TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 6, 2012) -
Editors note: Two photos associated with this press release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwire.
Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100 per cent green energy provider, and Chevrolet Canada, today announced the launch of the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition-Canada's first electric vehicle (EV) bundled with emissions-free, renewable electricity. For each edition sold, Bullfrog Power will inject onto the electricity grid as much clean, renewable electricity from EcoLogoM-certified sources as the vehicle is estimated to use over two years.
"Chevrolet has secured their position in the EV market by offering the first and only extended range electric vehicle, and we're proud to help them further green the vehicle through this unique partnership," says Tom Heintzman, President, Bullfrog Power. "The world needs green trailblazers, and we applaud Chevrolet Canada for giving drivers a new transportation solution that is safe, reliable and now even more environmental."
The Chevrolet Volt is not a hybrid. It is a one-of-a-kind, all-electrically driven vehicle designed and engineered to operate in all climates, with a range of up to 580 kilometres. Powered by GM's revolutionary Voltec propulsion system, it consists of a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit that provide pure electric range between 40 and 80 kilometres, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. A 1.4L gasoline-powered engine extends the range up to an additional 500 kilometres on a full tank of fuel by operating the vehicle's electric drive system until the car can be plugged in and recharged or refueled. This distinguishes the Volt from electric-only vehicles, which cannot be operated when recharging is not immediately available - such as during a power interruption or on a long-distance trip.
When the Volt is charged with green electricity-rather than conventional electricity-the upstream emissions associated with fossil fuel-based electricity generation are eliminated.
Across Canada, Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program-instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear. Bullfrog uses customer demand to support the development of new renewable generation in Canada.
"The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition combines the mobility and independence that Canadians want with the green technology and reduced impact that the world needs," says Matt Crossley, Director of Canadian Engineering, GM Canada. "Our customers are making a commitment to technology that will dramatically reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from driving. In turn, we commit to deliver the highest standards for value, safety, quality, performance and reliability."
In addition to offering the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition, Chevrolet Canada is also bullfrogpowering® its three Volt charging stations at its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa, Ontario, as well as its upcoming display at the Canadian International Autoshow being held in Toronto, February 17 to 25, 2012. GM Canada also bullfrogpowered the Canadian launch of the Volt at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto in October 2011.
The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition is now available through select dealerships across Canada. The extra cost to purchase this edition of the Volt is $198.00 plus tax. This premium pays for the additional cost of greening the electricity that an average Volt is estimated to use over two years. The Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition comes marked with a custom badge on the back of the vehicle. No special wiring or equipment is required.
Current Chevrolet Volt owners also have the option to choose green electricity from Bullfrog for their EVs. To learn more about the Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition, contact your local Chevrolet dealer or visit www.chevrolet.ca.
About Bullfrog Power
Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100 per cent green energy provider, provides renewable energy solutions that allow homes and businesses to reduce their environmental impact and help create a cleaner, healthier world. Bullfrog's green electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear. A clean, renewable alternative to fossil fuel-based natural gas, Bullfrog's green natural gas is produced in Canada from biogas facilities that have met strict environmental criteria as defined by ICF International. Thousands of Canadian homes and businesses are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by switching to green energy with Bullfrog Power. Homes and businesses can sign up easily, quickly and affordably at www.bullfrogpower.com.
About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 120 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco consumes just 4.6 L/100 km on the highway while Volt offers up to 80 kilometres of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 500 kilometres of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada or by following @ChevroletCanada on Twitter.
Contact Information:
William Pointon
Manager, Public Relations
416.360.3464 ext 221
william.pointon@bullfrogpower.com
www.bullfrogpower.com
Chevrolet Canada
Adria MacKenzie
Corporate Communications Manager
905-644-6044 or Cell: 905-442-6555
adria.mackenzie@gm.com
www.chevrolet.ca