Have a safe evening in CSL

A lovely evening patrolling Cote Saint-Luc on electric scooters. 16 years of volunteer Citizens on Patrol after more than 25 years of shifts at CSL EMS. Happy to serve!

Cul de sac for gas vehicles in Quebec, sales to end by 2035

Will your next car be an EV?

The government of Quebec today announced that gas powered vehicles will hit a dead end by 2035. In presenting the green economy plan for the province Premier Francois Legault put an end to the sale of gas powered vehicles in 2035. He also announced the building of electric tramways in larger cities and production of electric buses and trucks right here in Quebec.

Yes, it’s easy for governments to make announcements that will take place long after they are out of office. But it is less relevant if today’s announcement takes place in 5, 10 or 20 years than the fact that the wheel has been set in motion today. Quebecers, car builders and dealers have been put on notice that the much anticipated change is irrefutable and is set in motion.

My brand new 2017 Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

This is great news for Quebec, Canada and the planet. The announcement puts Quebec in line with jurisdictions around the world that have been leading in transport electrification. While Quebec has fallen short of its intended goal of 100,000 EVs by 2020 today’s announcement is a major boost to ensure that EV adoption increases dramatically.

The critics are sure to be all over this in criticizing aspects from battery production and disposal, public subsidies for wealthier car owners and more. These are valid concerns and must be addressed. However, we should remember that new technology is emerging at an extraordinary rate. Many of these concerns will be addressed through technological advances.

“When Henry Ford made cheap, reliable cars, people said, ‘Nah, what’s wrong with a horse?’ That was a huge bet he made, and it worked.”

Elon Musk

Legault said we need to be able to look our children in their eyes and say we did all we could to improve the environment. This responsibility falls upon all citizens.

Four years ago I purchased my first EV, having looked forward to that moment for more than 20 years. Quebec subsidies at that time assisted in bringing down the high costs by $8,000. The federal government has since kicked in an additional $5,000 in subsidies. These $13,000 in government subsidies indeed help narrow the gap between EVs and their gas powered equivalents. While government funding to individuals will eventually run out the increased demand will force the market price of EVs to decrease.

Will you be considering an EV for your next car? Share your comments and questions. And click on Electric Vehicles category on this blog for more commentary.

The Lion Electric Co. manufactures innovative zero emission vehicles like this city bus, right here in Quebec

40 electric buses coming to Montreal, Laval public transit networks | CBC News

Way to go Montreal Transit Corp. Electric mobility is the way to go throughout Quebec.

 

Source: 40 electric buses coming to Montreal, Laval public transit networks | CBC News

The shift to electric cars: Are we there yet?

This is an excellent piece by Rene Bruemmer in today’s Montreal Gazette. Most people don’t realize the vast benefits of going all, or partially, electric. The Quebec government grant is significant and we have the lowest hydro electric costs in North America.

It’s been two years since I switched to an EV. My Chevrolet Volt, with an average 85 KM per charge covers all of my city driving needs and most of my highway journeys to the Laurentians. Beyond that, if I was to drive to Toronto, New York or Boston, I have no range anxiety as my gas engine charges my battery extending my range well over 500 KMs.

I plug in to a regular outlet in my garage every few nights to top up my battery for literally pennies a night as I rarely need a full charge. Our Volt, which we affectionately nicknamed “Evie”, quickly moved from second vehicle status to the primary position. We doubled our expected annual mileage thereby speeding up our return on investment for the up front added cost.

We feel good about doing our part for the environment, love the quiet roll of the car, the instant power of the electric motor, the ease of charging and paying for cheap, home-grown, clean energy and especially rolling silently past the gas stations with their $1.40 per litre signs.

Are you there yet?

 

Source: The shift to electric cars: Are we there yet?

My brand new 2017 Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

Quebec is ripe for a surge of electric mobility

I was fortunate to have been invited to partake in the recent Movin’ On by Michelin world summit in sustainable mobility. Thousands of people gathered from over 60 countries to participate in workshops, conferences and keynote addresses. There were tests of virtually everything electric on two, three, four wheels and more. A Who’s Who of business, political leaders, social movers and shakers and keen enthusiasts from around the globe gathered in Montreal for the second annual congress.

The case for electrification is compelling, and it goes far beyond EVs.

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is just beginning and with automakers and other countries making significant commitments to phase out conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the future for EVs is bright. But electrification of transportation (e-mobility) goes well beyond passenger vehicles to include fleet vehicles (cars and trucks), mass transit buses, light rail, ships and even non-road vehicles like forklifts.

