Simard Transport Initiates Electrification of its Truck Fleet

July 20, 2023

1. Sylvain Cabanetos, Account Manager, Cleo2. Asma Merdassi, Project Manager, Cleo3. Jeff Desruisseaux, CEO, Cleo4. Ferris Abraham, VP, Simard Transport5. Donald Abraham, Executive Vice-President, Simard Transport6. Joe Vannelli, Chief Executive Advisor, Simard Transport7. Brandon Abraham, Director, Shared Services, Finance, Simard Transport8. Thierry Salem, Director, Sales, Globocam9. Guillaume Chénard, VP, Sales, Globocam10. Normand St-André, Sales Manager, Globocam11. Guy Landry, SVP, Sales, Globocam (CNW Group/Cléo)

Simard Transport, a transportation company established in Quebec and Canada since 1943, takes pride in being among the first Quebec-based companies to actively contribute to decarbonizing heavy transportation. Recently, they announce the addition of four electric trucks to their current fleet. Through their innovative spirit, Simard Transport is paving the way and demonstrating leadership in the trucking industry by initiating their energy transition to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Simard Transport has partnered with Cleo, a subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, to oversee the deployment of their charging infrastructure.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Simard Transport to offer our turnkey service and dynamic charging management through our smart platform,” said Jeff Desruisseaux, CEO of Cleo. “Cleo’s mission is to support fleet operators from all sectors in their successful transition to electrification. This collaboration will drive the transformation of heavy transportation toward a sustainable future.”

Jeff Desruisseaux, CEO of Cleo

Cleo’s turnkey service also includes dynamic charging management through its smart platform. Developed in Quebec, this smart platform ensures reliable charging by remotely controlling charging stations and reduces electricity costs by managing power demand.

The four eCascadia trucks, manufactured by Freightliner, are the first to be delivered to a Quebec-based carrier by a Quebec dealer. Simard Transport relied on the family-owned business GLOBOCAM, the largest network of heavy truck dealerships in Québec, for the purchase of their electric trucks.

“GLOBOCAM supported Simard Transport throughout the decision-making process. We participated in technical and operational analyses to ensure the trucks meet their needs, provided training, and assisted them in the subsidy application process,”

Guillaume Chénard,
Vice President of Sales at GLOBOCAM

Energy transition is a key objective for GLOBOCAM, which aims to support its customers in transitioning to renewable energy sources. As such, this dealership network positions itself as the ultimate one-stop shop to meet all the needs of carriers.

Collaboration among all stakeholders in the Quebec electric and intelligent transportation ecosystem is crucial for reducing GHG emissions from transportation. This project serves as a great example, and the three companies hope to inspire the industry to decarbonize.

Project Overview

  • 4 eCascadia trucks equipped with a 438 kWh battery and a power equivalent to a 470 hp engine
  • 2 Detroit eFill charging stations of 120 kW
  • 2 ABB DC Wallbox charging stations of 24 kW
  • 1 location – 1800, 46th Avenue, Lachine, Québec

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    ESA Provides an Update on its New Self-Serve Licensing Platform

    March 27, 2026 In October 2025 Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) officially launched its new self-serve licensing platform, a modern system designed to transform how Master Electricians (MEs) and Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) manage their licensing needs. The platform replaces paper-based processes and provides a centralized, web-based experience for renewing and applying for licences, paying fees Read More…

  • BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    BC Updates to Solar and Battery Rebate Program Come into Effect April/June 2026

    March 27, 2026 Starting April 1, 2026, our battery rebate offer is changing. The offer will include: Applications submitted before April 1, 2026, will be reviewed under the current rebate amounts. New requirement for working with contractors Beginning June 1, 2026, solar and battery installations must be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to Read More…

  • CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    CSA Report: Online Sales of Unapproved Consumer Electrical Products in Canada

    March 27, 2026 Canadian electrical regulators have identified that the online sales of unapproved consumer electrical products are of a serious concern, and with the growing number of online marketplaces globally there is likely a higher volume of unapproved, or non-compliant, consumer electrical products available for purchase to Canadian consumers. In 2025, Canadian Standards Association Read More…

  • Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    Tackling Unsafe Electrical Products Sold Online: Key Outcomes from the National Workshop Agreement 

    March 27, 2026 By Electro-Federation Canada The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed how Canadians purchase electrical products, but it has also introduced new safety risks. EFC members have been raising concerns for several years about the increasing availability of unsafe and unapproved electrical products sold online, often without clear evidence of certification or compliance with Canadian requirements. To Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    Skills Ontario Supports Critical Skilled Trades Investment in the 2026 Ontario Budget

    March 27, 2026 — Skills Ontario welcomes the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, released today by the Ontario Government and Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, and applauds the continued commitment to investing in skilled trades, technologies, and workforce development. Skills Ontario was pleased to see the government maintain and strengthen its support Read More…

  • Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    Toronto Hydro Launches New Pilot Program to Help Multiplex Builders Energize

    April 27, 2026 Toronto Hydro is launching a trailblazing customer pilot project designed to help local builders electrify multiplex housing without complex service upgrades. Through Toronto Hydro’s Multiplex PowerPlay, up to six multiplex projects can qualify to receive funding toward a smart energy load management system. Smart load management systems continuously monitor total building energy Read More…

  • Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    Gescan and George Gordon Developments Strengthen Community Impact in Saskatchewan

    March 25, 2026 Gescan, a Sonepar Company, is proud to highlight its continued commitment to supporting communities across Saskatchewan through their meaningful alliance with George Gordon Developments Ltd. (GGDL). With a strong focus on community development, workforce participation and inclusive growth, Gescan is working closely with GGDL to create training, employment and business opportunities for Saskatchewan residents. These efforts are particularly focused on supporting individuals Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    Electric Avenue Launches Incentive Program for EV Charging Installers

    March 23, 2026 Halifax-based EV charging solutions provider Electric Avenue has announced the official launch of its new Contractor Incentive Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the EV charging industry, built exclusively for contractors who have completed the company’s Installer Certification course. The program rewards certified installers for every verified and networked installation they complete, offering cash Read More…