Welcome to this weeks issue of the EV Canada Newsletter!

I hope you all had an opportunity to share the Easter holiday with your family and friends. To all the parents of young kids, if you’re anything like me - at 10:00pm on Saturday night I was like “OH RIGHT! THE CHOCOLATE EGGS!” and then ran around the house hiding chocolate eggs.

Now on to EV news:

Canada

BMW i7 Owners to Receive Three Years of Complimentary Charging on Electrify Canada Network.

Electrify Canada and BMW Group Canada have teamed up to offer three years of complimentary charging across the Electrify Canada network for first owners of the all-electric BMW i7 luxury sedan. The offer will begin from the date of vehicle purchase and will be accessible through the Electrify Canada mobile app. Drivers will be able to access charging, charging history, locate stations, or check the status of chargers through the app. This is the first time that BMW’s flagship 7 Series has received an all-electric powertrain, and it offers a range of up to 512 km, according to Natural Resources Canada. The i7 can reach its peak charging power of 195 kW using Electrify Canada’s DC fast 350 kW chargers—the fastest speed commercially available today.

Rob Barrosa, Vice President of Technology at Electrify Canada and Electrify America, said, “We’re excited to continue our work with BMW and extend it to Canada to help even more of their customers feel confident taking their EVs wherever they need to go. As more EVs like the BMW i7 come to market, fast-charging solutions from Electrify Canada and our ongoing work to expand charging access for customers will be critical to increasing EV adoption.” David George, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada, added, “As leaders in the luxury segment, we want to provide our flagship i7 customers with a premium charging experience. This charging agreement with Electrify Canada gives i7 owners a fast and convenient way to charge their vehicles when out-of-home and helps make a further case to go electric.”

With the rise in EV adoption, access to fast and convenient charging infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Electrify Canada is committed to expanding its charging network across the country, with over 135 charging stations now available to the public. The company offers four charging levels, including 50 kW, 150 kW, 175 kW, and 350 kW. The DC fast 350 kW chargers are capable of charging an EV up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

The partnership between Electrify Canada and BMW Group Canada is a significant step towards achieving the country’s net-zero emissions goal. By providing i7 owners with complimentary access to Electrify Canada’s fast-charging network, the companies are helping to increase the appeal of EVs and make the transition to electric more accessible. The partnership also highlights the importance of collaboration between automakers and charging infrastructure providers in achieving a sustainable future.

In conclusion, the partnership between Electrify Canada and BMW Group Canada offers i7 owners a fast and convenient way to charge their vehicles when out-of-home. The complimentary access to Electrify Canada’s fast-charging network for three years is a significant incentive for those considering the purchase of an EV. With the Canadian government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, initiatives like this will play a critical role in increasing EV adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying an Electric Vehicle: A Review of EVs from Business Insider.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity for many reasons, from producing zero tailpipe emissions to saving money on maintenance and fuel. However, beyond these well-known benefits, a recent article by Business Insider's Tim Levin highlights four other reasons why buyers should consider going electric. Levin had the opportunity to test drive 24 different EVs from brands such as Tesla, Volkswagen, Rivian, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes, and his hands-on experience provides valuable insights for anyone considering purchasing an EV.

The first reason Levin cites is performance. EVs offer more acceleration and power than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, regardless of the price range. Levin describes EVs as "quick, fun and quiet" on the road, whether you're driving an affordable Chevy Bolt or a luxury Mercedes EQS.

The second reason is technology and features. Many EVs, particularly Tesla's vehicles, come with cutting-edge technology and fun features. For example, Tesla's Dog Mode lets users leave the air conditioning on when leaving pets in the car, and Sentry Mode records the vehicle's surroundings using the car's external cameras. These features are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the tech included in many EVs.

The third reason is storage and space. Since EVs don't require space for a large engine, they often include extra storage space. For example, Tesla's "frunk" offers additional storage in the front of the vehicle in addition to the trunk. Other EVs, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, have extra spacious interiors since they don't need to accommodate an ICE.

The fourth reason Levin cites is convenience. Charging an EV is much more convenient than filling up at a gas station. Most EV charging takes place overnight at home, leaving the battery full in the morning. As charging infrastructure grows, it's becoming easier to find charging stations while running errands around town or taking long road trips.

Of course, Levin acknowledges that there are still some barriers to owning an EV. EVs can be more expensive than their ICE counterparts, and the charging infrastructure needs improvement for long road trips. However, Levin believes that the benefits of going electric outweigh these drawbacks. As more and more EVs hit the market, now is a great time to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle.

