A new Electric Circuit public charging station - Collège Montmorency contributes to sustainable transportation

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 8, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Electric Circuit is pleased to announce a partnership with Collège Montmorency for the installation of a first public charging station for electric vehicles. The charging station is now available in the parking lot of the Collège, on the western side of the building, just south of the football field, and can be reached via Boulevard de l'Avenir or Boulevard du Souvenir.

"By offering a charging station for electric vehicles to our college community and Laval residents who visit our establishment or the André-Mathieu theatre, we hope to raise awareness so that our young and not-so-young visitors favor the environmentally friendly alternative, the electric car. We encourage the use of electric vehicles, public and active (cycling and walking) transportation, as well as carpooling," said Hervé Pilon, General Manager of Collège Montmorency.

"Having access to a charging station on campus is very practical, especially in winter when energy consumption is at its highest," said Sylvain Hamiaux, an electrical vehicle owner who recently returned to studies in architectural technology. "Despite the purchase price of an electric vehicle, I calculate it is a more economical choice than buying a cheaper, gas-guzzling used vehicle. I save 25% on my transportation costs every day!"

"We are delighted with our partnership with Collège Montmorency, a Cégep Vert du Québec certified establishment," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Vice President – Public and Government Affairs at Hydro-Québec. "This new agreement fits in perfectly with the Electric Circuit's development objectives. We are pleased that our network now has over 70 private and institutional partners."

The Electric Circuit
The Electric Circuit is the largest public charging network in Québec. It is a major initiative in providing the charging infrastructure required to support the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles in Québec.

The network comprises a 400-V fast-charge station and close to 300 Level 2 (240 V) charging stations in parking lots of the AMT, RONA stores, Metro grocery stores and St-Hubert restaurants throughout Québec. Since its launch in March 2012, 71 private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit. It continues to expand in order to offer greater geographical coverage and serve more EV drivers in many regions of Québec.

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 mobile application for iOS and Android are updated as new stations are installed or commissioned.

Sustainable development at Collège Montmorency
With regards to sustainable development, Collège Montmorency obtained a Cégep Vert du Québec certification in 2008. It hosted awareness and training activities, created an environmental consultation and action committee (CACE), and adopted an environmental management policy. The Collège also drafted an environmental summary and action plan, and set up a dedicated fund. Since June 2011, Collège Montmorency has held the highest level of the Cégep Vert du Québec certification. Sustainable development is part of the 2014-2020 strategic plan.

Dedicated to the success of all of its students, Collège Montmorency is a public, French-speaking higher-education institution. It trains competent, engaged and open-minded citizens. It welcomes over 7,100 students on a regular basis and is located in front of Montmorency métro station, at the heart of Laval's Cité du savoir.

Location of the 11 charging stations now in service in Laval

240-V charging stations
Laval
Collège Montmorency – 475, boul. de l'Avenir (1 charging station)
Metro grocery store – 1100, boul. de l'Avenir (2 charging stations)
AMT train station – 1250 avenue Léo-Lacombe (2 charging stations)
Réno-Dépôt store – 1505, boul. le Corbusier (2 charging stations)
St-Hubert restaurant – 3325, boul. Saint-Marin Ouest (1 charging station)
St-Hubert restaurant – 1111, boul. des Laurentides (1 charging station)
AMT parking lot, Cartier terminal – 40, boul. des Laurentides (2 charging stations)

SOURCE: Electric Circuit

Louis-Olivier Batty, Hydro-Québec, for the Electric Circuit, 514 289-4214, [email protected]; Johanne Morissette, Communications Director, Collège Montmorency, [email protected], 450 975-6101; Myriam Broué, Advisor for student life and responsible for sustainable development, Collège Montmorency, 450 975-6100, extension 6461, [email protected]