The rationale is simple: electric vehicles have lower cost of ownership than their conventionally powered peers, they emit less pollution, and they enable emerging mobility technologies and business models.

While EVs are currently in the “early adopter” phase of the product lifecycle, they hold tremendous potential.  As of 2017, EV sales in Canada have increased by 68% and there are approximately 50, 000 plug-in vehicles currently on Canadian roads.  New sales records are consistently being broken each year as the idea of green transportation gains national momentum.

100% electric motorboats on the Lachine Canal

The power grid represents the foundation for a ubiquitous “refueling” infrastructure for e-mobility, and it is capable of supporting many more vehicles than it currently does.  British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario are the three Canadian provinces with the highest number of Electric Vehicles.

Hydro- Québec calculated that it could incorporate a million EV’s into the system without having to make any big changes to the infrastructure.

Although Quebec has a goal of seeing 100,000 EVs on the road by 2020 I think they’ll fall short unless EV prices begin to drop, the price of gas shoots up or tye government increases its incentives as Ontario did last year.

100% electric police motorcycle

Meanwhile, the Quebec government could easily require all of its departments, agencies and institutions to install free charging stations as another important encouragement for employees to make the purchase.

Much discussion centred around green, smart cities and better quality of life because of sustainable mobility. The goal is to build attractive, livable, walkable, sustainable ‘villages’ with connected mobility hubs; Mixed-use communities where people love to live, work, learn, heal and play.

The Lion Electric Co. manufactures innovative zero emission vehicles like this city bus, right here in Quebec

What’s more, with massive investment by government in mass transit there should be a requirement to purchase electric buses. Additionally there are now electric options for municipal fleets from garbage trucks to pickup trucks, light duty vehicles to patrol cars. With the lowest electricity rates in North America, the time is ripe for Quebec to have a major push to electrify mobility.

What will it take for you to go electric?

Thanks to Executive Producer Nick Cogger for putting on an extraordinary show. Lookin’ forward to Movin’ On 2019.

My brand new 2017 Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

Birnbaum campaign for the new D’Arcy McGee shaping up

D’Arcy McGee Member of the National Assembly David Birnbaum welcomed a crowd of supporters to the Gelber Conference Centre earlier this week as part of a fundraiser to kick off his re-election campaign. The location of the event east of the Decarie Boulevard signifies the changing electoral boundary in the upcoming provincial elections. The riding of D’Arcy McGee will expand beyond its traditional territory of Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead and Snowdon West. Newly included in  the riding will be a substantial area stretching to Cote des Neiges Road bordered by Cote Saint-Catherine to the south and the CP Railway to the north of Vezina.

Speaking with his customary eloquence and grace Birnbaum said that, “there is only one party in the National Assembly that truly represents all Quebecers,” giving examples of how the CAQ and PQ have not stood up for minority communities. The CAQ has indicated its position on immigrants which runs contrary to the belief of so many of Birnbaum’s constituents and, “the PQ still has its Article 1 that speaks of Quebec without Canada.”

 

 

D’Arcy McGee MNA David Birnbaum speaks to a group of supporters at the Gelber Conference Centre

Mitch Garber was the special guest speaker.  Chairman of the Board of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, Mitch was recently named as Chairman of  a new organization, Invest in Canada, which is focused on streamlining and encouraging investment in Canada. Mitch is also the co-founder of Ceasar’s Entertainment,  a world-leading game development company. Closer to home, Mitch is an old school-mate of mine at Bialik High School and McGill University.

Mitch has never forgotten his roots and always speaks proudly of his community and his love of Montreal, Quebec and Canada.

“Mitch and his wife Anne-Marie are doing so much to bridge the gaps between our linguistic communities, between our Jewish community and all over Quebec, with frankness of warmth and compassion,” said Birnbaum.

Speaking about his passion for business and baseball, Garber took care not to make any partisan pronouncements, although it was clear that his support for David Birnbaum was genuine and sincere.

Guest speaker Mitch Garber throws his enthusiastic support to Birnbaum

 

My wife, Dr. Judy Hagshi and I were pleased to show our support for David. I worked closely with him in my capacity as a City Councillor. David’s keen interest in matters affecting municipal life and provincial matters are evident. If he, and his very able staff of Chris and Elizabeth, could do anything to assist his constituents, they would do so with pleasure.

What’s more I was always impressed in his interest in the larger Jewish community and its public establishments, following in the footsteps of Lawrence Bergman, his predecessor. David was front and centre in speaking up in the National Assembly on Yom Hashoah, as was Bergman.

