, advertising or any other questions, please email Ron Vanderwees at the VTC

Completed applied research projects at the College have increased by one third over the previous year 

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) has earned the 14th place position in Re$earch Infosource’s annual ranking of the country’s top 50 research colleges.

“RRC Polytech makes innovation possible for our partners in industry and community – and every successful project builds trust in our technology, facilities and expertise,” said Jamie Wilson, Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development at RRC Polytech.

“Today’s rankings reflect the College’s growing reputation for consistency and productivity that is driven by the work of our Research, Partnerships and Innovation enterprise and at our three Technology Access Centres. They also reinforce that our approach of strengthening relationships with partners and funders across all sectors, driving alignment between stakeholders, and valuing sustainability is accelerating applied research innovation here in Manitoba.”

RRC Polytech completed 170 applied research projects in the 2022 fiscal year – almost 60 more than the previous year – ranking it third in the Medium Tier category and fourth nationwide while posting a total of 117 research partnerships. By maintaining its average of 7.4 million dollars for a second consecutive year, Manitoba’s polytechnic also remains on par with the per-college provincial average of sponsored research income in Alberta and only slightly behind Ontario.

As an added feature to its annual publication, Canada’s Innovation Leaders 2023, Re$earch Infosource also shines a spotlight on college-industry research income as measured by grants, contracts or contributions received from industry sources over the past five years, where RRC Polytech again showed a remarkably consistent annual average of just over 7-million dollars from 2018-2022.

Applied research examples at RRC Polytech include a current partnership between the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) and StandardAero, who are collaborating to test and validate that cold spray technology could be effectively implemented for repairing aircraft components.

The College’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) continues to facilitate the shift to electrification and zero-emission fuel sources with projects aimed at expanding workplace charging capabilities; partnering with Seven Oaks School Division, Noble Northern and the Canadian Shield Foundation to develop a diesel-to-electric conversion kit for school buses; and even building on the success of completed projects by repurposing batteries from Winnipeg Transit electric bus trials in storage systems on fast chargers also created on campus.

The most comprehensive example is From Lab to Table, a Culinary Research Review in the form of a cookbook that shares the delicious outcomes of the applied research conducted at the Prairie Research Kitchen (PRK) since 2014, while documenting the history of Manitoba’s only Technology Access Centre that blends food science and culinary arts.  From discovering and developing novel uses for pulse and soybean products to upcycling food industry by-products and even embracing insects for protein, this unique cookbook is available at researchrecipes.ca.

“Celebrating the variety of products, techniques and technology that our researchers, staff and students have worked together with our partners to develop is as important as the volume of projects completed,” said Wilson. “Because regardless of the size or scope of the project, from entrepreneurs in search of support to launch and grow their business idea to established enterprises seeking advancements to propel them into the future, we want everyone to know that in addition to training the workforce of tomorrow, RRC Polytech is also here to provide innovative solutions that elevate all Manitobans.”

The 2023 Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference, co-hosted by RRC Polytech and the Vehicle Technology Centre, brought together key players from industry and academia to demonstrate, display and discuss the latest advancements across the more than billion-dollar sector of Manitoba’s economy. While the concept of the event designed to drive innovation is relatively simple, the collective work done by the assembled group of business leaders, engineers, technicians, researchers, and trainers to propel us into the future is anything but.

From tractors and agricultural equipment to buses, motorhomes and firetrucks, Manitoba proudly produces many of the largest and most powerful vehicles on the continent. But as competition around the world increases, the nearly 200 invested attendees agreed that the key to growing our success is embracing new technology and energy transition – prompting the theme of the third biennial conference, Innovation Drives Us.

“Decades ago, science fiction writers boldly predicted that flying cars and massive spacecraft would become the norm and while that day may still come, almost a quarter of the way into the 21^st century, the giant rubber wheels of our heaviest vehicles and equipment are still planted firmly on the ground,” said Ron Vanderwees, President and CEO of the Vehicle Technology Centre. “They are, however, evolving at an incredibly rapid rate thanks to the development of cleaner and more efficient propulsion systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and other related emerging technologies.”

How to make our heavy vehicles, machines and equipment more efficient and sustainable, without limiting performance or profitability while respecting current infrastructure is what much of the discussion revolved around during the two-day conference at the Victoria Inn.  

The agenda was designed to bring perspective and spark conversation. Presenters from both industry and academia shared information and experiences and then engaged the audience on a wide variety of related topics from the methods and challenges of fleet electrification and the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells; to the convergence of digitalization, automation, and intelligent systems; to funding; and even the importance of nurturing mental health. Scheduled mingling sessions then allowed attendees to interact directly, encouraging company to company and company to academia discussions to help create partnership opportunities.   

