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- EV Canada Newsletter: Developers impeding EV adoption? Canadian battery plant construction interrupted + more!
EV Canada Newsletter: Developers impeding EV adoption? Canadian battery plant construction interrupted + more!
Weekly Recap Issue #59 - Tuesday, May 16th, 2023
Hello and welcome to this weeks’ issue of the EV Canada Newsletter.
Many people are looking towards EVs for their next vehicle, and all of them are (or should be) asking what they need to optimize their ownership in terms of EV charging. Without a doubt, having an EV charger at your home is the most convenient and taking advantage of time of day rates, make it very advantageous. But what if you live at an apartment, or what if you’re renting a home? It may not be up to you to install an EV charger - so where do you go from there? Read below for some solutions to various obstacles that you may face when approaching the landlord of you rental.
Canada
Are apartment and condo property owners and developers impeding EV adoption?
As the world increasingly embraces EVs for their environmental benefits and cost savings, one major hurdle remains in the path to widespread adoption—apartment and condo complexes. Despite the surge in EV popularity, many owners and developers of multi-unit residential buildings are reluctant to embrace the necessary infrastructure. The following are a few key factors impeding EV growth in these settings and discuss potential solutions.
Cost and Maintenance Concerns: Owners and developers often cite cost and maintenance as the primary reasons for their hesitation to install EV chargers. The installation process can be complex, requiring electrical upgrades, permitting, and specialized equipment. Furthermore, ongoing maintenance and repairs may burden the property owner or homeowner's association.Also, the owners and developers may pass the costs on to tenants, further causing stress to the tense housing situations across Canada.
Not here to just complain about the problems without providing actionable solutions, so some potential solutions are collaborations and partnerships. Owners and developers can explore partnerships with utility companies, government agencies, or EV charging service providers to share the installation and maintenance costs. Such collaborations can help alleviate the financial burden and ensure a more sustainable and equitable charging infrastructure.
Another solution, is to participate in programs by governments and utility companies that offer incentives and grants to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure in apartment and condo complexes. These financial incentives can motivate property owners and developers to invest in this essential infrastructure.
Perception of Chargers as an Unnecessary Expense: Another challenge lies in changing the mindset of owners and developers who perceive EV chargers as an unnecessary expense that tenants should bear. Concerns may arise about the visual impact of charging stations or the allocation of parking spaces.
Education plays a vital role in addressing these concerns. Property owners and developers need to understand that EV chargers are becoming a necessity as EV adoption rises. By providing charging infrastructure, property owners demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and attract environmentally conscious tenants. Additionally, charging stations can enhance property value and tenant satisfaction.
Solutions:a) Regulatory Support: Governments can introduce regulations or incentives that mandate or encourage the installation of EV charging infrastructure in new construction or existing multi-unit residential buildings. This approach ensures a level playing field and promotes sustainable development practices.
b) Integration in Building Codes: Including provisions for EV charging infrastructure in building codes can normalize the installation of chargers, removing the perception of it being an unnecessary expense. This integration will create a framework that developers can follow without hesitation.
Limited Parking Spaces: In many apartment and condo complexes, parking spaces are already scarce. Allocating parking spots for EV charging stations may be seen as an inconvenience by owners and developers. Addressing this concern and finding innovative solutions to optimize parking space utilization can encourage the installation of EV chargers without compromising existing parking arrangements.
Solutions:a) Shared Charging Infrastructure: Implementing shared charging stations that serve multiple parking spots can help maximize the use of limited space. By strategically locating chargers and implementing scheduling systems, tenants can take turns using the chargers without impacting parking availability.
b) Smart Charging Solutions: Exploring smart charging technologies can facilitate efficient use of charging stations. These solutions can prioritize charging for EVs based on demand, ensuring that vehicles are charged when needed while minimizing the number of dedicated parking spots.
As electric vehicle adoption continues to surge, addressing the challenges faced by apartment and condo owners/developers is crucial for sustained EV growth. By addressing cost and maintenance concerns, and changing the perception of charging infrastructure as an unnecessary expense, we can foster a more EV-friendly environment in multi-unit residential buildings. Collaboration among stakeholders, regulatory support, and education are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring that EVs become a viable and accessible option for all residents, regardless of their living situation.