He also went out of his way, literally, in showing great interest in the advancement of the Jewish General Hospital, where I work in public relations on behalf of the West-Central Montreal health authority. The JGH is located in Mount Royal riding, which never stopped David (or Lawrence Bergman before him) from doing whatever he could to help out on any file, along with his neighbouring MNA, Pierre Arcand. As happenstance would have it, with the redrawing of the electoral map, the JGH will in fact be in the new D’Arcy McGee boundaries come October 1.

 

Dr. Judy Hagshi and Glenn J. Nashen supporting David Birnbaum for re-election

We may not agree on every single issue but that doesn’t diminish David’s strong support of his riding and constituents. And we may not agree with all of his party’s platform but that doesn’t take away from their strong handling of the economy and their clear position on Quebec’s place in a united Canada. As David said, that’s much more than we can say about his competitors.

I look forward to challenging David on issues of importance to me such as English-language rights, pre-hospital emergency medical care, public safety and the promotion of electric vehicles and other green initiatives. I know he will always give me an ear and bring my concerns to the seat of power in Quebec City.

Best of luck to my friend, David Birnbaum.

Driving CSL forward with EVs

 

Watch and share: I’ve advocated for the city to purchase its first Electric Vehicle and truck. I am pushing for the adoption of more EVs in CSL to reduce our dependence on fuel and to reduce pollution and noise. I am so convinced that I got one myself!

CSL Public Works took delivery of its first electric vehicle, a Kia Soul, in November 2016 (Photo: Bebe Newman)

Regarder et partager: J’ai plaidé pour que la ville achète son premier véhicule électrique et camion. Je préconise l’adoption de plus de véhicules électriques dans CSL afin de réduire notre dépendance au carburant et de réduire la pollution et le bruit. Je suis tellement convaincu que j’en ai acheté une moi-même!

Polaris electric vehicle makes demo debut at CSL Public Works in November 2016

 

I visited the ZENN (Zero Emission No Noise) Auto manufacturer in St. Jerome in Oct. 2008 and took this early model electric for a spin around the test track

 

My brand new 2017 Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

New electric utility vehicle for Cote Saint-Luc

Polaris electric vehicle makes demo debut at CSL Public Works in November 2016

Cote Saint-Luc will be obtaining a grounds and turf crossover electric vehicle to add to our growing electric fleet. This small pick up can enter park areas on the grass, over walkways and throughout the parks without causing damage. It provides easier maneuverability than a large pick-up when carrying products such as grass, earth, equipment through small areas. The parks team can travel throughout the parks quietly and efficiently.

The EV pick-up seats two and comes with a trailer attachment. It can be used during the four seasons. The life span for this vehicle is predicted to be at least 10 years.

Public Works Director Bebe Newman and her team are very keen in supporting EV acquisitions and in finding sustainable solutions throughout her operations.

 

New bike path and EV charging station coming to City Hall parking lot

 

The reconstruction of the of the Cote Saint-Luc City Hall parking lot will soon be underway with a new layout to improve vehicular access and visibility while improving pedestrian safety.

The project includes the reconstruction of the sidewalks, the curbs, the asphalt roadway and parking area, as well as the replacement of the lighting and security cameras.

The main improvements include:

– A new drop-off area at the main rear entrance,
– An elevated section of the roadway and pedestrian crosswalks at the intersection of the
main roadway from Cavendish and the delivery ramp for City Hall,
– A new sidewalk on the south side of City Hall, from Cavendish to the main rear entrance,
– A new central sidewalk median for pedestrians in the main section of the parking lot,
– A new bike path from Cavendish to Sir Walter Scott,
– A double charging station for electric vehicles,
– The addition of approximately 23 parking spaces, (143 spaces compared to the current 120 spaces),
– Replacement of the street lighting and cameras for improved safety.

The work is scheduled to start in July and be completed by mid-October 2017.

Public tenders were opened by the Purchasing Department on June 7, 2017. Six tenders were received ranging in price from $1,941,716.78 to $2,322,010.66 all taxes included. The lowest tender was received from Groupe TNT Inc. is conforming to the tender documents for a total of $1,941,716.78 taxes included.

A previous purchase order was issued for electric vehicle charging stations at the Aquatic and Community Centre and at City Hall. The City Hall EV double charging station will be installed during the reconstruction.

 

All you need to know about Electric Vehicles – Free, new publication

 

The 2017 Branchez-Vous brochure is now available!

