Michael Bettencourt

11 posts

Michael writes regularly on EVs and green technology for Torstar (Wheels.ca, The Toronto Star) and is former managing editor of autoTRADER.ca, and has been a writer, photographer and columnist for publications such as The Globe and Mail, ForbesAutos and MSN Autos.

Behind the wheel of the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5: similarities, differences and what makes each EV tick

The EV6 and Ioniq 5 are two of the most popular EVs to hit the market this year. Electric Autonomy Canada does a head-to-head comparison between the crossovers on performance, charging speeds and driver experience

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Electric Vehicles Canada, Hyundai Canada, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia

Michael Bettencourt
April 28, 2022
8 minute read

concept image of electric vehicles with title text that reads 'Q2 2022 EV TRACKER'

Q2 sees major EV players finally hit the Canadian market with Ford, Lucid and Toyota hotly anticipated

Ford F-150 Lightning headlines this quarter, Lucid arrives in Canada and first BEVs for Genesis, Subaru and Toyota are announced in the Q2 EV recap

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker, Ford Motor Co., Lucid, Toyota

Michael Bettencourt
April 27, 2022
7 minute read

blue and gold 2X2 grid with with electric vehicle in each

The pool of EVs available in Canada is growing in Q1 2022 at both ends of market

The Korean influence is strong on the mainstream end, but there is still more action on the luxury-side arrivals at dealerships coast-to-coast

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker

Michael Bettencourt
January 31, 2022
7 minute read

Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV in Toronto, Canada

It’s raining new electric SUVs and the first ID.4s rolled onto Canadian dealership lots this week

Lucid and Rivian are still no-shows in Canada, but the ID.4 has arrived and later this fall the market will see key new electric vehicles by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda, plus refreshed Teslas

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz Canada

Michael Bettencourt
October 14, 2021
6 minute read

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV U.S. pre-production model shown

The “lost” quarter? Canadian EV introductions hit a rough patch in Q3

Some of these EVs are now slated for Q4, but amidst widespread production delays, some have now been pushed to 2022 — and one of the most significant summer arrivals is no longer available, at least temporarily

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker

Michael Bettencourt
September 2, 2021
3 minute read

New EV arrivals in Canada include one cost-friendly debut and several six-figure offerings

The number of newly available models of battery electric vehicles in Canada for Q2 is not huge, but includes some significant launches with the potential to help drive up EV adoption and broaden purchase choices

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker

Michael Bettencourt
April 6, 2021
6 minute read

Concept art representing Canadian Q4 2020 EV Tracker

Automakers

Out with a bang? Q4 of 2020 is bringing some innovative EVs to Canada

The first in our new quarterly round up of new battery electric vehicle models hitting Canadian showrooms, in-store and online

Electric Vehicles Canada, EV Tracker, Ford Motor Co.

Michael Bettencourt
December 11, 2020
6 minute read

Graphic showing the EV hummer's ability to withstand water

GMC Hummer EV brings big power, range and attitude to the electric pick-up fray

With yesterday’s unveiling, the archetype of oversized gas guzzlers is back as a monster EV — or it will be, at least, when it eventually gets to Canada in late 2022

Electric Vehicles Canada, General Motors GM

Michael Bettencourt
October 21, 2020
3 minute read

Michael Heifler, director, investor relations at General Motors

Automakers

GM scrambles to show its new EV emphasis

COVID-19 concerns pushed back the electric Cadillac Lyriq SUV debut, but new Ultium-branded batteries underscore that the majority of GM’s R&D is now EV-related

General Motors GM