Welcome to this weeks issue of the EV Canada Newsletter!

I recently took delivery of my 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and I could not be more happier with it! It gives me the all-electric range I need for my daily commute and evening errands, while also providing the capability to travel longer distances without the need to stop for charging and potentially long wait times at public chargers.

Now on to the EV news:

Canada

Budget 2023: Canada Proposes $55B Tax Credit Investment for Clean Energy and Clean Tech Sectors.

The Canadian federal government has proposed investing heavily in the national clean energy and clean tech sectors as detailed in Budget 2023. The annual fiscal disclosure is a "Made-In-Canada" economic plan that will invest heavily in a clean, next-generation economy. There is over $21 billion in new funding, and Budget 2023 contains multiple tax credits to further attract investments in the manufacturing, energy, and tech sectors. The total planned new tax credit investments come to roughly $55 billion.

The goal of Budget 2023's clean energy and clean sector investments is to keep Canada competitive. The Budget notes that global supply chains and alliances are shifting as countries race towards decarbonization. The centrepiece of its response is the introduction of two new, multi-billion-dollar tax credits.

The first is a 15 per cent Investment Tax Credit for Clean Energy investments. It is estimated to cost $25.7 billion through to 2035. The credit covers non-emitting electricity generation systems, abated natural gas-fired electricity generation, stationary electricity storage systems, and equipment for the transmission of electricity between provinces and territories.

The second is the Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing. It is "a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the cost of investments in new machinery and equipment used to manufacture or process key clean technologies and extract, process, or recycle key critical minerals." Eligible investments under this tax credit include those for manufacturing grid-scale electrical energy storage equipment, zero-emission vehicles, and upstream components and materials, such as cathode materials and batteries used in electric vehicles.

Because these are tax credit mechanisms, the totals will only be paid out if private sector capital is invested. This approach, states the government in Budget 2023, is "a market-driven approach to emissions reduction."

In addition, two existing tax credit schemes are expanding. The Investment Tax Credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage will now cost $12.4 billion through to 2035. The Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit will cost $12.1 billion during the same period.

Budget 2023 also proposes "at least $20 billion to support the building of major clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure projects." This funding will come through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. As well, $3 billion over 13 years (starting in 2023) is proposed to go to Natural Resources Canada to decarbonize grids across the country.

The Liberal government's "swift action" to counter the United States' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) comes in the form of roughly $55 billion in new tax credits until 2035. In addition, the government says it is considering implementing a "reciprocal treatment" condition to access tax credits. This means that foreign companies are only eligible for the equivalent credit as Canadian companies get in their respective countries.

Tesla China unveils new Cybertruck-inspired home EV charger.

Tesla China has revealed a photo of its new domestic EV charger, which is inspired by the design of the Cybertruck and was previously teased under the name "Cybervault." Tesla's Weibo account released the first image, with the description mentioning that more information would be available in two days, although no technical specifications were provided. The charger will inherit the design aesthetic of the Cybertruck, featuring a unique sandblasting and painting process that restores high-purity colours.

Previous rumours speculated that the Cybervault would be a Chinese version of Tesla's V4 Supercharger station or an energy storage product similar to the Powerwall. However, it seems that the Cybervault is a wall charger intended for home use. Tesla is known for its cool accessories and related products, and this launch of a seemingly ordinary home charger has gone viral overnight in China. The electric vehicle maker recently launched a Cybertruck-inspired beer in Europe called GigaBier, and who could forget the Tesla Flamthrower!?

Hyundai Completes Extreme Winter Testing of IONIQ 5 N: First High-Performance All-Electric Model from N Brand with AWD System and Drift Optimizer

Hyundai has announced that it has completed extreme winter testing of the upcoming IONIQ 5 N, the first high-performance all-electric model from its N brand. The testing was carried out at the Hyundai Mobis Proving ground in Arjeplog, Sweden, which is adjacent to the Arctic Circle and offers automakers a range of extreme winter conditions to test their vehicles. This included low-grip coefficient icy surfaces and sub-zero temperatures as low as -30°C.

The IONIQ 5 N has been created by combining the Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with Hyundai N's motorsport-bred technologies and expertise. The car has been optimised to provide high-performance in all driving conditions, even on frozen ice lakes.

One of the key features of the IONIQ 5 N is its all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This is the first time that an N brand production vehicle has been equipped with AWD. The system has been optimised for different drive modes, allowing the driver to select the torque level to both front and rear wheels. This system, in conjunction with the e-LSD (electronic-Limited Slip Differential) system, helps to distribute power to all four wheels in varying ratios, providing quicker response and accuracy, which are especially important considering the faster reacting torque delivery of EVs compared to ICE vehicles.

The IONIQ 5 N also comes with the N Drift Optimizer, which integrates front and rear torque distribution, torque rate, suspension stiffness, and steering effort to create a dedicated driving mode for drifting. The electronic control unit monitors input from wheel sensors to accurately identify when a certain wheel needs extra torque to enhance overall vehicle grip. This improves handling during cornering and high-speed driving on the racetrack as well as during adverse driving conditions, such as slick ice and deep snow.

Hyundai N engineers have ensured that the IONIQ 5 N meets the company's three pillars of N performance: corner rascal, racetrack capability, and everyday sportscar. The company's electrification strategy began in 2015, and the IONIQ 5 N is the result of several years of development and testing. The company plans to release more information in the coming months leading up to the car's global debut, planned for July.

