As the freight industry moves toward lower emissions and fuel efficiency in 2025, electric trucks are gaining serious ground—but they’re not the only solution. In rugged, long-haul environments like British Columbia, fully electric powertrains still face challenges with range, charging infrastructure, and payload capacity.

Enter diesel-electric hybrid trucks—the pragmatic middle ground that offers real sustainability gains without sacrificing performance. In particular, BC-based Edison Motors is putting Canada on the map with their powerful, locomotive-inspired hybrid semis built for logging, mountainous terrain, and heavy-duty haulage.

For fleets based in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland, these hybrid technologies represent a critical opportunity: cleaner operations, lower fuel bills, and a stepping stone toward long-term electrification—without the limitations of current battery-only platforms.

Let’s explore how diesel-electric hybrids work, where they excel, and how they fit into the evolving transportation ecosystem in 2025.

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1. Why Diesel-Electric Hybrids Are Gaining Ground in BC

While battery-electric trucks (BEVs) have made inroads in urban delivery and short-haul, they still face barriers in long-haul and vocational applications, including:

• Limited public charging infrastructure across BC’s interior and northern corridors

• Long charging times that reduce productivity

• Battery range constraints under full payload

• Steep hills and variable terrain in rural BC

For fleets running logging, construction, bulk freight, or intermodal drayage, diesel-electric hybrids offer:

• On-demand torque from electric motors

• Regenerative braking for energy recovery

• Improved fuel economy (up to 40% savings)

• No range anxiety

• Compatibility with existing fueling infrastructure

In other words: you keep the uptime of diesel but gain many of the benefits of electric.

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2. Edison Motors: Canada’s Homegrown Hybrid Truck Innovator

Founded in British Columbia in 2021, Edison Motors is building diesel-electric trucks designed specifically for Canada’s toughest terrain. Their headline innovation is a diesel generator plus battery-electric drive system, based on the same principles as hybrid locomotives.

Key Features of Edison’s Diesel-Electric Platform:

• Electric-only drivetrain powered by dual electric motors

• Onboard diesel generator (often a Cummins engine) charges the battery while driving

• Regenerative braking captures energy during descents

• No transmission — smoother operation, less wear

• Full torque at 0 RPM, ideal for logging, mining, and start-stop drayage

Flagship Model: Edison “Carl”

Named after inventor Nikola Tesla’s rival, the Carl prototype launched in 2022 and began limited production in 2024. It’s built for:

• Logging roads and rough terrain

• Highway haulage with up to 120,000 lbs GVWR

• Estimated 800 km range with 30–50% less fuel consumption than conventional diesel trucks

Production capacity is growing in 2025, with Edison opening a new assembly facility in Merritt, BC, and expanding its dealer network across Western Canada.

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3. How Hybrid Trucks Work — And Why It Matters

In a diesel-electric hybrid, the engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly. Instead, it acts as a generator to recharge a battery that powers electric motors connected to the drivetrain. This brings several advantages:

• High efficiency: The engine can run at optimal RPM, regardless of load

• Reduced wear: No transmission, fewer mechanical parts

• Consistent torque: Electric motors deliver power instantly, even at low speed

• Better performance on hills: Regenerative braking helps recover energy on descents

This is especially useful in BC’s mountainous routes, where trucks often face aggressive elevation changes that punish traditional drivetrains.

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4. Cost Comparison: Hybrid vs Diesel vs Battery Electric

Let’s compare three types of heavy-duty trucks in 2025 based on real-world data:

Hybrid trucks offer an attractive balance between range, emissions, and cost, making them an excellent stepping stone for fleets not yet ready for full electrification.

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5. Incentives & Funding Support in BC

Thanks to provincial and federal programs, hybrid and diesel-electric trucks are now more accessible than ever.

iMHZEV (Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles)

• Federal grant offering up to $150,000 per eligible vehicle

• Applies to hybrid and battery-electric vehicles

• Can be stacked with provincial funding

CleanBC Go Electric Program

• BC’s flagship zero-emission vehicle incentive

• Covers up to 33% of vehicle cost and up to 75% of charging infrastructure

• Application support available through CleanBC advisors

Green Freight Assessment Program (NRCan)

• Offers up to $100,000 in funding for fleets to evaluate and implement fuel-saving technologies, including hybrids

Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales works with clients to identify and apply for all available incentives, often reducing total acquisition cost by 30–50%.

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6. Use Cases: Where Hybrid Freight Trucks Shine

Hybrid drivetrains are ideal for operations that require:

• High torque at low speeds (e.g., logging or bulk hauling)

• Frequent idling or stop-start cycles (e.g., intermodal drayage)

• Long-haul capability without extended charging downtime

• Remote routes with limited or no charging access

• Cold-weather operation where batteries alone may struggle

Surrey-based fleets involved in container hauling from port to warehouse, cross-border transport, or interior BC forestry/logging stand to benefit significantly from this technology.

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7. Leasing, Financing & Try-Before-You-Buy Options

Given the higher upfront cost, many fleets are exploring leasing as a way to access hybrid trucks without capital strain.

At Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales, we offer:

• Hybrid truck lease plans with maintenance included

• Flexible financing via Blue Capital Equipment Finance

• Support for seasonal or contract-based deployments

• Fleet advisory services to evaluate suitability and ROI

We also assist in integrating hybrids into mixed fleets, including driver training, service planning, and telematics monitoring.

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8. A Future-Proof Step Toward Net Zero

The transition to zero-emission freight won’t happen overnight—especially for the types of terrain and loads that BC fleets face. Diesel-electric hybrids represent a smart, scalable step in that direction.

Fleets that adopt hybrid technology now will gain:

• Valuable experience in electric drivetrain management

• Data on operating costs and infrastructure needs

• Emission reductions that align with client and regulatory demands

• An advantage when bidding on ESG-compliant contracts

The logistics landscape is changing, and the fleets that adapt early will be the ones that win in the long run.

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Conclusion: Hybrids Are the Bridge BC Fleets Need

British Columbia’s geography, freight intensity, and environmental leadership make it the perfect proving ground for diesel-electric hybrid trucks. Whether you’re hauling containers out of Surrey, navigating logging roads near Prince George, or running regional freight to Alberta, hybrid trucks offer a powerful blend of performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

At Mainland Truck & Trailer Sales, we’re committed to helping you find the right solution for your fleet. Whether that’s hybrid trucks, electric yard tractors, or efficient intermodal chassis, we provide:

• Equipment

• Financing

• Strategy

• Support

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Let’s Get You Started

📍 Visit Us: 9616 188 Street, Surrey, BC V4N 3M2
📞 Call: +1 866-888-6887
🌐 Explore: www.MainlandTTS.com
📩 Email: info@mainlandtts.com

Reach out today to discuss your hybrid options and how we can help you future-proof your fleet.