Electric car joins Quinte Conservation’s ‘green’ fleet

Quinte Conservation has purchased its first electric car – a 2017 Ford Focus Electric from Prinzen Ford Sales, in Bloomfield.

The car comes with a 35 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, 143 horsepower, as well as 185 km in range.

“Part of our mandate is to do the right thing for the environment and we’ve actually developed a climate change strategy and part that strategy is to lead by example, so getting an electric car fits right in,” said Terry Murphy, Quinte Conservation Manager.

The new electric vehicle will primarily be used by administrative staff to attend meetings in the various regions of Quinte Conservation’s jurisdiction, such as Belleville, Picton, and Napanee.

A new charging station has been installed at Quinte Conservation’s head office for use by staff and the public as a part of Quinte Conservation’s “Hike and Charge” campaign, which encourages the public to enjoy the trails at Potters Creek while they charge their vehicle. There is also a charging station at the new King Street parking lot in Picton, placed to encourage drivers to take a break to enjoy nearby Benson Park and downtown shopping.

Quinte Conservation has been purchasing “green” vehicles since 2003 with the purchase of a Honda Civic Hybrid. The electric car is an addition to two hybrids already in the Quinte Conservation fleet.

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency serving 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. Its main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem. More information about Quinte Conservation and its various programs is available at www.quinteconservation.ca