Quebec to expands electric transport program with $420 million over 5 years

announced today its new plan to accelerate the electrification of transport in the province. The Liberal government says it plans to spend $420 million in the next 5 year. The program is less generous than the previous government’s plan lead by the Parti Québécois who announced a $516 million program before being ousted during the 2014 election.The funds will finance the provincial program to offer up to $8,000 in rebates at the purchase of electric vehicles.

The new plan includes an EV infrastructure aspect. Quebec will install 785 public charging stations including 60 DC fast-charging stations in the province. They will also encourage businesses to install charging stations for employees. The government currently offer a rebate up to 75% of the cost to install charging stations for business owners.

The Quebec government also committed to introduce 1,000 electric vehicles to its own car fleet by 2020.

A large portion of the funds ($83 million) will go to public electric mass-transit projects, including Montreal’s subway and an electric transport system on the new Champlain bridge.

$30 million will go to help finance the purchase of electric school buses.

99% of electricity generation in Quebec come from renewable sources, thanks to inexpensive hydro-electricity, making the province an ideal market for electric transport. The program should go a long way in helping kick-start the industry in the province.

Picture: Renault electric Twizy decorated with the Quebec flag.