In addition to the benefits highlighted by Levin, EVs also require less maintenance than ICE cars, with no oil changes or other engine-related services needed. With more and more automakers committing to electrification, there will be even more options for buyers in the coming years.

In conclusion, electric vehicles offer numerous benefits beyond the well-known advantages of zero emissions and fuel savings. From impressive performance to cutting-edge technology and convenience, EVs are a great option for many consumers. As charging infrastructure continues to expand and the cost of EVs comes down, more and more drivers will make the switch to electric.

Could the American “Solar Neighborhoods Act” be a positive step forward? Could something like it be implemented in Canadian provinces?

As reported by Electrek, A proposed bill in Rhode Island could require newly constructed buildings and parking lots larger than 16,000 square feet to have solar panels installed. This bill, known as the Solar Neighborhoods Act (RI H5851), suggests that the Rhode Island Building Code Commission establish new code requirements for solar systems on various types of buildings and parking lots.

For single-family dwellings, the bill proposes that new homes have solar systems that produce 80% of estimated average annual electricity use or 40% if they include battery storage energy efficiency and demand storage measures. Meanwhile, multi-family dwellings and large commercial buildings up to 10 stories tall would have to have solar systems that meet a minimum generating capacity established by the commission.

For outdoor uncovered parking lots larger than 16,000 square feet, the bill proposes that new parking lot construction feature raised solar-panel canopies covering at least 50% of the surface of the parking lot. Additionally, 5% of parking spaces would have to feature electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and an additional 20% of parking stations would have infrastructure that makes EV charging station upgrades possible in the future.

Jennifer Boylan, the representative who sponsored the bill, believes that every time a new building is constructed without solar panels, it is a lost opportunity. She argues that the implementation of solar panels will not only help consumers pay less for energy, but also generate it themselves while reducing carbon emissions and creating job opportunities in construction.

While the Solar Neighborhoods Act is specific to Rhode Island, the idea of mandatory solar panels on new buildings and parking lots is gaining traction across Canada. Several provinces, including British Columbia and Ontario, offer incentives for the installation of solar panels on new and existing buildings. With renewable energy becoming increasingly important, it is likely that more Canadian provinces will consider implementing similar legislation in the future.

Canada can implement something similar to the Solar Neighborhoods Act by introducing legislation at the provincial level that mandates the installation of solar panels on new buildings and parking lots. The specifics of the legislation would depend on the province, as each province has its own building codes and regulations.

One option would be for the province to establish new building codes that require solar systems on various types of buildings and parking lots, similar to what is proposed in the Solar Neighborhoods Act. Another option would be to offer incentives to developers who voluntarily install solar panels on new buildings and parking lots.

Provinces could also consider implementing policies that require public buildings, such as schools and government offices, to have solar panels installed. This could serve as a model for the private sector and encourage more widespread adoption of solar panels.

To ensure the success of such legislation, provinces could provide training and education programs for installers, as well as support for homeowners and businesses who are interested in installing solar panels but may need financial assistance. The one issue would be that the cost of adding renewable infrastructure could be passed from the developers to tenants which would increase the stress on the housing crisis currently being experienced across Canada.

Overall, there are several avenues that Canada can explore to implement legislation similar to the Solar Neighborhoods Act, and it will require collaboration between governments, businesses, and citizens to make it a reality.

Dost Unveils the Crate: Practical, Cargo-Carrying E-Bike with Dual-Battery Option.

Canadian e-bike manufacturer Dost has introduced a new e-bike model, the Crate, which can carry up to 440 pounds of cargo or passengers. With a practical and utilitarian design, the Crate features a mid-drive motor with an optional dual-battery setup, a modular cargo system, and attachment points for a wide selection of in-house optional accessories such as passenger seats, panniers, rear baskets, and front racks.

The rear-focused cargo design of the Crate keeps the bike compact, eliminating the need for extended racks at the front. The bike's square-tube 6061 aluminum frame and rigid 6061 fork provide a sturdy and stable platform, allowing it to carry heavy cargo. The Bafang M600 mid-drive motor with a nominal output of 750 watts and a maximum torque rating of 125 Newton-meters ensures the bike can climb steep hills with ease.

