EV Canada Newsletter: IONIQ 6 Canada details, Telsa news, VW news, KIA EV9 + more!

Weekly Recap Issue #52 - Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

Hello and welcome to the EV Canada Newsletter! We are thrilled to have you here as we bring you the latest and greatest news in the world of electric vehicles in Canada.

Every week, I try to bring the most important stories, updates, and insights on EVs from industry leaders, automakers, and environmentalists, to you with the informative and engaging content.

I am passionate about the electrification of transportation and the positive impact it can have on the environment, economy, and society. EVs are the future of mobility and each week I want to bring to you the latest information to help you stay informed, make informed decisions, and become a part of the sustainable transportation movement.

Thank you for choosing to read the EV Canada Newsletter and we encourage you to share it with your friends and family who may be interested in learning more about EVs. Together, we can accelerate the transition to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Canada

Hyundai Canada Announces Pricing for IONIQ 6 Electric Vehicle Sedan with Impressive Range and Standard Equipment Levels.

Hyundai Auto Canada has unveiled the pricing for its highly anticipated electric vehicle sedan, the IONIQ 6. All trims sold in Canada come with a Long Range 77.4-kWh battery and customers can choose between a rear motor only or both front and rear motors for all-wheel drive.

The IONIQ 6 Preferred RWD Long Range has a Canadian MSRP of $54,999 and an estimated range of 581 kilometres according to Natural Resources Canada. The dual motor AWD models have a starting MSRP of $57,999 and offer up to 509 kilometres of range. The IONIQ 6 is expected to arrive at Hyundai dealerships across Canada in Spring.

Equipped with best-in-class ultra-fast 800-volt/350 kW charging, the IONIQ 6 can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 18 minutes, and gain up to 322 kilometres of range in just 15 minutes of charging. It is the second Hyundai model to ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that allows for dual motors, optimized interior space, and optimized performance.

IONIQ 6 is part of Hyundai Motor Company's plan to introduce 17 BEV models and sell more than 1.8-million BEV units worldwide by 2030. The IONIQ 6 has already won numerous awards and achieved a five-star safety rating and "Best in Class" selection in the 'Large Family Car' category from Euro NCAP.

IONIQ 6 includes unexpected levels of standard equipment, making it attractive to a broad audience. Key features include 800-volt, 350 kW ultra-fast charging, blind-spot collision warning, lane keeping assist, highway drive assist, and smart cruise control with stop & go, among others. It also comes with a three-year subscription to Bluelink Connected Car Services and over-the-air update capability.

Overall, the IONIQ 6 is a high-performance electric vehicle that offers impressive range and standard equipment levels at an attractive price point, making it a strong competitor in the EV market.

IONIQ 6 includes unexpected levels of standard equipment. Key standard features include:

  • 800-volt, 350 kW ultra-fast charging

  • Battery pre-heater, charge prep

  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA)

  • Highway Drive Assist (HDA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go

  • Heated front seats and steering wheel

  • Power trunk

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

  • Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

  • Power flush door handles

  • 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tires

  • Column-mounted Shift-By-Wire (SBW)

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with interactive pixel lights

  • 12.3″ LCD cluster display

  • 12.3″ infotainment system with navigation

  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

  • Front USB (Type-A) input/charging

  • Center console mounted dual USB charging (Type-C)

  • Dual rear USB (Type-C) charging

  • Bluelink Connected Car Services for a period of three years

  • Over-the-Air update capability

Kia Reveals 2024 EV9: A 3-Row, Soul-Inspired Electric SUV with Swiveling Seats.

Kia has unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the 2024 EV9 SUV, and it's looking like a promising contender in the family SUV market. The production version of the EV9 was recently revealed in South Korea, and it has been described as a three-row Telluride in size but with the appearance of a Soul. While we still don't have official pricing and battery range information, Kia has given us some exciting features to look forward to.

One of the most interesting features of the EV9 is its swiveling dual center-row seats. In the six-seater version of the SUV, the two center seats can be rotated to face the two rear seats for maximum face-to-face interaction. The seats can also be rotated toward the doors, making it easier to get your child in and out of their seat without straining your back. Kia is also making a seven-seater version for those who need more seating capacity.