Michael Timmons
EV & Charging Expo 2023: Premier Trade Show and Conference for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles in Toronto.
Electric Autonomy is excited to present the EV & Charging Expo 2023, a two-day trade show and conference in Toronto on May 17-18.I will be in attendance the first day, May 17th!
For more information on the EV & Charging Expo 2023 or to book tickets, visit here. The event promises to be an excellent opportunity for fleet operators, building owners, and municipal planners to learn and network with industry experts and early adopters, discover the latest solutions in electric trucks, charging technology, and more, and take on-site, on-road test drives of commercial vehicles.
Stellantis Puts Halt to Canadian EV Battery Plant.
Leading global automaker Stellantis has encountered a setback in its plans to construct an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Windsor, Canada. The parent company, known for iconic auto brands such as Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Dodge, and Chrysler, has put a hold on the project due to a funding dispute with the federal government.
Last March, Stellantis and LG Energy Solution announced their joint venture to establish a large-scale EV battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, with an investment of over CAD 5 billion ($4.1 billion) and a target capacity of 45 GWh. While Stellantis did not disclose the specific vehicles that would be powered by these batteries, it has upcoming launches in North America, including the RAM 1500 REV electric pickup scheduled for 2025 and Jeep's pure EV, the Recon, expected in 2024.
The proposed EV battery plant was expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs in the region and received significant support from municipal, provincial, and federal governments in Canada. Originally planned to go online in the first quarter of 2024, recent reports indicate that the project's timeline might need to be revised due to the construction pause.
According to a report by BNN Bloomberg, Stellantis and LG halted construction because the federal government did not provide the expected support. Stellantis' spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating that the Canadian Government failed to fulfill its obligations. Consequently, both companies are exploring alternative plans.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens expressed concern about the potential impact on the completion of the EV plant and the region's ability to attract further investments. Dilkens urged the federal government to honor its commitments, emphasizing that the City of Windsor and Province of Ontario have fulfilled their obligations.
This development comes shortly after Canada struck a deal with another major global automaker, Volkswagen, providing up to CAD 13 billion ($9.7 billion) for establishing what could become the country's largest auto manufacturing site.
The situation of Stellantis halting progressions, highlights the importance of government support in fostering sustainable growth in the electric vehicle sector.
EV Around the World 🌏
Global Electric Car Sales Soar in Q1 2023: Top Manufacturers Revealed.
The electric car industry has experienced unprecedented growth in the first quarter of 2023, with over 2.5 million plug-in electric cars sold worldwide. This remarkable achievement constituted approximately 13% of total global car sales. Based on data shared by EV-Volumes, let’s take a look at the market share and sales performance of the top players in the industry.
When considering both battery-electric cars (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVs), the top five manufacturers maintain their dominance in the plug-in segment.
Leading the way is BYD, securing the top position with over 548,000 units sold in Q1, representing a significant market share of 21.3%. The Chinese manufacturer nearly doubled its sales volume year-over-year, solidifying its market presence.
Tesla, a major player in the electric vehicle market, takes second place in the general plug-in segment. With 422,873 BEV units sold, Tesla captures a commendable 16.5% market share.
Of particular interest is the fact that both BYD and Tesla not only increased their sales volume but also expanded their market shares compared to the previous year, surpassing the overall growth of the plug-in market.
The Volkswagen Group secures the third spot in terms of volume, with 189,093 units sold. However, the group experienced a slight decline in market share compared to Q1 2022.
Together with Geely-Volvo and SAIC, these top five manufacturers accounted for nearly 57% of all plug-in electric cars sold globally in Q1 2023.
