EV Canada Newsletter: Electric buses, Bolt no more, eUTVs, Tesla Powerall + more!

Weekly Recap Issue #57 - Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023

Welcome to this week’s issue of the EV Canada Newsletter, this issue is all about the electric buses! In addition to the buses, I added a section specific to clean energy which will be dedicated to clean energy technology and advancements. This may or may not be a permanent section in the newsletter, but if you like (or don’t like it) let me know!

Canada

Lion Electric School Buses to Keep Prince Edward Islanders Warm in Emergencies.

The Canadian province of Prince Edward Island has partnered with Lion Electric, a Quebec-based electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturer, to power community disaster relief locations during emergencies. The LionC electric school bus boasts a battery capacity of 126-210kWh, making it suitable for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations, in which the vehicle can feed energy back into the grid when demand is low or there is an abundance of renewable electricity generation.

The LionC electric school bus is a classic North American yellow school bus that has become a leader in the space due to its advanced technology. Its V2G technology will be used to provide power to temporary community shelters during emergency situations. The province has ordered over 200 electric school buses from Lion, 82 of which will be in service by the end of next month.

The LionC’s battery means that two electric buses can provide about three days’ worth of power for the North Rustico Lions Club, which served as a warming center during last year’s Hurricane Fiona that knocked out power for 95% of the Island. The North Rustico Lions Club in the tiny town of North Rustico, population 648, ran a diesel generator day and night to provide power during the storm. But this will no longer be required in the future, as Lion’s V2G technology will be leveraged to provide cleaner, quieter, and less-dangerous power for this warming center.

The pilot program will initially be funded by Lion Electric and the province itself. But it doesn’t stop at emergency response – the province also wants to use these buses to help clean up the grid by charging when demand is low or when there is an abundance of renewable electricity generation, and discharging into the grid to help offset enabling unsustainable back up plants when demand is high.

The province proudly states that these two points make electrification of school buses a key part of their net zero strategy that leads the rest of the nation. By replacing traditional school buses with electric ones, Prince Edward Island will be able to reduce its carbon emissions and help the environment.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the LionC electric school bus is also cost-effective. The savings on fuel and maintenance costs will enable the province to invest in other areas of its infrastructure. As more and more municipalities around the world begin to electrify their school bus fleets, it is expected that the cost of electric buses will continue to decrease, making them even more accessible to communities.

Electric school buses not only reduce emissions and provide clean energy but also provide a quieter, more comfortable ride for students. They are also equipped with advanced safety features such as backup cameras, GPS tracking, and collision avoidance technology, making them a safer choice for transporting students to and from school.

GM discontinues small affordable Chevy Bolt EV.

General Motors (GM) has announced that it will discontinue production of the Chevy Bolt, its small affordable electric vehicle (EV). The move comes as part of GM's push to focus on larger, more profitable vehicles. The Bolt was first introduced in 2016 as a compact EV with a range of over 200 miles on a single charge. Despite being a popular and well-reviewed option in the market, GM has decided to shift its focus to larger and more profitable vehicles.

In a statement, GM said it is "committed to an all-electric future" and that the company is "moving aggressively to build a profitable EV business." The automaker plans to invest $35 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles by 2025, and expects to have 30 new EVs available globally by the end of 2025.

The discontinuation of the Bolt is part of a larger trend in the industry, as automakers focus on larger and more expensive EVs. While smaller EVs like the Bolt have been popular among environmentally-conscious consumers, the high cost of battery production has made them less profitable for automakers. This has led many companies to shift their focus to larger and more expensive models.

GM's decision to discontinue the Bolt has been met with disappointment from many EV enthusiasts, who see the model as an important step towards making electric transportation more accessible to the general public. Despite this setback, many are optimistic about the future of EVs, and believe that continued investment in research and development will lead to more affordable and accessible electric vehicles in the near future.

Electric UTVs Revolutionize the Off-Roading Industry.

Electric UTVs, or utility task vehicles, are rapidly changing the off-roading industry. These all-terrain vehicles are powered by electric motors, which provide numerous benefits for off-roading enthusiasts. From reducing noise pollution to improving performance, electric UTVs are a game-changer.