The EV9 is built on Hyundai's E-GMP electric vehicle platform, which is also used in the Genesis GV60. The GV60 is considered a luxury vehicle and starts at around $60,000, so it's exciting to see Kia using the same platform in a more affordable SUV. While most three-row electric SUV options retail for over $100,000, the EV9 could break that mold with a more reasonable price point.

In terms of design, the EV9 has a Soul-ful shape but with some unique features like three-way intersection-style tail lights, flush door handles, and geometric aero-style rims. The front of the SUV features tessellated and animating LEDs that make up what Kia calls a "Digital Tiger Face." The driver experience includes two side-by-side 12.3-inch touchscreens and a dedicated 5-inch screen segment in the middle for climate controls and other functions. There are also physical buttons for climate control and a row of digital media buttons with haptic feedback.

The real test for Kia will be whether it can attract gas-model SUV buyers, including those shopping for Kia's own Telluride SUV. The EV9 is expected to be close in size to the Telluride, which is 196.9 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall. Meanwhile, the EV9 is 194 inches long, 78.3 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 122 inches.

Kia has yet to reveal the full specs, battery range, pricing, and availability of the production EV9, but we can expect to learn more later this month. Overall, the Kia EV9 offers customers a unique and high-quality proposition in the family SUV sector, and we can't wait to see it hit the market.

Project Ghost: Land Rover Electric Conversion Restomod.

EV Around the World 🌏

Lots to talk about when it comes to Tesla (when isn’t there?) so I thought I’d make a quick summary:

Tesla faces class action lawsuit over high cost of repairs and maintenance, filed by Model S owner Virginia M. Lambrix. The lawsuit claims that unlike other automakers, Tesla doesn't offer multiple options for repairs or the use of parts produced by other companies. Tesla performs its own service and maintenance using its own parts, and relies on certified collision repair shops for larger repairs. The lawsuit aims to prove that Tesla has developed a monopoly that negatively impacts owners of its EVs. Tesla owners often report time-consuming and expensive repairs, with parts taking an extended period to get to service centers and certified repair shops. The lawsuit argues that Tesla should offer owners more options for repairs and maintenance, rather than putting strict limits and restrictions on parts and service.

Tesla has turned down $6 million in public funding for Superchargers in California due to a mandate that required the integration of a payment system, according to Drive Tesla Canada. Tesla has always managed all Supercharger payments through its mobile app, which simplifies the design of the Supercharger stalls and eliminates a potential failure point. Some programs mandate that charging stations have screens and credit card payment systems directly on the station in order to qualify for funding. Tesla decided not to adapt for this specific incentive to gain federal funding.

Tesla has opened its first V4 Supercharging stalls at a new station in Harderwijk, Netherlands, marking the first 16 V4 stalls in Europe. The new V4 stalls feature a taller design with a longer cable attached at the top to provide easy access to electric vehicles (EVs), including non-Tesla EVs with charging inlets in different locations. While the new stalls are only currently available to Tesla cars, Tesla may include the station in its non-Tesla Supercharging pilot programme in Europe if the pilot rollout goes well. The power output is 250 kilowatts DC, the same as the V3 versions.

Volkswagen has been making key strategic moves in the EV industry, here’s a quick summary:

Volkswagen Group and Ford are increasing their cooperative efforts in developing future electric cars to overtake Tesla as leaders in the EV space. With brands like GM and Hyundai also vying for the top spot, the two automakers are combining forces to accelerate their efforts.

In a recent statement, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume reiterated that their partnership with Ford is just beginning and is intensifying. This move comes at a critical time for global brands, with successful automakers already transitioning to EVs and laggards struggling to keep up.

Ford has plans to reinvent itself by unveiling a fully electric SUV on Volkswagen's MEB platform on March 21, 2023. However, Ford is also developing its own next-gen EV architecture and software to become independent from VW's platform in the future.

Blume claimed that the industrial partnership with Ford is gaining strength and they are only at the beginning of their cooperation project. In 2020, Ford and VW announced plans to co-produce 8 million commercial vehicles and passenger EVs. This includes various projects related to the Ford Transit Connect and other electric passenger and cargo vans.

