Groupe Bellemare, in partnership with the Institut du véhicule innovant, launched a three-year program in 2024 to test battery-powered heavy machinery. The company reported spending less than $54,000 on operating costs for 15,000 hours of use. In comparison, diesel equipment would have cost an estimated $423,000 over the same period, representing an 87% reduction in fuel expenses.
The pilot program, which utilizes electric wheel loaders and excavators from LiuGong, is scheduled to run through 2028. Operations manager Jason Lagacé noted that operating costs for the electric fleet are minimal. The company intends to continue expanding its electric heavy equipment fleet within its abrasives and minerals division beyond the initial scope of the program.
Data from 2024-2025 pilot programs involving Martin Brower and Loblaw tracked 200,000 km of operations for electric trucks. Transport Canada estimated savings of approximately $160,000 per truck using the Freightliner eCascadia, which is priced at CAD 560,000. The Tesla Semi, priced at $290,000, is projected to offer further cost advantages for fleet operators.
