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Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers them to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

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In this issue:

• China's BYD Halts Canadian Expansion Amid 100% Tariff on Chinese EVs.

• Canada Invests $18.6 Million in 1,600 New EV Chargers to Accelerate Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles.

• Rivian and Volkswagen Group Unveil $5.8 Billion Joint Venture to Advance EV Technology.

• Ceer Joins Forces with Rimac Technology to Equip Flagship EVs with High-Performance Electric Drive Systems.

• Cadillac Launches the Vistiq: A Three-Row Electric SUV with 300-Mile Range and Advanced Luxury Features.

• Tesla Rejoins the Trillion-Dollar Club Amid Surging Stock Prices and Renewed Robotaxi Ambitions.

• + more!

Canada

China's BYD Halts Canadian Expansion Amid 100% Tariff on Chinese EVs.

Canada has followed the U.S. in imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, prompting Chinese automaker BYD to pause its plans to enter the Canadian market, according to Automotive News. This development delays BYD’s anticipated move to bring its cost-effective EVs to Canada, a plan previously hinted at through BYD’s partnership with Uber.

As China’s largest EV manufacturer and a growing competitor to Tesla, BYD has already expanded into Europe and Mexico. Many speculated Canada would be next, with nearly-confirmed entry through its Uber collaboration, which would have offered Canadian drivers affordable financing options for BYD vehicles. However, the new tariff, mirroring President Biden’s tariff decision in the U.S., has placed these plans on indefinite hold.

While this may relieve U.S., European, Japanese, and South Korean automakers with established presence in Canada, it may limit Canadian consumer choices. BYD’s affordable EVs could have driven down prices and encouraged competitive innovation, similar to the impact of Japanese carmakers decades ago. However, Western countries argue that Chinese automakers benefit from significant government subsidies, which they claim create an uneven playing field.

In response, the U.S. and Canada are leveraging their own EV production and purchase incentives to support domestic and allied automakers. While this strategy seeks to grow North American EV markets, the path for BYD—and other Chinese automakers—to Canadian showrooms is now firmly blocked.

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Canada Invests $18.6 Million in 1,600 New EV Chargers to Accelerate Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles.

Canada has announced an $18.6 million investment in over 1,600 new electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Toronto and other locations. Announced by Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, this funding aims to enhance Canada’s EV infrastructure, allowing drivers to confidently plan their routes with Natural Resources Canada’s Electric Charging and Alternative Fuelling Stations Locator.

Supported by the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), this initiative addresses the critical need for accessible EV charging stations in urban and rural areas. This project is part of Canada’s broader strategy to reach 100% zero-emission new vehicle sales by 2035, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from on-road transportation, which currently accounts for about 18% of Canada’s total emissions.

Key Project Details

The federal funding supports a range of projects nationwide, including:

• Baseload Power Corp. - $9.4 million to install 126 chargers in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.

• SWTCH Energy - $4.3 million to install 867 chargers nationwide.

• eCAMION Inc. - $2.2 million to install 22 chargers in the Greater Toronto and Niagara areas.

• Dufferin Yorkdale Fitzrovia - $694,336 to install 146 chargers in North York.

The new chargers will be installed at key locations including workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, and public spaces, ensuring EV charging is accessible where Canadians live, work, and play. Additionally, partnerships with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and provincial incentives aim to foster EV adoption through cost-effective charging and hydrogen refueling stations.

So far Canada has allocated over $1 billion for EV charging station development, with over 41,000 EV chargers have been deployed across Canada with NRCan’s support. The iZEV purchase incentive now covers over 60 EV models, helping more Canadians transition to electric driving.

Canada’s commitment to EV infrastructure is set to benefit hundreds of thousands of EV drivers, supporting savings on fuel and maintenance while increasing environmental sustainability. With one in eight new vehicles sold in Q1 2024 being zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), Canada is progressing steadily toward its emission reduction goals. These strategic investments in EV infrastructure highlight the government’s commitment to a clean-energy future, setting the stage for further expansion and innovation in Canada’s EV ecosystem.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Unveil $5.8 Billion Joint Venture to Advance EV Technology.

Rivian and Volkswagen Group have officially launched their joint venture, Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC, committing up to $5.8 billion to develop next-generation EV technology. Initially based in Palo Alto, California, the joint venture will combine Rivian’s industry-leading software and electrical hardware with Volkswagen’s expertise in vehicle platforms and global scale. This partnership aims to enhance EV offerings across various segments, including subcompact models, with the first VW vehicles featuring Rivian’s software expected by 2027.

The joint venture aims to reduce development costs and accelerate the rollout of cutting-edge technology, benefiting both brands’ future EV models. Rivian’s existing electrical architecture and software stack will serve as the foundation, with plans to launch the Rivian R2 in 2026 and support Volkswagen’s upcoming models. The modular, scalable technology will support over-the-air updates and advanced automated driving functions, enhancing the user experience throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

The venture will be led by Wassym Bensaid (Rivian) and Carsten Helbing (Volkswagen Group). Within the first twelve weeks, the collaboration produced a drivable demonstrator vehicle, showcasing the integration of Rivian’s zonal hardware design on a Volkswagen model.

Volkswagen’s total investment in the venture is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2027. This includes an initial $1 billion convertible note, a $1.3 billion equity stake for intellectual property, and future funding contingent on reaching operational and technical milestones. As an independent company, the joint venture aims to optimize R&D efficiency, enhance cost savings, and expand EV technology’s scalability.

Through this collaboration, Rivian and Volkswagen Group seek to deliver top-tier EV technology at competitive prices, accelerating EV innovation and making sustainable transportation more accessible for millions globally.

Ceer Joins Forces with Rimac Technology to Equip Flagship EVs with High-Performance Electric Drive Systems.

Saudi Arabia’s, Ceer—the nation’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand and a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Foxconn—has signed a partnership with Rimac Technology to have Rimac supply advanced Electric Drive Systems (EDS) for Ceer’s upcoming flagship EV models. The partnership was formalized in Croatia, with Ceer CEO James DeLuca and Rimac Technology CEO Mate Rimac in attendance.

As the first large-scale EV project in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to partner with Rimac, Ceer aims to integrate Rimac’s high-performance EDS technology to deliver world-class EV performance tailored for the Saudi market. This collaboration aligns with Ceer’s mission to establish Saudi Arabia as a leader in high-performance EV manufacturing.

The partnership signifies Rimac’s transition from supplying EDS for limited-edition hypercars, like the Rimac Nevera and Aston Martin Valkyrie, to large-scale production for mainstream electric vehicles. Earlier in the year, Rimac secured a long-term agreement with BMW to supply high-voltage battery systems and has since expanded partnerships across Europe. Ceer represents Rimac’s first collaboration in the GCC, a significant milestone in the company's expansion of its powertrain and software solutions portfolio.

Further details on the scope of the partnership are expected to be released in the coming months, marking an exciting phase for both companies in advancing EV innovation on a global scale.

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Cadillac Launches the Vistiq: A Three-Row Electric SUV with 300-Mile Range and Advanced Luxury Features.

Cadillac has officially unveiled the 2026 Vistiq, a premium three-row electric SUV which provides sufficient range of 482 km (300 miles) and a starting price of $78,790 USD. This addition joins Cadillac’s growing luxury EV line up which includes the Lyriq, Optiq, Escalade IQ, and Celestiq.

The Vistiq comes equipped with a 102kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and an estimated 615 horsepower with 650 lb-ft of torque. Active Rear Steer and available Air Ride Adaptive suspension enhance handling and maneuverability. Expected to achieve 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds with its Velocity Max feature, the Vistiq combines power and sophistication in a spacious three-row SUV.

Cadillac introduces bidirectional Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) charging with the Vistiq, allowing homeowners to power their residences from the EV’s battery during blackouts. The Android-powered infotainment system includes Google Maps and the Google Play Store, though it excludes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Vistiq also features a 23-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.

Charging capabilities include up to 75 km (47 miles) of range per hour on a Level 2 charger and 127 km (79 miles) per 10 minutes on DC fast charging. Additionally, Cadillac’s Super Cruise™ hands-free driver assistance system is standard (subscription required), and Night Vision with infrared enhances visibility on dark roads.

The Vistiq’s design takes cues from the Escalade IQ, featuring a sleek Black Crystal Shield grille, Cadillac’s signature vertical lighting, and a spacious cabin with eco-conscious materials. The interior offers thoughtful touches in every row, such as padded armrests, USB chargers, and customizable storage solutions. The Platinum trim, debuting in 2025, will offer exclusive materials, carbon fiber trim, and more customization options.

The Vistiq comes standard with Cadillac’s premium safety and driver assistance features, including Blind Zone Steering Assist, Forward Collision Alert, and OnStar Automatic Crash Response. An optional Night Vision feature, enabled by infrared sensors, improves night driving by detecting pedestrians or animals on the road.

Launching in Spring 2025, the Vistiq will be available in three trims—Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury—with a Platinum trim arriving later in the year. Canadian pricing and additional details are expected to be announced soon.

Tesla Rejoins the Trillion-Dollar Club Amid Surging Stock Prices and Renewed Robotaxi Ambitions.

Tesla’s market valuation has once again surpassed $1 trillion, following a significant rally in its stock price post-election. The stock surged by nearly 30%, reaching over $320 USD per share, largely fueled by renewed investor confidence after Donald Trump’s presidential win. Tesla CEO Elon Musk contributed approximately $130 million USD to Trump’s campaign, aiming to secure supportive federal policies for autonomous vehicles and help make Tesla's Robotaxi vision a reality.

Tesla's rise puts it back among tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Apple, which have all recently hit trillion-dollar valuations, boosted by investments in AI and emerging technologies. Tesla’s valuation is also linked to its “We, Robot” showcase event in October, where the company introduced a two-seater Robotaxi concept with wireless charging, butterfly doors, and no steering wheel or pedals. However, the presentation's lack of technical detail initially dampened investor confidence before the recent surge.

Despite Tesla's milestone, the company faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Tesla to address concerns over its Full-Self Driving (FSD) communications, as critics argue the terminology misleads consumers into believing the technology is fully autonomous. NHTSA, noting Tesla’s FSD system as a Level 2 driver assistance program, has requested Tesla revise its messaging and is investigating crashes involving FSD, including a fatal incident. The review covers approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles manufactured since 2016.

Tesla’s latest valuation marks a significant recovery since its previous trillion-dollar achievement in 2021. However, to achieve its ambitious Robotaxi goals, the company must address NHTSA’s concerns and build public trust in its autonomous technologies. Musk’s increased influence and potential role in the new administration could aid Tesla in navigating regulatory challenges, yet substantial obstacles remain on the road to full autonomy. NOTE: Not financial advice.

QuickEV

• CATL considers building battery plant in the USA.

• [VIDEO] Lucid Air Sapphire vs. Tesla Model S Plaid | Quarter Mile & More.

• Walmart adds Chevrolet BrightDrop electric vans to its U.S. home delivery fleet.

• Bentley's First EV Will Be an SUV.

• [VIDEO] Lucid Air Sapphire vs. Porsche Taycan Turbo GT | Quarter Mile & More.

• Audi launches new EV brand in China, unveils AUDI E concept.

• The New Porsche Taycan GTS Is Way More Powerful.

• [VIDEO] NEW Hyundai Inster review – BEST small EV?

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