For National Drive Electric WeekThe Electric Circuit will commission four new fast-charge stations in as many regions in Québec

To mark National Drive Electric Week, the Electric Circuit, with the financial support of Nissan Canada, will be adding one new fast-charge station in each of the following regions: Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Outaouais, Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas St-Laurent. These four new stations, which bring the total number of fast-charge stations in operation to 18, are part of the large-scale rollout of fast-charge sites announced in early 2015 to promote electric vehicle travel throughout Québec.

Many reasons to drive electric
The Electric Circuit would like to emphasize the financial and environmental benefits of driving electric vehicles (EVs). In particular, EVs fueled by hydropower are among the greenest in the world and Québec has abundant access to this renewable energy source.

Ongoing savings
Although the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle is higher than that of a gasoline-powered car, it’s important to consider the government subsidy offered for EVs and how long the cars last.

In terms of operating costs, EVs are 4 to 6 times more affordable than traditional cars thanks to their low maintenance fees and the much lower price of electricity compared with gas. Covering 20,000 km over a year with an electric vehicle will lead to savings in fuel and maintenance costs ranging from $1,500 to $2,000, or nearly $10,000 over 5 years.

A collective resource
Transportation electrification is a forward-looking solution for the environment and the Québec economy. By replacing oil with a clean, renewable energy generated in Québec, we’re improving our environmental footprint while reinvesting in our economy.

A sustainable, logical solution
Electric vehicles are up to 3 times more efficient than gasoline-powered cars; 95% of the energy consumed by the motor is used to propel the car, whereas in traditional cars that number is only 35%.

Replacing one million gasoline-powered vehicles in Québec (25% of the current fleet) with electric vehicles would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.4 million tons annually.

Fast and accessible charging
Electric vehicles can be charged anywhere electricity and a 120-V plug are available. The major revolution with electric vehicles is that the home becomes the charging station. About 90% of EV charging takes place at home, overnight. The next morning, the EV is fully-charged!

About the Electric Circuit
The Electric Circuit is the largest public charging network in Québec. It is a major initiative in the implementation of the infrastructure required to support the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Québec. The network comprises over 470 public charging stations operating across 16 Québec regions. Since its launch in March 2012, 112 private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit, and the network now has over 5,000 members.

Electric Circuit users have access to a 24/7 telephone help line run by CAA-Québec, as well as a charging-station locator service. The Electric Circuit Web site theelectriccircuit.com and the mobile app for iOS and Android are updated as new stations are commissioned. The Electric Circuit card also allows users to access VERnetwork’s 150 Québec charging stations.

For information:

Louis-Olivier Batty
Hydro-Québec, for the Electric Circuit
514 289-4214
batty.louis-olivier@hydro.qc.ca