ABB Teams Up with Black Box Innovations to Expand Electric Vehicle Energy Management System Accessibility Across Canada
November 12, 2024
ABB Teams Up with Black Box Innovations
- ABB Electrification Canada – Installation Products to manufacture, assemble and offer Electric Vehicle Energy Management Systems using Black Box Innovations’ patented technology for homes and businesses
- Supports safe and cost-effective installation of EV chargers on an existing electrical panel to further build vital EV charging infrastructure
- Broadens access to affordable EV Energy Management systems through ABB Electrification Canada – Installation Products’ adoption of Black Box Innovations Technology.
The focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across North America is driving the transition to electric vehicles (EV) and efforts to decarbonize light-duty vehicle fleets, accelerating the need for reliable and convenient residential and commercial EV charging infrastructure. To support sustainability goals and enhance the customer experience, ABB Electrification Canada – Installation Products, a pioneer in electrification solutions, has completed a licensing agreement in Canada with Black Box Innovations, a North American expert in advanced Energy Management technology, to bring systems that allow efficient, safe and affordable installation of EV chargers and other appliances to homes and businesses across the country.
As a result of the licensing agreement, a range of sustainable, code-compliant Energy Management Systems powered by Black Box Innovations’ patented technology will be available through ABB Electrification – Installation Products’ electrical distribution partners across Canada in 2025. ABB will augment the manufacturing of these products locally, leveraging ABB’s and manufacturing footprint in Canada. The team will also collaborate on the design and manufacturing of new models, components and parts licensed under the ABB Electrification – Installation Products brand.
Instead of requiring extensive electrical infrastructure upgrades, Black Box Innovations’ patented technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) and other electric devices to charge or operate when there is sufficient electrical capacity available and automatically stop, or reduce electrical usage, when capacity is limited. Compatible with existing residential or commercial electrical services from 60 Amp to 200 Amp, the device can be integrated with existing infrastructure and prevents overloading systems. Through intelligent system current monitoring and automatic load management, customers can protect their electrical equipment and eliminate the need for expensive electrical service or panel upgrades.
“As the need for simple, cost-effective and efficient EV charging solutions continues to grow, our collaboration with Black Box Innovations will help address our customers’ current challenges. Together we will streamline the installation process and provide reliable and accessible EV energy management that meets their evolving needs,” said Mike Shenouda, Canada Region Leader and General Manager, ABB Installation Products. “Combining our distribution, engineering and manufacturing capabilities with Black Box Innovations’ technology development and intellectual property complements ABB’s robust electrification portfolio and furthers our commitment to growth in Canada, bringing our customers reliable and sustainable solutions to help safely power their lives.”
“Working with a long-standing industry leader like ABB will help meet exponential growth and continued demand for our solutions across North America and gives both single-detached and multi-residential homeowners easy-to-use and less expensive options for enabling faster EV charging,” said Taner Cairns, Founder of Black Box Innovations. “Our strategic agreement with ABB will also significantly broaden access to our energy management and power control systems by accelerating the delivery of our cutting-edge products to a wider market. Additionally, it will allow for faster innovation and reinforce the protection of our valuable intellectual property rights, positioning us for continued growth and leadership in the industry.”
The agreement extends ABB’s ecosystem of innovation partners and development of solutions to support decarbonization and energy efficiency, with a complete product portfolio that is well adapted to customer needs. From single-dwelling and multi-residential solutions for devices up to 80A and multiple device management applications, products will be available through ABB electrical distribution partners in Canada in 2025. Production is planned to begin in early 2025 at ABB’s Iberville manufacturing facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, with solutions offered to the Canadian market under the ABB Microelectric brand name in the Spring of 2025.
ABB Installation Products builds on its long history of pioneering in electrification by creating solutions to safely connect and protect electrical systems that power businesses, cities, homes and transportation. With more than 200,000 products under 38 premium brand names, ABB Installation Products, formerly Thomas & Betts, solutions are found wherever electricity is used around the world and in space. tnb.ca.abb.com
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
Black Box Innovations is a North American manufacturer of electrical equipment, renowned for delivering trusted, high-quality products to the marketplace. With a strong commitment to innovation, we are at the forefront of developing advanced green energy management and power control systems. Our mission is to push the boundaries of what’s possible by transforming how energy is harnessed, enabling smarter, more sustainable, and efficient solutions. We’re proud to play a pivotal role in the global transition toward a more renewable and reliable energy future. At Black Box, innovation is not just a goal—it’s the driving force behind everything we do. www.blackboxinnovations.com
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