Plug-In Car Registrations in Q1 2023 (versus the previous year):
BYD Group: 548,148 units, 21.3% share (previously 14.3%)
Tesla: 422,873 units, 16.5% share (previously 15.5%)
Volkswagen Group: 189,093 units, 7.4% share (previously 8.8%)
Geely-Volvo: 156,475 units, 6.1% share (previously 5.6%)
SAIC (incl. SAIC-GM-Wuling): 141,661 units, 5.5% share (previously 8.5%)
Top 5 total: 1,458,250 units (56.8% share)
Others: 1,110,877 units (43.2% share)
Total: 2,569,127 units
In terms of all-electric car registrations, the top five manufacturers exhibit some variation compared to the plug-in segment. Tesla remains the undisputed leader in the BEV category, maintaining a substantial lead over other manufacturers. In Q1 2023, Tesla delivered an impressive 422,875 electric cars, marking a 36% increase compared to the previous year.
This accomplishment enables Tesla to expand its market share to 23.6%. Astonishingly, approximately one in four new all-electric cars worldwide, is a Tesla vehicle.
BYD retains its position as a strong second player in the BEV segment, with a market share that is growing even faster than Tesla's. In Q1, BYD sold 264,300 electric cars, capturing a 14.7% market share.
The Volkswagen Group ranks third in the BEV segment, closely followed by SAIC. While the Volkswagen Group witnessed an increase in sales volume and market share, SAIC experienced a decline, losing its third-place position.
Geely-Volvo emerges as the fifth-largest OEM in the BEV segment, achieving a market share of 5.7% with just over 100,000 units sold in Q1.
Similar to the plug-in category, the top five manufacturers accounted for over half (57%) of all BEVs sold globally.
All-Electric Car Registrations in Q1 2023 (versus the previous year):
Tesla: 422,873 units, 23.6% share (previously 21.6%)
BYD Group: 264,300 units, 14.7% share (previously 10%)
Volkswagen Group: 133,933 units, 7.5% share (previously 6.8%)
SAIC (incl. SAIC-GM-Wuling): 133,269 units, 7.4% share (previously 10.7%)
Geely-Volvo: 102,018 units, 5.7% share
Top 5 total: 1,056,393 units (57% share)
Others: approximately 0.78 million units (43% share)
Total: approximately 1.84 million units
Tesla Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles in China to Address Braking Problems.
Tesla has announced a product recall affecting 1.1 million vehicles in China to rectify braking and acceleration concerns, according to multiple reports. Although China's market regulator categorizes it as a "product recall," Tesla intends to resolve the issue through a software update, eliminating the need for customers to bring their vehicles in for physical maintenance.
The recall encompasses all four of Tesla's vehicle models, including the Model S, X, 3, and Y, both imported and manufactured in China. The affected vehicles were produced between January 12th, 2019, and April 24th, 2023. The State Administration for Market Regulation outlined the issue, stating that the vehicles prevent drivers from selecting the energy regenerative braking system. Furthermore, the system fails to provide adequate reminders when drivers depress the accelerator pedal for an extended period. These factors combined can increase the risk of prolonged acceleration, collisions, and pose potential safety hazards.
China represents a crucial market for Tesla, with the company's revenues from the country surpassing $18.2 billion in the previous year, a significant increase from $13.8 billion. In January 2023 alone, Tesla sold 66,051 electric vehicles manufactured in China, marking an 18 percent monthly growth. While it remains uncertain if customers must bring their vehicles for physical maintenance, or if refunds are available for those wishing to return their cars, Tesla aims to address the issue through an over-the-air software update.
It is important to note that the current braking issue in China is unrelated to Tesla's "phantom braking" problem, which has resulted in recalls and lawsuits in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating incidents of sudden braking reported by approximately 800 vehicle owners in response to perceived hazards. Additionally, Tesla has faced multiple recalls in the US due to various issues, including its widely publicized Full Self-Driving product. This year, the company temporarily halted the rollout of FSD after recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles equipped with the controversial driver-assist system.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly expressed his dislike for the term "recall," as many issues can be resolved through over-the-air software updates, eliminating the need for physical recalls. This approach aligns with Tesla's commitment to continuously improve their vehicles' performance and safety through remote updates.
