The Electric Circuit is expanding

MONTREAL - To meet the future demand for public charging stations within the scope of The Electric Circuit, Hydro-Québec will coordinate a second open call for tenders by the end of the year. The Electric Circuit, launched in March 2012, already has some twenty members.

In summer 2011, the initial public call for tenders was meant to supply the first Electric Circuit charging stations. The upcoming call will meet the need for charging stations in 2013. Submissions will be evaluated based on a number of criteria and requirements, including price, quality of the technology, user-friendliness, after-sales service and Québec content. Charging stations must be certified for use in Canada. If needed, they will be tested in an environmental chamber at Hydro-Québec's research institute to make sure they can withstand the rigors of Québec's climate. The decision and the chosen supplier will be made public by spring 2013.

"We are very pleased with the popularity The Electric Circuit has seen since its inception," said Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Senior Director - Strategic Planning at Hydro-Québec. "We had initially planned to deploy 120 stations by the end of 2012, but now we are up to 150. Interest in The Electric Circuit continues to grow, and we are happy with the Circuit's progress."

About The Electric Circuit

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

Almost a hundred 240-volt Electric Circuit stations are already available in parking lots of the AMT, as well as those of many RONA hardware stores, Metro grocery stores and St-Hubert Restaurants. Since its launch on March 30, 2012, 16 private and institutional partners have joined The Electric Circuit's five founding members. More than 150 charging stations will be available in Québec by the end of 2012. This expansion will continue to cover a greater geographical area and serve more and more EV drivers in many regions of Québec.

EV owners do most of their recharging at home and at work, but 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. Of course, The Electric Circuit Web site, www.theelectriccircuit.com, is updated as new stations are installed or commissioned.