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In this issue:

• ChargeLab Launches Spark: AI-Powered Tools to Streamline EV Charger Management.

• All-New Dodge Charger Daytona Debuts with Electrifying "Save the Planet" Campaign.

• Pope Francis Goes Electric: Mercedes-Benz Unveils First All-Electric Popemobile.

• BMW's Quad-Motor M Prototype.

• GM Shuts Down Cruise Robotaxi Service to Focus on Personal Autonomy.

• +more!

Canada

ChargeLab Launches Spark: AI-Powered Tools to Streamline EV Charger Management.

ChargeLab has announced the beta launch of Spark, an advanced suite of AI-powered tools designed to simplify EV charger monitoring and maintenance. Spark leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to ensure charging networks remain reliable, regardless of charger make or model. This technology proactively detects and resolves issues, minimizing downtime and improving the EV charging experience.

Spark AI, initially in alpha testing since September 2023, is now progressing to beta, providing access to a broader set of customers. The new Analyze with Spark feature integrates directly into the ChargeLab dashboard, enabling network operations specialists to monitor and troubleshoot large networks of EV chargers efficiently. This tool is particularly beneficial for organizations managing DC fast-charging networks, fleet charging stations, and turnkey installation projects.

By clicking the Analyze with Spark button on the EV charger page within the ChargeLab dashboard, users can instantly access detailed diagnostic insights. Leveraging a Large Language Model (LLM), Spark translates complex OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) messages into easy-to-understand summaries, helping both technical and non-technical users identify and resolve issues quickly.

In addition to reactive diagnostics, Spark proactively monitors for potential problems through the Signals tab. By using dynamic pattern recognition on raw OCPP logs and system events, Spark detects issues before they disrupt charging operations.

These capabilities allow network specialists to address problems early, reduce maintenance costs, and keep EV chargers functional for drivers.

Spark is part of ChargeLab’s industry-leading EV charger management platform. Its intuitive design ensures accessibility for property managers while delivering the power and depth required by expert technicians.

Site hosts and network operations specialists can begin using Spark by navigating to their ChargeLab dashboard and selecting the Analyze with Spark button. For businesses interested in migrating their EV chargers to ChargeLab’s platform and gaining access to Spark’s AI-powered insights, visit chargelab.co/contact.

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All-New Dodge Charger Daytona Debuts with Electrifying "Save the Planet" Campaign.

Dodge has officially launched the marketing campaign for its first fully electric vehicle—the Dodge Charger Daytona. Staying true to its muscle car roots, Dodge is redefining what electric vehicles can be, delivering power, performance, and iconic design with the Charger Daytona, hailed as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.

The new campaign, titled "Save the Planet", sets the tone for Dodge’s entry into the EV market. Unlike traditional EV messaging focused on sustainability, Dodge takes a bold stance, blending its signature attitude with electrification. The campaign humorously positions the Charger Daytona as a savior of performance enthusiasts, saying it will rescue the planet from "lame, soulless, weak-looking, self-driving sleep pods."

In the campaign video, viewers are treated to stunning shots of the 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona dominating the streets, complete with the rumbling roar of its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. Dodge highlights that its approach to EVs is about making a difference—not following trends.

The Charger Daytona Scat Pack delivers a staggering 670 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds and running the quarter-mile in 11.5 seconds and has a starting price of $89,790 CAD.

The Charger Daytona R/T produces 496 horsepower and 404 lb.-ft. of torque, surpassing previous Charger R/T models in performance and starts at $57,790 CAD.

Both models qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit when leased, making them a competitive option for performance EV enthusiasts. Both models also feature a 400-volt dual-motor electric powertrain with all-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential, ensuring exceptional traction and control. Dodge’s Donut/Drift Mode on the Scat Pack allows drivers to unleash rear-biased propulsion for maximum thrills.

One of the Charger Daytona’s “innovations” is its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, the world’s first EV exhaust system. It delivers a signature rumble and tactile sound waves, giving the Charger Daytona a distinct auditory presence unlike any other electric vehicle on the market.

SIDENOTE: Check out this article from the Globe and Mail highlighting the front lines of the Dodge Charger Daytona which is being manufactured in Windsor, Ontario.

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Pope Francis Goes Electric: Mercedes-Benz Unveils First All-Electric Popemobile.

Pope Francis has embraced electrification, receiving the first-ever all-electric “popemobile” from Mercedes-Benz. Based on the reimagined G-Class SUV, this vehicle combines cutting-edge electric mobility with the Vatican’s unique ceremonial requirements.

Mercedes-Benz reworked its iconic G-Class SUV to create a tailored, zero-emission “popemobile”. Key features include:

• Four electric motors (one per wheel) for precision control at the slow speeds required during public appearances.

• A spacious open-air seating area with a 360-degree swivel seat to ensure Pope Francis can wave to crowds comfortably.

• A removable roof for weather protection without the traditional glass-encased side panels.

