Enedym Partners with Toyota Tsusho Canada to Fast-Track Next-Generation Electric Powertrains for Airport Ground Support Equipment

Enedym, Inc., a Canadian technology firm focused on advanced switched reluctance motors (SRMs) and electric powertrains, has partnered with Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc. (TTCI), a member of the Toyota group, to create rare earth metals-free electric propulsion motors for airport ground support equipment (GSE). This initiative has garnered support from the Ontario government, which has provided $800,000 through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), with TTCI contributing $1.6 million, amounting to a total project value of $2.4 million.

Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Vic Fedeli, noted the province's significant automotive investments exceeding $45 billion in the past four years, highlighting its emergence as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) technologies. The collaboration between Enedym and TTCI is seen as a step toward enhancing the electric vehicle landscape in the GSE sector and beyond.

As part of the project, Enedym's cutting-edge electric powertrains utilizing magnet-free SRM technology will be integrated into electric tow and pushback tractors, which are essential for airline and cargo operations. The new tow tractor is rated for a drawbar pull of up to 10,000 pounds, while the pushback tractor boasts a rating exceeding 20,000 pounds. Both systems will feature high-voltage capabilities and rapid charging, with charging times estimated at one hour for the tow tractor and two hours for the pushback tractor.

Currently, most GSE is powered by diesel engines, leaving a significant opportunity for electrification in a rapidly growing market. The global GSE sector is expected to expand considerably, driven by increased air traffic, cargo transport demands, and the push for more sustainable equipment solutions from airlines.

This collaboration builds on previous successful efforts between Enedym and TTCI, particularly the development of a 5,500-pound capacity luggage tow tractor. Over the course of the 18-month project, Enedym will manage the design, manufacturing, integration, and testing of the powertrain components—including the electric motor and charging system—while TTCI will focus on application requirements and supply chain support for the new tractors.

Enedym aims to produce SRMs and inverters for both North America and Japan, converting small commercial vehicles that currently utilize diesel into electric-powered units. Founder and CEO Dr. Ali Emadi emphasized the importance of OVIN and the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s support in advancing their collaboration, reinforcing Ontario's role as a hub for innovation in sustainable transportation.

TTCI President Grant Town highlighted that their partnership with Enedym and OVIN is pivotal in achieving carbon neutrality for the ground support equipment industry, facilitating the development of cleaner, more efficient vehicles.

Raed Kadri, head of OVIN, remarked on the significance of developing next-generation technologies to expedite the transition to electrification in transportation. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation, described the collaboration as a prime example of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem driving impactful change in sustainable transportation solutions and reaffirming the province's leadership in transformative technologies.

Enedym, located at McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, is a tech startup rooted in academic research, holding over 60 patents related to electric powertrain innovations. In parallel, TTCI, a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., operates as a multifaceted enterprise in supply chain management and manufacturing, dedicated to fostering a creative and flexible work culture.

OVIN, supported by the Government of Ontario and managed by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, aims to enhance Ontario's standing in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility through various resources, including research, R&D support, and business assistance.