One of the most significant advantages of electric UTVs is their quiet operation. Traditional gas-powered UTVs can be noisy, disrupting the peace of the outdoors. Electric UTVs, on the other hand, operate quietly, allowing riders to enjoy nature without disturbing wildlife or other outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to their quiet operation, electric UTVs also offer improved performance. Electric motors provide instant torque, making them faster and more responsive than gas-powered UTVs. They also require less maintenance, with fewer moving parts, resulting in lower operating costs over time.

Another advantage of electric UTVs is their environmental friendliness. They emit no tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and carbon footprint. This makes them a sustainable choice for those who enjoy off-roading and want to minimize their impact on the environment.

Electric UTVs are also becoming increasingly accessible, with a range of models available on the market. As more manufacturers produce electric UTVs, prices are becoming more competitive, making them a viable option for a wider range of consumers.

Polaris has recently unveiled its latest innovation in electric utility vehicles, the all-new Ranger EV, also known as the eUTV. This electric vehicle boasts zero emissions, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas-powered UTVs.

RANGER XP Kinetic Premium Icy White Pearl

The eUTV offers exceptional off-road performance with a top speed of 50 mph and a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. The vehicle is powered by a 48-volt high-capacity battery system that can be fully charged in six hours using a standard 110-volt outlet. The price does seem substantial at 29,699 CAD though, in my opinion.

The Polaris eUTV is not the only electric UTV available in the market. Other manufacturers, such as Nikola and Rivian, have also launched electric UTVs. With advancements in technology and increasing demand, the electric UTV market is expected to grow in the coming years.

EV Around the World 🌏

Blue Bird delivers 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools for the Northeast's largest pilot program.

Blue Bird Corporation, a leading provider of low-emission and electric school buses, has delivered its first batch of 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools (BPS). The initiative is the Northeast's largest deployment of electric school buses, and it has been widely praised by school officials and local government leaders. The electric buses, which have a maximum capacity of 71 students, can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. The BPS has installed Level III ICE 30 kW fast chargers at its Readville, MA bus depot, and the vehicles take around four hours to charge from 0% to 100%.

Mary Skipper, Superintendent for Boston Public Schools, said the program was a crucial step towards a fully electric fleet by 2030, as part of the Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools. By reducing BPS's carbon footprint and improving the city's air quality, the initiative is focused on promoting the health of students and the community. The electric buses transport over 2,500 students to and from 42 local schools daily, providing a reliable, safe, and clean mode of transportation.

Boston Public Schools anticipates that it will achieve significant cost savings by reducing or eliminating the fuel and maintenance costs associated with traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Select Blue Bird customers have reported that fuel costs for diesel buses can reach up to 49 cents per mile, compared to an average energy cost of 14 cents per mile for electric buses. The school district maintains a fleet of nearly 750 buses, one-third of which are diesel-powered, and has relied on Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England to meet its student transportation needs for over a decade.

Buick Launches All-Electric Electra E5 SUV in China.

General Motors has launched the all-electric Buick Electra E5 SUV in China. The new electric vehicle (EV) is expected to offer a driving range of up to 500 kilometers (311 miles) on a single charge. The Electra E5 will be available in three versions: Standard, Luxury, and Ultimate, with prices starting from 219,000 yuan ($33,673USD) after government incentives.

The SUV features a permanent magnet synchronous motor that delivers 178 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.8 seconds. The Electra E5 also comes with a 70 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

The Buick Electra E5's interior is spacious, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a built-in voice assistant and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SUV also boasts a variety of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera.

GM's Buick brand aims to have 40% of its sales come from EVs in China by 2025. The Electra E5 is part of the company's plan to introduce more than 40 new EV models globally by 2025, with nearly half of them available in China. The all-electric SUV is also expected to play a significant role in helping China achieve its goal of having new energy vehicles account for 20% of total auto sales by 2025.

The Buick Electra E5 SUV's launch is part of a broader trend in China, which is currently the world's largest EV market. As the country looks to reduce its carbon emissions and improve air quality, it has introduced a range of policies and incentives to promote EV adoption. With the launch of the Electra E5, GM is positioning itself to take advantage of this growing trend and capture a significant share of China's EV market.

