CAA-Quebec to take Delivery of the First All-electric Tow Truck in North America
Some 80 years after introducing horse-drawn towing services, CAA-Quebec will soon roll out the first 100% electric tow truck made in Quebec. The move signals the organization’s commitment to the development of energy-efficient and cleaner solutions.
With the Lion Electric Company’s Lion5 truck and a platform developed by XpaK Industries, CAA-Quebec is marking an important milestone in its history. The truck is yet another tool among CAA-Quebec’s innovations to help reduce the towing industry’s environmental footprint. The organization is also firmly committed to promoting electromobility among its members and the general public through the sale of charging stations, recommendations for certified installers, consulting services, EV Skills certification offered at approved auto repair service locations, road tests for attendees at the Montréal and Québec City auto shows, numerous reviews of electric cars, and more.
“Roadside assistance has always been in CAA-Quebec’s DNA, and it goes without saying that we are taking the lead in electric towing. We have a responsibility to set an example and take a leadership role in protecting the environment,” said Marie-Soleil Tremblay, president and CEO.
A powerful cutting-edge truck
The Lion5 tow truck offers a capacity of 210 kWh for a range of up to 310 km, and it generates power of 315 hp. It is powered by 800-volt battery packs manufactured by Lion Electric, and it can potentially eliminate 75 to 100 metric tons of greenhouse gas per year, and this is in addition to reducing energy costs by about 80% and maintenance costs by about 60% compared to a gasoline or diesel vehicle of the same type.
In the coming months, this electric tow truck will be tested and put through its paces in a multitude of towing situations and weather conditions. CAA-Quebec’s roadside assistance service will be a pioneer in electric towing solutions in North America and will share its experience with its partners in Quebec as well as elsewhere in Canada (CAA) and the United States (AAA).
The new vehicle is an addition to CAA-Quebec’s fleet of electric roadside assistance vehicles, which already includes the Hyundai IONIQ (since 2018), and Ford’s F-150 hybrid and F-150 Lightning (since 2020 and 2022, respectively).
“This vehicle delivers efficient service while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrating the versatility of Lion trucks. With this new 100% electric made-in-Quebec tow truck, we are helping to redefine the future of the towing industry. We are proud to be part of a cleaner and more sustainable future with players like CAA-Quebec and XpaK,” said Patrick Gervais, vice-president, Trucks and Public Affairs, Lion Electric.
A 100% electric platform
Compared to a traditional hydraulic platform, the towing platform designed by XpaK Industries is 25% to 30% lighter thanks to the materials it is made of, including composite, aluminum and high-strength steel. The 100% electric design allows for better management of energy peaks in addition to eliminating the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage.
“The entire XpaK Industries team is proud to help CAA-Quebec continue its mission in the modern era. Our participation in this project chimes perfectly with our values of innovation and environmental sustainability,”said Hugo Marsan, vice president and co-founder, XpaK Industries.
Source: CAA-Quebec1
Support from the APDQ