• A sleek, all-white pearly exterior and interior, honoring the Vatican’s design traditions.

The vehicle runs on a 116-kWh battery, which supports extended low-speed operation. With fast-charging capabilities, the battery charges from 10-80% in just 32 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime between public events.

Mercedes-Benz has a long history of creating popemobiles, having built one-third of all pope-carrying vehicles over the last century. The introduction of this electric model underscores the automaker’s commitment to sustainability.

The electric popemobile aligns with Mercedes-Benz’s broader strategy to achieve a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2039.

Volkswagen (VW) will supply nearly 40 fully electric vehicles starting next year, including models like the ID.3, ID.4 electric SUV, and ID.5.

The electric G-Class popemobile is ideally suited for the Vatican’s needs, offering quiet, emissions-free operation during short, slow-speed journeys filled with stops for crowd interactions. This electric solution ensures that Pope Francis enjoys a silent, eco-friendly ride while onlookers can cheer without inhaling harmful emissions—a clear win-win for all involved.

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BMW's Quad-Motor M Prototype.

BMW is continuing its push in the electric performance market with its new quad-motor prototype, set to be come the future of BMW M cars. Designed to deliver high-level power, control, and driving excitement, the electric setup could bring supercar-level performance to more attainable vehicles, including sedans and wagons.

Inspired by hypercars like the Rimac Nevera and its advanced torque-vectoring capabilities, BMW’s quad-motor system provides enhanced agility where each motor powers an individual wheel, enabling precise control and torque distribution. The quad-motor system also delivers high performance with expected outputs of up to 1,000 horsepower, rivaling combustion-based M models.

BMW recently showcased the i4 M50-based quad-motor prototype to its board members in a private drive event. After experiencing the prototype firsthand, executives were reportedly left speechless by its performance and control, signaling a bright future for BMW's electric M lineup.

BMW M plans to continue offering combustion-engine models but sees electric M cars as the pinnacle of its future performance portfolio. The company has already confirmed an electric M3 equivalent, expected to debut as a production model by 2027 or 2028.

This isn’t the first time a quad-motor EV has excited enthusiasts. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive (2012) used a similar setup, generating 750 horsepower and sprinting from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. However, advancements in EV technology have opened new possibilities for affordability and practicality.

While hypercars like the Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista have demonstrated the potential of quad-motor systems, their price tags are in the millions. BMW aims to democratize this technology, offering attainable performance EVs that could set new standards in the electric sports car segment.

If BMW brings a production-ready quad-motor M car to market, it could spark a trend, reshaping the future of sporty electric vehicles and delivering performance once reserved for elite hypercars.

GM Shuts Down Cruise Robotaxi Service to Focus on Personal Autonomy.

General Motors is officially stepping away from its robotaxi ambitions, shutting down Cruise after investing a staggering $10 billion. The decision reflects GM's strategic pivot toward consumer-focused autonomous driving technology and a clearer focus on its core business.

The decision comes amid growing financial pressures and restructuring efforts, including GM’s $5 billion loss in China operations. Additionally, the robotaxi market has become increasingly competitive, with players like Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla eyeing dominance in the space.

While Cruise's plans for a nationwide robotaxi rollout are now over, its technology and talent will not go to waste. GM plans to incorporate Cruise’s advancements into its Personal Autonomy strategy—focused on Levels 3 and 4 autonomy for consumer vehicles.

This means more advanced iterations of GM’s existing Super Cruise and Ultra Cruise systems, which provide assisted and partially autonomous driving capabilities.

Cruise’s downfall didn’t happen overnight. Following a series of collisions and operational issues, the California DMV suspended Cruise’s autonomous taxi operations in October 2023. The company never fully recovered, with founding CEO Kyle Vogt resigning shortly afterward.

GM plans to acquire the remaining shares of Cruise and integrate its autonomous driving technologies into GM’s internal operations. While details of the transition are still being worked out, Barra assured the public that GM would provide updates later this year.

The robotaxi retreat highlights a hard truth: the race to Level 5 autonomy remains both expensive and technologically challenging. GM’s pivot away from robotaxis signals a more pragmatic approach—focusing on achievable solutions like Level 3 and 4 autonomy for personal vehicles instead of full self-driving services.

QuickEV

• [VIDEO] Grounded RV G2 Electric Campervan Tour - EV Motorhomr.

• Costco partners with Electrify America for fast-charging stations.

• US Postal Service says it is going electric despite Trump.

• [VIDEO] 2025 Rivian SUV Overview | Switching from Tesla to R1S.

• Six EV SUVs Were Driven Until They Died. The Winner Was Clear.

• Rivian opens up its charging network to other EVs for the first time.

• [VIDEO] Munro: Does Cybercab Have 60% Fewer Parts Than Model 3?

• QuantumScape completes production process for solid-state cells.

• The Lucid Gravity Has Landed. Here's Why It Needs To Be A Hit.

EV Tweet of the Week

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