ITS SPEED: UP TO 120 KM/H
A move that is part of the vision for sustainable development
Montreal, January 26th, 2011 – Today, South West borough Mayor Benoit Dorais unveiled the borough’s brand new electric car, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. “The South West borough is the first borough in Montreal with an entirely electric car that can be driven on any road, including the highway, as it can reach speeds of 120 km/h. Our car will turn heads with its unique styling that is customized to the borough”, said the Mayor.
Ten times cheaper than a gasoline car
The South West borough negotiated a partnership with Mitsubishi Canada to test the vehicle. Using an i-MiEV could be ten times cheaper than using a gasoline-propelled vehicle. Over the next year, the i-MiEV will be used by an employee who travels approximately 12 000 km per year in start-and-go traffic. The experiment will allow us to measure the savings both on gas and on maintenance, while reducing to zero greenhouse gas emissions and used oils. The car will be charged on a 120-volt circuit within the borough road network. The i-MiEV is propelled by a lithium-ion battery instead of a gasoline engine, and is therefore, very quiet. In addition, it can travel approximately 120 km on one charge.
Other green measures
Real estate developers are encouraged to plan for electrical charge ports for drivers who will turn to green transportation in the near future. The new Pixcom building on Saint-Patrick Street will be the first one to integrate an electrical charge port. “In the last year, we have started several projects to improve air quality and reduce heat islands. This car is part of our vision for sustainable development for the borough. We start 2011 with a palpable move that adds to the other ecological measures we are already taking”, added Mayor Dorais.
The borough took many additional measures, including outfitting 65 % of its heavy and light truck fleet with off-switches that activate after idling for 10 minutes, therefore reducing CO2 production. Two of the three borough’s Zambonis are electric and the third will be converted within the next few weeks. In addition, the borough took part in the In Town without my car! event, closing a section of the Atwater Avenue, and borough meetings are now paperless. Finally, within the heat island reduction project in the Saint-Pierre collector, citizens will have access to a green area where cars will have to yield to pedestrians.
The South West borough will soon start a contest to name the car.
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