QUEBEC CITY, Jan. 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Tempted by the Chevrolet Spark EV, BMW i3, Kia Soul EV or perhaps the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid? Or maybe the Nissan LEAF or Ford Focus EV pique your curiosity? These and several other electric vehicles (EVs) will be available for members of the public to test drive at the 48th annual Montreal International Auto Show, taking place from January 15 to 24 at the Palais des congrès.
Organized by CAA-Quebec in collaboration with the Quebec Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Auto Show and the Corporation des concessionnaires d'automobiles du Québec, these road tests are a way for consumers to judge the road handling, range and onboard technologies of EVs, which are available in an increasing variety of models and whose performance is consistently improving. There's nothing like a real test drive to appreciate the differences between electric models and traditional vehicles, starting with how they accelerate and their trademark whisper-quiet ride.
Technology to discover
Accompanied by CAA-Quebec experts, test drivers will set out from the Auto Show on a special 3.1-km circuit that blends highway and city driving conditions. "If drivers have further questions, we'll be there to answer to and to help them understand the technology," promises Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec's Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs.
Various levels of government involved
Pierre Arcand, Quebec's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, says: "Our government is pleased and proud to contribute to this CAA-Quebec initiative by providing financial assistance in the amount of $85,000 for the organizing of test drives of plug-in electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as well as for production of educational videos. We are more committed than ever to the electrification of transportation, as seen in our 2015–2020 Action Plan for Transportation Electrification, unveiled last October, and I am firmly convinced that this awareness project will help drive the expansion of this sector in Quebec."
Montreal, committed city
"During the 48th Montreal International Auto Show, our administration is proud to announce the establishment of 16 electric vehicle charging stations near the Palais des congrès," said Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre. "In addition, our contribution to the offering of electric vehicle test drives during the Show illustrates our support for the development of the electric network. As you are aware, Montreal wants to be known as an innovative city by embracing new technologies and transportation electrification. Our goal is to introduce 1,000 charging stations across the city by the year 2020."
Taking a test drive couldn't be simpler: all visitors have to do is sign up at the booth near the main entrance to the Auto Show, have a valid driver's licence, and be aged 25 or older. "All our visitors are invited to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and try out one of the 13 favourite models that have been chosen by EV users and friends of the Auto Show. This is just one more plus for visitors to the Show," notes Luis Pereira, Director of the Montreal International Auto Show.
Several models available
A total of 18 plug-in electric (PEV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) models will be available. The fleet will include Nissan LEAF, Ford Focus EV, Ford Fusion Energi, Ford C-Max Energi, Chevrolet Spark EV, Chevrolet Volt, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, BMW i3, BMW i3 REx, Kia Soul EV, Tesla Model S, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid models.
This marks the third time that CAA-Quebec has presented EV test drives at the Montreal and Quebec City auto shows. The program has enabled nearly 10,000 people to try out electric vehicles. The test drives are an opportunity for consumers to get acquainted with the various technical aspects of EVs and get objective information about purchase incentives as well as the ever-increasing range of available models. The activity also reminds members of the public that sustainable mobility alternatives do exist, and are constantly improving.
The Electric Circuit Powered by Hydro-Québec, the City of Montreal, AddÉnergie, Location EEKO and Porsche Prestige are also partners with CAA-Quebec in the success of the electric vehicle test drive program.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, provides all of its members with peace of mind by offering them high-quality automotive, travel, residential and insurance benefits, products and services.
SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
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CAA-Québec Montreal, Anne-Sophie Hamel, Communications Advisor and Spokesperson, 514 861-7111, ext. 5478, Cell: 514 717-4040, [email protected]; CAA-Québec Quebec City, Rébecca Salesse, Communications Advisor, 418 624-2424, ext. 6011, Cell: 418 563-4590, [email protected]; Véronique Normandin, Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, Tel.: 418 643-7295; Catherine Maurice, Presse Attaché for the Mayor of Montreal, Office of the Mayor and Executive Committee, [email protected], Cell.: 514 346-7598
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