Welcome to this weeks issue of the EV Canada Newsletter!

April 22nd was Earth Day, a day dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. It's important to recognize the crucial role that electric vehicles (EVs) play in reducing carbon emissions and preserving our planet for future generations.

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles being a major culprit. However, EVs offer a cleaner and more sustainable alternative, emitting zero tailpipe emissions and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

It’s key to appreciate the positive impact that EVs can have on the environment, and explore the latest developments and trends in the EV industry. From advances in battery technology to the growth of charging infrastructure, there is much to be excited about in the world of EVs.

Join us as we continue to learn more about the benefits of EVs for our planet and work towards a greener, more sustainable future. We'll explore the latest news and innovations in the world of electric vehicles, from exciting new models to advances in charging technology. Together, we can make a difference and help protect our planet for generations to come.

Canada

Volkswagen Group to Build First Overseas Gigafactory in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

Volkswagen is set to increase its presence in North America with the establishment of a gigafactory for battery cell manufacturing in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. The factory will produce sustainable unified cells, with a planned start of production in 2027. The decision to expand from Europe to Canada is in line with Volkswagen's growth strategy for North America, which will see the company take a strong position in the growing market for battery electric vehicles.

PowerCo, the Volkswagen Group's battery company, has selected Canada to establish its first battery factory outside of Europe. The St. Thomas plant will be the third Group-owned plant worldwide and PowerCo’s first cell factory in North America, with the aim of equipping the Group's BEVs in the region with cutting-edge battery cells. The decision to locate the factory in Canada is based on ideal conditions, including the local supply of raw materials and wide access to clean electricity.

Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, sees Volkswagen's decision as a testament to the country's competitiveness and as a vote of confidence in Canada as the green supplier of choice to the world. The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Volkswagen and PowerCo last year focuses on battery value creation and raw material security in order to promote e-mobility in the country.

Volkswagen's North American strategy is a key priority for the company's ambitious growth program, with plans to introduce more than 25 new BEV models through 2030. The St. Thomas plant will play a significant role in driving the transition to electric mobility in the region, with PowerCo becoming a key player in the development of the battery value stream in North America.

In addition to the St. Thomas plant, Volkswagen is set to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities in the region. The company plans to ramp up the assembly of the all-electric ID.4 compact SUV in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and upgrade the plants in Puebla and Silao, Mexico, for the assembly of BEVs and potentially for BEV components such as electric motors in the second half of the decade. The iconic Scout brand will also be electrified, with plans for the development of all-electric trucks and rugged SUVs.

Volkswagen's software and technology company, CARIAD, has also established a technology hub in the United States to bring the U.S.-specific digital customer experience to the next level. Over 200 software engineers and developers based in the greater Seattle area and Silicon Valley are working on Volkswagen's Automotive Cloud that will connect the next generations of Volkswagen's vehicles.

The decision to expand into North America represents a significant step forward for Volkswagen, with the St. Thomas plant playing a key role in the company's ambitious growth strategy. With ideal conditions and a strong local workforce, Volkswagen's expansion into Canada is a testament to the country's competitiveness and will promote e-mobility in the region.

Tesla Launches New Model Y Standard Range RWD in Canada with up to $12,000 in Incentives.

Tesla has recently announced the launch of a new version of the Model Y, the Standard Range RWD, in Canada. This latest addition to the Model Y lineup features a smaller battery pack with a rated range of 394 km and a rear-wheel drive (RWD) drivetrain. Starting at $59,990 CAD, it is $10,000 cheaper than the next cheapest Model Y, the Long Range AWD.

One of the most exciting things about this new version of the Model Y is the range of incentives that it is eligible for. The vehicle is eligible for a $5,000 CAD federal EV incentive, just like the Model Y Long Range AWD. However, it is also eligible for the $7,000 Quebec EV incentive. This means that buyers in Quebec can receive a total of $12,000 in incentives, bringing the price of the vehicle down to just $47,990 CAD.

