Publication date

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

This piece was developed together with Gabriela Favaron, 7Gen, one of the speakers of the "Webinar  #5: Collaborative RD&D for Sustainable Mobility". The webinar is part of the Developing Endogenous Capacity of Climate Technology through collaborative RD&D webinar series organized by the CTCN. The recording of this webinar is available here.

Transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is not merely a shift in transportation technology; it represents a pivotal step towards combating climate change, fostering sustainable communities and clean air, and ultimately aiming to achieve net zero. Fleet electrification, in particular, holds immense potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reshape the transportation industry, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, embracing fleet electrification emerges as a crucial imperative in the broader context of achieving net zero.

In medium and heavy-duty sectors, organizations like 7Gen are pioneering efforts to accelerate fleet electrification and drive impactful change. Founded with a mission to decarbonize fleet electrification, 7Gen, a Canadian startup, exemplifies the innovation and commitment necessary to transform the transportation landscape towards net zero objectives. By offering leasing solutions tailored to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), 7Gen addresses the financial barriers that often slow down fleet electrification initiatives.

Navigating the complexities of fleet electrification, 7Gen recognizes the multifaceted challenges inherent in this transition. From the initial barrier of upfront costs to the intricacies of charging infrastructure deployment, the journey towards electrification demands strategic collaboration, innovative solutions, and steadfast determination in pursuit of net-zero emissions. Through diligent site assessments and a deep understanding of customer needs, 7Gen devises customized strategies, encompassing vehicle procurement, charging infrastructure deployment, and financing arrangements, to streamline the transition process.

However, the road to fleet electrification is not without its obstacles. Technical standards, infrastructure scalability, and the symbiotic relationship between vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development present immense challenges on the path to net zero emissions. Yet, 7Gen remains undeterred, forging partnerships with governments, private sectors, and financial institutions to surmount these barriers and accelerate the pace of electrification.

Through collaboration with industry associations such as Electric Mobility Canada and various levels of government, significant efforts are underway to create favorable conditions for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and related infrastructure. This involves a combination of incentives, such as vehicle and infrastructure subsidies, as well as regulatory measures like sales mandates, vehicle age requirements, and emissions reduction targets. These measures collectively shape market dynamics, facilitating the widespread deployment of ZEVs and associated infrastructure.

As the electrification landscape evolves, 7Gen emphasizes the pivotal role of software and operations in ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance of electric fleets, contributing directly to net-zero strategies.

7Gen has a strong track record of leveraging innovative technologies to solve significant challenges. Their focus on managing energy loads, including optimizing energy use through energy management systems, and responding to demand, is helping to accelerate the switch to electric fleets in the medium and heavy-duty space. This is particularly crucial given the challenges associated with setting up electric vehicle charging stations in locations with power capacity constraints.

Furthermore, 7Gen has also been exploring additional initiatives, such as Vehicle-to-Grid technologies, fleet integration, and microgrid applications through battery energy storage systems. This approach not only enhances on-site reliability but also facilitates the provision of energy to sites lacking sufficient capacity, which shows 7Gen's commitment to fostering resilience and sustainability in the energy landscape.

Looking ahead, the electrification industry holds immense promise for innovation, collaboration, and transformative change towards net-zero objectives. By fostering strategic partnerships, embracing technological advancements, and prioritizing sustainability, organizations can propel fleet electrification forward, ushering in a new era of transportation that is cleaner, greener, and more resilient. 

In conclusion, the imperative for fleet electrification extends far beyond mere environmental stewardship; it embodies a commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come, emphasizing the need to achieve net zero. As we stand at the precipice of unprecedented change, let us seize the opportunities afforded by electrification, mobilize collective action, and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.