Signature Electric’s Guide to the Canadian International AutoShow

2013.02.19

The Canadian International AutoShow is on from February 15-24 in Toronto and along with showing us the newest and most high tech vehicles coming to Canada, the show is putting a considerable amount of focus on green vehicles. As huge fans of environmentally friendly vehicles, we just had to send one of our team members over to the show to take a look and report back.

5 Must-Sees at the Canadian International AutoShow

Electric Vehicle Information Booths:

Plug ‘n Share, Charge My Car, CAA, Sun Country Highway and the Ministry of TransportationEVs are being well represented at the show, this year, especially in the information department. Multiple organizations are giving out pamphlets full of EV knowledge and even guides to the Ontario EV Charging Incentive program. For example, did you know that with an EV, you get a green license plate and access to HOV lanes, even if you’re driving alone?  If you’re not going to the show, but still want this information, download our free handbook “Getting to Know Electric Vehicles”. If you are going to the show, but want to impress the people at these booths, read through the handbook too!

plugnshare

Schneider Electric’s booth

Schneider Electric offers EV charging solutions for residential, commercial, fleet, and DC quick charging. Their fastest chargers can give an 80% battery charge in 30 minutes!Note: Schneider Electric is giving homeowners and businesses a rebate of 50%, up to a maximum of $1,000, towards a residential charging station until July 1, 2013. That is an amazing deal!

Ford’s EV and Hybrids

Ford Focus Electric

This fully electric version of the 5-door hatchback boasts both a smooth and torquey ride with its 143 hp electric power delivery. Its 160km range battery can charge in 3-4 hours with the 240v charge station.

  • Cost: $41,199
  • Engine: Electric
  • Horsepower: 143hp
  • Torque: 184lb-ft
  • Transmission – 1 speed automatic
  • Cargo/Seating: 411 lbs / 5 passengers
  • Fuel Type: Electric
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • Fuel Cost: $249
  • 1.7/100km 2/100km

Ford Fusion Hybrid/Energy

 

This hybrid was named AJAC’s Best New Family Car over $30K. Its cool graphical dashboard is great for showing the driver exactly how much fuel they are saving by driving a hybrid!

ford-hybrid

  • Cost: $29,999
  • Engine: 2.0L I4 Hybrid
  • Horsepower: 141 hp @ 6000 rpm (188 hp combined)
  • Torque: 129 lb-ft @4000 rpm
  • Transmission – CVT
  • Cargo/Seating: 340 lbs / 5 passengers
  • Fuel Type: Plug-in Hybrid
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • Fuel Cost: $1,031/20,000km
  • 4/100km 4.1/100km

The Chevy Volt

Make sure to check out the Volt’s display to see its skeleton and hear the live presenter talk about the car’s electrical interior. For anyone interested in how EVs work, this display is worth seeing. The car itself is known for its handling and seamless driving experience.

chevyvoltdisplay

  • Cost: $42,000
  • Engine: 1.42L I4 + Electric
  • Horsepower: 149 hp @ 4800rpm
  • Torque: 278 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
  • Transmission – 1 speed automatic
  • Cargo/Seating: 300 lbs / 4 passengers
  • Fuel Type: Plug-in Hybrid
  • Drivetrain: FWD
  • Fuel Cost: $514/20,000km
  • 2.5/100km 2.5/100km

The BMW i-Series Concept EVs

Both of these concept cars are neat to stop by and take a look at. They use innovative eDrive technology and have some pretty substantial top speeds.

BMW i3 Concept – Coupe

The i3 Concept is a sustainable vehicle specially designed for use in urban areas. It is truly electric and is the picture of urban transportation and commuting emission-free.

  • eDrive Output: 170 hp/184 lb-ft
  • Top Speed: 150 km/h
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.8s
  • Electric Range: 130 – 160km
  • Battery Charge Time: Level 2 (32amp) – 3hrs
  • 80% in 20 minutes with DC fast charging
  • Luggage Compartment: approx. 200L

bmw-coupe

BMW i8 Concept – Sports Car

The i8 Concept Spyder goes after the two-seater sports car crowd with its sleek open-top design and combined system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp) – all while using less than 2.7 litres of fuel at 100km.

bmw

  • eDrive Output: 220hp/221 lb-ft
  • Top Speed: 250 km/h
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: less than 5s
  • Electric Range: 35 km
  • Battery Charge Time: 2 hours in standard power socket
  • Luggage Compartment: n/a

We had such a great time at the show, this year, browsing around and seeing all of the new technology. Did you go to the AutoShow? What were your favourite parts?


Comments