As fleets transition to zero-emission vehicles, CIMA+ can help with every phase of the electrification process  

This article is presented by CIMA+

The shift to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is well underway in Canada, and it calls for a unified strategy within each organization covering vehicle deployment, infrastructure build-out and operational change.

At CIMA+, we know the terrain. Our phased, comprehensive approach supports organizations in navigating the transformation with confidence and precision. 

Three-phase roadmap to electrification 

We guide clients through a structured roadmap built around three key phases: strategy, design and construction oversight. We provide expert support at every step, from initial fleet planning to full-scale implementation. 

Strategy phase 

We work collaboratively to shape fleet decarbonization strategies, from financial modelling and grant applications to pilot project design. These pilots deliver real-world insights into vehicle performance, charging demand and operational impacts before full-scale implementation, allowing for informed, data-driven decisions. 

Design phase 

Our multidisciplinary teams refine transition strategies and address the technical foundation, including detailed design, procurement plans, infrastructure designs, IT architecture support and change-management frameworks.  

This integrated approach ensures your organization is both technically prepared and structurally aligned for successful zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) integration, and has the right governance structure and a culture ready to embrace ZEVs.  

Construction phase  

We manage contractor selection, oversee construction and execute system-testing to confirm alignment with project goals. CIMA+ serves as your partner from engineering through implementation, allowing for smooth, effective delivery. 

Why public charging for MHDVs matters 

While passenger vehicle electrification often takes the spotlight, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), including transit buses, delivery trucks, and vocational fleets, account for a disproportionately large share of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. 

One of the most significant barriers to MHDV electrification is the limited charging infrastructure. High capital costs, electrical site capacity constraints and potential for operational disruption often make it difficult for many fleets to transition. Expanding public charging access is key to overcoming these challenges by: 

• Reducing adoption barriers for small fleets and owner-operators; 

• Stimulating market growth and investment through visible, reliable charging infrastructure;  

• Enabling long-haul and regional operations with chargers strategically located along freight corridors; 

• Boosting operational flexibility when depot chargers fail, are unavailable or at capacity; and 

• Supporting grid optimization by integrating fleet charging into broader energy-management systems 

At CIMA+, we’re helping lead this transformation, designing Canada’s first megawatt (MW)-scale charger and rapid-charging stations for trucks. Our work is helping lay the foundation for decarbonizing Canada’s MHDV fleet. 

Simulating the path to zero emissions 

Our in-house modelling toolbox, ZE+, funded by the federal government, enables fleet tests and refines their zero emission strategies virtually before committing to capital investments. By simulating routes, charging behaviours and infrastructure impact across three horizons (Short-Term 2025-30, Medium-Term 2030-40, Long-Term 2040+), ZE+ helps answer the key questions that shape a successful transition: 

• Short-Term: “Should we do it?” Pilot-route simulation, energy-consumption forecasting, and infrastructure-readiness assessment. 

• Medium-Term: “How should we do it?” Large-scale deployment modelling, grid-demand forecasting, charging layout and schedule optimization. 

• Long-Term: “How do we optimize?” Mixed-fleet operations, system interoperability, and digital twin integration for continuous improvement. 

With ZE+, we turn uncertainty into actionable insight, empowering informed, data-driven decisions and de-risked investments. 

From data to delivery: why CIMA+ stands apart 

Decarbonizing transportation requires more than one-off engineering; it demands data-driven insights, advanced modelling and a truly multidisciplinary approach.  

At CIMA+, we bring together engineers, project managers, IT specialists, advisors and change management experts under one roof.  

Our service portfolio includes: 

• Fleet transition planning and financial modelling; 

• Charging and hydrogen infrastructure design and implementation; 

• Technical specification development and contractor support; 

• Construction management and commissioning; and 

• Change-management and IT-integration 

From feasibility through full deployment, we work alongside clients to manage risk, optimize outcomes and build replicable decarbonization models.  

While CIMA+ is a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm, we have one of the largest teams in Canada dedicated to transportation decarbonization.  Our experts have helped deploy thousands of charging stations across the country and are actively advancing large-scale fleet electrification projects, such as Purolator’s national fleet electrification initiative. We also developed the Green Fleet Best Practices Guide, a foundational resource that supports organizations in planning and implementing effective fleet decarbonization strategies beyond the MHDV sector. 

Leading toward a net-zero future 

Canada’s transportation sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. The decisions made today about how, where and when fleets electrify will shape the country’s economic resilience, environmental stewardship and societal well-being.  

At CIMA+, we’re uniquely equipped to help organizations navigate this journey with clarity, confidence and purpose. Together, we build realistic, results-driven roadmaps that move organizations toward a reliable zero-emission transportation future. 

About CIMA+ 

CIMA+ is one of Canada’s largest privately owned consulting engineering firms, offering integrated expertise across transportation, energy, infrastructure, buildings, and project management.

With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, CIMA+ partners with public and private organizations to design and implement solutions that advance environmental performance, resilience, and long-term value. Our commitment to engineering a better future drives every project we undertake, including our leadership in transportation decarbonization. 

Learn more about CIMA+’s Transportation decarbonization services at cima.ca