Important message

They’re on the streets in Quebec City and you could get hooked

Press release
Published on March 1, 2019

They’ve been on the streets for a few years and are gaining in popularity. Young families are now in, and they’re increasingly common around schools. The 1% were early adopters, but now it’s trickling down to the middle class. That’s right, electric vehicles (EVs) are spreading rapidly in Quebec City. “You just get hooked,” say EV owners who have agreed to go public about their experiences. 

“I find it satisfying to know I’m not polluting when I’m stuck in traffic. I can relax in my quiet electric car. I’m totally Zen when I get to the office.” – Martin Archambault, Nissan LEAF driver

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“Charging at home for one-tenth of the price of gas, a quiet interior, instant acceleration, low maintenance, no pollution. There are a lot of upsides!” – Réjean Pleau, Hyundai KONA Electric driver 

“With family and customers scattered between Toronto and Quebec City, I log nearly 3,500 km per month, and my biggest expense is coffee!” – Régis Holstein, Tesla Model 3 driver 

“It’s our main car for work, ferrying the kids around, and shopping. A 60-some km range on the coldest day of winter is more than enough. We just plug it in at night.” – Frédérik Buteau, Nissan LEAF driver 

One test drive at the car show and there’s no going back 

They’ve come forward to alert the public, visitors to the Quebec City International Auto show, and especially those who take free test drives thanks to financial support from Transition énergétique Québec and a partnership with Quebec charging station manufacturer FLO. Be warned, they say: After test driving one of the 12 most popular models between March 5 and 10, there may be no going back. 

More EVs on the road 

The number of electric vehicles registered in Quebec has almost doubled in the past year, reaching 40,000. Why all the buzz? Because more models are coming to market, range is increasing, and prices are going down. If you do any amount of driving, an EV is often cheaper than a similar gas-powered vehicle. Compare models with our handy calculator!

VEs designed for families 

“With electric crossovers entering the market at affordable prices, VEs are becoming an option for families and gaining access to that huge market segment,” says Jesse Caron, CAA-Quebec’s resident automobile expert. “For example, with a 400 km electric range, the Hyundai KONA Electric could easily be a household’s main vehicle.”

Twelve EV models are available for free road tests this year. 

  • The Hyundai KONA Electric turned heads at the Montreal International Auto Show, and its gas-powered twin struck a chord with its stylish exterior. The crossover SUV has a surprisingly impressive range and is priced competitively at $45,000. The IONIQ Electric will also be back again this year. 
  • Kia will showcase the Niro PHEV, a plug-in hybrid with a 42 km electric range that is midway between a compact hatchback and a family SUV. 
  • Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV is still the only true plug-in SUV from a mainstream automaker. 
  • The Nissan LEAF is one of the most popular EVs. It’s compact and affordable, with a 242 km range. 
  • Other solid values are also available for test drives: the Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV, the Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid, the Volkswagen E-Golf, and the Toyota Prius Prime. 
  • With the AWD-e model, Toyota has added all-wheel drive to its signature Prius.[1] A big plus for Quebec winters.
  • Adventurous attendees can also test drive the Toyota Mirai1, a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle. 

Test drives moving to the Silverwax Pavilion!

Test drives at the International Auto Show will take place March 5 to 10 on a 5.1 km urban circuit near Quebec City’s Centre de Foires. The registration booth will now be located in the Silverwax Pavilion.

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that helps its members by offering mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products and services.

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[1]These two vehicles are not EVs or plug-in hybrids like the others. The Prius AWD-e is a classic hybrid, while the Mirai is a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle.