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  • šŸš—āš”EV North Newsletter: AI Powered EV Chargers, Canadian Dodge Charger Daytona EV, Electric Popemobile, BMW's Quad-Motor Innovation and GM Shuts Down Cruise.

šŸš—āš”EV North Newsletter: AI Powered EV Chargers, Canadian Dodge Charger Daytona EV, Electric Popemobile, BMW's Quad-Motor Innovation and GM Shuts Down Cruise.

Issue #144 - December 17, 2024

Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers them to your inbox.

Before we jump into this weeksā€™ EV North Newsletter, check it this review from a previous Tesla owner who has purchased a 2025 Rivian R1S.

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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.

ā€œSpark was built to simplify the complex work of managing EV chargers. By combining AI-driven insights with user-friendly tools, weā€™re setting new standards in EV charger reliability and performance.ā€

Ehsan Mokhtari, CTO of ChargeLab

Spark is part of ChargeLabā€™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 ChargeLabā€™s platform and gaining access to Sparkā€™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 vehicleā€”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 worldā€™s quickest and most powerful muscle car.

The new campaign, titled "Save the Planet", sets the tone for Dodgeā€™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 differenceā€”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. Dodgeā€™s Donut/Drift Mode on the Scat Pack allows drivers to unleash rear-biased propulsion for maximum thrills.

One of the Charger Daytonaā€™s ā€œinnovationsā€ is its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust, the worldā€™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.

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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 ā€œpopemobileā€ from Mercedes-Benz. Based on the reimagined G-Class SUV, this vehicle combines cutting-edge electric mobility with the Vaticanā€™s unique ceremonial requirements.

Mercedes-Benz reworked its iconic G-Class SUV to create a tailored, zero-emission ā€œpopemobileā€. 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 Vaticanā€™s design traditions.

Pope Francis receives the first electric ā€œPopemobileā€.
CEO Ola KƤllenius (2nd from left) was accompanied by Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing, Marc Langenbrinck (left), CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia and Karl Schregle (right), Head of Sales MBC Europe, at the appointment just outside St Peter's Basilica. Image Source: Mercedes.

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 automakerā€™s commitment to sustainability.

"This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trustā€¦With this popemobile, we are sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization."

Ola KƤllenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group

The electric popemobile aligns with Mercedes-Benzā€™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 Vaticanā€™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 emissionsā€”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, BMWā€™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 isnā€™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.

"A robotaxi business is not General Motors' core business... The amount of money to deploy a robotaxi business, maintain it, and grow it is quite a bit of capital."

Mary Barra, General Motors CEO

The decision comes amid growing financial pressures and restructuring efforts, including GMā€™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 Cruiseā€™s advancements into its Personal Autonomy strategyā€”focused on Levels 3 and 4 autonomy for consumer vehicles.

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

Cruiseā€™s downfall didnā€™t happen overnight. Following a series of collisions and operational issues, the California DMV suspended Cruiseā€™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 GMā€™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. GMā€™s pivot away from robotaxis signals a more pragmatic approachā€”focusing on achievable solutions like Level 3 and 4 autonomy for personal vehicles instead of full self-driving services.

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