The Innovative Vehicle Institute(IVI), in collaboration with the Gouvernement du Québec, is proud to present the 2017 Branchez-Vous brochure. You’ll find a wealth of relevant information, including a full list of available plug-in vehicles and a presentation of charging solutions that you can use. New this year: a section about the estimate cost of a plug-in vehicle. Take a look: you’ll be surprised to see how much you could save with an electric vehicle!

The IVI would like to thank the major partners of the event Branchez-Vous 2017, Ford and Hydro-Québec.

Branchez-Vous 2017 brochure : Download PDF

 

Electric buses rolling out this year

• By Joel CeausuThe Suburban
• Jan 18, 2017

 Three fully electric buses are set to hit Montreal roads in early 2017.

The Société de transport de Montréal is launching technical trials – without passengers – for three vehicles on the 36 Monk line.

 Part of Montreal’s three-year $16.7 million City Mobility program, the trials will be followed by passenger service in the spring.

The Nova buses are equipped with four batteries powered by a quick-charging conduction system and boast a Quebec-designed powertrain system. Trials will assess the impacts of using quick-charging buses under real operating conditions, with regards to the transit experience for customers and drivers, planning and delivering bus service, maintenance and more. Trials will continue until the end of 2019.

“Our strategic plan calls for the purchase of 100 percent electric buses for all surface transit by 2025, within the limits of available technology,” said STM chair Philippe Schnobb, adding that two quick-charging stations have been installed at Angrignon bus terminus and Square Victoria, a slow charge installation in Lasalle and a first bus delivered to STM’s Lasalle garage.

City Mobility is financed by Quebec’s Transport Ministry and the STM, as well as support from Hydro-Quebec.

The Guide to Electric Vehicles: Everything you ever wanted to know about the electric car

 

• Electric driving: is it really greener?
• Are electric cars really more expensive?
• Can you use electric cars in the winter?

If you’ve been wondering about these questions and others about the EV, wonder no more. Former Quebec Environment Minister, Daniel Breton and Canadian Motosport Hall of Famer and Canada’s top automobile expert for 50 years, Jacques Duval answer these questions and much more.

The Guide to Electric, Hybrid and Fuel-Efficient Cars is surely the most definitive and complete go-to resource for EVs in North America, with special attention to Quebec winters. Eighty-five vehicles are reviewed along with everything you need to know about going electric. With more than 285 photos this is the only source anyone interested in exploring EVs will need to quench their thirst for information in the fast-growing segment of green transportation.

The guide, published by Juniper Publishing, is laid out in an easy to read format, covering one hundred percent Electric, Plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) or an electric car with a range extender, Hybrid battery, Energy efficient  and Hydrogen cars. The manual gives a clear and concise rating on everything ranging from greenhouse gas emissions, fuel consumption, smog rating and price.

The guide is interesting and entertaining to read looking back at EVs over the past two century (yes, the first EV actually dates back to the first half of the 1800s). It also takes a look at electric trams (Montreal was a leader dating back to the 1930s) and buses.

As a new EV owner I can attest to the usefulness of this guide and wish I had purchased a copy a year ago. For the uninitiated it can be a daunting task to figure out the new jargon and terminology around EVs. I don’t want to learn how to disassemble and rebuild a car, I only wanted to understand what I needed to know about buying a plug in. This book does the trick with ease.

What’s more, this is no industry rag or advertorial that paints a rosy picture on each and every car. Breton and Duval do a masterful job at spelling out the good, the bad and the ugly on each of the 85 vehicles they covered: What to consider and what to stay away from.

My new 2017 Chevy Volt parked in Westmount

The authors also hand out medals for their top picks in each type of technology. Finally, there is a section detailing rebates, tax breaks, government benefits and shortcomings across the Canadian provinces and United States.

Thanks Daniel and Jacques for putting together an excellent resource guide. It was fun to read and I’m more knowledgeable o this exciting subject.

The Guide to Electric, Hybrid and Fuel-Efficient Cars is published by Juniper Publishing and available online and in store. I’ve seen it at Walmart. Ask for it at your public library or visit EV.guide.

CSL Public Works electric vehicle rolls into service

CSL Public Works took delivery of its first electric vehicle, a Kia Soul, mid-November 2016 (Photo: Bebe Newman)

The City of Cote Saint-Luc has taken delivery of its first all-electric vehicle. The KIA Soul will be used daily in the Public Works Department for some of its foremen.

So far it sports the CSL logo (as pictured above). Soon it will be striped similar to the CSL fleet, with a little flair to mark the significance of being an EV.

PW is currently charging the vehicle by 110v which can take up to 13 hours to charge, which is fine for overnight. The 240v charger will cut the time in half.