The Dost Crate is also equipped with a cargo bike-specific Enviolo CVT automatic gearbox, which automatically selects the most efficient ratio to maximize efficiency and performance. The bike has a comprehensive lighting system and a multi-color LCD screen that displays important ride data, including battery status, riding modes, and distance covered.

The Dost Crate is available for pre-order at $500 CAD, with prices for the single-battery version starting at $6,799 USD. The dual-battery option costs an additional $899 CAD. Customers can expect delivery by December 2023.

EV Around the World 🌏

Walmart Plans to Build Nationwide EV Charging Network at Thousands of Stores by 2030.

Walmart has announced plans to construct an electric vehicle (EV) charging network at its many stores, including Sam’s Club locations, across the United States. Walmart has set a target of having the network up and running by 2030. This new initiative will see the retail giant construct a nationwide EV fast charging network on its own, rather than in partnership with third-party suppliers. Walmart currently has nearly 1,300 third-party EV chargers across 280 stores.

Walmart believes it is “uniquely positioned” to develop a convenient EV charging solution for owners. The company says its stores and wholesale warehouses are located “within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans.” Walmart is aiming to offer shoppers “Every Day Low Cost charging” at its many stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Clubs. The company plans for its charging stations to be “clean, bright, and safe” for EV owners.

Walmart has also announced plans to make its own logistics emissions-free by 2040 and has incorporated EVs into its Walmart Plus shopping deliveries. The retail giant has partnered with companies like GM’s BrightDrop and Canoo to develop last-mile delivery fleets. However, Canoo has been embattled with the SEC and has just paid a $1.5 million settlement.

Other businesses are also announcing “nationwide” charging solutions in the United States. Companies like 7-Eleven, BP, and DC-America are following in Walmart’s footsteps. Ikea and Starbucks have plans to become EV charging hubs but are relying on specialized companies, including Electrify America and ChargePoint, to handle logistics.

The reliability and heavy fragmentation of charging infrastructure are two issues affecting the EV market. Often, EV owners must register with multiple charging network companies. To address these challenges, the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act is providing incentives for groups building out public-use charging stations to make them more accessible, abundant, and reliable.

TU Wien Develops Oxygen-Ion Battery for Large Energy Storage Systems.

Lithium-ion batteries have become ubiquitous in modern times, powering everything from electric cars to smartphones. However, they may not always be the best solution for every application. TU Wien, a research university in Austria, has developed an oxygen-ion battery that has several significant advantages over lithium-ion batteries.

While the energy density of the oxygen-ion battery may not be as high as that of the lithium-ion battery, its storage capacity does not decrease irrevocably over time. This feature makes it possible to regenerate the oxygen-ion battery, which may enable an extremely long service life.

Another significant advantage of oxygen-ion batteries is that they can be produced without rare elements and are made of incombustible materials. The TU Wien team has already filed a patent application for the new battery idea, together with cooperation partners from Spain. The oxygen-ion battery could be an excellent solution for large energy storage systems, such as those used to store electrical energy from renewable sources.

The idea for the oxygen-ion battery came from TU Wien's experience with ceramic materials that can be used for fuel cells. The ceramic materials studied by the TU Wien team can absorb and release doubly negatively charged oxygen ions. When an electric voltage is applied, the oxygen ions migrate from one ceramic material to another, generating an electric current.

Prof. Jürgen Fleig, a member of the TU Wien team, explains that the basic principle of the oxygen-ion battery is similar to that of the lithium-ion battery, but the former has some important advantages. Ceramics are not flammable, which makes fire accidents, which occur time and again with lithium-ion batteries, practically impossible. Additionally, there is no need for rare elements, which are expensive or can only be extracted in an environmentally harmful way.

Moreover, ceramic materials can be adapted easily, explains Tobias Huber, another member of the TU Wien team. Certain elements that are difficult to obtain can be replaced with others relatively quickly. The current prototype of the oxygen-ion battery still uses lanthanum, an element that is not exactly rare but not completely common either. However, the team plans to replace lanthanum with something cheaper, and research in this regard is already underway. Cobalt or nickel, which are used in many batteries, are not used at all.

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the oxygen-ion battery technology is its potential longevity. In many batteries, charge carriers can no longer move after some time, which makes it impossible to generate electricity, thereby reducing the battery's capacity. After several charging cycles, this can become a severe problem. However, the oxygen-ion battery can be regenerated without any problems. If oxygen is lost due to side reactions, it can be easily compensated for by oxygen from the ambient air.

