A new phase for the partnership - Hydro-Québec and Plug'n Drive are working towards implementing the first public charging infrastructure in the Ottawa-Gatineau region

MONTREAL, Oct. 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec and Plug'n Drive are pleased to announce another step towards implementing an electric vehicle (EV) public charging infrastructure between Québec and Ontario, with the upcoming roll-out in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. This initiative aims to simplify public charging on both sides of the Ottawa River.

Both organizations are working to fine-tune the project structure and identify stakeholders. Any companies and organizations interested in being a part of this initiative should express their interest and reserve their spot.

The rollout of public charging infrastructure is needed to support and accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. Québec and Ontario drivers need a standardized public charging service with quick and simple payment. That's the objective Plug'n Drive and Hydro-Québec are pursuing. The solution could be a public charging network inspired by the business model of The Electric Circuit, already in operation in Québec.

"We are very pleased with this first step," said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug'n Drive. "It will allow us to provide a charging service that can be a model for the rest of Ontario and potentially across Canada."

"The Ottawa-Gatineau region is a natural start for Québec-Ontario cooperation," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Hydro-Québec's Senior Director - Strategic Planning. "Bolstered by the experience we gained with The Electric Circuit's business model, we hope to offer a promising solution for electric transportation."

About Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular large hydro, and supports the development of other technologies. Hydro-Québec's Action Plan for transportation electrification has four main objectives. With its partners, Hydro-Québec launched The Electric Circuit, Canada's first public charging network. The company has been conducting research on batteries for over 30 years, including work on advanced materials, particularly molten salts, lithium iron phosphate and nanotitanates. It is helping to develop safe, high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
For more information: www.hydroquebec.com/transportation-electrification.

About Plug'n Drive
Plug'n Drive is a non-profit organization promoting the adoption of electric vehicles for their environmental and economic benefits. Plug'n Drive has focused on educating consumers and business about the advantages of driving electric since 2008. More recently, Plug'n Drive is taking an active role in expanding charging infrastructure by assisting consumers and businesses to find, purchase and install EV chargers at home and commercial locations.
For more information: www.plugndrive.ca.

SOURCE: HYDRO-QUEBEC

Mathieu Rouy
Media and Public Affairs
Hydro-Québec
514 289-2311
[email protected]

Cara Clairman
President and Chief Executive Officer
Plug'nDrive
416 606-9326
[email protected]