GM bullfrogs the Volt

TORONTO: General Motors’ Chevrolet Volt is plugging into green energy provider Bullfrog Power to launch a special edition of the electric vehicle (EV).

Chevrolet Volt Bullfrog Power Edition will be bundled with emissions-free, renewable electricity injected onto the electricity grid from EcoLogoM-certified sources as the vehicle is estimated to use over two years.

Bullfrog Power sells electricity that comes from wind and solar sources. The Toronto-based company notes when the Volt is charged with green electricity rather than conventional electricity, the upstream emissions associated with fossil fuel-based electricity generation are eliminated.

The Volt, powered by 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric drive unit, has a 40- and 80-kilometre range, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature. A 1.4-litre 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 refuelled.

Chevrolet Canada is also “bullfrogpowering” three Volt charging stations at its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa, Ont., as well as its display at the Canadian International Autoshow being held in Toronto, Feb. 17 to 25.

The car is now available through select dealerships across Canada at an added cost of $198, plus tax. Bullfrog Power says the premium pays for the additional cost of greening the electricity that an average Volt is estimated to use over two years.