Unveiling of the Electric Vehicle Technology Roadmap for Canada The Canadian Hydropower Association supports proposed recommendations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(eMediaWorld - Sept. 29, 2009) - The Canadian Hydropower Association supports the recommendations of the Electric Vehicle Technology Roadmap for Canada, which was unveiled during "PHEV '09 - Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Vehicles Conference," taking place in Montreal from September 28 to 30, 2009.

In Canada, close to 60% of the electricity produced is generated by hydroelectric facilities. This makes Canada well placed to take advantage of electricity as an alternative energy to traditional transportation energy.

"Hydropower and electric vehicles make a winning partnership. The conversion of the Canadian on-road fleet to electricity will significantly reduce carbon emissions related to transport(1) and thus improve the country's environmental performance," said Jacob Irving, President of the Canadian Hydropower Association.

The first plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles will be marketed in 2010-2012. Car manufacturers will offer them first in markets where the development of infrastructure, public awareness campaigns and financial incentives are of benefit to sales. It is therefore essential that the Government of Canada positions itself as soon as possible to offer financial incentives for early adopters.

About the Canadian Hydropower Association

Founded in 1998, the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) is the national association dedicated to representing the interests of the hydropower industry. Its principal mandate is to promote hydropower nationally and internationally as a source of renewable energy, to make the economic and environmental advantages of hydropower better known, and to publicize the benefits of hydropower in the search for sustainable energy solutions. CHA members represent more than 95% of the hydropower capacity in Canada. www.canhydropower.org.

(1) The land transport sector is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions in the country (nearly 30% of total GHG emissions in Canada).

For more information, please contact Information: Gabrielle Collu 514 844-7338 or Cell.: 514 943-6557 or Source: Canadian Hydropower Association Jacob Irving President 613 751-6655