EV Around the World 🌏

2024 Revuelto: The First Plug-In Hybrid Supercar from Lamborghini

Italian automaker Lamborghini is set to replace its Aventador with the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid supercar, the 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto. The name ‘Revuelto’ comes from the Spanish word for “unruly,” which perfectly encapsulates the car’s 813hp, 6.5-liter V12 engine, combined with three electric motors for a total output of 1,015cv or 1,001hp. The Revuelto can go from zero to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the Aventador, with a top speed of over 350kph (218mph). Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann calls the Revuelto a “new paradigm” for the brand and a reflection of its move towards a fully-electric lineup by 2030.

The Revuelto’s electric motor is powered by a 3.8kWh battery pack located in the central tunnel of the car, which can provide up to 10km or 6.2 miles of all-electric range. The battery can be charged back up in just six minutes by the combustion engine or through regenerative braking from the front wheels. This is the first Lamborghini model to feature four-wheel drive and electric torque vectoring, thanks to its electric motors.

Design-wise, Lamborghini drew inspiration from the world of aerospace, with “sculpted surfaces encompassed by two lines that start from the front and embrace the cabin and engine, tapering down to the hexagonal-shaped exhausts.” The car also takes cues from past Lamborghini models, such as the Countach’s scissor doors, the Diablo’s floating blade on the rear fender, and the muscularity of the Murciélago.

The Revuelto also features advanced driver-assist technology, including active lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane change warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts. The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, an 8.4-inch center display, and a 9.1-inch display on the passenger side. The Unica mobile app allows owners to monitor the car’s status, including fuel level, battery charge, electric range, and location. The app also allows for remote operations such as locking and unlocking doors, sounding the horn, and activating the car’s lights, which are also compatible with the Apple Watch.

The Lamborghini Revuelto is not just a new model for the brand, but a representation of its push towards a fully-electric lineup by 2030. With its hybrid powertrain and advanced technology, the Revuelto is a perfect example of the brand’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve while still delivering the high-performance driving experience that Lamborghini is known for. However, this technological advancement comes at a cost, with a price tag of around $542,165 USD.

Nissan Revives Classic Skyline GT-R R32 as an Electric Vehicle Conversion Project.

Nissan is reportedly revisiting an old-timer in the form of the Skyline GT-R R32, as it prepares to undertake an electric conversion of the iconic model. Dubbed the "R32 EV," an engineer at the automaker came up with the idea for the conversion out of his love and admiration for the supercar nicknamed "Godzilla." The project soon received the support of Nissan, and work began on the new EV model.

Currently, the project is still in its early stages, as a teaser clip suggests that the combustion engine is still in use, and the car retains its large exhaust tip. However, if Nissan wants to maintain the all-wheel-drive capability of the R32, the automaker will have to install one electric motor at the front and another at the rear, to ensure that the vehicle is AWD. If Nissan intends to retain the classic design of the R32, the batteries will have to be compactly placed under the hood, trunk, and possibly even in place of the rear seats.

While Nissan has not given away too many details about the R32 EV project, the engineer behind the idea stated: "By combining the car that I love the most with the technology that I think is the best, we can create a car that people around the world will be more excited about." The automaker has also set up a dedicated page on its website in Japan to tease the upcoming vehicle.

It is worth noting that nearly a year ago, Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta stated that an electric GT-R "will definitely come one day." While it is unclear if he was referring to a new production model or a one-of-a-kind restomod, Nissan's plans for the R32 EV suggest that it may be leaning towards an electric future. However, the long-awaited R36 may still retain the combustion engine for a final generation, with the possibility of hybrid assistance.

Mitsubishi Moonstone Concept: A Futuristic Zero-Emission Crossover

Mitsubishi has unveiled the Moonstone concept vehicle, which aims to set the course for the future while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With its zero-emission concept, aerodynamic lines, and state-of-the-art technology, the Moonstone is designed to deliver outstanding performance.

The name itself is a nod to space exploration, evoking a sense of curiosity and boldness that will be necessary to overcome the challenges of the future. The Mitsubishi Moonstone is a vision of a not-too-distant future where roads and uncharted territories are navigated by a silent, electric crossover that blends seamlessly into the landscape.

Visually, the Moonstone is a sculptural masterpiece of pure dynamics that proudly showcases its technical prowess. From the lidar obstacle radar detectors on the bonnet to the visible fog lights that give the vehicle a strong identity, every detail has been carefully considered. The closed grille, painted to signify the electric drive, underscores the four-wheel drive capability, while the sporty door shape has been designed to provide plenty of room for all four occupants.

QuickEV

• Lucid’s laying off 18 percent of its workers.

• 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 First Drive Review: New Shape, Same Cookie.

• [VIDEO] Watch Tesla's Full Self-Driving Beta V11 Avoid Various Obstacles.

• [VIDEO] 840hp AMG GT (ICE) vs 760hp AMG EQS (EV): DRAG RACE.

• GM Won't Offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto In Its Future EVs.

• Tesla Launches GigaBier Limited Edition Pilsner Inspired By The Cybertruck.

• [VIDEO] Teardown Tesla's newest Motor and Inverter tech.

• Lotus begins delivery of Eletre luxury electric SUV.

EV Tweet of the Week

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