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Plug'n Drive advocates for electrification of transportation as a key plank of Ontario's climate change action strategy

First ever Electric Vehicle Day at Queen's Park demonstrates the benefits of electric vehicles

TORONTO, ON, Oct. 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Plug'n Drive is hosting the first ever Queen's Park Electric Vehicle Day today at 11:00 a.m., providing MPPs from all parties, Ministers, public servants, stakeholders and the public the opportunity to test drive electric cars at all price points and to learn about the environmental and economic benefits of switching from gas to electric.

With the Government of Ontario looking to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 37% below 1990 levels by 2030, and with transportation being the largest emitting sector in Ontario, it is clear that the increased electrification of Ontario's transportation system will be essential in helping to achieve these ambitious targets.

In response to Ontario's Climate Change Discussion Paper, released in February 2015, non-profit advocacy group Plug'n Drive published Electric Vehicles: Reducing Ontario's Greenhouse Gas Emissions, a comprehensive report that outlines five future electric vehicle (EV) adoption scenarios and their associated impacts on GHG emissions, gasoline use, electricity consumption and consumer savings from 2015-2050. The report makes it clear that electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to GHG emission reductions in Ontario, while at the same time benefitting the Ontario economy.

Recognizing the critical role that electrification of transportation can play in Ontario's climate change strategy, Plug'n Drive put forward several policy recommendations to the provincial government that would accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, including the following top priorities:

Build on and expand Plug'n Drive's public education and awareness programs to help more drivers make the switch, including establishing a Centre for Innovation in Electrified Transportation;
Expand public charging infrastructure, especially Level 3 "Quick Charge" stations on the 400 series highways, to allow for inter-city travel;
Seek an EV mandate for Ontario that would encourage automakers to get involved in building electric vehicles in Ontario;
Create a low night-time or off-peak electricity price to encourage drivers to charge their electric vehicles at night and take advantage of Ontario's low emitting surplus electricity;
Electrify school buses. With 18,000 diesel school buses in Ontario that only operate for a few hours each day and spend significant time idling, the electrification of school buses would have enormous environmental and health impacts as well as fuel savings.

"Although places like California, BC and Quebec are ahead of us, it is not too late for Ontario to become a leader in the electrification of transportation," said Cara Clairman, President and CEO of Plug'n Drive. "Plug'n Drive is pleased to be working with the province on its electric vehicle strategy as part of a broader climate change plan, through our education, research and infrastructure programs."

Plug'n Drive is a non-profit organization committed to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles to maximize their environmental and economic benefits. Since 2011, Plug'n Drive has established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle industry; a trusted source of unbiased information on electric cars, charging stations and the electricity sector. For more information, visit: plugndrive.ca.