If you’re one of the many Canadians considering the purchase of a battery electric (BEV or EV) vehicle then you’re about to become part of an ever-increasing wave of consumers. Sales in Canada’s EV segment continues to grow as gas prices rise and automakers move forward in developing a variety of options to cater to different lifestyles, budgets, and vehicle needs.
Having more EV options can make it difficult to choose from one make and model to the next and that’s why the team at Mike Jackson Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC is happy to help. Their trusting and knowledgeable sales staff can work with you to explain the value, the features, and the support available from the manufacturer to decide what is the right EV for you and your lifestyle.
The first question you might be asking is “why buy an EV?” The obvious answer is the benefit to the environment; EV vehicles help reduce greenhouse gas emissions which most credible scientists say are a major cause of climate change. Another good reason is simply financial: with gas prices currently fluctuating between $1.50 and $2.00 a litre across the country and slated to rise, fuel savings can be substantial for EV drivers.
For example, if you were to drive an average of 20,000 km a year in a gas-powered Equinox, you would spend approximately $2,941 on fuel at current prices. With an Equinox EV you could expect an approximate $427 dollar increase on your electric bill annually. That’s a savings of $14,705 dollars over the course of five years. For anyone racking up higher kilometers each year the savings become even more significant.
GM Canada is poised to become a leader in the EV market, and Mike Jackson GM is the name to turn to for all the exciting EV models rolling out. One of the primary reasons consumers are choosing GM EVs is due to the new Ultium battery powering the manufacturer’s expanding line-up.
The Ultium battery consists of large-format, pouch-style cells that can be stacked vertically or horizontally. This optimizes the battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle and provides a flexible framework to create vehicles from coupes to SUVs and even trucks. The battery pack can range in energy outputs from 50 to 200 kWh which could enable an estimated range of up to 644 km or more on a full charge. Ultium powered vehicles are designed to be recharged from level 2 and level 3 charging stations. Most will have 400-Volt battery packs and up to 200 kW fast-charging capability. Others, like the GMC HUMMER EV, will have an 800-Volt battery pack and 350 kW fast-charging capability.
With such cutting-edge battery technology at their core, the new line of GM EVs coming out in 2024 are perfectly suited to today’s savvy EV buyer. Here are a few of the vehicles available from GM and Mike Jackson Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC:
2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The new Equinox has an electric charge range of 480 kilometres, making it a highly feasible option for commuters travelling to and from work. The Equinox EV's exterior styling blends futuristic touches with more traditional crossover design cues, giving it a sleek visual appeal. Unlike the smaller Bolt EUV, all-wheel drive is an option on the Equinox EV, and it offers a perkier 290 horsepower. Uplevel models come with a larger battery pack that can extend the range to up to 483 kilometres.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Chevrolet brought back the Blazer as a two-row mid-size crossover in 2019. Now comes another surprise wearing a Blazer badge, as Chevy takes the SUV with the storied name into the electric realm. The gas-free version is called the Blazer EV, and the various designs offer some exceptional performance. For example, Blazer SS offers 557 horsepower and is said to be capable of hitting 60 mph in less than four seconds, making it a natural competitor to the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT and the Tesla Model Y Performance. Three other more affordable, less powerful models will be available as well.
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. Chevrolet has introduced their first truck EV model with a newly redesigned electric Silverado! With a combination of century truck-building knowledge and new trailblazing technology the pickup EV lives up to the Silverado name. The Silverado EV has up to a 645-kilometre range which will surely ease the range anxiety of new EV drivers, as well as offers up to 10,000lbs of towing capabilities. The Silverado EV will be offered in various trim levels and is the strongest case yet for a full-size electric pickup.
If you are thinking about getting into an electric vehicle, consider dropping into Mike Jackson for a test drive. Currently the dealership has a 2023 Cadillac Lyriq and a 2024 Blazer EV for demonstration purposes and the sales team would be happy to assist you while answering any questions you might have.
This article was sponsored by Mike Jackson Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, a 2023 CollingwoodToday Reader Favourite.