Canada Invests in the Country's Largest Public Electric Vehicle Network in Quebec

MONTREAL, Jan. 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Electric and alternative fuel vehicles play a key role in reducing pollution. As Canadians continue to make greener choices, the Government of Canada is delivering more options for them to drive where they need to go while reducing pollution.

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced a $5-million investment to build 100 electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers across Quebec.

Built by Hydro-Québec with funding from through Natural Resources Canada's Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI) these chargers will be part of Hydro-Québec's Electric Circuit ? the largest public charging network for electric vehicles in Canada.

The EVAFIDI program is also part of the Government of Canada's $180+ billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

The fast-charging infrastructure will span major highways from Abitibi to Côte-Nord.

Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians made it clear electric vehicles are a necessity for Canada's low-carbon future. The Government of Canada continues to support green infrastructure projects that will create good jobs, advance Canada's green future and help us reach our domestic and international climate targets.

Quick Facts 

• Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, the Government of Canada is investing $182.5M to support the establishment of a coast-to-coast charging network for electric vehicles, natural gas stations along key freight corridors and stations for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in metropolitan centres. This investment also includes support for the demonstration of next-generation charging technologies, as well as the development of binational (Canada and the United States) codes and standards for low-carbon vehicles and infrastructure.
• Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Quotes

"Investments in green infrastructure will make it easier for Canadians to travel in a faster and cleaner way. By working with Hydro-Québec, the Government is building the largest electric circuit in Canada to make sure Canadians can access clean and affordable solutions. Getting more electric vehicles on our roads will reduce pollution and create good, middle-class jobs."

Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"With the support of our private, institutional and governmental partners, we can deploy an increasing number of chargers for electric vehicle drivers. The electrification of transportation in Quebec benefits everyone: individuals, since using electricity for driving is five times cheaper than using gas and, collectively, since we are using clean and renewable energy to drive where we need to go."

Éric Martel
Chief executive officer, Hydro-Québec

Related Links

• EVAFIDI Successful Applicants 
• Go Green With Electric Vehicles 
• Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations
• Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada