VICTORIAVILLE, QC, June 18,
2024 /CNW/ - Victoriaville, in partnership with Cleo, a
subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, is poised to make history in the
Canadian municipal sector. Together, they are pioneering the
deployment of V2X (vehicle-to-everything) electric vehicle charging
stations, offering an innovative and strategic approach to
decarbonization. These charging stations can power municipal
buildings during peak periods or power outages, thereby enhancing
the resilience of the city's infrastructure. If the V2X trial
proves successful, Victoriaville
plans to roll out multiple bidirectional charging hubs across the
city.
"As the first municipality in Canada to test V2X technology in the context
of urban resilience, Victoriaville is positioning itself as a
leader in sustainable development. This innovative project has
significant potential for replication in other municipalities and
institutions. We can be very proud of this initiative." -
Antoine Tardif, Mayor of
Victoriaville.
The most notable aspect of the Victoriaville project is the
integration of V2X technology into urban resilience strategies,
enabling electric vehicles to serve not only as charging units but
also as energy reserves and providers. As a result, vehicle
batteries can now serve as energy reservoirs, allowing charging
stations to power municipal buildings during peak periods or power
outages. This breakthrough represents a significant milestone in
local energy management and distribution.
By choosing to use electric vehicles as the primary backup
instead of traditional diesel generators, Victoriaville is making a significant stride
toward sustainability. While diesel generators are efficient, their
emissions are harmful to the environment. V2X charging stations, on
the other hand, provide a clean, green backup solution. Backup
generators will not be removed; they will be retained as a
secondary option to ensure greater power reliability over extended
periods.
"Victoriaville's investment in
this technology exemplifies a responsible and forward-thinking
approach. By addressing current electric vehicle charging needs and
enhancing infrastructure resilience for future challenges, the city
is positioning itself as a pioneering municipality committed to
advancing electric mobility, implementing smart energy management,
and strengthening community resilience" - Sophie
Séguin-Lamarche, director of the
city's Sustainable Development Office.
Innovative call for proposals
Supported by the
Défis Innovation / volet villes intelligentes et durables,
this $356,200 project receives a 50%
subsidy from IVÉO.
Responding to the call for proposals, Cleo, a subsidiary of
Hydro-Québec specializing in charging solutions and dedicated to
helping managers electrify their fleets, embarked on its first V2X
project. The aim is to develop new skills and leverage its charging
management expertise to test the innovation's impact on fleet
operations. Cleo will provide its expertise in V2X technology
testing and add a bidirectional charging functionality to its smart
charging management platform to meet the partnership's
requirements. This will enable the City
of Victoriaville to monitor and potentially regulate
electricity transfers between its vehicles and designated buildings
during Phase 1.
"Collaborating with innovative partners to drive Quebec's energy transition is part of Cleo's
core mission. We're thrilled to support the City of Victoriaville in enhancing building
resilience and reducing the carbon footprint of its service
operations. This inaugural V2X project allows us to showcase the
technology's potential in the province, underscore the benefits of
fleet electrification for Hydro-Québec's grid, and explore new
energy management strategies" - Jeff
Desruisseaux, CEO of Cleo.
City Hall, a strategic location
Three municipal
buildings have been selected for the installation of V2X charging
stations for electric vehicles: City Hall, the
Charles-Édouard-Mailhot Library and the fire station.
For Phase 1 of the project, City Hall was chosen as the site for
the installation of the first charging station because it is
located in a high-density residential and commercial area with a
high potential for "charging orphans" who are unable to install a
charging station at home. This location provides an ideal
environment to test the technology's efficiency and resilience. In
addition, pending the success of subsequent project phases, the V2X
hub would be able to provide power to the Emergency Operations
Centre at City Hall in the event of a widespread power outage.
This initiative serves as a catalyst for development and
underscores Victoriaville's
commitment to a greener, more connected future. It reinforces the
city's profile as a leader in innovation and sustainable
development while contributing to the quality of life and
prosperity of its community.
SOURCE Ville de Victoriaville