Unveiling of the first Electric Circuit charging station in the city of DrummondvilleElectric vehicle drivers can soon fill-up on clear energy in Drummondville

The founding partners of the Electric Circuit—Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert, RONA, METRO, the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) and Hydro-Québec—are pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with the city of Drummondville for the installation of public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). The city becomes the 38^th partner of the largest public charging network in Québec.

A first charging station was unveiled today at the downtown train station parking lot, located on Rue Lindsay, and will be operational in July. A second Electric Circuit charging station was installed in the parking lot on Rue Hériot and a third one will be at the sports complex. Additional sites are currently in discussion as the city wants to install even more charging stations in 2014.

"For Drummondville, the environment is of capital importance," highlighted Mayor Francine Ruest-Jutras. "The implementation of electric vehicle charging stations is yet another forward-looking measure taken by the city to protect the environment and improve the quality of life of its residents. Thanks to its geographic location, Drummondville will play an essential role within the Electric Circuit, spearheaded by Hydro-Québec. The first public charging network in Québec and Canada will continue to grow in the coming years. Drummondville will be able to help residents and visitors take advantage of this clean, renewable energy source from now on."

"We are delighted to welcome a major centre like Drummondville, which becomes our 38^th partner and represents a strategic location for the roll-out of our public charging network," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Vice President – Public and Government Affairs at Hydro-Québec, on behalf of the founding partners of the Electric Circuit. "With this new agreement, the Electric Circuit is taking another step towards its expansion into the heart of Québec, benefiting all electric vehicles drivers."

The Electric Circuit
The Electric Circuit is a major initiative in the rollout of charging infrastructure needed to support the arrival of plug-in vehicles in Québec.

The Electric Circuit now offers almost 160 charging stations (240 V) in parking lots of the AMT, as well as those of many RONA hardware stores, Metro grocery stores and St-Hubert restaurants throughout Québec. Since its launch in March 2012, 33 other private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit. It will continue to expand in order to provide greater geographical coverage and serve more EV drivers in several regions of Québec.

While EV owners do most of their charging at home and at work, drivers can travel worry-free, knowing they can top up their batteries on the road if they need to. Electric Circuit users also 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, www.theelectriccircuit.com, is updated as new stations are installed or commissioned.

For information:

Lucie Bergeron
Ville de Drummondville
819 478-6555
lbergeron@ville.drummondville.qc.ca

Nathalie Vachon
Hydro-Québec, for the Circuit électrique
514 289-2441
vachon.nathalie@hydro.qc.ca