“Collaboration not competition is what will drive Manitoba’s heavy vehicle and equipment sector into a more efficient and sustainable future,” said Vanderwees. “The opportunity for everyone to connect and forge new relationships by asking a lot of questions is just as important as the forward-thinking sessions we hosted on such topics as the path to zero emissions; smart, connected and autonomous vehicle technology; and advanced manufacturing technology.”

A dozen exhibitors including teams from RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC), MotiveLab™ and Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) also offered interactive demonstrations featuring augmented reality, robotics, connected tools, automated mobile robots, sensors, and other technologies as examples of the innovative solutions available to businesses.  

“RRC Polytech is uniquely positioned to catalyze innovation, by developing new products, techniques, and systems through applied research, while preparing students and industry professionals to master these emerging technologies and drive progress forward,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager and the event’s co-emcee. “The creation of the Price Institute of Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics will allow the College to continue its work in this sector and expand our abilities to help drive Manitoba into the future.”

After participating virtually in 2021 and learning about VTEC’s successful EV Tundra Buggy project with Frontiers North, Brent Malley made it a priority to travel from Alberta to take part in person, this time. His company, Pursuit Collection operates tours of exotic locations including the Columbia Icefields, so he was thrilled with the opportunity to discuss battery electrification with experts from RRC Polytech and New Flyer Industries, face to face.

“It’s been a truly inspiring event. My team has been blown away by the willingness of everyone to share so many fresh ideas,” said Malley. “We’ve made some amazing connections that I’m confident will lead to partnerships in the future.”

Thanks to strong sponsorship and the support of government partners through Prairies Economic Development Canada and Manitoba Sector Council, RRC Polytech and the Vehicle Technology Centre are already making plans to host the next Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference in 2025.

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC) continues to drive sustainability forward in Manitoba and is gearing up to help the transportation sector further reduce carbon pollution following a massive boost in funding from Federal and Provincial Governments to support the Efficient Trucking Program (ETP).

Administered by VTEC, the ETP provides rebates for eligible applicants who install fuel saving devices or technologies related to tire and rolling resistance, aerodynamic technology and anti-idling technology on their heavy-duty vehicles or trailers.

Canada and Manitoba’s joint announcement to invest $38.2 million to accelerate the move to renewable energy includes the re-opening of the ETP launched in 2019. To support a new intake for applications, ETP is receiving an additional $3.6 million from the Government of Canada while the Manitoba government will contribute up to $3.3 million. Manitoba’s trucking sector will provide an additional $6.6 million to the program.

By rebating up to 50 per cent of the cost of installed fuel-saving devices or technologies on heavy-duty vehicles and trailers, the ETP is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 120,000 tonnes by the year 2030, which is equivalent to saving about 51 million litres of gasoline consumed in a year.

“Reducing the carbon footprint of the trucking sector is crucial to successfully attaining Manitoba’s carbon reduction goals. By partnering with the federal government, we are able to transition more vehicles and industries from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” said Manitoba Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein in the May 25^th News Release. “Manitoba will continue to lead the way in the development of a cleaner, greener economy.”

The impact of the program has tangible and measurable results. Data as of March 31, 2022:

• 366 successful applications submitted to the Efficient Trucking Program, consisting of:
• 3,627 units (1,934 trucks and 1,693 trailers) receiving fuel savings device installations.
• 13,583 tons of reduced emissions already achieved, projected 120Kt’s by 2030
• 5.3 Million Litres of fuel saved, projected 25.9 Million litres saved by 2030
• $21.1 Million in economic growth has been achieved in our Province via investment from the Truckers, Canada and Manitoba Governments, respectively.
• Additionally, 115 Fulltime Equivalent jobs have been created or maintained, based on statistics Canada calculations.

“Reducing greenhouse gases and fuel consumption is part of a commonsense approach in the battle against climate change and the Efficient Trucking Program provides a great incentive for everyone from individual operators to large companies with fleets of heavy machinery to do their part,” says Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Programs Manager at RRC Polytech.

“The ETP is just one example of the College’s applied research in action – our entire Research Partnerships and Innovation team is committed to working with all industry partners to find solutions to their unique problems and building a better tomorrow for everyone.”  

Interested applicants can apply to the new intake by visiting efficienttrucking.ca. A second intake for applications will start on Oct. 1.

RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) will continue to lead the charge on the shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), thanks to support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

The federal government, through NRCan recently announced a $225,000 grant for Enhancing Workplace Charging across Canada’s Prairie Region through Emphasizing Strategies for Cost-Effective Adaptation of Charging Infrastructure (Enhancing Workplace Charging), an initiative RRC Polytech will lead alongside partners Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech). This grant was provided along with funding for 22 organizations across Canada to undertake ZEV awareness projects.

