Hydro-Québec: Sabia swaps Brochu's Tesla for a hybrid Volvo

Hydro-Québec's new CEO, Michael Sabia, doesn't want his predecessor Sophie Brochu's Tesla. The state-owned company bought him a luxury hybrid Volvo SUV for around $100,000.

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M used a Tesla Model Y^me The Brochu, however, has only a few years of wear and tear and less than 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, which is quite low for an electric vehicle.

Costing $73,000 in 2021, the car will now be used as a “replacement vehicle for the CEO” Newspaper A hydro representative, Louis-Oliver Batty.

“Depending on its usage, we will evaluate various options in the coming months, including the possibility of making it available,” he added.

“Mobile Office”

Mr. Sabia now drives a plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90. This spacious sport utility vehicle consumes 3.8 liters per 100 km in hybrid mode and 8.9 liters per 100 km in combustion mode. Its electric range is 53 kilometers compared to 450 kilometers for the Model Y.

“[Le Volvo XC90 hybride rechargeable] Chosen for high safety and reliability features, while allowing long-distance journeys thanks to the hybrid mode. The vehicle acts as a mobile office when the CEO travels,” said Mr. Batti.

On Volvo's website, the XC90 Recharge is priced from $84,750 to $96,350 plus taxes. The vehicle purchased by Hydro-Québec has been in service since November.

Michael Sabia

Archive photo, QMI Agency

High costs

In 2021, Hydro announced a Tesla acquisition for Sophie Brochu.

“There will no longer be any greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the company vehicle,” Louis-Oliver Batty said at the time. Newspaper.

Before buying Tesla, the state-owned company paid $5,000 in gasoline for the roughly 40,000 kilometers it traveled each year.^me Paperback. Last year, vehicle charging costs were less than $1,000. As for operating expenses, they reach $8,000 more than $1,000 a year.

“So we're talking about very significant gains,” Mr. Butty said, adding that “the company vehicle will last four to seven years.”

“Conversion Tool”

Martin Archbault, electric vehicle specialist and podcast host Silence, we rideHydro-Québec was not scandalized by what appeared to be a step backwards.

“Would I like a 100% electric car? “That's for sure,” he agrees.

However, Mr. Archambault emphasized.

“It allows a little more flexibility,” he said. Quite honestly, at the time we are in technology and for some needs, I find it to be the best of both worlds. I hope that in four or five years, there will be enough large 100% electric vehicles available to ensure that we no longer fall back on the hybrid as a transitional tool.”