Impulsion 2025

Welcoming Words

Michelle LLambías Meunier

CEO, Propulsion Québec

Opening Words

Signe Burgstaller

Ambasador of Sweden to Canada, Sweden

PANEL 1 : Discover how innovations in technology and propulsion are revolutionizing the transportation sector to meet environmental challenges and build a sustainable future. This panel will bring together experts to discuss advances in alternative fuels, electrification and strategies to accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions future. What are the main technical, economic and regulatory challenges to be overcome to achieve zero-emission transport on a large scale? How are new propulsion technologies, such as electrification and hydrogen, redefining mobility models and the necessary infrastructure? What collaborative approaches and innovations can accelerate the adoption of zero-emission transport while guaranteeing its accessibility and efficiency?

Introduction

Anna Westerberg

President, Volvo Buses

Speakers

Kristian Aquilina

President and Managing Director Canada, General Motors (GM)

Matthew Blackman

Managing Director, Volvo Trucks Canada

Maxime Boyer

CEO, Globocam

TALK 1 : As the mining industry faces growing demands for safety, efficiency, and sustainability, autonomous systems are emerging as a transformative solution. This session will explore the role of autonomous road trains in reshaping mining operations, featuring insights into the MinRes project, where an autonomous SW stack for road trains is driving operational improvements while meeting the highest functional safety standards. The conversation will cover the challenges faced and the opportunities these innovations present to accelerate the future of autonomous transportation.

Speakers

Vincent Besselat

Director, Autonomous Systems, CS Group Canada

Andrew Saxsma

Principal Systems Engineer, Hexagon AB

Interactive and educational workshop designed to incorporate stakeholder considerations into the planning and execution of fleet electrification. Presented by WSP, this workshop aims to provide fleet managers with a structured approach to decision-making, helping them ask the right questions and navigate potential pitfalls associated with new electrification technologies, ensuring a smoother and more effective project planning process.

Presentation

Romain Taillandier

Vice President, Transport, Buses, and Fleets, WSP

Raya Khalifé

Regional Lead, Western Quebec, WSP

PANEL 2 : Explore the solutions needed to meet the growing demand for charging infrastructure in cities, a key pillar of transport electrification. This panel will bring together experts to discuss the challenges of installing, maintaining and integrating charging stations in a complex urban environment, taking into account urban planning and cybersecurity imperatives. What are the main technical, economic and regulatory challenges to implementing large-scale charging infrastructures in urban environments? How can cities effectively integrate charging stations into their public spaces, while meeting the needs of residents and businesses? What innovations and collaborations are needed to ensure efficient and safe maintenance of charging infrastructures?

Introduction

Benoit Charette

Member for Deux-Montagnes, Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Québec

Speakers

Matthew Bartolone

Head of Public Solutions, North America, ABB E-mobility

Yann Benoît

Senior Network Deployment Program Director, Flo

Sofia Berrada

Head of Strategy, SWTCH

Sophie Mauzerolle

Member of the Executive Committee, responsible for transportation and mobility and City Councillor for the district of Sainte-Marie, City of Montréal

TALK 2 : Digitalization can transform today’s way of working. By using billions of GPS signals from buses and trams, we can create optimal timetables as well as pinpoint with surgical precision where accessibility improvements are needed. Stop guessing, start working data-driven.

Speaker

Philip Lundahl

Business Development Manager, Flowmapper, Tyrens AB

Eva-Marie Wenehed

Founder, Tyréns AB

The evolving landscape of U.S. trade policies presents both challenges and opportunities for Quebec’s economy, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, natural resources, and clean energy. This panel will bring together experts to analyze the implications of recent and potential policy shifts, examining their effects on trade flows, investment, and supply chains. How do U.S. trade measures influence Quebec’s competitiveness in a rapidly shifting global economy? What are the risks and opportunities for businesses navigating changing tariffs, subsidies, and regulatory frameworks? How can Quebec position itself strategically to foster economic growth while advancing the energy transition?

Speaker

Jean Charest

Partner, Premier of Québec (2003-2012), Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (1993), Therrien, Couture, Joli-Coeur

Christine Fréchette

Member for Sanguinet Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Quebec Government

PANEL 3 : Battery technologies are evolving rapidly, transforming the energy and transport sectors in the face of growing demand for high-performance, environmentally-friendly solutions. This panel will bring together experts to examine the latest advances in battery design and manufacturing, as well as strategies for meeting technological and industrial challenges. What are the current and emerging trends shaping the development of battery technologies? How are innovations in battery manufacturing contributing to a more sustainable and resilient supply chain? What collaborative strategies can accelerate the development of more efficient, accessible and environmentally-friendly battery solutions?

