According to the MOU, all the parties will work together to plan the necessary charging infrastructure and to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles in Quebec.
Nathalie Normandeau, minister of Natural Resources, said: “This agreement brings us a step closer to a governmental action plan on electric vehicles, which will be launched within the next few months.
“We are planning a series of concrete actions that will pave the way for the arrival of electric vehicles in Quebec. Since 97% of our electricity comes from clean, renewable resources, Quebec presents a number of advantages for the introduction of electric vehicles.”
Thierry Vandal, president and CEO of Hydro-Quebec, said: “Today’s announcement falls perfectly in line with our Strategic Plan 2009–2013 and other initiatives currently underway at Hydro-Quebec. This memorandum of understanding will allow us to work closely with these important partners to carefully plan for the arrival of electric vehicles in Quebec.”
Mark Grimm, president of Nissan Canada, said: “We look forward to bringing the Nissan LEAF, the only mass-market zero-emission car at an affordable price, to Quebec. Our partners have already demonstrated their commitment to combating greenhouse gas emissions and we anticipate a productive collaboration.”
Alan DeSousa, vice-president of the Executive Committee and responsible for finance, sustainable development, environment and parks, said: “The MOU meets the objectives of Montreal’s Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development. It will raise our city’s profile in North America with regard to electric vehicles and will help us reach our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020.”
Regis Labeaume, mayor of Quebec City, said: “This partnership is in line with Quebec City’s ongoing efforts to develop sustainable transportation. The implementation of the Ecolobus service, a fleet of non-polluting, ultra-quiet electric minibuses that travel the streets of Vieux-Quebec, is a great success that contributes to maintaining the quality of the capital’s environment.”
The Renault-Nissan Alliance was formed in 1999 to advance the zero-emission mobility globally, and Nissan Canada is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor and Nissan North America, while Hydro-Quebec generates, transmits and distributes electricity.