Clean Energy and Mobility
Offshore Wind Bubble Curtain: Revolutionizing Renewable Energy Installation
The offshore wind industry is continuously evolving, seeking innovative solutions to enhance the installation process and minimize environmental impacts. One such groundbreaking technology is the offshore wind bubble curtain. This environmentally friendly method is revolutionizing the installation of offshore wind farms by mitigating underwater noise and disturbance. In this article, we explore the details of the offshore wind bubble curtain, its benefits, and its significant contribution to sustainable energy generation.
The offshore wind bubble curtain is a system designed to reduce the noise and disturbance caused during the construction of offshore wind farms. It involves the deployment of a series of perforated pipes, typically placed around the foundation of each wind turbine. These pipes release a stream of compressed air bubbles, creating a curtain of bubbles that envelops the construction area. The bubble curtain acts as a sound barrier, effectively reducing the underwater noise generated during pile driving and other installation activities.
Benefits of the Offshore Wind Bubble Curtain:
Environmental Protection: The primary benefit of the offshore wind bubble curtain is its ability to protect marine life and habitats. By reducing underwater noise, the bubble curtain minimizes potential harm to marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins, as well as other sensitive marine species.
Compliance with Regulations: Many countries have strict regulations in place to safeguard marine ecosystems during offshore wind farm construction. The use of a bubble curtain ensures compliance with these regulations by significantly reducing noise levels, meeting environmental requirements, and supporting sustainable energy development.
Efficient Installation Process: The bubble curtain technology streamlines the installation process of offshore wind farms. It eliminates the need for costly mitigation measures, such as relocation of marine animals, and reduces potential delays due to environmental concerns. This leads to improved project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Enhanced Community Acceptance: Offshore wind projects often face opposition from local communities concerned about environmental impacts. By employing the bubble curtain, developers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices, fostering community acceptance and support for renewable energy initiatives.
The offshore wind bubble curtain represents a significant advancement in the installation of offshore wind farms. As the industry continues to expand globally, this environmentally friendly technology will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable energy generation. Its application is expected to become a standard practice in offshore wind construction, promoting the coexistence of renewable energy and marine ecosystems.
Sweden Implements Permanent Electric Road to Revolutionize Transportation.
Sweden has taken a monumental step toward revolutionizing transportation and reducing carbon emissions with the introduction of a permanent electric road system. This groundbreaking infrastructure initiative aims to promote sustainable mobility by integrating electric charging technology directly into the road surface. In this article, we delve into the details of Sweden's innovative electric road project, exploring its benefits, cutting-edge technology, and potential implications for the future of transportation.
Sweden's permanent electric road system aims to create a more sustainable and efficient transportation network by providing continuous charging capabilities for electric vehicles (EVs) while on the move. By embedding charging infrastructure directly into the road, EVs can replenish their batteries during travel, eliminating the need for frequent stops at traditional charging stations. This approach offers several advantages, including extended driving range, reduced charging time, and enhanced convenience for EV owners.
The electric road system utilizes conductive technology to transfer energy from the road to EVs through a charging arm or a contact strip mounted on the vehicle's underside. As EVs drive along the electric road, the charging mechanism connects with the embedded electrical conductors, enabling a seamless transfer of power. This innovative concept opens up new possibilities for long-distance electric travel, as vehicles can recharge while in motion.
Benefits of the Electric Road Infrastructure:
Extended Driving Range: The continuous charging provided by the electric road system significantly extends the driving range of EVs, making them a viable option for long-distance travel without the concern of running out of battery power.
Reduced Charging Time: With on-the-go charging, EV owners can save valuable time by eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops. The electric road infrastructure enables vehicles to charge during normal driving conditions, minimizing downtime.
Enhanced Convenience: The integration of charging infrastructure into the road surface offers unparalleled convenience for EV owners. They can seamlessly recharge their vehicles while driving, eliminating the need to plan charging stops or wait at charging stations.
Sweden's permanent electric road system has far-reaching implications for the future of transportation and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. This innovative infrastructure development could potentially address key challenges associated with EV adoption, such as range anxiety and charging infrastructure availability. As other countries observe Sweden's progress, it may inspire similar initiatives worldwide, accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation on a global scale.