Development of plug-in hybrid Can-Am Spyder

The Centre de technologies avancées BRP – Université de Sherbrooke (CTA) receives $11.3 million in financial support to develop hybrid engine technology for BRP's Can-Am Spyder roadster. This is the only electric hybrid roadster development project in the world.

An injection of $6.2 million from the Automotive Partnership Canada program and $5.1 million from BRP will see the project extend over a four-year period. Steven Blaney, MP for Lévis-Bellechasse, Suzanne Fortier, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Guy Lévesque, program director of the Canada Foundation for Innovation were present for this major announcement, along with Université de Sherbrooke's principal, Luce Samoisette, and BRP's president and CEO, José Boisjoli.

First launched in 2007, the Can-Am Spyder roadster is a totally unique way to experience the freedom of open-air riding. Its distinctive Y-architecture – two wheels in front, one in back – creates challenges that push the limits of electric hybrid vehicle technology. "Our mandate is ambitious and complex," explained Mihai Rasidescu, president and general manager of the CTA. "Our goal is to develop completely new electric hybrid technology for a three-wheel vehicle that uses 50% less fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 50% while maintaining its speed, power and performance."