In a joint venture between Bombardier Recreational Products and TM4, BRP unveiled a Can-Am Spyder Hybrid concept and a fully electric Can-Am side-by-side concept at the EV 2012 VÉ Trade Show and Conference in Montreal.

The Quebec Minister of Natural Resources, Martine Ouellet, announced that the government will invest $1.3 million in the project as part of its Technoclimat program.

''We are proud to support two Quebec companies and, at the same time, the economic development and job creation in the province,'' she said. ''This collaboration highlights our desire to position Quebec as a leader in vehicle electrification while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.''

TM4 has developed an electric drive system for light recreational vehicles which BRP will use on its own products. Lighter and smaller, the system delivers ''maximum torque and power for maximum convenience,'' explained Renaud Cloutier, vice president of business development at TM4.

Production and release dates have yet to be determined.

Photo: BRP