Electric vehicules at the Auto Show Auto Show: Hydro-Québec answers visitors' questions

The Electric Circuit kiosk at the Auto Show.

Which models of electric vehicles are currently on the market?
First, we need to distinguish between all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and extended range electric vehicles. All-electric vehicles have one battery-powered electric motor. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Which engine is required at any given time is based on what the car is being used for.

Extended range electric vehicles only have an electric motor but they have a combustion generator that supplies electricity to the motor when the battery is running low. The term "plug-in electric vehicle" (PEV) refers to these three types of technology.
The following PEV models are available on the market in 2013:

• the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
• the Nissan Leaf
• the Mitsubishi i-MiEV
• the Chevrolet Volt
• the plug-in Toyota Prius
• the Tesla Model S
• the Fisker Karma
• the Ford Focus Electric
• the Ford C-MAX Energi
• the Ford Fusion hybrid

What is the driving range of electric vehicles?
The driving range of all-electric vehicles varies based on the model. For instance, the manufacturer of the Nissan Leaf's battery indicates a driving range of up to 160 km. Given that Quebecers drive on average 45 km per day, this type of vehicle is perfectly adequate for travel in urban and peripheral areas.

The operating range of extended- range electric vehicle batteries is shorter, i.e. up to 80 km for the Chevrolet Volt, but the gasoline-powered generator extends the vehicle’s range by 500 km. With this type of electric vehicle, drivers can use electricity for most of their daily traveling as well as for longer journeys. An electric, or partially electric, solution exists for any type of travel.

What is the price of an electric vehicle charging station that is installed at home?
Basic 240-V charging stations that can be installed at the driver's home are available from $800. Of that amount, drivers will receive a tax refund for 50% of the price of the charging station, up to $1000. The government also provides financial incentives of up to $8,000 for an all-electric vehicle. For more information, visit the Québec government's vehiculeselectriques.gouv.qc.ca site.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home?
The exact cost of recharging an electric vehicle at home varies from one model to another based on the size of the battery. Remember that driving on electricity is approximately nine times cheaper than using gasoline, given that Quebecers enjoy electricity rates among the lowest in North America.

How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle on The Electric Circuit public charging network?
It costs $2.50 to charge an electric vehicle at an Electric Circuit station, regardless of charging duration. Companies that decide to offer this service to their customers must acquire more robust charging stations than those reserved for home use. In addition, they must be safely installed in a public parking lot. Electric Circuit charging stations are equipped with an electronic payment system. The Circuit's member companies must incur data and cell phone fees, in addition to paying the full cost of the electricity used.
In addition to the charging stations, the following services are also available:

• a 24/7 telephone help line run by CAA-Québec
• a charging station locator service
• the lecircuitelectrique.com Web site, where users can manage their accounts

All of the above services are provided for a flat fee of $2.50. This straightforward method is designed to provide an accessible public charging service used in addition to residential charging.

Are fast-charge stations available?
Hydro-Québec is currently assessing the potential of fast chargers, which are being tested in real-world conditions as part of a demonstration project carried out in Boucherville. The deployment of fast chargers in Québec will depend on the results of the trials, which will run until the end of the 2012-2013 winter season, as well as on market needs and the purchase price and installation cost of such chargers.