The Electric Circuit at Québec City Auto Show to Expand Service in Region

MONTREAL, March 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - On the occasion of the Salon de l'auto de Québec, being held March 5 to 10 at the Centre de foires de Québec, the Electric Circuit will make its presence felt by telling visitors about the advantages of electric vehicles (EVs). Representatives will meet with area business and institutional leaders to encourage them to join the current partners.

"We're in the midst of a major shift that is going to totally change the way we fuel our cars. Several automakers at the show are presenting cars that run on clean electricity. Drivers are very interested," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Hydro-Québec's Senior Director - Strategic Planning, on behalf of the Electric Circuit's founding partners. "Companies in the region will find that the opportunity to join the Electric Circuit is more than worthwhile."

With a view to increase its presence in the region, the Electric Circuit has lined up some 40 meetings at the auto show with number of potential partners, all leaders in their fields. "The Electric Circuit must continue to expand to serve more EV drivers so they can travel throughout Québec," added Mr. Desgagné. "We have targeted the Québec area from the outset and it remains essential for the future."

Almost 12 months after its official launch, the Electric Circuit has 8 partners and 28 charging stations in the greater Québec area, so EV drivers can travel worry-free. The current partners are several RONA hardware stores, Metro grocery stores, St-Hubert Restaurants (charging stations are available in the parking lots of many establishments affiliated to these three partners), Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, CAA-Québec, First Capital, SÉPAQ and Discount Car & Truck Rentals. Almost 60% of electric vehicle drivers now have an Electric Circuit card for use as needed.

Discover Electric Circuit charging stations at the Québec City Auto Show
The Electric Circuit is inviting individuals and businesses to drop by its kiosk in the ÉcoZone to learn more about the advantages of public charging for EVs. Visitors to the auto show will also have a chance to test drive plug-in electric and hybrid cars. This activity is being organized by CAA-Québec, in partnership with the Gouvernement du Québec and the Electric Circuit. Visitors will be able to try out one of the eight models on exhibit: Ford Focus Electric, Ford C-MAX Energi, Ford Fusion Energi hybrid, Smart Fortwo electric drive, Chevrolet Volt, Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Nissan Leaf.

The Electric Circuit
The Electric Circuit is a major milestone in the development of the charging infrastructure needed to support the arrival of plug-in electric vehicles in Québec.

The Electric Circuit offers nearly one hundred fifty 240-V 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 Québec. Since its launch on March 30, 2012, 23 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 several regions of Québec.

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. Electric Circuit users also 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, www.theelectriccircuit.com, is updated as new stations are installed or commissioned.

SOURCE: Electric Circuit

For further information:

Nathalie Vachon
Hydro-Québec, for the Electric Circuit
514 289-2441
[e-mail]