Desjardins is installing 200 electric vehicle charging stations in partnership with Hydro-Québec

LÉVIS, QC, March 20, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Group has announced the installation of 200 charging stations for electric vehicles in its network of Desjardins caisses. In partnership with Hydro-Québec, Desjardins is making a significant contribution to the development of electric transportation in Quebec and Ontario.

"Desjardins Group is determined to tackle the issue of climate change head on. By adding 200 charging stations, we're helping the transition to clean energy and the socioeconomic development of communities in a very practical way. Our caisses are mobilizing to provide widespread access to charging stations for electric vehicle users travelling in Quebec and Ontario," said Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group. "Collaborations like the one between Desjardins and Hydro-Québec are a constructive way to address major collective challenges like climate change."

The partnership builds on Hydro-Québec's public charging network—the Electric Circuit—and highlights Quebec's expertise in the move to electric transportation. Even the technology behind the charging stations was designed by a Quebec company. For nearly six years, the Electric Circuit has been expanding across Quebec, growing constantly to meet the increasing needs of current and future electric vehicle drivers. By joining this partnership, Desjardins is creating the conditions to achieve our goal of making a real contribution to a sustainable, responsible economy. 

"This partnership with Desjardins Group will help us take a big leap forward and send a clear message to anyone thinking of buying an electric vehicle: the public charging infrastructure is on the way. An electric vehicle is now a realistic option," said Éric Martel, CEO of Hydro-Québec.

The 200 charging stations will be installed across Quebec and eastern Ontario by 2021, mainly on caisse properties. There will be stations:

• from Chapais in Nord-du-Québec to Havre-St-Pierre on the Côte-Nord
• From Windsor, Ontario to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine

The arrival of these 200 stations will enhance the Electric Circuit network with over 100 new standard 240-volt stations and 60 quick charge 400-volt stations. In the coming months, we'll clarify where these two types of charging stations will be installed as the deployment plan is developed.

This is one more step in the transition to a low-carbon economy. If we want the energy transition to succeed, it must be a collective effort. If we work together we can make it happen.

To see our strategy to combat climate change, visit https://blogues.desjardins.com/press_release/2017/12/desjardins.php

About Desjardins Group

Desjardins Group is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada and the fifth largest in the world, with assets of $275.1 billion. It has been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. To meet the diverse needs of its members and clients, Desjardins offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses through its extensive distribution network, online platforms and subsidiaries across Canada. Ranked among the world's strongest banks according to The Banker magazine, Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

About the Electric Circuit

The Electric Circuit is the largest public charging network in Québec. It comprises over 1,370 public charging stations, including about 100 fast-charge stations, operating across 16 Québec regions. Since its launch, some 265 private and institutional partners have joined the Electric Circuit, and the network now has over 20,000 members. 

Electric Circuit users have access to a 24/7 telephone help line run by CAA-Québec, as well as a charging-station locator service. The Electric Circuit Web site, theelectriccircuit.com , and the mobile app for iOS  and Android are updated as new stations are commissioned. The Electric Circuit card also allows users to access the FLO and eCharge networks (in New Brunswick).

SOURCE Desjardins Group

For further information: (media inquiries only): Chantal Corbeil, Public Relations, Desjardins Group, 514-281-7229 or 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7229, [email protected]; Louis-Olivier Batty, Public Affairs and Media, Hydro-Québec, 514-289-4214, www.hydroquebec.com