Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in Canada in recent years as the country continues to transition towards a more sustainable future. One company at the forefront of this movement is Chevrolet, which has been developing electric cars for over a decade. With its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Chevrolet is poised to be a major player in the future of EVs in Canada.

One of Chevrolet's most notable electric cars is the Bolt EV, which was first introduced in Canada in 2017. This compact car boasts an impressive range of over 380 km on a single charge, making it an attractive option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing convenience. The Bolt has received critical acclaim and has won numerous awards, including being named the Canadian Green Car of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

Chevrolet's commitment to electric vehicles goes beyond just the Chevy Bolt. The company has pledged to offer 30 all-electric models globally by 2025, which is a significant investment in a more sustainable future. This commitment includes the highly anticipated Chevrolet Silverado EV, a fully electric version of the company's popular pickup truck. The Silverado EV is expected to have a range of over 400 km and will be capable of towing up to 4,500 kg.

In addition to its production of electric cars, Chevrolet has also invested in the infrastructure needed to support them in Canada. The company has partnered with charging providers such as Flo and ChargePoint to increase the number of public charging stations available to electric car owners. Chevrolet has also developed a mobile app that helps drivers locate charging stations and monitor their vehicle's charging status remotely.

Chevrolet's commitment to electric vehicles is not just driven by a desire to be more sustainable. The company recognizes that electric cars offer numerous benefits over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in the Canadian market. Electric cars are cheaper to operate and maintain, as they have fewer moving parts and require less frequent maintenance. They are also more efficient, as electric motors convert up to 90% of the energy stored in their batteries into motion, compared to gasoline engines, which convert only about 20% of the energy stored in gasoline into motion.

Another benefit of electric cars in Canada is their potential to provide energy storage for the power grid. As more renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are added to the grid, there is a growing need for energy storage to balance the intermittency of these sources. Electric cars can be charged during periods of excess renewable energy production and discharged during periods of peak demand, providing a valuable source of energy storage.

In conclusion, the future of electric vehicles in Canada looks bright with Chevrolet leading the way. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its investment in electric car production, infrastructure, and partnerships. With the introduction of the Silverado EV and the promise of 30 all-electric models by 2025, Chevrolet is poised to be a major player in the future of transportation in Canada. As more Canadians recognize the benefits of electric cars, we can expect to see them become increasingly common on the roads in the years to come.

By General Motors of Canada, Toronto - The Chevrolet Bolt was named Overall Winner of the 2018 Canadian Green Car Award.  The Chevrolet Bolt was also named Overall Winner in 2017, marking the first time in the Award's six-year history that a vehicle has won back to back.  The Chevrolet Volt took home the award in 2016, making this the third consecutive win for the brand.

The Bolt EV, winner of this year's Zero Emission category, was selected by a panel of top Canadian automotive journalists from among six category winners as the vehicle that best combines environmental benefits and mass-market appeal.

The Canadian Green Car Awards recognizes vehicles, widely available in Canada, that combine impressive environmental attributes with strong mass-market appeal.  The assessments included criteria, such as fuel consumption, emissions and price, as well as the judges' evaluations of performance, driving experience, value, features and "green" qualities.

QUOTING:

"Chevrolet is honoured to accept the Canadian Green Car Award for the third consecutive year", said Ester Bucci, brand, product and technology communications manager at Chevrolet Canada.  "This award reinforces Chevrolet's commitment to offering an affordable, world-changing vehicle that delivers on the promise of an electric car for the masses.  Chevrolet is dedicated to continued innovation in electrification, that will bring the thrill of driving an electric vehicle to many more Canadians."

2018 BOLT EV BACKGROUND:

Chevrolet is proud to lead the market and sell more plug-in electric vehicles in Canada than any other brand.  The Chevrolet Bolt EV sets the range benchmark for an affordable EV capable of going the distance by delivering up to 383 kilometres on a full charge.  Bolt EV starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $44,300 (plus $1,795 freight charge and $100 air conditioning tax).  In Ontario, pricing can be as low as $31,911 after the eligible Ontario provincial incentive of $12,389.

