Working To Move Ontario Forward
McGuinty Government And Better Place - Working To Move Ontario Forward
TORONTO, Jan. 15 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Ontario is joining forces with a world-leading company that creates
innovative infrastructure for electric cars - a necessary step in getting
electric cars running on our roads and highways.
California-based Better Place (http://www.betterplace.com/) will
establish a Canadian head-office in Ontario. They will build an electric car
demonstration and education centre in Toronto to lay the groundwork to help
get electric vehicles running on Ontario roads. By May 2009, the Ontario
government will release a study which will look at ways to speed up the
introduction of electric vehicles including:
- Financial incentives designed to encourage the purchase of electric
vehicles
- Preferred access to transportation grid to encourage the adoption of
electric vehicles
- Forward looking procurement policies to speed government adoption of
electric vehicles into fleet services where appropriate
- Coordinated public education and promotion of electric vehicles as a
mode of personal transportation.
At the same time, Better Place will develop an electric car charging
network rollout plan and timelines.
QUOTES
"I want to thank Better Place for their vision, and welcome them to
Ontario. We have a workforce second to none and matched with this innovative
business, we could provide a real opportunity for jobs and economic growth in
the future," said Premier Dalton McGuinty.
"Today's announcement shows how Ontario is using its portfolio of
strategic investment tools to attract global visionaries to our province. It's
about keeping Ontario ahead of the curve in a knowledge and technology-based
economy," said Sandra Pupatello, Minister of International Trade and
Investment.
"With its forward-looking leadership, Ontario is taking a major step
toward sustainable transportation and setting a visible example for the world.
As a major auto producer with significant manufacturing expertise and
facilities, Ontario stands to benefit from the inevitable and accelerating
shift to electric cars. Transition to the Car 2.0 model of electric vehicles
powered by renewable energy presents an historic opportunity for Ontario and
Canada to help lead the world in economic growth and environmental recovery
for the next century," said Shai Agassi, Better Place Founder and CEO
(http://www.betterplace.com/an-innovative-company/leadership-team/).
QUICK FACTS
- For every 10,000 electric vehicles on the road, Better Place estimates
that Ontario will offset more than 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide
annually.
- Under the Better Place model, electric car drivers enroll in a
subscription plan to use the company's open network of battery
exchange stations and charge spots in homes, businesses and parking
lots.
- Canada-based Bullfrog Power will provide the Better Place network with
electricity from local renewable sources to avoid shifting emissions
from tailpipe to smokestack and support Ontario's commitment to end
the use of coal-fired generation by 2014.
- Major auto manufacturers are currently developing electric powered
cars that are similar in look, features and performance to traditional
gasoline models.
LEARN MORE
- Find out more about Better Place (http://www.betterplace.com/)
- Read about Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan
(http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/air/climatechange/annualreport.php)
- Read about high-value green jobs being created by Ontario's Next
Generation of Jobs Fund
(http://www.ontariocanada.com/ontcan/en/nextgen_news_en.jsp)
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CNW Group 1/15/2009 |
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