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  • EV Canada Newsletter: Acura ZDX, Mercedes and VW agreements in Canada, Lucid Air Sapphire, + more!

EV Canada Newsletter: Acura ZDX, Mercedes and VW agreements in Canada, Lucid Air Sapphire, + more!

Weekly Recap Issue #29 - Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Good evening! Thanks for taking the time to check out this weeks newsletter! Lots of car shows going on around Canada which is great to see! With that being said, if you have an EV-related event you would like share in this newsletter, reach out and I’ll add it! Also, I have been working on developing the website where I will be posting events and other content. Will let you know when it is up and running!

Canada

Tesla has stopped taking orders for their Model 3 Long Range in Canada and the US.

Canadian Tesla buyers do not have the option to purchase the Model 3 Long Range on the the Tesla website. Currently, when selected, it indicates “Available in 2023”, however consumers can still purchase the performance version.

The reason for why Tesla has halted orders, as indicated by Elon Musk via Twitter, is because the waitlist is too long.

Current wait estimates for Canada are (from the Tesla website):

  • RWD: 18" Aero Wheels: Nov 2022 - Jan 202319" Sport Wheels ($1,500): Oct-Dec, 2022

  • Long Range AWD: To be available for order in 2023

  • Performance: Oct-Nov, 2022

Acura has announced the all-new electrified Acura with the ZDX.

Acura’s first all-new fully electric SUV will be coming to marking in 2024 and will be called the Acura ZDX. Alongside this model, there will be a Type S variant which demonstrates Acura’s commitment to performance within the electric vehicle market.

The ZDX is being co-developed GM, and will be based on GM’s Ultium EV platform which is also in vehicles such as the Cadillac Lyriq. The ZDX is Acura’s first zero-emissions SUV.

“The Acura ZDX represents the start to what will be an accelerated path toward electrification by the end of the decade and the key role the Acura brand will play in our company’s global goal to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050,” said Emile Korkor, assistant vice president of Acura National Sales. “Acura will remain focused on performance in the electrified era and Type S will continue to represent the pinnacle of this direction.”

Be sure to check out the video below where Emile Korkor provides additional details.

Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen announce agreements with Canada regarding EV materials.

Mercedes and Volkswagen have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Canada in an effort to seize opportunities throughout the EV supply chain and secure sustainable sources of raw materials from Canada.

Specifically, VW is targeting collaboration with various Canadian mining companies and PowerCo, VWs battery company. PowerCo is hoping to ramp up cathode material production by creating partnerships with Canadian suppliers with access to lithium, nickel and cobalt. Partnerships with raw material suppliers, refiners and processors are keys to success for VW as they plan to launch 25 BEV in North America with 55% EV sales by 2030.

Mercedes, similar to VW is hoping to secure agreements with Canadian companies who are active in every step of the EV supply chain. They are also focusing on technical development and recycling. Mercedes is exploring a partnership with Rock Tech Lithium Inc. Rock Tech Lithium is a cleantech company and is able to source raw materials from Canada and Germany which is important to help Mercedes mass produce their planned zero-emission vehicles.

Supercar Blondie Gives A Video Tour Of The Lexus LFA EV Successor.

If you like this rundown/summary of what’s going on with EVs in Canada please share it with someone (or people) that you think might enjoy it as well!

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Also, if you would like to contribute, have any feedback or comments please email me:

EV Around the World 🌏

Up close and personal:Fully Charged Checks Out Aptera, Drives The Three-Wheeler Solar EV

Three-motor Lucid Air Sapphire debuts at Monterey Car Week.

Lucis has officially revealed the Lucid Air Sapphire at Monterey Car week. The Sapphire has 1200+ HP and is powered by a tri-motor configuration. Lucid claims that the Sapphire is the most powerful sedan in the world.

With specs like 0-60mph in under 2 seconds and a top speed of over 200mph there leaves little doubt in the capability of the Lucid Air Sapphire.

Lucid Air Sapphire

As mentioned, the Sapphire has three motors. 1 powers the front wheels and the twin-motor unit powers the rear wheels. Lucid also utilizes heat exchange technology for the rear drive unit to increase the cooling capacity and maintain an efficient thermal strategy for the battery system making sure that components remain within their effective and efficient temperatures.

Lucid Air Sapphire

The Sapphire chassis has a stiffer front and rear springs, stiffer bushings, unique damper settings and various tunings for handling. Carbon-ceramic breaks and wide tires which have removable aero-disk wheel covers are included.

Lucid indicates that the Sapphire is only the beginning of their offerings within their performance focused brand. Reservations for the Sapphire have gone live on August 23rd. The Sapphire will cost $249,000 USD and deliveries are expected to begin in 2024.

Watch Rivian R1T Drive Into Idaho's Bear Lake To Launch Boat.

Classic 1975 BMW Lives New Life In London As An Electric Vehicle.

QuickEV

EV Tweet of the Week

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