About the Canadian Green Car Award

The Canadian Green Car Award is Canada's premier award recognizing vehicles with the greatest potential for environmental benefits.  The Award is an independent program developed by automotive journalists Eric Novak, Michael Bettencourt and Peter Gorrie, who comprise its steering committee.  The Award recognizes vehicles, widely available in Canada, that offer both impressive environmental attributes and strong mass-market appeal, since any product can have a significant impact only if it sells in large numbers.

By General Motors, Toronto - The Chevrolet Bolt EV was recognized today with the 2017 Canadian Green Car Award at the Green Living Show.  This is the second consecutive Car of the Year win for Chevrolet, after the Volt took home the award in 2016.

The Bolt EV, winner of this year's Zero Emission category, was selected by a panel of top  Canadian automotive journalists from among six category winners as the vehicle that best combines environmental benefits and mass-market appeal.  This year, the 2017 Chevrolet Volt won in the Plug-in Hybrid category.

The Canadian Green Car Awards recognizes vehicles, widely available in Canada, that combine impressive environmental attributes with strong mass-market appeal.  The assessments included criteria, such as fuel consumption, emissions and price, as well as the judges' evaluations of performance, driving experience, value, features and "green" qualities.

QUOTING:

"It's a true honour for Chevrolet to be recognized again with the Canadian Green Car Award, with Volt in 2016 and now the game-changing Bolt EV in 2017", said Matthew Stokes, assistant brand manager, Chevrolet in Canada.  "Chevrolet is committed to innovation and electrification and we are proud to sell more plug-in electric vehicles in Canada than any other brand."

2017 BOLT EV BACKGROUND:

The Chevrolet Bolt EV is on sale now in Canadian dealers and set the range benchmark for an affordable EV capable of going the distance by delivering up to 383 kilometres on a full charge.  Bolt EV starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $42,795 (plus $1,600 freight charge and $100 air conditioning tax), but excludes tax, title, license and dealer fees.  In Ontario, pricing can be as low as $30,406 after the eligible Ontario provincial incentive of $12,389.

About The Green Living Show

The Green Living Show is Canada's largest consumer show dedicated to simple solutions for leading a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.  This three-day event offers inspiration for all ages and features influential speakers; eco home, cottage and garden design; local and organic food and wine tastings; health, wellness and yoga pavilions; eco fashion and green beauty makeovers; electric and hybrid car test drives; nature exhibits and fun activities for the entire family.

About the Canadian Green Car Award

The Canadian Green Car Award is Canada's premier award recognizing vehicles with the greatest potential for environmental benefits.  The Award is an independent program developed by automotive journalists Eric Novak, Michael Bettencourt and Peter Gorrie, who comprise its steering committee.  The Award recognizes vehicles, widely available in Canada, that offer both impressive environmental attributes and strong mass-market appeal, since any product can have a significant impact only if it sells in large numbers.

DETROIT - Chevrolet Bolt EV is the 2017 North American Car of the Year.

The Bolt EV's recognition marks the fourth time in four years that Chevrolet has received the North American Car of the Year or Truck of the Year award, following the Corvette Stingray and Silverado's wins in 2014 and the Colorado's award in 2015.

"The Bolt EV fulfills Chevrolet's promise to offer an affordable, long-range electric," said Mark Reuss, executive vice president, GM Global Product Development.  "It is a game-changer that is not only a great electric vehicle; it's a great vehicle - period."

Founded in 1994, The NACTOY group is comprised of 60 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for magazines, television, radio, newspapers and websites.  NACTOY jurors evaluated dozens of new vehicles that went on sale this year before selecting the Bolt EV as the 2017 Car of the Year.

Offering an EnerGuide-estimated 383 kilometres (238 miles) of range on a full charge, and pricing as low as $31,434 (plus freight), after the eligible Ontario provincial incentive applicable to the base model of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Bolt EV adds the title of North American Car of the Year to a growing list of independent accolades.  Motor Trend named the Bolt EV the 2017 Car of the Year and it earned a place on the 2017 Car and Driver 10Best Cars list.  Green Car Journal also heralded the Bolt EV as the Green Car of the Year and Green Car reports named it the Best New Car to Buy.  In Canada, the Bolt EV was recently chosen as Best New Car by The Car Guide / Le Guide de L'Auto.

