Electric Vehicles Crucial to the Development of Sustainable Cities

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct 23, 2014) - The key role electric transportation will play in creating liveable cities at a time of rapid global urbanization will be the focus of Electric Mobility Canada's (EMC) 6th annual conference and trade show in Vancouver from October 28 to 30^th.

The EV2014VÉ Conference and Trade Show, hosted by BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver, is expected to attract more than 250 delegates to hear experts from around the world discuss various technical, commercial, and socio-economic topics including the contribution that electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are making to urban sustainability and healthier living spaces by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

"With 10,000 plug-in vehicles registered in Canada as of October 2014, an important benchmark has been reached. We can accelerate the pace of growth to achieve GHG reduction targets, improve urban air quality, create jobs and stimulate economic growth," says Chantal Guimont, President and Chief Executive Officer of EMC. "It's now time to build on that momentum by working with associations, governments and corporate leaders to embrace policies and incentives that will encourage the use of even more EVs and the construction of more charging installations to allow urban and interurban EV use. "

Today, British Columbia has 550 government-funded Level 2 (240V) electric vehicle charging stations for public and fleet use across the province and nine DC fast charge stations. B.C.'s Minister of Environment, the Honourable Mary Polak, has noted it is encouraging to see such widespread interest among communities and businesses across the province in adopting electric vehicles and hosting charging stations.

"B.C. is EV-Ready! With the most comprehensive network of charging stations in Canada, the EV industry can proceed confidently with further market development of the full range of electrified transportation technologies in British Columbia," says Minister Polak. "Our government will continue to work with the sector to encourage further adoption of clean, low-emission electric vehicle applications for personal and commercial transportation needs."

EVs make financial sense because they eliminate the need for gasoline, but the environmental benefits are perhaps an even greater value.

The City of Vancouver is striving to become the greenest city in the world by 2020 and a big part of its effort is the replacement of the City's fleet with electric vehicles.

"By introducing electric vehicles into our fleet, the City is taking proactive steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in our daily operations," says Deputy City Manager Sadhu Johnston. "By using electric vehicles the City lowers its carbon footprint, builds more affordable communities by helping taxpayers save money on fuel and maintenance costs, all while maintaining efficient service delivery across Vancouver."

Ms. Guimont points out that transport emissions remain the largest contributor to Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, representing almost 30 percent of overall emissions of which 55 percent are from light-duty vehicle and small trucks. The conference will cover EVs as well as public transit and other modes of clean transport.

The EV2014VÉ Conference and Trade Show will address these issues in a wide-ranging program of presentations. Highlights include:

• The plenary session on Tuesday, October 28 where the Honourable David Heurtel, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change - Quebec will pronounce a keynote address;

• The Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, October 29 where many EV accomplishments in Canada will be recognized, including the Dealers Awards presented by the Canadian Electricity Association and Plug 'N Drive;

• An OEM perspective session on Thursday, October 30 moderated by Vancouver Sun/Province motoring editor, Andrew McCredie that will include a retrospective on Canada's 2008-09 Technology Roadmap for EVs.

The trade show portion of the conference will be open to the general public from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 30 at the Sheraton Wall Centre on Burrard Street in Vancouver.

In addition, BC residents are invited to try the latest EVs from leading automakers by attending a Ride & Drive which will be located adjacent to BC Hydro's Head Offices at 333 Dunsmuir & Homer St. on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 10AM to 2 PM and from 3 PM to 7PM.

EV2014VÉ is organized by Electric Mobility Canada and hosted by BC Hydro and the City of Vancouver. Silver sponsors are Hydro Quebec and the Government of Canada. Bronze sponsors are BC Hydro, Ford and AddEnergie.

About EV2014VÉ Conference and Trade Show and Electric Mobility Canada

The EV2014VÉ Conference & Trade Show is the only national electric mobility conference in Canada. Now in its 6th year, the Conference offers business professionals and vehicle industry experts the opportunity to learn about the latest advances, network with colleagues and exchange ideas regarding electric mobility.

Electric Mobility Canada, a national not-for-profit organization, promotes the use of electric vehicles as an important solution to Canada's energy and environmental issues. For further information on Canada's electric mobility future, visit the website at www.emc-mec.ca.