Mitsubishi and Hydro-Quebec partner for electric vehicle project

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced an unprecedented collaboration by its Canadian unit Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) and Hydro-Quebec that will put up to 50 zero-emission all-electric i-MiEV passenger cars on the streets of the City of Boucherville, an independent municipality and a suburb of Montreal, in the largest Canadian project ever fielded to integrate, test, and evaluate all-electric vehicles on urban streets under real-world conditions.

Announced also at the Montreal International Auto Show, the pilot program will expose fleet drivers from Boucherville, Hydro Quebec, and other approved companies to the Mitsubishi i-MiEV all electric city car, in both fall and winter urban conditions.

“We are very proud to be leading the way to a greener and more sustainable future by developing environment-friendly vehicles, fuelled by clean, renewable energy,” said Koji Soga, president and CEO of MMSCAN. “Mitsubishi Motors is a leader in electric car development and the i-MiEV represents the pinnacle of our green technologies. In the same sense, Hydro-Quebec and the City of Boucherville are demonstrating their environmental leadership by participating in this unique initiative.”

Hydro-Quebec President and CEO Thierry Vandal said that the project is a vital element in the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “Hydro-Quebec is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by playing a key role in the electrification of transportation. This trial is designed to study the vehicles' charging behaviour, driving experience as well as overall driver satisfaction. It will also allow Hydro-Quebec to evaluate the challenges involved in integrating electric vehicles into its grid.”

“This is a truly exciting project for the City of Boucherville,” said Boucherville Mayor Jean Martel. “We look forward to participating alongside our leading local businesses to help Hydro-Quebec and Mitsubishi gather meaningful data.”