Quebec’s public utility, Hydro-Quebec, has announced that they will be deploying approximately 1,600 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the province under their public charging network, The Electric Circuit, over the next 10 years.
Following the unanimous adoption of Bill 184 back in June 2018 by the National Assembly promoting the establishment of a public fast-charging service, Hydro-Quebec was quick to use the revenue from the increase in electricity sales to fund their new installation project. Currently, 22 electric vehicle charging stations have already been deployed and about 100 are expected to be deployed before the end of the year.
The roll-out of the charging stations will reportedly depend on the cooperation between Hydro-Quebec’s partners Desjardins, Le Groupe Crevier, Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert and Metro, and the Ministère des Transports du Quebec, as they will be responsible for providing space for all future chargers.
France Lampron, Director – Transportation Electrification at Hydro-Quebec, commented on the recent announcement, stating:
“To ensure the success of transportation electrification efforts in Quebec, it was essential that we speed up the development of our fast-charge network. We want to meet the needs of electric vehicle drivers requesting more fast-charge stations and reassure future electric vehicle drivers with regard to the availability of our network.”
Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, also stated:
“Supporting Hydro-Quebec in expanding the electrification of transportation networks in Quebec is essential to accelerate our efforts toward a clean future. Hydro-Quebec is an important partner that will lead us to a low-carbon future and help us build a clean energy economy, allowing us to make smart transportation choices while creating good and sustainable jobs in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.”
Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, added:
“Investments in green infrastructure will make it easier for Canadians to travel in a faster and cleaner way. By working with Hydro-Quebec, 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.”
In addition to launching 1,600 chargers throughout Quebec over the next 10 years, Hydro-Quebec intends to develop new technologies that will simplify the installation of fast-charge stations as well.
Source: Hydro-Quebec
