More than 185,000 work vehicles were registered in Québec in 2023 (+29% since 2018), highlighting the importance of decarbonizing heavy machinery.¹ Used intensively on construction sites, these machines significantly contribute to emissions in the “other transportation” sector, which saw a 63.7% increase between 1990 and 2021.²

Today, companies are increasingly seeking to reduce their environmental footprint. Electrifying fleets is emerging as an effective and measurable solution to meet GHG reduction targets. However, the high acquisition cost of these technologies and the lack of reliable local data still hinder their adoption.

This project aims precisely to address these gaps. It will help assess the actual cost of ownership, estimate return on investment, and identify favorable conditions for deploying electric heavy machinery.

This flagship initiative builds on the expertise developed through the Plug-in Fleet – Light Vehicles and Plug-in Fleet – Heavy Duty Trucks projects, carried out in recent years using a rigorous approach based on experimentation, analysis, and transparent dissemination of results. The goal is to equip ecosystem stakeholders and support their investment decisions.

Finally, IVI’s neutral and non-commercial framework, as a non-profit organization, ensures objective results for the industry, helping identify the operational contexts best suited for this technology.

¹ Data from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), available on Données Québec.
² GHG Inventory 1990–2021 published by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).

Heavy machinery is often used continuously on construction sites, resulting in a lot of unnecessary idling and, consequently, significant pollution. For example, a diesel excavator can consume up to 40 liters of fuel per hour.¹ Each liter of burned diesel produces approximately 2.7 kg² of CO₂, which represents, for a machine operating 2,000 hours per year, over 230 tons of CO₂ emitted.

In Quebec, the off-road vehicle sector (construction, mining, manufacturing, etc.) emits more than 3 Mt of CO₂ equivalent annually³, accounting for over 43 % of emissions from the “other transportation” sector. Between 1990 and 2021, emissions in this sector increased by 63.7 %, ranking it as the third-largest emitter. ⁴

Internationally, several regions have already adopted policies promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles on construction sites. Oslo, for instance, has implemented zero-emission construction sites, benefiting from its electricity network primarily powered by hydropower, similar to Quebec. Cities such as Stockholm and Copenhagen have also followed Norway’s example.

¹ European Rental Association (ERA), Carbon Footprint of Construction Equipment Report (2020).
² Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Official Emission Factors for Fuels in Canada.
³ Québec Transportation Sector, Table 8: GHG Emissions by Mode of Transport, Natural Resources Canada.
⁴ GHG Inventory 1990–2021, published by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).

Research on zero-emission heavy machinery is still in its early stages, and Quebec is beginning to see the first equipment available on the market, such as excavators, wheel loaders, and backhoe loaders. Market introduction is happening gradually, starting with compact machines, then medium-sized ones, before reaching the heaviest electric models.

In this context of transformation, companies need concrete benchmarks, locally validated feedback, and support to navigate the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with the energy transition. This project therefore aims to primarily support fleet managers, operators, and stakeholders in Quebec’s construction and worksites industry.

However, its audience is broader: training institutions, regional actors, sustainability experts, public-sector representatives, as well as Quebec’s educational community and general public. All can benefit from the knowledge and outcomes generated, free of charge.

Electric heavy machinery could offer numerous benefits beyond reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality, lowering noise levels on construction sites, and ending dependence on fossil fuels.

These benefits will be assessed in Quebec through the project’s trials:

• Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local pollutants, contributing to better air quality on and around construction sites.
• Lower noise levels and improved working conditions: less vibration, smoke, and noise disturbances for operators.
• Reduced operating costs: lower fuel and maintenance expenses.
• Increased productivity: ability to work in sensitive environments (urban areas, indoor spaces, or near residential zones).
• Preparation for future regulations: alignment with increasingly strict environmental standards.
• Opportunity for innovation: new charging practices and jobsite organization.
• Extended equipment lifespan: thanks to automatic engine shut-off when idle.
• Responsive performance: electric machinery can lift loads equivalent to diesel and responds more quickly to operator commands.

According to the Association des Propriétaires de Machinerie Lourde du Québec (APMLQ+), fleet managers’ interest in zero-emission technologies has grown significantly in recent years. However, they lack knowledge about transportation electrification, and the logistics involved in such a transition raise concerns.

Operators surveyed by IVI question whether the technology is advanced enough and express frustration over the lack of resources and technical support for implementation. Their concerns include autonomy, charging duration and accessibility, acquisition costs, and the ability to adapt to operational needs.

As electric construction machinery begins to emerge in Quebec, fleet managers are wondering whether these machines can perform the required tasks in their operations. There is a strong need for information, real-world testing, and experience sharing to build collective confidence in these new machines.

The project will be deployed across several regions of Quebec, including Bas-Saint-Laurent, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Capitale-Nationale, Mauricie, Estrie, Montréal, Chaudière-Appalaches, Laval, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie.

The electric machines provided will be matched with representative construction sites using a decision matrix, in order to maximize the relevance of the trials and the utilization of each piece of equipment.

The selection of machines and sectors will depend on the equipment available from partner dealers. Participants will be chosen based on criteria such as region, type of machinery, flexibility during trials, number of operating hours, and how representative their activities are within the industry.

Participants will benefit from the expertise of IVI and its partners to analyze the data collected and develop a personalized action plan, including an estimate of return on investment.