The Volt has a total driving range of about 580km and travels the first 40km to 80km using electricity stored in the battery and when the battery runs low, an engine-generator seamlessly engages to provide electricity, extending the Volt’s driving range by about 500km.
The partnership with Chevrolet aims at preparing the region for arrival of new electric vehicles (EVs) including the Volt, which will be launched in Canada in the third quarter of 2011, by promoting consumer adoption of plug-in EVs and building awareness of the environmental benefits of the cars.
BC Hydro has worked with Natural Resources Canada to develop guidelines for EV charging infrastructure and taken the lead in the development of codes and standards to promote sustainable transport.
The utility has also participated in a North America-wide research and development collaboration with General Motors, the Electric Power Research Institute and 34 North American utilities to facilitate integration of plug-in hybrid vehicles into the grid.
BC Hydro deputy CEO and executive vice-president Bev Ruyven said that there is significant interest in EVs in BC, and as the primary fuel supplier for these cars of the future, BC Hydro has been involved in numerous initiatives to learn more about how EVs will interact with the electrical system.
