Trimac Unveils Alternative Fuel Initiatives to Drive Sustainable Transportation Solutions
Published on August 04, 2023
Calgary, AB—In response to growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, Trimac has announced their active involvement in a range of programs and initiatives aimed at transitioning its company fleet to electric and/or fuel cell vehicles that exceed the demands of the transportation industry.
Trimac’s strategic sustainability goals include a substantial investment in the modernization of its fleet, ushering in a new era of sustainable transportation. The company has been conducting extensive research and collaborating with government consortiums and third-party alternative fuel programs to identify, test, and analyze the long-term viability of alternative transportation solutions.
AZETEC
Trimac is a partner in the Zero Emissions Truck Electrification Collaboration (AZETEC) project led by the Alberta Motor Transport Association. The project aims to develop and test a 430 M. (700 km) plus range, zero emissions truck capable of the same demands as traditional combustion engine vehicles and is expected to begin testing in October 2023.
MEDATech
Trimac is partnering with MEDATech to test a fully electric, on-highway transport truck to haul copper concentrate from Teck’s Highland Valley Copper Operations in south central British Columbia to Ashcroft, B.C. The battery-electric drive system is expected to work more efficiently than a comparable diesel engine, outputting approximately 830 horsepower and nearly double the amount of torque.
Freightliner E-Cascadia
Trimac is currently investigating a potential application for the Freightliner E-Cascadia, a fully electric version of its company fleet truck. It features an estimated 220 M. (350 km) range and has a gross combination weight (GCW) of 82,000 lb.
Tesla Semi
In 2017, Trimac placed five reservations for the Tesla semi, the most powerful and fuel-efficient electric semi ever made. The Tesla semi has an estimated 500 M. (800 km) range, an 82,000 lb GCW and can charge its battery up to 70% in 30 minutes.
Hydra Energy Corporation
Earlier this year, Trimac began working with the Hydra Energy Corporation to retrofit one of its fleet trucks with Hydra’s intake manifold hydrogen injection system. The system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 40%, with the goal of transitioning to a 100% reduction in the near future. The unit was delivered for testing in July 2023.
Innovative Fuel Systems
In 2022, Trimac began collaborating with Innovative Fuel Systems (IFS) to support the advancement of hydrogen fuel use in 90% of heavy-duty truck engines using IFS’s retrofitted Multi-Fuel Technology platform. According to IFS, their platform is designed to be the fastest and most economically efficient pathway to hydrogen fuel use within the transportation industry and Trimac is currently testing these capabilities.
Trimac’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is evident in its initiatives to transform its current fleet. By investing in electric and fuel cell vehicles, collaborating with government consortiums and third-party organizations, investing in research and development and conducting pilot programs, Trimac hopes to lead the industry in the promotion and implementation of sustainable transportation solutions.
About Trimac
Trimac Transportation was founded in 1945 as a small family trucking company based in Saskatchewan and is now one of the largest transportation service companies in North America. With over 140 branches and a wide range of experience and services, we are uniquely qualified to provide high-quality bulk shipping solutions. Trimac was built on the foundation of service with safety, and we are proud to provide an essential service and ensure our supply chain remains intact.