Standard Bolt EV features include electronic precision shift, Regen on Demand steering wheel paddle and a 10.2-inch-diagonal colour touchscreen.  The top-trim Premier model adds leather-appointed seats, front and rear heated seats, surround vision camera, rear camera mirror and more.

The Bolt EV will initially be available to retail customers in the provinces of BC, Ontario and Quebec with first customer deliveries arriving in early 2017.  Within twelve months of the retail launch, Bolt EV will be available at dealerships nation-wide.

FOURTH MOTOR TREND AWARD IN THREE YEARS FOR CHEVROLET

By General Motors, Los Angeles - MOTOR TREND has recognized the Chevrolet Bolt EV - the all-new affordable electric vehicle offering an EPA-estimated 238 miles of range on a full charge - as its 2017 Car of the Year®.

The editors based their selection on the Bolt EV's performance in six evaluation categories: advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function.

"Chevrolet is the fastest-growing full-line retail brand in the industry thanks to an exceptional vehicle lineup, which includes ground-breaking products like the Bolt EV," said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and Global Chevrolet brand chief.  "Being recognized once again as MOTOR TREND Car of the Year is a great honour for the entire Chevrolet team."

It is the fourth MOTOR TREND award for Chevrolet in three years, with the Camaro recognized as the 2016 Car of the Year and Colorado named the 2015 and 2016 Truck of the Year.

"Chevrolet is on a roll with new and compelling vehicles that have reset the bar for trucks in 2015, trucks and sports cars in 2016, and for 2017, electric cars," said Ed Loh, MOTOR TREND Editor-in-Chief.  "The Bolt EV is certainly a game changing vehicle and we look forward to seeing whether we'll be recognizing another Chevrolet next year in our annual awards."

About Bolt EV

With an EPA-estimated range of 238 miles, Bolt EV owners can expect to go beyond their average daily driving needs with range to spare, when charging regularly.

Standard features include electronic precision shift, Regen on Demand™ steering wheel paddle and 10.2-inch-diagonal color touch screen.  The top-trim Premier model adds leather-appointed seats, front and rear heated seats, Surround Vision, Rear Camera Mirror and more.

Drivers can push range boundaries with selectable one-pedal driving modes

By General Motors Canada, Oshawa - The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV will offer drivers a customizable one-pedal driving experience that allows for maximum total vehicle range.

One-pedal driving combines the highest available level of regenerative braking, which captures otherwise lost energy from deceleration and sends it back to the Bolt EV battery pack for the greatest total vehicle range.  Along with additional software controls, regen braking allows the driver to stop the vehicle without using the brake pedal in certain driving conditions.

"Bolt EV customers who want an engaging driving experience will love the thrill of one-pedal driving," said Bolt EV Chief Engineer Josh Tavel.  "They will be able to tailor the vehicle to their preferred driving style and maximize their range."

Progressively stronger levels of regen braking are employed in all Bolt EV driving through a series of four driver-selectable modes.

1. Operating in Drive and easing off the accelerator
2. Operating in Drive and using the Regen on Demand paddle on the back of the steering wheel
3. Operating in Low and easing off the accelerator
4. Operating in Low and using the Regen on Demand paddle in tandem

Number 1 provides the lowest level of regen braking and requires the use of the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop.  Numbers 2-4 are progressively stronger one-pedal driving modes that in certain driving situations allow a driver to stop the vehicle without using the brake pedal.  (One-pedal modes do not eliminate the need to use the brake pedal altogether, especially in emergency situations.)

Using a vehicle simulation model, engineers compared regen performance on a testing cycle that simulated heavy stop-and-go traffic in Drive and another using one-pedal driving while in Low and also the Regen on Demand paddle.  The engineers found that the one-pedal driving can add up to 5 percent of range to the Bolt EV.

During interviews with Chevrolet, EV enthusiasts expressed their desire for one-pedal driving capability.  Bolt EV owners, much like Chevrolet's enthusiastic Volt customers, will enjoy using regen braking to maximize every charge of the vehicle's 60 kWh battery pack.  The Bolt EV is GM-estimated to provide up to 320 kilometres of EV range.