Speakers

Eric Desaulniers

President and Chief Executive Officer, Nouveau Monde Graphite

Nancy Déziel

CEO; Chairman of the Board of Directors, CNETE & Canadian Foundation for Innovation

Jason Roy

Vice-President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development, Electrovaya

Karim Zaghib

Teacher, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Université Concordia

This workshop will take you to the heart of their strategic vision and and their investment approach to building tomorrow’s sustainable mobility of tomorrow. On the agenda: What criteria guide their investment investment choices? What innovations are shaping the future of transportation? How can we connect startups and major corporations accelerate impact? With €220 million under management, a presence between Europe and Asia, and a portfolio of 13 innovative startups, Shift4Good is one of the most active in the transformation of transport through low-carbon, circular and connected solutions. A unique opportunity to exchange views with leading experts and gain a better sector dynamics.

Speakers

Yann Marteil

Co-founder et Managing Partner, Shift4Good

Matthieu de Chanville

Co-fondateur et Managing Partner, Shift4Good

PANEL 4 : Discover how telematics and data analytics are transforming logistics management to reduce carbon emissions and optimize operational efficiency. This panel will bring together experts to discuss tools and strategies for designing more sustainable logistics, while meeting the growing demands of industry and consumers. How can telematics and data be used to reduce carbon emissions in supply chains? What are the main technological and organizational challenges to adopting decarbonization-driven logistics solutions? What collaborations and innovations can accelerate the transition to greener logistics, while improving business competitiveness?

Speakers

Katarina Brud

Director, MobilityXLab

Anthony Mainville

President, AttriX

Catryn Pinard

President and CEO, Nationex

Marco Viviani

Vice-President, Strategic Development, Communauto

Transitioning from vision to a fully electrified fleet requires a rigorous approach where every step matters. From structuring the operational model to field testing, as well as developing expertise and preparing teams, this shift presents a significant challenge. This workshop will explore the technical, organizational, and strategic challenges to ensure a successful and sustainable integration.

Speakers

Eric Cantin

Partner, Project Director, CIMA+

Marc Rousseau

Executive Director of Operations, Exo

Pierre Zivec

Executive Vice President Performance, Safety and Digital, International expert on electric and automated vehicles, Transdev Canada

PANEL 5 : As electric mobility continues to grow, ensuring the resilience and reliability of charging infrastructure is essential for a seamless user experience and widespread adoption. This session will bring together experts to explore key challenges related to maintenance, availability, and long-term durability of charging stations. What strategies can minimize service disruptions? How can infrastructure be future-proofed against environmental conditions and evolving technologies? And as cyber threats become more prevalent, how can we safeguard these critical systems while maintaining optimal performance?

Speakers

Benoit Lacroix

Chief Executive Officer, ReliON

Marc-André Forget

CEO, dcbel

Nancy Olivier

President and CEO, Fize

Colin Stéphenne

Embedded Cybersecurity Specialist, Vendel

In this strategic dialogue, Dave Rhéaume, Executive Vice President of Hydro-Québec, joins Michelle LLambías Meunier to explore the company’s pivotal role in accelerating transportation electrification. They will discuss how Hydro-Québec is preparing the grid for a surge in electric vehicles, the latest technological innovations, and strategies to expand charging accessibility across Québec. Gain key insights into how Hydro-Québec is driving the transition toward a zero-emission transportation future.

Discussion

Dave Rhéaume

Executive Vice President – Commercial Activities and Chief Customer Officer, Hydro-Québec

Michelle LLambías Meunier

CEO, Propulsion Québec

Opening Words

Bruno Marchand

Mayor, City of Québec

The way we move through cities is evolving—fast. Join public transit experts for an in-depth discussion on how Montreal (Canada) and Atlanta (United States) are navigating these transformations to overcome mobility challenges, embrace innovation, and accelerate the path to decarbonization. Explore key trends, projects and forward-thinking strategies that are shaping the future of public transportation in both cities.

Discussion

Asssumpta Cerda

Director, Network & Service Planning, ARTM

George Wright

Chief Operating Officer, MARTA

PANEL 6 : Explore the potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies and electric vehicles to transform energy management and strengthen the infrastructure needed for the energy transition. This panel will bring together experts to discuss technological solutions, business models and the challenges of integrating electric vehicles into smart energy grids. How can V2G technology contribute to the stability of energy networks and the optimization of energy consumption? What are the main technical, regulatory and economic obstacles to the large-scale adoption of V2G infrastructures? What innovations and collaborations are needed to align the development of electric vehicles with the needs of sustainable energy networks?

Speakers

Kamal Al-Haddad

Professeur, Département de génie électrique, Ecole de Technologie Supérieure (ETS)

Theresa Cooke

Directrice mondiale du succès client et des opérations de service, gestion de la recharge, Siemens

Marie Lapointe

Présidente et directrice générale, Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ)

Asma Merdassi

Fondatrice et directrice, ReVolta

TALK 3 : The first charge starts at home. How can we accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in multi-dwelling applications? In this conference, discover the evolution of multi-dwelling charging and best practices for deploying infrastructure that meets the industry’s highest safety standards. We’ll share case studies and concrete solutions for implementing a scalable charging approach already adopted by over 40,000 electric vehicle owners, all without contractual commitments or recurring costs.

