Electric vehicles at Christin Automobiles: a history that shows real care for the environment!

The signal for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles was given almost 30 years ago, but it is only since 2011 that statistics of annual electric car registrations exist in Canada. The country accounted for 1.2% of all electric car registrations in the world in 2017; the palm goes to China that accounts for 62.4% of the electric car market.

At Christin Automobiles, a Chevrolet car dealer in Montreal, we are following this evolution of the electric car and hybrid market very closely. Moreover, according to GM, it’s important to support new trends since climate change occupy the forefront of the scene, and just as important to make a big difference as a car manufacturer. In the longer term, GM intends to market no less than 20 models of battery vehicles or, even better, hydrogen by 2026. Plus, starting in 2026, GM plans to sell more than one million electric cars each year. These are very good forecasts for these vehicles that are very likely to end the existence of gasoline or diesel vehicles in a more or less near future.

In this perspective, Christin Automobiles is already trying to help reduce harmful emissions by offering electric vehicles to its customers. We must offer solutions to promote electric mobility and embrace this new dynamic in the wake of climate change.

These solutions are already present since the declaration in 1990 of then GM CEO Roger Smith, when he announced the electric prototype called Impact and stated he wanted to see its commercialization. In fact, in 1996, GM embarked on the production of the EV1, the first electric car of the modern era. It is often said that the EV1 was revolutionary in the electric vehicles’ field, and for good reasons. Indeed, it’s considered to be the first in an era dominated by gasoline cars, and it was manufactured in series. It was also the first to use induction charging, as well as the first to use low-resistance tires.

However, we should not see these characteristics as dominant components with respect to this type of car. We must instead look for the strength of the symbol that is sent to the planet. GM has certainly been a pioneer in electric cars, and its contribution with the EV1 is evidence of that fact, despite the initial criticism expressed by some competitors. In addition, the Impact, a 2-seat coupe, could reach the 295 km/h mark in 1994. This electric car has been talked about around the world with its very strong images.

GM engineers have sought to give future electric vehicles an even more environmental and soft value while keeping some refinement. If GM officially abandoned the sale of the EV1 in 2003, the American manufacturer didn’t throw the towel just yet. Since then, the company's designers and engineers have been gearing up to develop new models of extended-range electric and hybrid vehicles.

In 2010, GM announced the arrival of the Chevrolet Volt, a hybrid car with an extended range. It quickly won a phenomenal success was is named "Automotive of the Year 2011" by the prestigious American magazine Motor Trend. A few later, in 2015, we will see appear for the first time in the United States an electric vehicle called the Chevrolet Bolt. In production the following year, this all-electric vehicle was then marketed in Canada in 2017.

Since demand is constantly changing, Christin Automobiles, a Chevrolet car dealer in Montreal, near the South Shore and Repentigny, offers both Volt and Bolt models to its customers. But before making a choice, let's carefully consider what each of these two vehicles have to offer.

From the outset, the Chevrolet Volt is primarily a hybrid; it has an electric motor and a gasoline engine. However, it’s above all an electric vehicle with an extended autonomy, and a gasoline engine that mainly plays the role of a generator. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Bolt is a 100% electric vehicle and features only one electric motor.

Since 2016, the Chevrolet Volt can run in electric mode for 85 to 95 km, depending on whether it’s used on highways or in the city, or in winter or summer. It can also drive about 500 km with regular gasoline. The Chevrolet Bolt has a range of about 400 km depending on conditions but does not have a gas engine.

In addition, the Chevrolet Bolt can use external electric charging stations, commonly called plug-in. The normal charging time is 90 minutes. It can be recharged at a 120V or 240V terminal and also at a 400V fast terminal. As for the Chevrolet Volt, its battery can only be charged at a 120V or 240V terminal.

The Volt will therefore start by using the electric motor until the available energy is exhausted before using its generator, the gasoline engine. We can say that the Chevrolet Volt has two engines: A, the main engine, and B, the engine acting as a generator. The latter is a gasoline engine, while the A is an electric unit, hence its main characteristic of hybrid car that run primarily on electric energy.

If the mechanics of the Chevrolet Bolt seems simpler than the Chevrolet Volt’s at first, since there is no gasoline engine, it can travel a longer distance without having to stop. If you really care about the future of the planet, it would be better to opt for the Chevrolet Bolt, but if you have to travel longer distances, you should be leaning more toward the Chevrolet Volt.

It must be highlighted here that the Chevrolet Bolt is a 100% electric vehicle. Its conservative autonomy of nearly 400 km brings us to the conclusion that the risk of running out of power is fairly marginal. On the other hand, as stated above, the Volt gives more assurance with the regeneration of the main engine after the energy exhaustion. In all cases, both models benefit from a provincial grant of $ 8,000 (after the application of taxes).

At Christin Automobiles, we have the electric mobility vehicle that suits you. Whether it's a brand-new model or the used Chevrolet Volt, you'll feel confident after a talk with our experts in the field. Since we have been working on it for almost 30 years, electric mobility is our business. New and used vehicles are available for you, and with a certified service, on-site car financing, we will meet your expectations.

At Christin Automobiles, your Chevrolet car dealer in Montreal, near the South Shore and Repentigny, the purchase or the leasing of your next electric vehicle will be a rewarding experience. You'll benefit from the advices of experts who will take the time to examine your needs and determine what's best for you. Since this is an investment on your part, we want to make sure we answer all your questions and guide you through the process.

Finally, at Christin Automobiles, we have the right measure for you. Since the future depends on environmental change, we want to be the first to do our part. When you leave with a Chevrolet Bolt or a Chevrolet Volt, it helps to improve the quality of our environment by reducing greenhouse gases. It's a gesture for the environment; a gesture for you and for future generations.