The government of Quebec has just announced a series of measures to stimulate the development of electric cars in the province. Earlier this morning, the Minister of Transport, Julie Boulet, held a press conference to detail her innovative pilot project.
Starting July 17, Quebecers will be able to drive low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs) for a period of 3 to 5 years. Said vehicles will be limited to streets and roads not exceeding 50 km/h. Drivers will have to keep their lights on and stay in the right lane at all times except for making a left turn. A bright orange triangle will be affixed to the vehicles to let other road users know that they're in the presence of an LSV.
Of course, all registrations and Canadian standards apply. Needless to say that a valid driver's license is mandatory to drive around in such a vehicle.
This is great news for ZENN and Nemo, two companies that are manufacturing electric vehicles in Quebec. Actually, they're the only LSVs that will be authorized to circulate on the road.
Nemo produces a small urban pickup truck with a 453-kilogram payload capacity. Offering a range of 115 kilometers and reaching a top speed of 40 km/h, it's ideally suited for city maintenance workers, who will no doubt appreciate the small dimensions and short turning radius in tight or crowded spots. The Nemo will retail for $25,000.
Meanwhile, the ZENN is a tiny electric car for private use. It offers a range of about 60 kilometers and reaches a top speed of 40 km/h. However, the next-generation model, scheduled for release in 2009, reportedly tops 80 km/h, which would make it a very interesting alternative.
These announcements by the Quebec government are reasons to be excited as they will officially pave the way for the development and use of LSVs in La Belle Province. "It's a preliminary step before electric vehicles stay for good in Quebec," said Mrs. Boulet.
Still, don't expect to see a lot of them anytime soon as their current range makes them less attractive to potential buyers.
photo:ZENN, NEMO
Starting July 17, Quebecers will be able to drive low-speed electric vehicles (LSVs) for a period of 3 to 5 years. Said vehicles will be limited to streets and roads not exceeding 50 km/h. Drivers will have to keep their lights on and stay in the right lane at all times except for making a left turn. A bright orange triangle will be affixed to the vehicles to let other road users know that they're in the presence of an LSV.
Of course, all registrations and Canadian standards apply. Needless to say that a valid driver's license is mandatory to drive around in such a vehicle.
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| Nemo |
This is great news for ZENN and Nemo, two companies that are manufacturing electric vehicles in Quebec. Actually, they're the only LSVs that will be authorized to circulate on the road.
Nemo produces a small urban pickup truck with a 453-kilogram payload capacity. Offering a range of 115 kilometers and reaching a top speed of 40 km/h, it's ideally suited for city maintenance workers, who will no doubt appreciate the small dimensions and short turning radius in tight or crowded spots. The Nemo will retail for $25,000.
Meanwhile, the ZENN is a tiny electric car for private use. It offers a range of about 60 kilometers and reaches a top speed of 40 km/h. However, the next-generation model, scheduled for release in 2009, reportedly tops 80 km/h, which would make it a very interesting alternative.
These announcements by the Quebec government are reasons to be excited as they will officially pave the way for the development and use of LSVs in La Belle Province. "It's a preliminary step before electric vehicles stay for good in Quebec," said Mrs. Boulet.
Still, don't expect to see a lot of them anytime soon as their current range makes them less attractive to potential buyers.
photo:ZENN, NEMO