Enedym, Inc. (“Enedym”), a technology company that develops rare-earths free switched reluctance motors (SRMs), electric powertrains, and powertrain controls, in collaboration with Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc. (“TTCI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho America, Inc., is pleased to announce the successful completion of a project to develop and pilot rare earth metals-free electric propulsion motors for airport ground support equipment (“GSE”). This project was generously supported by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), which contributed $800,000 alongside $1.6 million from industry, bringing the total project value to $2.4 million.
The pilot vehicles—two tow tractors—have been operating with next-generation electric powertrains powered by Enedym’s magnet-free SRM technology. Tow tractors are widely utilized by airlines, cargo operators, and freight carriers at airports globally. To date, the new electrified tow tractors have logged over 550 hours of successful operation across multiple locations.
The vast majority of GSE worldwide remains diesel-powered, leaving substantial room for electrification. The global GSE market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increased air travel and cargo volumes, as well as increasing pressure on airline operators to adopt cleaner, more reliable, and more economical equipment solutions.
Completion of this project marks an important milestone in the collaboration between Enedym and TTCI, which began with the successful development of a 5,500-pound capacity luggage tow tractor. Over the 18-month project, Enedym led design, manufacture, integration, and testing of the full powertrain – including the electric motor, drive, battery pack, and charging system – while TTCI provided application requirements and site support.
Enedym has designed and developed SRMs and inverters for deployment in both North America and Japan. The magnet-free motors are engineered to support the electrification of small commercial vehicles and tuggers frequently used in airports and manufacturing facilities, enabling operators to transition from diesel fuel to efficient electric power without relying on rare earth materials.
“Ontario’s shift to an electric future requires new transportation solutions to power economic growth,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “This groundbreaking technology showcases the ability of Ontario innovators to drive the adoption of increasingly sustainable and leading-edge solutions that facilitate the safer, cleaner, and more efficient movement of people and goods.”
Dr. Ali Emadi, Founder, President, and CEO of Enedym, stated, “This project demonstrates the strength and maturity of our rare earth metals free motor technology, and has been pivotal in advancing our products for the GSE market. We thank OVIN and the Ontario Centre of Innovation for supporting our mission to strengthen Ontario’s position as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing in transportation electrification – fostering a more resilient and forward-looking economy.”
Grant Town, President of TTCI, said “The successful completion of this collaboration with Enedym and OVIN represents a significant advancement toward carbon neutrality in the ground support equipment sector. Through the integration of Enedym’s pioneering rare earth metals free electric motor technology, the project has delivered cleaner, more efficient vehicles that contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability and support Ontario’s continued leadership in green innovation and economic growth.”
“Enedym’s success highlights the strength of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem in bringing advanced electrification technologies from development to real-world deployment,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). “Through OVIN, we’re proud to support collaborations like this that help Ontario companies commercialize made-in-Ontario solutions and compete in global transportation markets.”
About Enedym Inc.
Enedym is a technology start-up company from McMaster University. The company is headquartered at the McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Enedym has ownership of over 70 patents and pending patent applications and related inventions developed by the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Hybrid Powertrain Dr. Ali Emadi and his research group at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), McMaster University. Enedym’s vision is to significantly reduce the cost of electric motors and electrified powertrains, and power a new paradigm in electrification through novel electric motor drive technologies, controls, and digitization techniques. Enedym aspires to help save the planet, one electric motor market at a time. To learn more about Enedym, please visit https://www.enedym.com.
About Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc. (TTCI)
As a part of Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s expansive global network spanning six continents, TTCI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI), and member of the Toyota group of companies. With over 70 years of operations in North America, TAI together with its subsidiaries and affiliates— delivers value as a multi-market, multi-business enterprise.
With expertise in exporting and importing, supply chain management, intermediate goods processing, and logistics in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, TAI and TTCI are creating value chains for modern mobility and building Better Solutions for a Better Future. To learn more, visit www.taiamerica.com or www.ttci.ca.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies. For more information: https://www.ovinhub.ca