MONTREAL, QUEBEC — (Marketwired) — 04/08/13 — The Electric Circuit and WWF-Canada are pleased to announce a new partnership to support the development of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) both in and outside of Quebec. Growing charging infrastructure will help promote more widespread transportation electrification and add appeal for fleet managers.
“The partnership between the Electric Circuit and WWF-Canada represents interesting expansion potential for public charging,” said Pierre-Luc Desgagne, Senior Director – Strategic Planning at Hydro-Quebec, on behalf of the Electric Circuit. “We hope to both continue to sustain the public–s interest in this type of electric transportation and increase the availability of a charging service between different jurisdictions. This partnership is in line with that strategy.”
“Emissions from transportation are one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Switching from gas-powered to electric vehicles is a critical part of creating a sustainable transportation future, ” said Marie-Claude Lemieux, Quebec Director for WWF-Canada. “Ensuring that Canadian EV drivers have access to charging infrastructure is essential to this transition and we–re proud to work with the Electric Circuit, an industry leader, to help grow this network.”
WWF-Canada will encourage fleet managers and public and private partners to support public charging infrastructure. The Electric Circuit will support and promote WWF–s EV awareness and information campaigns. By pooling knowledge, networks and resources, the partners hope to help facilitate the transition to EVs.
The Electric Circuit–s innovative business model
The Electric Circuit–s business model is attracting interest from neighbouring jurisdictions. The first and leading public charging network in Quebec and Canada has rallied major home brands around the concept of publicly accessible charging facilities.
Electric Circuit users have access to a top-up service available at a uniform, and competitive price, prime parking, a 24/7 telephone help line run by CAA-Quebec, as well as a charging station locator service. Each charge costs a flat fee of $2.50, regardless of duration.
WWF-Canada–s transportation rEVolution
WWF–s goal: 600,000 EVs on Canadian roads and one in every ten cars sold to be electric by 2020.
To reach this goal, WWF is promoting government support for charging stations and EV purchase incentives, encouraging industry commitments to EVs, raising public awareness and developing opportunities for consumer experience.
The Electric Circuit
The Electric Circuit is a major initiative in the rollout of charging infrastructure needed to support the arrival of plug-in electric vehicles in Quebec.
The Electric Circuit offers nearly one hundred fifty 240-volt charging stations in parking lots of the AMT, as well as those of many RONA hardware stores, Metro grocery stores and St-Hubert Restaurants throughout Quebec. Since its launch on March 30, 2012, 24 private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit. It will continue to expand in order to offer the greatest geographical coverage and serve the largest number of electric vehicles (EV) drivers in many Quebec regions. While EV owners do most of their charging at home and at work, drivers can travel worry-free, knowing they can top up their batteries on the road if they need to. The Electric Circuit Web site, , is updated as new stations are installed or commissioned.
About WWF
WWF is creating solutions to the most serious conservation challenges facing our planet, helping people and nature thrive.
Contacts:
Hydro-Quebec for the Electric Circuit
Nathalie Vachon
514 289-2441
WWF-Canada
Marie-Claude Lemieux
Director, Quebec
514 260-6233
WWF-Canada
Riannon John
Communications Specialist
416 347-1894