CSL Public Work’s new electric vehicle plugged in to a standard 110v outlet for overnight parking. (Photo: Bebe Newman)

The new EV cost the city $35,000 before taxes. Once you deduct the Quebec government rebate of $8,000 the vehicle comes in at $32,000 including all taxes.

As reported on this blog EV Charging Stations are on order for PW and the ACC. As well, next year we will add a station at City Hall.

And, as promised, I will continue to promote EVs for the City of CSL. Special thanks to PW Director Bebe Newman who supports the acquisition of EVs for the city as a sound management decision and an environmentally wise choice.

CSL looks to next electric vehicles

Polaris electric vehicle makes demo debut at CSL Public Works in November 2016

 

“Designed to travel along narrow pathways and tread upon soft terrain like park areas, Public Works is trying out Polaris Gem electric vehicle for one week to see if it meets our needs,” said Public Works director Bebe Newman. “I requested that Polaris lend us the Gem with the trailer and they complied.”

“We built the box on the back of the pickup to increase the potential to carry more volume. Together with the trailer, we are confident that the horticulture team will be able to use the vehicle effectively throughout their tasks,” Newman said. This vehicle can also be given to our parks clean up crew.

This vehicle can be charged overnight (6 hours to charge from empty) on 110 volts, a standard electrical outlet and will travel 60 km on a full charge. With a maximum speed of 45 km/h it is perfectly suited for municipal use.

https://youtu.be/2uhw9RYEoxM

As the City Councillor promoting EVs in our municipal fleet I will look forward to moving this resolution in the next few months.

Meanwhile, we await installation of EV charging stations at Public Works and at the Aquatic and Community Centre in the near future. The ACC station will be connected to the Electric Circuit at a cost of $1 per hour.

CSLers charged up to learn about Electric Vehicles

Simon-Pierre Rioux at CSL Public Library talk on Electric Vehicles

Simon-Pierre Rioux, of the Quebec Electric Vehicle Association gave an informative and educational presentation last evening to a group of Cote Saint-Lucers interested in learning if the electric car is right for them. The introductory talk addressed the facts and misconceptions about electric cars and highlighted key benefits both to the environment and lifestyles.

Despite the heavy rain, the evening began with a display of Electric Vehicles (EV) in front of the City Hall / Library complex.  A Volt and a Spark, both Chevrolet EVs, were on display courtesy of the Gravel dealership located on Van Horne at Decarie. In addition, my Volt and Simon-Pierre’s Nissan Leaf were also on display.

The event was sponsored by the Cote Saint-Luc Public Library as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. The library also has a display of books and sources available to consult and for members to checkout on EVs, the greening of the environment and other related material.

I was very pleased to open the discussion in talking about my 25 year fascination with the EV leading up to my own acquisition almost four months ago. Also, I was proud to announce that the city has just purchased its very first EV and will soon be installing charging stations at the Aquatic and Community Centre, Public Works and City Hall.

 

 

This was the first time AVEQ has given an information session in English, with about 75 events organized each year. Simon-Pierre did a masterful job of walking the audience through every stage of EV-101, explaining the differences between Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Extended Range, Hybrid and more. He debunked common misconceptions about the EV and explained how to determine which kind of vehicle is right for different kinds of consumers.

 

Simon-Pierre Rioux, President and Founder of the Quebec Electric Vehicle Association and CSL Councillor Glenn J. Nashen

The AVEQ website is a great resource offering a tremendous amount of information on EVs, although some English content would be beneficial. As a volunteer based organization, expertly advocating and promoting EVs across Quebec, hopefully someone with a mastery of both languages can step up and offer some assistance.

 

Coincidentally this was a very exciting week for EV enthusiasts. First, the City of Montreal announced that the third edition of the FIA Formula E  (Electric) Championship will take place in Montreal on July 29 and 30, 2017. The urban race course will be set up around the CBC building in the East End and will include 14 curves over 2.75 km, and at specific points along the course, drivers will reach top speeds of 265 km/h. Formule E was created in 2014 by the Fédération internationale de l’automobile (FIA) to showcase the potential of electric car technology through motor vehicle sports. This third edition began in Hong Kong on October 9, 2016 and features 12 races in 10 cities on four continents.

 

Secondly, the Quebec National Assembly adopted Bill 104 last Wednesday aiming to promote the reduction of greenhouse gases through promotion of EVs. By 2020, 15% of cars sold in Quebec will have to be EV, or auto makers will face stiff fines.

Thank you to Simon Pierre and AVEQ as well as to Danielle Belanger and Janine West of the CSL Public Library for this most interesting evening.