Our Employee Spotlight series celebrates and highlights the unique talents, achievements, and perspectives of the EVLO team. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Guillaume Labarthe, Principal Electrical Engineer, for his significant contributions to advancing our mission and accelerating the energy transition.
What is your professional background?
In 2004, I graduated with an MScA in electrical engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal. My project focused on improving the dynamic stability limit of power systems. I started my career at Still (Linde Group) in France, where I contributed to the design forklifts powered by lead-acid batteries. This is how I was introduced to the world of batteries and energy storage.
I then returned to Canada to join Cadex Inc. where I was able to further strengthen my expertise in technology. After that, I spent nearly a decade with Mi-Jack Ecopower Hybrid Systems, where I developed hybrid systems for cranes and marine applications from 800Vdc to lithium-ion batteries. This allowed me to gain invaluable experience in the design, control and integration of lithium-ion technology and their BMS.
What made you pursue a career in electrical engineering with EVLO?
My previous work experiences with products similar to today’s battery energy storage technology fueled my desire to contribute to the energy transition. I was seeking a new challenge and was drawn to EVLO, whose technologies I was already familiar with. Through our initial conversations, I realized my expertise and values were perfectly aligned with those of the EVLO team.
As part of the earliest EVLO projects, what experiences can you share from there?
I joined EVLO during a period of significant change in terms of project deployment. My first unit deployment was in Quaqtaq, one of Quebec’s northernmost inhabited villages. This deployment marked the first energy storage system of its kind, specifically designed to adapt to extreme cold temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). Delivering reliable energy storage in such harsh conditions was a remarkable experience, helping the community transition to renewable energy and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
One of the highlights of joining EVLO has been witnessing the rapid advancement of our BESS technology. Since I joined, we’ve designed and deployed six generations of BESS, including EVLO 300, EVLO 500, EVLO 1000, EVLOFLEX, and now EVLO SYNERGY. Our progress is a testament to the entire team’s collaboration, innovation, and dedication.
Can you describe how your role as Principal Electrical Engineer contributes to progressing the company’s mission and goals?
My role is centered on designing the best and safest products. One of the main challenges in this industry is to design a simple, yet effective system. Each unit needs to be cutting-edge, thoroughly tested for quality assurance, and user-friendly. Our BESS technology is developed so that we deliver our clients efficient, reliable, and robust systems which have the capacity to handle various tasks and scenarios.
What are some of the considerations that go into designing new storage technology given the speed at which the energy transition is moving?
Performance, technical specifications, longevity, and reliability are at the core of every product we develop. While many of our systems are designed to meet general needs, we also offer the flexibility to tailor certain products to address our clients’ specific requirements, ensuring they benefit from the best possible solution at the right price.
What advice would you offer to engineering professionals considering moving to support the energy transition?
Always seek opportunities to innovate! This applies both to the technology you work with and to your personal development. By staying ahead of technological trends, you can maximize your ability to make meaningful contributions.
The growing interest in renewable technology is opening up numerous opportunities for innovation. If you have the drive and desire to contribute effectively, you will thrive in this dynamic field.
