Getting cleantech innovations to market can be challenging. KPM Power’s Battery Management Systems are helping to remove major barriers to electrification.

When Karen Lai established KPM Power in 2017, getting lithium batteries to market was a huge challenge. “Dealing with lithium is a very expensive process and a lot of the government funding was being cut at the time,” says the President & Founder of KPM Power, a Canadian company specializing in customized lithium-ion battery solutions. Wanting to help get cleantech companies and alternative energy products to market, she eventually settled on battery management systems (BMS) as the quickest and most affordable way. BMS is an electronic system of hardware and software that monitors and controls the state and performance of the battery.

Only Canadian company with a UL1973 and UL2580 certified BMS

KPM Power’s Anzen line of BMS has a key feature for allowing customization for various applications and battery types and is approved for chemistries ranging from lithium to nickel zinc. This year it received UL1973 and UL2580 certifications for safety for stationary applications (back-up power, off-grid power, vehicle auxiliary power and light electric rail applications) and moving electric vehicles, respectively. Being the only Canadian company to have both certifications not only eases KPM Power’s own entry to the North American market, but also that of its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers. “It will also open the door to a lot of OEMs out there because it simplifies the certification process and makes it easier for them to get their cleantech to market,” says Lai.

Being a female founded and run company, KPM is eager to support young women and girls in pursuing the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields through hackathons and bursaries. “Right now, girls make up only about 20% of enrolment in STEM programs, so we’re working to help more girls join STEM fields,” says Lai.

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According to a recent poll conducted by Léger Marketing, 86% of urban residents in Canada support more government investment in public transit. That’s a clear show of support for the benefits of transit, like reduced congestion and carbon emissions, job creation, and the fostering of social inclusion. 

Those of us who already use public transit know it’s an affordable and safe mobility option that connects us to work, play, and social services. While trains and buses don’t always run without a hitch, the pros outweigh the cons when you consider that transit is much easier on the wallet and the environment than car ownership. Transit commuters can also spend more time with their families instead of behind the wheel.

Transit is steadily improving as systems increasingly prioritize innovation and the customer experience, aiming to provide optimal rides every day, on every route, on every vehicle. For example, in Vancouver a partnership between TransLink and Hyperlight Systems has led to the world’s first hands-free, touchless fare-gate solution to help people with disabilities experience more independence. 

Systems are moving towards greening their fleets too. Since 2017, Québec-based Nova Bus has increased its production capacity and created 200 jobs, helping feed the growing demand for electric buses. This month, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) rolled out its first electric bus, manufactured by Winnipeg-based New Flyer. Moving to alternative propulsion makes the TTC a leader in sustainable mobility. 

Government investments in transit have contributed to innovative transportation infrastructure in the past. CUTA calls on the federal government to continue to fund transit capital and operational costs to meet the expectations of the Canadian public.

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