Welcome to the first issue of the EV Canada Newsletter for 2023!

I sincerely hope that you had a great time over the holidays and that 2023 is a great year for you and your close ones.

Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the new EVs we are ‘supposed’ to see in 2023:

• Chevrolet Equinox, Silverado and Blazer

• Genesis GV70

• GMC Sierra and Hummer SUV

• Hyundai Ioniq 6

• Kia EV9

• Maserati Grecale Folgore SUV

• Polestar 3

• Porsche Macan EV

• Rolls-Royce Spectre

• Tesla Cybertruck (lol) and Roadster

Canada

Canadian-made ‘Project Arrow’ EV debuts at CES 2023.

The Canadian-made EV "Project Arrow" was unveiled at CES 2023. Project Arrow has been developed by students of Carleton University using Canadian-sourced components and technology. Project Arrow was initiated by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA) in 2020, in collaboration with the students.

The prototype unveiled at CES is a working model of what Canada hopes to see on its roads in the future, with a target production rate of 50,000 units per year (model year 2025). The EV is made using components from over 50 Canadian companies and has received over $8 million in funding from various government bodies, including $3.9 million from the Government of Canada.

Project Arrow's partners include Leddartech and companies specializing in LiDAR technology. The project is reportedly "the biggest industrial collaboration project in Canadian automotive history," and has supported the employment of 80 people and 40 suppliers.

Winter EV tips.

In a previous issue we mentioned a few EV tips for winter driving, especially since some EVs can experience up to a 30% reduction in range in the cold winter months. Here are some tips to help you have a positive EV experience during below 0 degree weather.

1. Park in a garage if possible to protect battery from cold temperatures.

2. Schedule departure to precondition (warm-up) vehicle and maximize range. Preconditioning battery prior to charging will improve vehicle operation and conserve energy.

3. Charge EV fully overnight to start day with a full charge.

4. Use Eco Mode and limit use of electric features, such as heated seats, to conserve battery power.

5. Perform winter prep for EVs, such as removing unnecessary weight, properly inflating tires, and avoiding rapid acceleration to maximize driving range.

6. Be prepared for crowded public charging stations and have backup charging plans.

7. Use warming blankets or seat heaters to conserve battery energy while driving.

If you have any additional winter EV range tips or general winter driving tips, let us know by leaving a comment below.

The all-electric fastback sedan is one of 10 new electric models that VW plans to launch by 2026 and it’s coming to Canada in 2024. Here is a first look:

EV Around the World 🌏

Lightyear has announced the release of their second model of solar-powered EV, the Lightyear 2.

The waitlist for the vehicle has been opened by the company, with production set to begin at the end of 2025. Full details are far from being revealed, but some teaser images were found on the Lightyear website.

The Lightyear 2 is similar in appearance to the Lightyear 0, with a few differences including sleeker blacked-out pillars and additional black accents on the body. It also has a higher ground clearance, giving it a coupe crossover appearance. The vehicle will have solar panels on the roof, hood, and rear, and is expected to have a range of over 800 kilometers. It will also have the ability to provide power back to the grid, and is expected to cut the driver's lifetime CO2 emissions in half. The Lightyear 2 will be available in the US, UK, and EU, with an estimated price point of below $42,000 USD.

Sony and Honda have unveiled a prototype of a new electric car called Afeela at CES 2023. 

The midsized sedan is part of a joint venture between Sony and Honda, aptly named Sony Honda Mobility. According to Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility, Afeela represents the concept of interactive mobility, using sensing and AI technologies to detect and understand people and society.

The car is equipped with 45 cameras and sensors on the interior and exterior, which will be able to detect the driver's condition for safety purposes. It will also use technology from Qualcomm and Unreal Engine graphics technology for its interfaces. Sony Honda Mobility aims to have preorders for the car available in the first half of 2025, with sales to follow later that year. The first shipments are expected to be delivered to customers in North America in the spring of 2026. Sony Honda Mobility plans to focus on online sales and wants customers to "take part in the product development process." The car will be produced at Honda's facilities in North America.

QuickEV

• Mercedes is the first auto manufacturer to offer level 3 self-driving.

• EVgo & Amazon partner to have Alexa locate chargers and pay for charging.

• [VIDEO] Out of Spec Reviews test drives the Fisker Ocean.

• Peugeot Inception EV concept revealed at CES 2023 with praise.

• Ram Trucks reveals Ram Revolution Concept, its first electric pickup.

• [VIDEO] Kia EV6 GT masters the Nurburgring in this onboard hot lap.

• Global plug-in EV sales reached a new record in November 2022.

• Tesla takes a step back on yoke, brings back round steering wheel as option.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Silverado EV work truck towing test.

EV Tweet of the Week

If you have a suggestion for EV Tweet of the week, send it to me!