Hydro-Québec and Plug'nDrive Ontario work towards implementing a Québec-Ontario public charging infrastructure

MONTREAL, Sept. 14, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec and Plug'nDrive Ontario are pleased to announce a joint working group to plan the roll-out of an electric vehicle (EV) public charging infrastructure between Québec and Ontario, to offer cross-border charging stations.

Hydro-Québec and Plug'nDrive Ontario believe that the rollout of a public charging infrastructure is needed to support the arrival of plug-in electric vehicles. Québec and Ontario drivers need to benefit from a public charging service with quick and simple payment. That's the objective Plug'nDrive and Hydro-Québec will pursue. A public charging network, inspired by the business model of The Electric Circuit, a network of public charging stations already in operation in Québec, could be launched.

The working group will identify the first areas to be served, find potential private or public partners and assess the obstacles to an infrastructure roll-out in a territory with such a large number of jurisdictions.

"Although most EV drivers will charge at home and at night, maximizing the environmental and economic benefits of EVs, expanding public charging infrastructure is crucial to their widespread adoption" said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug'nDrive. "This project will not only provide an infrastructure link  between Ontario and Quebec, but establish a business model upon which future public charging networks in other jurisdictions can be based."

"We are always on the lookout for new partners. This allows us to develop a more diversified service offer to benefit drivers of plug-in electric vehicles." said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director - Strategic Planning at Hydro-Québec. "To allow these drivers to travel more easily between Québec and Ontario, we must find solutions quickly."

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/index.html.

About Plug'nDrive
Plug'nDrive is a non-profit organization promoting the adoption of electric vehicles for their environmental and economic benefits. Plug'nDrive has focused on educating consumers and business about the advantages of driving electric since 2008. More recently, Plug'nDrive 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 CEO
Plug'nDrive
416-606-9326
[email protected]