Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Planned Between Quebec and Tourist Destinations in Maine

Gov. Paul LePage and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard announced in Quebec City Wednesday an initiative to expand electric vehicle infrastructure between Maine and Quebec.

The electric vehicle corridor initiative will build a public-private partnership to increase electric vehicle charging stations between Quebec and Portland and assess the feasibility of additional charging stations to improve transit to other tourist locations in Maine, a news release from Gov. LePage's office said.

“The history of the Quebec and Maine relationship is strong, and we must maintain our connectivity with modern transportation infrastructure," Gov. LePage said. "Electric vehicles have made significant progress and are coming to Maine. It’s vital we have a plan to make Maine open to this important technological change.”

The State of Maine, through the Energy Office and the Department of Transportation, plan to work with local businesses, national electric vehicle companies and the newly formed “Drive Electric Maine” organization to ensure proper planning for an expansion of electric vehicle charging stations in the Pine Tree State, the news release said.

The Premier and Governor have directed a Committee of state and provincial agencies to execute an initial plan by the summer of 2016 and to continue to work with colleagues in the region to build on this effort.