Taiga announces $50M in government support for EV and battery assembly facility
by CM Staff
With the development of the new facility, Taiga predicts that it will accelerate production of its off-road vehicle platforms and powertrains while simultaneously optimizing and automating the battery production.
SHAWINIGAN — On Jul. 13, Taiga Motors Corporation, a manufacturer of electric off-road vehicles announced the raising of a combined $50M in support of the Shawinigan Mass-Production Assembly Facility.
The project and development represents an investment of approximately $125.17 million. Taiga will benefit from support by all levels of governments to a combined $50 million ($10 million in federal funding, $30 million in provincial funding, and $10 million in municipal funding.) With the development of the new facility, Taiga predicts that it will accelerate production of its off-road vehicle platforms and powertrains while simultaneously optimizing and automating the battery production. Given the company’s approach of clean-sheet engineering of power units and vehicle platforms, this new manufacturing capability will have direct impact on off-road vehicle transportation and the environment.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation, Mr. Eric Girard, the Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Solidarity, Mr. Jean Boulet, and the City of Shawinigan Mayor, Mr. Michel Angers, made the announcement on Jul. 13, accompanied by Mr. Samuel Bruneau, CEO and co-founder of Taiga.
Advancements in automated manufacturing have allowed Taiga to develop electric powertrain production processes that will drive down costs to accelerate electrification in the off-road sector.
Shawinigan is a growing Canadian electrification hub and supports a robust supply chain network across Quebec. The projected is expected to create 370 high quality jobs and to develop a local supply chain of materials and components.
“Our government is supporting the country’s businesses as they become global leaders in the manufacture of green vehicles, creating dependable jobs. Taiga Motors’ arrival in the Mauricie region is a key part of our efforts to enable the region to participate fully in the economic recovery by showcasing local talent. Our government will continue to support businesses so they can participate in efforts to build a clean-growth economy, including by investing in the manufacture of carbon neutral vehicles.” said François-Philippe Champagne, MP for Saint Maurice Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“This factory will allow Taiga to become the first Canadian EV manufacturer to integrate both automated powertrain assemblies and electric vehicle platforms under one roof for greatly increased efficiency. Thanks to the financing provided by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, we will be able to rapidly increase manufacturing capacity while continuing to drive innovation so that Quebec and Canada can remain leaders disrupting the global powersports market towards a more positive future of outdoor exploration without compromise.” said Samuel Bruneau, CEO and Co-Founder, Taiga.
