Electricity is playing an increasingly important role in all forms of transportation. And
Hydro-Québec has what it takes to assist in this transition: clean, renewable energy; a
reliable grid; recognized expertise; and promising technologies.
Driving an electric vehicle means experiencing a whole new way of filling up. At
home, you simply plug in your vehicle in the evening so that it is completely
charged the next morning. The same goes for when you plug it in when you get to
work: you head home at the end of the day with a full charge.
This means that over 90% of charging needs are met at home and at work.
For more occasional needs – for instance, running errands on the weekend or
taking longer drives – the Electric Circuit has launched a public charging
service.
All of this means that Hydro-Québec supplies clean energy to run clean cars.
Electric vehicles are mostly charged at home and at work, but while on the road,
they can also be topped up as needed at public charging stations.
Charging
time by power source
For an annual distance travelled of 20,000 km, “filling up” an electric
vehicle will cost $1,000 to $2,000 less than a conventional vehicle.
Calculate
potential savings
The Electric Circuit, the first network of public charging stations in Québec and
Canada, was the brainchild of Hydro-Québec. Launched in spring 2012, the network
is the result of a partnership with RONA, Les Rôtisseries St-Hubert, METRO and
exo (formerly the Agence métropolitaine de transport [AMT]). Many other
organizations have since come on board, helping expand the network across the
province by equipping their parking lots with Level 2 and fast-charge stations.
EV drivers can travel worry free, knowing that they can top up their batteries at
readily-accessible and easy-to-use Electric Circuit stations.
For more
information on The Electric Circuit
All plug-in electric vehicles sold in Québec since 2011 are equipped with a
socket compatible with Level 2 charging stations. Today, every new all-electric
vehicle comes with a socket that’s compatible with fast-charge stations.
To charge your vehicle at a charging station operated by the Electric Circuit or
one of its partners, you just need to become a member, deposit funds into your
account, then pay for your charge using the Electric Circuit card or mobile app.
Join
the Electric Circuit and order a card
Even if you’re not a member, you can charge your vehicle at stations run by the
Electric Circuit and its partners using the Electric Circuit mobile app.
For
more information about charging rates
A number of North American and European companies sell EV charging stations.
Hydro-Québec tested various models for the Electric Circuit as part of a call
for tenders. A number of these models are currently in use in the network.
Electric
Circuit charging station suppliers
In 2020, the Electric Circuit is setting up test benches to test a range of
charging stations (25 kW, 100 kW, 125 kW, 160 kW and 350 kW).
Hydro-Québec employs various means to reduce the energy consumption of its
vehicle fleet, including using a growing number of hybrid and electric vehicles.