The launch of this new Model Y Standard Range RWD is a strategic move by Tesla to capture a larger share of the Canadian electric vehicle market. This version of the Model Y is likely to be very popular in Canada, especially in Quebec, where Tesla's Model Y and Model 3 vehicles are already quite popular.

It's worth noting that while the cheapest Model Y in the US starts at $46,990 following a recent price drop, it is not the same version as the new Standard Range RWD. The US version features a dual-motor drivetrain and slightly more range.

Despite this, the Model Y Standard Range RWD in Canada is still an attractive option for buyers looking for a more affordable electric SUV. With the availability of generous incentives, this new version of the Model Y is sure to be a hit with Canadians who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the benefits of driving an electric vehicle.

Rivian Plans to Launch Open Charging Network with Hundreds of Stations Across US and Canada.

Rivian is gearing up to open its own charging network to the public as soon as next year. Currently, the US EV maker has 30 charging stations with DC fast chargers that it designed and produced in-house. It plans to add hundreds of additional charging points as soon as possible.

In the first quarter of 2023, Rivian added 12 new charging stations and 72 new charging points, surpassing the growth of Electrify America. Within two years, Rivian aims to have 600 active charging stations in the US and Canada, with 3,500 fast charging points available at those locations, with an average of about six per station. Rivian's DC fast chargers are capable of delivering over 200 kW, potentially increasing to 300 kW or more in the future. The company is also deploying a network of Level 2 chargers, similar to Tesla's Destination Chargers, available at hotels, restaurants, and recreational areas.

Rivian plans to follow Tesla's footsteps with a proprietary charging network that is open to the public. Scaringe stated that Tesla's Supercharger network is the best in the business, and Rivian intends to make its network very similar. Once the Rivian charging network is available to all EV owners, it should be able to get much-needed funding from the US government. With a goal of having 600 active charging stations, Rivian's network aims to become a leading force in the EV charging industry.

EV Around the World 🌏

Tesla Cybertruck Delivery Event Confirmed for Q3 2023, Production to Start This Summer Despite Challenges.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, announced during an earnings call with investors that the company plans to hold a delivery event for its long-awaited Cybertruck in the third quarter of 2023. This comes after more than three years since its initial announcement in 2019. The Cybertruck, a radical product compared to other vehicles in Tesla's lineup, is expected to begin production this summer. However, Musk noted that volume production won't start until next year.

One of the primary reasons for the Cybertruck's delays is the company's decision to make the vehicle out of stainless steel, which is more expensive than steel typically used in auto manufacturing. Stainless steel also cannot be stamped into fenders and other parts due to its tendency to spring back into its original shape. In addition, the manufacturing process requires special welding techniques, making the Cybertruck's production more complicated than Tesla's other vehicles.

Furthermore, even less crucial parts, like windshield wipers, need to be custom-made because of the Cybertruck's unique design. Tesla has not yet provided updated specs, such as range or unique features, for the Cybertruck. Musk declined to provide further information during the earnings call, noting that those details would be revealed during the hand-off event.

Despite the challenges, the Cybertruck has generated a significant amount of interest and anticipation from fans and the media alike. The electric pickup truck features a futuristic, angular design, and has been hailed as a game-changer for the industry.

The Cybertruck is an important product for Tesla, as it enters a growing market for electric pickup trucks. Competitors such as Rivian and Ford have already begun production and deliveries of their electric pickups, while General Motors is expected to debut its electric Hummer later this year.

Overall, the Cybertruck's delays are a reminder of the challenges involved in bringing a new, innovative product to market, particularly in the automotive industry. However, Tesla remains committed to bringing the Cybertruck to production and delivering an incredible product to its customers.

First Retail Production 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Sells For $1.15M.

The Ioniq 6 is gaining a lot of hype and with Ioniq 5 orders still taking years, some EV adopters are changing their reservations from the Ioniq 5 to Ioniq 6. What are the differences between the two models?

QuickEV

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• Waymo driverless car goes viral after police officer directed it to pull over.

EV Video of the Week

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