Chevrolet Volt began shipping to Canadian dealerships, destined for retail customers in Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Oshawa, Ottawa-Gatineau, Montreal and Quebec City.
Kevin Williams, president and managing director for General Motors of Canada, released the first Canadian Volt customer shipments at an event in Oshawa on Friday.
The Chevrolet Volt is an electric vehicle with extended range. Powered by GM’s Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide battery electric range between 40 and 80 km, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature.
After the battery is depleted, an engine-generator seamlessly extends Volt’s range an additional 500 km by generating electricity to operate the vehicle’s electric drive system.
Customers in select Canadian markets have been able to place orders for the Chevrolet Volt since May 2, 2011. Within twelve months, Volt will be available nation-wide.
“Today is an historic milestone for Chevrolet in Canada,” said Williams. “The Chevrolet Volt deploys transformative vehicle technologies that are redefining automotive transportation. Very soon, enthusiastic Volt customers will be able to eliminate gasoline from their daily commutes while having the flexibility to go further, something no other electrified vehicle can provide.”
GM said it is pleased to offer the “award-winning Chevrolet Volt” and compiled a list of the majority of the car’s many awards received so far:
• 2012 World Green Car of the Year
• Car of the Year for Guide de l’Auto 2012
• North American Car of the Year
• Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year
• Green Car Journal’s 2011 Green Car of the Year
• AUTOMOBILE Magazine 2011 Automobile of the Year
• Car and Driver 10Best
• Popular Mechanics 2010 Breakthrough Technology
• Ward’s 10 Best Engines, recognition for Volt’s advanced powertrain system
