Hydro-Québec set to launch network of public charging stations

[CigaR007]

Electric Circuit

The Electric Circuit: Canada's first public charging network for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) will be launched in Québec.

On June 16, Hydro-Québec and its partners—Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert, RONA, METRO, the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT), and Hydro Québec—announced the creation of Canada's first public charging network for electric vehicles.

The first electric vehicles are already on the roads and they need a plug-in charging infrastructure to support their deployment. While the vast majority of recharging will be done at home and at work, a public charging network is essential to meet drivers' backup or emergency needs.

Starting in spring 2012, The Electric Circuit partners will be offering an accessible, easy-to-use public charging service. The charging stations, supplied with Hydro-Québec's clean, renewable energy, will be available in a number of parking lots of the Electric Circuit's founding partners: Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert, RONA, METRO and the AMT.

Initially, the Electric Circuit will consist of a hundred and twenty 240-V charging stations. Quick-charge stations will also be introduced in 2012.

The network of charging stations will be rolled out gradually, as more electric vehicles arrive on the Québec market. The metropolitan areas of Montréal and Québec will be the starting points for the public charging network.


The network will also feature 400-V Quick charge later this year. I believe this initiative is the right thing to do, as it will help extinguish the range anxiety some people might have.

The fee seems to be a flat rate of $2.50, independent of charging time. You pay via a prepaid card. Good news, if you ask me.

What do you guys think ?

[A.J.]

Great news!

Now I just have to save up around 30000$ and get a LEAF.