Car-sharing and electrification

Last year, we announced our intention to deploy a network of 1,000 electrical charging stations by 2020 for the benefit of electric vehicle owners and car-sharing users. Current self-service vehicle (SSV) operators were on board from the get-go.

We developed a Montrealspecific model, open to competition, that would allow free-market forces to operate.

Because this project’s success can have a decisive influence on Montrealers still reluctant to purchase an electric car, I want to correct certain misconceptions.

The city has put forward realistic targets to meet its electrification objectives. We plan to offer close to 240 universal permits for electric vehicles as of Jan. 1, on top of 1,100 permits for hybrid or gas-powered vehicles.

This is already more than what the current operators said they would be able to offer in the way of electric vehicles.

It’s hard to see how this proposal restricts the number of SSVs.

The parking permit fee, which has increased by 30 per cent, was established to better reflect the cost of services rendered by SSV operators, to whom we give special access to downtown and the public domain.

In addition, we guarantee the long-term viability of the investment for these companies by issuing parking permits for electric vehicles on an annual basis and valid for five years.

It should also be noted that no fewer than eight formal meetings have been held since 2015 between our teams and the Car2Go and Communauto operators.

To ensure the successful transition to electricity, policies and investments must be put in place.

We also have a responsibility to persuade our fellow citizens to change their habits, to propose new transportation standards, and to build infrastructure that facilitates transportation.

Change is always difficult for a private enterprise. That’s why we’re putting our cards on the table.

Our model is progressive, and we’re open to adapting it.

It’s time to end the misconception that increasing SSVs need be at the expense of electrification, or vice versa. A 100-per-cent electric taxi service already exists in Montreal, which is proof positive that it can be done. Denis Coderre, mayor of Montreal