Overall, the Buick Electra E5 SUV represents a significant step forward for GM's EV ambitions in China, offering a stylish, spacious, and high-performing EV at an affordable price point. With the right marketing and distribution strategies, GM could be well-positioned to compete with other major players in China's booming EV market.

Clean Energy and Mobility

Tesla Powerwalls Assist Low-Income Housing in Combating Fuel Poverty.

Tesla Powerwalls are being utilized to aid low-income housing in tackling fuel poverty. This move is part of a joint initiative between the California Housing Partnership (CHP) and the Clean Energy Group. It is aimed at addressing the problem of energy inequality faced by low-income households in the state.

Fuel poverty refers to the inability of a household to afford energy bills to maintain a basic level of comfort. The initiative has already begun with the installation of 70 Tesla Powerwalls at the Westwood Oaks apartments in Sacramento, California. These Powerwalls will store energy generated by the complex's solar panels, thereby lowering the tenants' energy bills.

The Westwood Oaks project is the first of its kind in California to use Tesla Powerwalls to address fuel poverty. The CHP and the Clean Energy Group plan to use the project as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the state.

According to the CHP, fuel poverty affects low-income households disproportionately. These households typically spend a larger portion of their income on energy bills, leaving less money for other essential needs. By reducing energy bills, Tesla Powerwalls can help to alleviate this problem, while also promoting the use of clean energy.

The project has been welcomed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has made addressing fuel poverty a priority for his administration. He has set a target of installing 1 million energy storage systems in California by 2025, which will help to reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Overall, the use of Tesla Powerwalls in low-income housing is a positive step towards addressing energy inequality and fuel poverty in California. It also highlights the potential of energy storage solutions in promoting clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Northvolt Launches Aviation Battery Systems Development Program.

Northvolt, the Swedish battery manufacturer, has announced the launch of a development program for aviation battery systems. The program is aimed at developing battery solutions for the aviation industry that are sustainable and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The development program will be led by Northvolt's newly established Aviation Systems business unit, which will focus on developing battery solutions for electric aviation, hybrid-electric aviation, and other types of aircraft. The unit will work with industry partners and customers to develop customized battery solutions for different applications.

According to Northvolt, the aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions, with the demand for air travel projected to increase significantly in the coming years. The use of sustainable battery solutions can help to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for aviation.

The development program builds on Northvolt's experience in developing battery solutions for electric vehicles, which the company has been producing since 2018. The company's expertise in battery technology and production will be essential in developing aviation battery systems that are reliable, efficient, and safe.

Northvolt has also recently announced plans to build a battery manufacturing facility in Europe, which will be one of the largest in the world. The facility will produce sustainable battery solutions for a range of industries, including automotive, energy storage, and now aviation.

Overall, the launch of Northvolt's development program for aviation battery systems is a positive step towards promoting sustainable battery solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation industry. It also highlights the potential of battery technology in promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation.

Daimler Buses to Deliver 35 Fully Electric Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Buses.

Daimler Buses has announced that it will deliver 35 fully electric articulated Mercedes-Benz eCitaro buses to the Netherlands. The buses will be delivered to the city of Groningen and the surrounding areas, as part of the region's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

The Mercedes-Benz eCitaro is an all-electric bus designed for urban transportation. It is equipped with a 292 kWh battery that provides a range of up to 220 kilometers on a single charge. The bus also features regenerative braking, which allows the battery to be recharged during operation.

The delivery of the 35 eCitaro buses is part of a larger order for 160 electric buses, which will be delivered by different manufacturers. The order is part of the Groningen-Drenthe concession, which aims to have a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.

According to Daimler Buses, the delivery of the eCitaro buses to the Netherlands is a significant milestone in the company's efforts to promote sustainable transportation solutions. The company has been developing electric buses since 2018 and has already delivered more than 250 eCitaro buses to various cities across Europe.

The eCitaro is designed to be reliable, safe, and efficient, making it an ideal choice for urban transportation. It is also equipped with a range of features to ensure passenger comfort, including air conditioning, USB charging ports, and low noise levels.

Overall, the delivery of the 35 eCitaro buses to the Netherlands is a positive step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region. It also highlights the potential of electric buses in promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for urban transportation.

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