The oxygen-ion battery concept is not intended for smartphones or electric cars because it only achieves about a third of the energy density that lithium-ion batteries provide and runs at temperatures between 200 and 400 °C. However, it is an extremely interesting technology for energy storage. According to Alexander Schmid, a member of the TU Wien team, the oxygen-ion battery could be an excellent solution if one needs a large energy storage unit to temporarily store solar or wind energy, for example. Even if you construct an entire building full of energy storage modules, the lower energy density and increased operating temperature of the oxygen-ion battery do not play a decisive role. The strengths of the battery, such as its long service life, the possibility of producing large quantities of these materials without rare elements, and the fact that there is no fire hazard with these batteries, would be particularly important in such cases.

Toyota Motor Corporation offers update:

Toyota Motor Corporation is ramping up its electric vehicle (EV) offensive following the management change that took place on April 1, which saw Koji Sato succeed Akio Toyota as the new president and CEO. At a recent press briefing in Tokyo, Toyota's chief technology officer, Hiroki Nakajima, announced that the company is targeting the introduction of 10 new battery-electric vehicle models by 2026, with a goal of producing 1.5 million battery-powered cars per year by that time.

To achieve this target, Toyota will set up a specialized unit to focus on battery-electric vehicles, with a single leader overseeing the development, production, and business operations of the all-in-one team. While Nakajima did not specifically mention a dedicated BEV platform, it is implied that Toyota is working on one. He stated that Toyota's next-generation BEVs will be "entirely different" from current models, with driving ranges that will be doubled using batteries with greater efficiency, and designs and driving performance that will set hearts racing.

Nakajima showcased a picture of a new Lexus fastback sedan at the press briefing, which appears to be completely new and was not featured in the BEVs teased by Lexus in 2021. Besides this model, Toyota's revised EV product roadmap includes a three-row SUV coming to the US in 2025, to be locally assembled with batteries from North Carolina. Additionally, Toyota will launch two new EVs in China in 2024, in addition to the bZ4X SUV and bZ3 sedan, while an expanded bZ lineup will be offered in developed countries. Toyota also plans to introduce an electric pickup truck in Asia and other emerging markets before the end of the year, as well as a compact model.

To achieve its 2026 production target for BEVs, Toyota plans to transform the landscape of its production plants. The company aims to reduce the number of processes by half, resulting in more efficient production lines that will include autonomous inspection and unmanned transport powered by connected technology. Toyota also plans to overhaul existing supply chains by working with suppliers to procure superior quality parts at lower prices. The new EV-dedicated platform will make it possible to cut development costs and in-house investment in half per each vehicle compared to the e-TNGA platform that underpins current bZ EV models.

Last year, Toyota sold 2.7 million electrified vehicles worldwide, but 2.6 million of those were hybrids. The remaining 100,000 were plug-in hybrids, battery-electric vehicles, and fuel cell hydrogen electric vehicles. Despite this, Toyota reiterated its commitment to a multi-pathway approach during the press briefing, noting that it will continue to develop BEV, PHEV, FCEV, HEV, H2, and CN Fuel vehicles going forward.

In summary, Toyota's new CEO is accelerating the company's efforts to electrify its vehicle lineup, with plans to introduce 10 new BEV models by 2026 and produce 1.5 million battery-powered cars per year by that time. Toyota will set up a specialized unit to focus on battery-electric vehicles, and the company plans to completely transform the landscape of its production plants to achieve its goals. While Toyota's current output of electric vehicles is low compared to its hybrid sales, the company is committed to a multi-pathway approach, continuing to develop a variety of EV technologies alongside its hybrid offerings.

QuickEV

• Tesla Employees Shared Invasive Videos From Customers' Cars: Report.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Cybertruck Steering And Suspension Testing At Fremont.

• Bridgestone Is Growing Rubber To Use In Tires Made Of Recycled Material.

• [VIDEO] Rivian Prepares For The Rebelle Rally With An R1T And An R1S.

• BYD Sold More Plug-Ins Than Tesla In 2022, Income Skyrockets Over 400%.

• [VIDEO] Corvette Z06 Face 819-HP Lucid Air GT In Challenging Race.

• Chevy flexes 557 hp Blazer EV SS at the Daytona International Speedway.

• Full Review: The All-New 2023 Prius Prime.

EV Tweet of the Week

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

Elon and Twitter are currently at ends with Substack so Tweets cannot be embedded on substack newsletters such as this one… So here’s a video of BYD’s dancing U9 instead!