News Release - May 27'11
An electric (not necessarily a Nissan) car - IEA photo
Zero-emission Vehicles Key To a Fossil Fuel-free Future: Chomiak
The Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro are entering an agreement with Nissan Canada to work together on initiatives that will help advance the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the province, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
"Manitoba has a roadmap for a fossil fuel-free future and this agreement is another strategic partnership that will help move us along that pathway," Chomiak said. "Electric vehicles could present a significant opportunity to help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in Manitoba and benefit our economy by allowing us to replace imported fossil fuel with our own clean, renewable hydroelectricity as an affordable energy source for our cars."
"We continue to be encouraged by the ongoing interest of partners like the Province of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro to find ways to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles," said Allen Childs, President, Nissan Canada, Inc. "As a manufacturer we can provide innovative vehicles that Canadians love and want to drive, but governments and utilities play an important role in helping build the infrastructure support for electric vehicles that will make a roll-out of the Nissan LEAF in Manitoba possible."
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) brings together representatives from each organization to identify opportunities to encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles. As part of the agreement, the partners will work together to further advance the potential that could come from the existing battery charging network within the province, and will discuss possible incentives for EV infrastructure providers and EV users. All parties also agree on the importance of public education activities to promote the use of EVs and that regulatory changes may also help achieve success. In addition, the MOU paves the way for the province and Manitoba Hydro to test the Nissan Leaf in Manitoba's unique climatic conditions.
"We continue to work closely with the public and private sector to form partnerships to promote electric vehicle use in Manitoba," said Bob Brennan, Manitoba Hydro President and CEO. "Understanding the grid requirements needed to support EVs will ensure Manitoba Hydro can reliably meet these requirements and provide for the future of electric mobility in our province."
Much of the infrastructure that could potentially support widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Manitoba is already in place, said Chomiak. Manitoba also has clean, low-cost electricity and Manitobans have already shown their ability to plug in their vehicles.
The Nissan Leaf is a medium-size hatchback that seats five adults and has a range of 160 kilometres (based on U.S. EPA LA4 cycle) on one full charge to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. It will be rolled-out in select Canadian markets this fall.
The MOU agreement adds Manitoba to a growing network of zero-emission vehicle initiatives across the world. Nissan has formed partnerships with 95 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of electric vehicles worldwide.
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