Reasonably priced travel within Québec - Close to 300 Electric Circuit charging stations serving electric vehicle drivers

MONTRÉAL, July 16, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - As we approach the height of vacation season, the Electric Circuit salutes its users who plan to take to Québec roads in their electric vehicles this summer. In addition to helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by opting for a clean and sustainable transportation method, drivers will benefit from a flat rate at public charging stations, which means significant savings for them.

"Using an electric vehicle to travel during the summer holidays is an ideal, cost-effective option for discovering Québec's regions and the activities offered by our partners," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Vice President – Public and Government Affairs at Hydro-Québec, on behalf of the Electric Circuit partners. "We know that vehicles are generally recharged at home, but it is during vacations or trips to other regions that the Electric Circuit is particularly relevant."

It costs about eight times more to run a conventional compact sedan than to drive a vehicle that runs on electricity. Electric vehicle owners spend about $300 per year to travel approximately 20,000 km, which represents annual fuel savings of close to $2,000.

The public charging network allows drivers to top up their batteries on the road, if necessary, for a flat fee of $2.50, regardless of the charging duration.

Interesting and varied destinations to welcome vacationers
Close to 70 partners have joined the Electric Circuit and now offer the charging service to their customers. They include several entertainment, vacation, accommodation and leisure establishments in 14 regions in Québec. Electric vehicle drivers passing through downtown Montréal can now top up their batteries using the curbside charging stations recently installed in the Quartier international [international district] and the Quartier des spectacles [entertainment district].

"No other network in Québec is associated with such a diversified selection of interesting destinations able to accommodate vacationers who choose to drive an electric vehicle. Whether they are art enthusiasts, the outdoor type, food lovers or sports fans, Electric Circuit users can recharge their vehicle at our partners' sites while enjoying their favorite pastimes," added Mr. Desgagné.

Electric vehicle drivers who would like to know where the charging stations are located to better plan their vacations can visit the Electric Circuit Web site, theelectriccircuit.com, or download the Electric Circuit mobile application for iOS or Android. The site and the application are updated as new stations are installed.

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

The network comprises a fast-charge (400-V) 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, 68 private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit. It will continue 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.  

 

SOURCE: Electric Circuit

Nathalie Vachon, Hydro-Québec, for the Electric Circuit, 514 289-2441, [email protected]