IVI’s neutral, non-commercial framework as a non-profit organization ensures objective results for the industry, helping to identify the operating contexts in which this technology performs best.

Used intensively on job sites, heavy equipment contributes significantly to emissions from the “other transportation” sector, which increased by 63,7 % between 1990 and 2021.¹

More than 185,000 vehicle-tools were registered in Québec in 2023 (+29% since 2018), highlighting the importance of decarbonizing the industry. ² 

1. 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).
² Data from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), available on Données Québec..

Heavy equipment is often used continuously on job sites, resulting in significant unnecessary idling and, consequently, high levels of pollution. For example, a diesel excavator can consume up to 40 liters of fuel per hour. ¹ Each litre of diesel burned generates approximately 2.7 kg ² of CO₂which represents, for a machine operating 2,000 hours per year, more than 230 tonnes of CO₂ emitted.

In Québec, the off-road vehicle sector (construction, mining, manufacturing, etc.) emits more than 3 Mt of CO₂ ³representing more than 43% of emissions from the “other transportation” sector. Between 1990 and 2021, this sector experienced a 63.7% increase in its emissions, ranking as the third-largest emitter. ⁴

Internationally, several regions have already adopted policies promoting the use of zero-emission vehicles on job sites. Oslo, for example, has implemented zero-emission construction sites, leveraging its electricity grid, which is largely powered by hydropower—similar to that of Québec. Cities such as Stockholm and Copenhagen have also followed the example set by Norway.

1. European Rental Association (ERA), Carbon Footprint of Construction Equipment Report (2020).

Environnement et Changement climatique Canada (ECCC). Official emission factors for fuels in Canada.

3. Transportation Sector – Québec Table 8: GHG Emissions by Mode of Transportation, 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 equipment is still in its early stages, and Québec is beginning to see the first units become available on the market, such as excavators, wheel loaders, and backhoe loaders. Commercialization is progressing gradually, starting with compact machines, then medium-sized models, before eventually reaching the heaviest electric versions.

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 Québec’s construction and job site industry who use equipment of 15 tonnes and above.

However, its audience is broader: training institutions, regional stakeholders, sustainable development experts, representatives from the public sector, as well as Québec’s educational community and the general public. All will be able to benefit free of charge from the knowledge and outcomes generated.

According to Association des Propriétaires de Machinerie Lourde du Québec (APMLQ+), interest among heavy equipment fleet managers in new zero-emission technologies is high and has increased significantly in recent years. However, based on trials and pilot projects carried out to date, it appears that the equipment offering is not yet fully optimized for widespread daily use without significantly changing operational practices. Efficient operational logistics, equipment charging modes and charging times, as well as the costs associated with installation and training required for such a transition, are slowing progress toward electrification.

Operators surveyed by IVI question whether the technology is sufficiently advanced and point to a lack of resources and technical support for its implementation. Their concerns focus on range, charging duration and accessibility, acquisition costs, and the operational adjustments required. The industry particularly emphasizes that charging infrastructure and refueling strategy are major concerns—an observation that was clearly confirmed by the survey conducted on our LinkedIn page.

As electric construction machines begin to emerge in Québec, fleet managers are questioning their ability to perform within their operations. There is a significant need for information, real-world testing, and shared experience to build collective confidence in these new machines.

The project is being rolled out through trials, events, and advisory services in several regions of Québec, including Bas‑Saint‑Laurent, Saguenay–Lac‑Saint‑Jean, Capitale‑Nationale, Mauricie, Estrie, Montréal, Chaudière‑Appalaches, Laval, Lanaudière, Laurentides, and Montérégie.