Hydro-Qubec to expand electric charging network to Ontario

Hydro-Qubec will install 22 charging stations for electric vehicles in eastern Ontario, mainly along the corridor between Ottawa and the Quebec border, the company announced on Monday.

This is the first foray outside Quebec for the utility's Electric Circuitbranch, which is building a network of charging stations for electric cars.

More than a dozen stations will be installed in Ottawa and others along Highways 401, 416, 417 and 17. Some will be also installed outside Metro and Food Basics grocery stores and St-Hubert restaurants.

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These new stations will "better meet the needs of many Quebec motorists who use the corridor and Ontario drivers who often come in Quebec," said ric Martel, CEO of Hydro-Qubec.

The $1.4-million contract awarded by the Ontario government is part of a $20-million initiative to bring the province's electric infrastructure up to speed.

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Quebec currently has 10,000 electric and rechargeable vehicles, against roughly 5,800 in Ontario.

The Ontario government will pay the costs of the installation of the terminals, while revenues will go to Electric Circuit.

Hydro-Qubec has already built more than 620 charging stations in 16 regions of Quebec, used by 7,000 customers.

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