Furthermore, VW Group CEO Blume stated that they will also provide Indian automaker Mahindra with their MEB platform. Mahindra's BE and XUV brands will use the MEB architecture as the foundation for over one million vehicles during the course of the partnership.

With their collaborative efforts, Volkswagen and Ford are poised to accelerate the development of electric cars and compete with other automakers in the race to dominate the EV market.

Volkswagen has introduced its latest concept car, the ID. 2all, which is set to be a true electric vehicle (EV) for the masses. The hatchback-shaped EV is designed to be affordable, with a starting price of €25,000 ($26,600), and an estimated range of 450 kilometers (279 miles). The concept was unveiled during an investor event in Germany where VW outlined its strategy for the future, including an investment of €180 billion ($193 billion) over five years in battery production and raw materials. VW aims to slash the cost of EV production and overtake Tesla by increasing its market share.

Volkswagen ID. 2all concept car

The ID. 2all is a compact EV with a lot of potential, and VW expects to put the vehicle into production in 2025, alongside nine other plug-in models set to debut by 2026. The production version of the ID. 2all will be built on VW's second-generation "MEB" electric vehicle platform, and it will be VW's first plug-in vehicle with front-wheel drive. The powertrain will enable quicker charging, with a 10 to 80 percent charging speed of approximately 20 minutes.

Although the hatchback shape of the ID. 2all may be fighting an uphill battle against the trend of crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, VW says the EV represents an entirely new design language, with an emphasis on "likeability and enthusiasm." The interior of the ID. 2all is fairly distinct from the company's current crop of EVs, with floating displays for both the instrument cluster and the central infotainment. A knob on the center console could help address criticisms about the lack of physical controls in the ID.4.

VW plans to release an even more affordable EV model, the sub-€20,000 ID.1, which is expected to be similar to the current Polo minicar and retain stylings from the ID.Life concept from 2021. The ID.1 is expected to be released in 2027.

In conclusion, VW's ID. 2all concept car is a bold step toward making EVs more accessible to the masses. With its affordable price point, extended range, and innovative design features, the ID. 2all may well give Tesla a run for its money in the electric vehicle market.

7-Eleven Launches 7Charge EV Charging Network in North America.

7-Eleven, the popular convenience store chain, has launched its own EV charging network and app, called 7Charge, which offers a fast-charging experience at select 7-Eleven stores in the United States, with plans to expand into Canada soon. The company aims to build one of the largest and most compatible EV fast-charging networks of any retailer in North America with the introduction of 7Charge.

The 7Charge network offers EV drivers 7-Eleven’s signature convenience and accessibility. It enables customers to charge any make and model of EV compatible with common CHAdeMO or Combined Charging System (CCS) plug types. The 7Charge app offers a new level of convenience and coordination to customers seeking a seamless charging and payment experience.

Customers can download the 7Charge app from the App Store or Google Play or visit 7-Eleven's website to find out more about the new EV charging service.

7-Eleven’s President and CEO, Joe DePinto, said: “For over 95 years, 7‑Eleven has innovated to meet our customers’ needs – delivering convenience where, when and how they want it. Now, we are innovating once again to meet our customers’ where they are by expanding our business to provide EV drivers convenience of the future…today.”

The 7Charge network will fulfill the growing consumer need for EV charging infrastructure. By expanding the 7Charge network while continuing to use third-party fast-charging network options, 7-Eleven can grow its network to match consumer demand and make EV charging accessible to neighborhoods that have so far lacked access.

Once the network’s expansion is complete, 7-Eleven will have one of the largest and most compatible fast-charging networks of any retailer in North America serving communities and customers at charging stations across its entire family of brands, which includes Speedway and Stripes stores.

The introduction of 7Charge is a strategic move for 7-Eleven, as more automakers enter the EV market, leading to an increase in demand for EV charging infrastructure. By providing a reliable and convenient fast-charging experience, 7-Eleven hopes to attract more customers to its stores while supporting the growing EV market.

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