Electric-vehicle road tests at the Quebec City International Auto Show: CAA-Quebec makes 13 cars available to the public

QUEBEC CITY, March 3, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - At the 2014 Quebec City International Auto Show, which opens tomorrow, members of the public will have the opportunity to road-test one of the 13 plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models provided by CAA-Quebec, including the Tesla Model S, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF, to name a few.

This free activity, organized in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, the Electric Circuit powered by Hydro-Québec and the International Auto Show, is back in a big way for its second year. Last year, nearly 2,000 people rode in one of the green vehicles presented by CAA-Quebec. The 2014 edition offers another unique opportunity for visitors to access comprehensive information on these types of vehicles and try them out on the road.

Nothing like a test-drive to make up one's mind
"Through the hands-on experience of driving a PEV or PHEV, people will be better able to assess the benefits of these vehicles, like the fact that ranges are improving and the charging-station network is constantly expanding," explains Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec's Assistant Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs.

The road tests will be conducted on a 5.1 km urban circuit that combines both city streets and expressways, allowing each driver to fully appreciate the overall characteristics of the vehicle. Participants will be accompanied by a resource person available to answer questions.

Eight models will be available for testing: the Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Fusion Energi, Ford Focus Electric, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan LEAF, and smart fortwo electric drive—along with the Tesla Model S. This fully electric sedan will surely turn its share of heads, as it did at the recent Montreal International Auto Show. This broad range of electric vehicle models has been assembled by CAA-Quebec with the collaboration of the automakers as well as the Fondation GDG (for the loan of the Tesla).

To be won: a six-month lease
Visitors to the CAA-Quebec stand at the show can also enter a draw for a chance to win a plug-in electric or hybrid electric vehicle leased free for six months, plus installation of a Leviton home charging station by a CAA-Quebec-approved supplier. "The winner and his or her family members will see first-hand how easy it is to use and recharge an electric vehicle, and note the significant savings in fuel costs and maintenance," Ms. Gagnon adds.

The contest is made possible thanks to the involvement of Discount Car and Truck Rentals, the Corporation des concessionnaires d'automobiles du Québec (CCAQ), the Electric Circuit, and Leviton Canada.

To learn more
CAA-Quebec reminds the public that the microsite http://electricvehicles.caa.ca provides a wealth of reference material, including a cross-Canada charging station locator map. Members wishing to learn more about electric vehicles may also call CAA-Quebec's Automotive Advisory Services at 1 888 471-2424.

About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges to its 1,260,000 members.

SOURCE: CAA-Québec

Philippe St-Pierre
Assistant Director, Research and Public Affairs
418 624-2424, ext. 2418
Cell.: 418 580-1633
[email protected]