Through this partnership, the College is extending its reach from Manitoba to throughout the Prairies to build public awareness of charging options for electric vehicles (EVs).

“Our VTEC team at the College is excited to build on the momentum of EV projects we’ve completed over the last decade. This initiative is particularly important because it addresses a major challenge of making the shift to EVs on the individual level, and how organizations can support charging infrastructure for the general public,” says Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager, VTEC.

The overall aim of the collaborative initiative is to address one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption, “range anxiety” due to lack of access to charging infrastructure. RRC Polytech and project partners have identified that the Prairie region presents a major opportunity to implement charging stations to meet workplace charging needs. Throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, there are numerous existing plug-in-points (nearly 500,000 in Manitoba alone) due to the cold climate, which can be adapted in a cost-effective manner for Level 1 charging.

To support EV adoption, RRC Polytech’s VTEC team, NAIT and Sask Polytech will leverage collective expertise to research and distribute informational material to build awareness of charging options and how to adapt current infrastructure for Level 1 workplace charging.

RRC Polytech is a founding member of Accelerate and member of Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), and the Enhancing Workplace Charging project goals directly align with the mandates of these alliances to support a greener future, highlighting the College’s commitment to sustainability.

In addition, the project will help build a future workforce trained for clean-tech jobs, through student participation in applied learning. RRC Polytech researchers, technicians, and students will also help build the College’s capabilities for new zero-emission technology initiatives.

RRC Polytech remains on the leading-edge of the drive to zero-emission vehicles, growing the province as a hub for EV innovation and adoption. To learn more about the College’s past vehicle technology projects, visit rrc.ca/vtec

In 2019, RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology & Energy Centre (VTEC) hosted the inaugural Vehicle Technology Conference. This past December 7 and 8, 2021, VTEC collaborated with industry partner, Vehicle Technology Centre Inc. (VTC), to host the Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference at the Victoria Inn & Convention Centre, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The conference showcased heavy vehicle and tech expertise in the province and aimed to connect key industry players and academic institutions. The overarching goal of the conference is to support Manitoba’s position as a hub for emerging vehicle technology and innovation, through creating new connections and cross collaborations.

“Manitoba is home to a unique concentration of heavy vehicle and equipment manufacturers. We are home to North America’s largest city and highway bus manufacturer, Canada’s only four-wheel drive tractor manufacturer, the country’s largest manufacturers of fire trucks, agricultural equipment, and motorhomes. The province also has a host of businesses manufacturing truck trailers, airport runway cleaning equipment, electric municipal vehicles as well as a supply and academic community that supports our growth,” said Ron Vanderwees, President of VTC, a non-for-profit organization that helps accelerate growth and technology adoption of the local heavy vehicle and equipment cluster.

“Many of us are on a similar technology path and the Conference is a platform to informally share knowledge or formally collaborate to help our cluster stay ahead of the curve and be leaders amongst world-wide competition.”

“RRC Polytech aims to drive growth in Manitoba’s heavy vehicle and equipment cluster by working alongside industry partners to solve real-world challenges. Through applied research projects, we continue to build our capabilities with zero-emission vehicle technology and provide invaluable work-integrated experience for our students, the next generation of innovators,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Research Program Manager, VTEC.

Guests joined the hybrid event in person and virtually through Zoom for forward-thinking sessions from local subject matter experts and presenters joining from across North America. The conference gave a look into “what’s next” in the industry and focused on top-of-mind areas, including hydrogen fuel cell technology, smart, connected and autonomous vehicles, augmented reality to support production, and much more.

Paul Soubry, President and CEO of NFI Group gave the keynote presentation, “Maintaining Product Segment Leadership in Markets with Rapidly Evolving Technology,” followed by a fireside chat with RRC Polytech President and CEO, Fred Meier.

On the second day of the conference, John Gunter, President and CEO, and Tye Noble, Lead Engineer, of Frontiers North Adventures, shared their experiences from the Electric Vehicle (EV) Tundra Buggy prototype, a collaborative electrification project with VTC, VTEC and support from the Government of Manitoba’s Conservation and Climate Fund.

Select presentations from the conference are available to view on vtci.ca under the “Webinars & Technical Papers” section.

The Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference was made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors:

• MacDon Industries
• Applifast
• CadMicro Solutions
• Manitoba Trucking Association
• National Research Council Canada
• NFI Group
• Triple E RV and Lode King
• World Trade Centre Winnipeg
• Vehicle Technology Centre Inc.
• RRC Polytech’s MotiveLab

Save the date: The Heavy Vehicle and Equipment Technology Conference will be returning live from Winnipeg, Manitoba in Fall/Winter 2023. Dates to be announced in early 2023.

For enquiries about the 2023 conference or how your organization can participate, please contact VTEC or VTCI for more information.