Black Box partnership gives ABB a “license to charge” for Canada’s electric vehicles

November 13, 2024 – ABB Electrification Canada-Installation Products has completed a licensing agreement in Canada with Black Box Innovations to provide systems that allow “efficient, safe, and affordable installation of [electric vehicle] chargers and other appliances to homes and businesses across the country”.

Based in Calgary, Black Box’s patented technology enables electric vehicles and other devices to charge or operate when there is sufficient electrical capacity available, but also automatically stop or reduce electrical usage when capacity is limited.

Compatible with existing residential or commercial services from 60 to 200 amps, Black Box’s device can be integrated with existing infrastructure to prevent overloading systems. Through intelligent current monitoring and automatic load management, customers can protect their electrical equipment and eliminate the need for electrical service or panel upgrades.

“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 Black Box founder Taner Cairns.

With the licensing agreement, ABB is able to offer a range of code-compliant energy management systems through its Canadian electrical distribution partners starting in 2025.

The licensing agreement was signed by (from left): Mike Shenouda, Canada region leader and general manager, ABB Installation Products, and Black Box Innovations founder Taner Cairns. Source: ABB Electrification Canada-Installation Products.

“Together we will streamline the installation process and provide reliable and accessible EV energy management that meets [our customers’] 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 […]”

ABB will augment the manufacture of these products locally, leveraging its manufacturing footprint in Canada. The team will also collaborate on the design and manufacture of new models, components, and parts licensed under the ABB Electrification-Installation Products brand.

Production is expected to begin in early 2025 at ABB’s Iberville manufacturing facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., with solutions offered to the Canadian market under the ABB Microlectric brand in Spring 2025.