Largest electric vehicle trial in Canada - Hydro-Québec delivers 15 i-MiEVs to Boucherville businesses

MONTREAL, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Hydro-Québec is pleased to announce that Mitsubishi i-MiEVs were delivered this morning to the Boucherville businesses selected for the second phase of the largest electric vehicle trial in Canada.

"We are delighted with the response we've received from Boucherville businesses. This second phase brings us to the very heart of the project, focusing on the needs of businesses and their employees who work in Boucherville," noted Thierry Vandal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec.

Coordinated by Hydro-Québec, the road trials are designed to study users' charging habits, driving experience and overall satisfaction as well as vehicle behavior when interfaced with the electric grid. The initiative follows the Action Plan for Electric Vehicles unveiled by the Québec government last April 7.

"I hope that drivers working for the businesses selected in the second phase will be as delighted as I am to be driving an i-MIEV! The project has not only caught the attention of Boucherville businesses, but also sparked considerable interest among citizens," declared Jean Martel, Mayor of Boucherville and spokesperson for the project's institutional users.

"Our partnership with Hydro-Québec and our joint pilot project have met with much success over the last four months," said Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada. The data collected and monthly reports have demonstrated that the i-MiEV technology is well suited to the Canadian market. "The second phase of our program will help us better understand all-electric vehicles and will give them more visibility, allowing Québecers to become more familiar with this technology."

About the i-MiEV

i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is based on the Japanese i-Car platform. It is an all-electric, highway-capable, charge-at-home commuter car with zero tailpipe emissions. Capable of traveling 120 km on a single charge, Mitsubishi's i-MiEV can be recharged in 6 hours using a 240-volt outlet or 13 hours using a 120-volt outlet. Alternatively, it will be possible to replenish 80% of the battery in 30 minutes using a quick-charge station.

About Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. It also conducts R&D in energy-related fields, such as energy efficiency. For more information on Hydro-Québec, please visit www.hydroquebec.com. For details on its electric transportation projects, visit www.hydroquebec.com/transportation-electrification.

Appendix

Largest electric vehicle trial in Canada

The second phase of the program will allow the trial of 15 electric vehicles by the following 13 Boucherville businesses, all selected through a request for proposals launched earlier this year:

• Danone Inc. (2 vehicles)
• La Rôtisserie St-Hubert de Boucherville (2 vehicles)
• Association des gens d'affaires de Boucherville
• Les Autobus Boucherville Inc.
• Caisse Desjardins de Boucherville
• Elka Suspension
• Les Fleurs de l'Artiste florist
• The Grand défi Pierre Lavoie
• Canam Group
• Universal Promotions
• RONA Inc.
• TM4
• Uni-Select Inc.

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SOURCE HYDRO-QUEBEC