Speakers

David Corbeil

CEO & Co-Founder, RVE

Pascal Fridmann

Manager Smart charging solutions, LUMEN

The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is placing growing demands on the electrical grid. This workshop introduces an innovative and efficient smart charging management solution that shifts energy consumption away from peak hours while maintaining seamless fleet operations. Join us to explore the results of a pilot project with Hydro-Québec and the potential for expanding this model across Canada.

Speakers

Guillaume Brossard

VP Commercialisation, Polara

Valérie Monette

Outbound Product Manager, Polara

PANEL 7 : Electrifying transport in remote regions and over long distances represents a major challenge in the energy transition. This panel will explore solutions for electrifying heavy transport in these areas, addressing the logistical, technological and infrastructure challenges required to support zero-emission mobility over long distances. What are the main challenges to electrifying transport in remote areas, and how can they be overcome? What technologies are needed to guarantee energy efficiency and sufficient autonomy for long-distance heavy-duty transport? How can charging and maintenance infrastructures be adapted or extended to support the electrification of long-distance transport in non-urban areas?

Speakers

Rodrigue Al Fahel

Project Manager, Lindholmen Science Park

Karin Ebbinghaus

CEO & Co-Founder, Elonroad

François Tremblay

President, Prevost and Volvo Group Canada

TALK 4 : After more than 40 years of history, the Fund now supports nearly 4,000 businesses through direct and indirect investments in venture and development capital, based on the conviction that impact is created both through financial returns and societal benefits. Dany Pelletier will share with us the Fund’s long-standing investor perspective in the field of intelligent electric transportation.

Speaker

Dany Pelletier

Executive Vice-President, Private Equity and Impact Investing, Fonds de solidarité FTQ

As cities strive to reduce emissions and enhance urban mobility, municipal leadership plays a crucial role in driving sustainable transportation solutions. This panel will bring together experts to explore how local governments can implement innovative policies, invest in green infrastructure, and collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient mobility systems. What strategies can municipalities adopt to promote public transit, active transportation, and electric vehicle adoption? How can urban planning and policy frameworks support a more sustainable and accessible transportation network? Join us to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and best practices shaping the future of mobility at the local level.

Welcome words

Paul Le Houillier

President, Nova Bus

Speakers

Michel Angers

Mayor, City of Shawinigan

Martin Damphousse

Mayor and President, Ville de Varennes and Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ)

Stéphanie Lacoste

Mayor, Drummondville

Thanks to concrete examples, we will explore the decision-making and implementation steps for the electrification of a vehicle fleet. We will address key points of caution and success factors that have led to tangible competitive advantages.

Speakers

David Blondot

President and CEO, Weeve

Sylvain Perreault

VP Distribution et Production, Fermes Lufa

Alain Tourigny

President, Solutions V2G

PANEL 8 : Managing batteries at the end of their life is a key issue in ensuring a sustainable energy transition, by optimizing their life cycle and reducing their environmental impact. This panel will discuss innovative solutions for battery recycling, reuse and repairability, while exploring producer responsibilities and strategies for ensuring an efficient supply of recycled critical materials (RCMs). What are the best practices and technologies for maximizing battery recycling and reuse, while reducing their ecological footprint? How can battery second life and reparability contribute to a circular economy and more sustainable resource management? What role do manufacturers play in the management of end-of-life batteries, and how can we ensure a supply chain of critical recycled materials to support this transition?

Speakers

Benoit Couture

President, Lithion Technologies

Vincent Darlix

CEO, EVT Batteries

Marie-Pier Forget

General Manager, Ingenext

Sabine Le Névannau

Chief innovation and partnership officer, Destrier Electric

PANEL 9 : Optimizing costs and transitioning to zero-emission fleets are essential for organizations aiming to meet sustainability goals while enhancing operational efficiency. This panel will feature industry experts discussing key financial strategies, profitability models, and technological innovations that drive the successful adoption of zero-emission vehicles. What are the most effective financial strategies to support fleet electrification? How can advanced fleet management technologies maximize the efficiency of zero-emission vehicles while lowering operational costs? What financial and logistical hurdles must be addressed to ensure a seamless and cost-effective shift to fully zero-emission fleets?

Speakers

Philippe Beauchamp

President and CEO, UgoWork

George Fotopoulos

VP E-Mobility Business Unit Leader, Mack Trucks

Ashley Horvat

Chief Operating Officer & Commercial Officer, 7Gen

Keith Kerman

Chief Fleet Officer, Deputy Commissioner, NYC Citywide Administrative Services

In-company training is essential to the development of our industry, and an important lever for increasing manufacturing productivity. Find out more about the players involved in training in Quebec and the financing opportunities they offer.

Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of CDPQ Infra, will explore the evolving landscape of public transportation infrastructure in the era of electrification and smart mobility. He will discuss the transformative role of the REM, strategies for integrating emerging mobility solutions, and innovative funding models that drive sustainable, large-scale projects. This insightful conversation will provide a forward-looking perspective on building efficient, resilient, and future-ready transit networks.

Interview with

Jean-Marc Arbaud

President and CEO, CDPQ Infra

Mathieu Dion

Montreal Bureau Chief, Bloomberg