Hub IE streamlines fleet parking electrification at a lower cost
Bell became the first customer to turn to Fusion’s expertise to support the electrification of their fleet. (Credit : Fusion)
The Hub IE smart unit manages energy for EV charging by drawing on the building’s available power. (Credit : Fusion)
Loïc Angot, General Manager, Fusion. (Credit : Fusion)
Fleet electrification continues to move forward, although progress can sometimes be held up by specific roadblocks. Existing infrastructure often limits the installation of charging stations, since many buildings were never designed to support this type of equipment. Upgrading electrical service often becomes a major deterrent, since it requires time, complex procedures and, above all, significant capital investment. These constraints can bring promising projects to a standstill.
This is where Fusion comes in. The Laval based company, operating since 1994, specializes in what it calls “energy intelligence,” explains General Manager Loïc Angot. The team has built their expertise across a range of sectors, from hospitality and commercial properties to institutional facilities, seniors’ residences and large scale rental condominium buildings. The company now channels that expertise into the expanding EV market. In 2023, Fusion was acquired by architecture and design firm Lemay, which broadened their expertise even further. Together, the two organizations support clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their real estate assets, from the initial planning and design stages to everyday operations.
Fusion’s innovative Hub IE energy management solution complements Pilot IE, which is designed for buildings. The premise is straightforward. The company’s smart unit monitors a building’s electrical capacity in real time, then allocates the unused portion to EV charging stations so that every vehicle receives optimal charging, all without altering the existing electrical infrastructure. Because energy is distributed based on what the building can supply at any given moment, there is no need for extensive and costly electrical upgrades. Hub makes it possible to add new charging stations without affecting the current setup. In turn, it helps fleets electrify at a lower cost while reducing pressure on the grid.
Because the Hub IE unit contains all the smart functionality, customers can choose simpler and more affordable charging stations, as long as they are connected. The purchase of Hub IE includes “a minimal hosting fee that covers infrastructure, cloud services, servers and support,” notes the General Manager. Users can also access a web platform that displays network and charger status through a dashboard.
“Our product was originally designed for condos and multi unit buildings, but it turned out to be a great fit for fleets,” says Angot. In May 2024, Bell issued a request for proposals through Écotech Québec as part of their plan to achieve a 58% reduction in their carbon footprint by 2030. The company was facing significant energy constraints. “At some centres, it was impossible for us to deploy a resilient charging infrastructure that worked with the existing electrical service without undertaking major upgrades,” says Simon Therrien, Senior Fleet Manager at Bell.
A simple and cost effective solution
“We chose Fusion’s solution because it was straightforward and kept both costs and risks low. It addressed our challenge in a smart and scalable way. Our goal is to speed up fleet electrification by reducing construction timelines, installation steps and especially commissioning,” says Therrien.
For Bell, another major benefit is increased visibility over energy consumption. “It is important to understand what we use and how we use it,” Therrien adds. He believes access to data raises awareness, helps users understand their habits and adjust their practices. “This system allows us to learn.”
Fusion is now entering a rapid commercialization phase. The Hub IE parking electrification solution was developed, installed and tested at the telecommunications giant’s facilities in Laval. Two centres in Toronto and Mississauga are already equipped with the system, and four additional sites will follow by the end of 2025, with a nationwide rollout planned. The company intends to expand their offering over the next five years to support the many fleet managers facing similar challenges.
Fusion and Bell are also finalists for Écotech Québec’s Eurêka Award in the commerce and services category, which recognizes initiatives that improve environmental performance through clean technologies.
