TM4, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Exagon Motors and the Gouvernement du Québec partner on new electric drivetrain
21 January 2016
TM4, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Exagon Motors, Hydro-Québec and the Gouvernement du Québec are collaborating to develop a new electric drivetrain for light-duty vehicles. TM4 will act as the developer of the electric powertrain in the pre-development phase of the project.
The government’s contribution will be made up of a CAD 10-million equity interest and a CAD 6-million loan. HydroQuébec will also be contributing CAD 4 million to the project, in addition to the services offered by its subsidiary TM4 to help with the development of an electric motor.
The resulting joint venture will first conduct a feasibility study for an estimated CAD 30.8 million.
During this process, TM4 will develop a new, highly efficient and high performance drivetrain. This system will be a state-of-the-art evolution of the TM4 MOTIVE series, consisting of permanent magnet electric motors and power electronics. Specifically designed for passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, these systems are effective turnkey solutions created expressively for electric vehicles. This new powertrain will be designed and manufactured at TM4’s headquarters in Boucherville, Québec.
TM4 has collaborated twice with PSA Peugeot Citroën in the past years. In 2004, TM4 developed and produced a four-wheel drivetrain system for a technology demonstrator vehicle Peugeot Quark. In 2006, TM4 also developed wheel motors for the concept car Citroen C-Metisse.
PSA Peugeot Citroën would lend its expertise in integrating the resulting electric vehicle components, for which it would become the main customer for worldwide distribution.
There should be a huge market for this integrated turnkey approach.
You may be surprised how many mech's tech's would like to access quality e - drive systems for bespoke and niche applications. Lawn equipment would be another high need area.
If possible the low cost 'light on' basics with plug and play with option for integration into standard (linux) based C.A.N. software would satisfy the hardware side.
Spin off software and body hardware (steering etc) certify the best proven options for minimal / majority use.
First mover kudos.
Posted by: Arnold | 21 January 2016 at 12:19 PM
This is a 'feel good' political project. The Canadian Fed. Government did not bite much? QC government & Hydro are contributing 80+%.
Nothing tangible will be produced. It is an R & D project.
Posted by: HarveyD | 21 January 2016 at 02:26 PM
Ah, HarveyD, always the optimist.
Posted by: Paroway | 21 January 2016 at 04:26 PM
Sorry, not this time.
Posted by: HarveyD | 21 January 2016 at 05:13 PM
What's not to like?
TM4 seem to be a well developed manufacture of all the components needed. History of extensive product development.
Why not think big and take on - or more correctly collaborate with the likes of Tesla, Citroen.
Those outliers in mainstream innovation could pay off 'big time'
The Can gov't can clearly see the benefit to it's economy and intellectual capital of investing and encouraging leadership in this important technology.
It will help to assure interest, investment training and unquestionably a future major manufacturing based income for their workforce.
Canada is second only to Australia as per capita greenhouse gas contributor. This is going to get them brownie points and make lives better for a wide range of global citizens.
Like to see Aus' gov'mt car industry restructuring plans and smart tech future education polie talk get on with it and walk the walk.
Posted by: Arnold | 22 January 2016 at 11:17 AM
This is only a pre-study to measure the possibility to carry out a full pre-study if local production of e-vehicles would be economically viable.
Let's not jump to conclusion.
Posted by: HarveyD | 23 January 2016 at 11:23 AM