The delivery marks the third and final phase of the project, which started last December. A fleet of 20 vehicles is already in use around the city, allowing Hydro-Québec to study charging needs, driving habits, driver satisfaction and the interaction between the cars and the electric grid.

In April, the Québec government announced its 2011-2020 Action Plan for Electric Vehicles, designed to reduce oil dependence, promote industrial opportunities and improve air quality in the region.

Pierre-Luc Desgagné, Hydro-Québec’s senior director – strategic planning, said: ‘The project will provide us with new first-hand information about EV drivers’ habits and recharging needs. In the next year, we will be setting up the first 400-V quick-charge station in Québec, and in conjunction with the local St-Hubert restaurant, we’ll be trying it out on a daily basis. Everyone in the demonstration project will have access to it.’

Shin Fujioka, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc, added: ‘Our partnership with Hydro-Québec has given rise to a unique and exciting project that allows Hydro-Québec to test our i-MiEV in many everyday situations. The data collected will allow us to ensure our state-of-the-art electric technology is well suited for the Canadian market and help us plan community charging infrastructure.’