Welcome EV enthusiasts to the EV North Newsletter!

Let’s jump right in with what we are going to look at in this issue:

• FLO Secures $60 Million Credit Facility for North American EV Charging Expansion.

• BMW, Ford, and Honda Unite for ChargeScape: Advancing EV Grid Services.

• EV Connect and Marriott Partner for North American EV Charging Advancements.

• Ford's $3.5 Billion Michigan LFP Battery Plant: Construction Halt Amid Challenges.

• Nissan's Electrifying Vision for Europe: Sporty EV Concept and Ambition 2030 Plan.

• Toyota's Electrification Push: Teasing a New Compact SUV and Ambitious Targets.

• Candela C-8 Electric Boat Sets World Record: 483 Miles in 24 Hours.

Canada

FLO Secures $60 Million Credit Facility to Accelerate North American EV Charging Expansion.

FLO, a premier North American EV charging and smart charging solutions provider, is proud to announce the successful securing of a substantial $60 million CAD revolving credit facility from the esteemed National Bank of Canada's Technology and Innovation Banking Group. This substantial funding marks a substantial increase from the $20 million facility secured in 2021 and serves as a pivotal milestone in FLO's mission to expedite the growth of its expansive North American EV charging network.

National Bank's Technology and Innovation Banking Group is committed to supporting visionary businesses in the technology and innovation sector. By providing financial solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of innovative companies, the group is helping to drive progress and accelerate change in the modern business landscape.

"This agreement stands as a resounding endorsement of FLO's flourishing business strategy and acknowledges the remarkable momentum within our industry," affirmed Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO. "Our enduring partnership with the National Bank of Canada positions FLO to execute our ambitious strategy, bolster sustainable development, and solidify our role in leading the charge toward a zero-emissions transportation future."

In the past 24 months, FLO has experienced remarkable growth, doubling its workforce and expanding its footprint in the United States market.

"For more than two and a half decades, our Group has collaborated with Canadian success stories, and FLO undoubtedly ranks among them," noted Tuyen Vo, Head of Technology and Innovation Banking. "National Bank remains dedicated to fostering a seamless and inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy. We are thrilled to back FLO's business blueprint. This additional credit facility serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the FLO team in expanding dependable EV charging infrastructure across North America."

FLO's relentless pursuit of excellence in EV charging technology and its strategic collaboration with the National Bank of Canada's Technology and Innovation Banking Group have positioned the company as a front-runner in the quest for a cleaner, greener future of transportation. The increased credit facility further empowers FLO to continue its remarkable journey of growth and sustainability.

For more information about FLO and its pioneering EV charging solutions, please visit FLO's Website.

Are you on Reddit? Check out our subreddit at https://reddit.com/r/evcanada 

BMW, Ford, and Honda Forge ChargeScape: Pioneering EV Grid Services Optimization.

Leading automotive giants, BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, and American Honda Motor Co., Inc., have united to create ChargeScape, LLC—an innovative, equally-owned enterprise poised to revolutionize electric vehicle grid services. This strategic collaboration establishes a cost-efficient platform bridging EV utilities, automakers, and EV enthusiasts. ChargeScape, committed to redefining the EV's role in the North American electric grid, offers EV customers unprecedented financial opportunities via managed charging and energy-sharing services, transcending the capabilities of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. Regulatory approvals stand as the final hurdle before ChargeScape's anticipated launch in early 2024.

Harnessing the cumulative expertise garnered through Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP) cross-industry collaborations, ChargeScape's singular platform abolishes the need for intricate integrations between automakers and electric utilities. It grants electric utilities access to a vast reservoir of EV battery energy, while participating EV owners can accrue financial benefits by adhering to "grid-friendly" charging schedules. EV users are also empowered to bolster grid resiliency by sharing energy from their EV batteries during peak demand, leveraging vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.

ChargeScape's ingenuity lies in maximizing plugged-in EV batteries, as it will securely share energy data with utilities and system operators. This includes aggregated demand response, synchronized charging, and EV battery optimization during off-peak hours, harnessing abundant renewable energy sources. ChargeScape's efficient integration with automakers and high anticipated EV enrollment is poised to be a cost-efficient boon for electric utilities.

ChargeScape aligns perfectly with the increased adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, ushering in fresh opportunities and challenges for the electric grid. As the number of EVs on the road surges, so does the demand for electricity to power them. ChargeScape is primed to provide vital energy management services that underpin grid resiliency while paving the way for V2G capabilities that benefit both EV owners and utilities.

ChargeScape will play a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the grid. By harnessing electricity from readily available renewable sources such as wind and solar, the company will reduce EV owners' carbon footprint. Importantly, while seamless integration between EV owners and utilities is crucial, ChargeScape will ensure that EV customers maintain full control over their charging and energy decisions.

An up close and personal review of Rivian’s Amazon delivery van.

EV Connect Partners with Marriott to Advance EV Charging Across North America.

With more and more EVs hitting the roads, a pressing need for accessible charging infrastructure as a whole, and particularly in the hospitality sector has been created. Recognizing this need, EV Connect has forged a strategic alliance with Marriott International, a leading hotel chain, to streamline EV charging services for its properties and guests.

Under this landmark agreement, Marriott properties will gain seamless access to EV Connect's comprehensive platform, simplifying the installation and management of EV charging stations. This marks Marriott's inaugural collaboration of this nature and ensures that its locations throughout the U.S. and Canada can offer dependable charging infrastructure.

Ram Ambatipudi, Senior Vice President of Business Development at EV Connect, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "As the world shifts towards sustainable energy and clean transportation, hotels and resorts that provide charging facilities for EVs can attract guests who prioritize sustainability and carbon-neutral travel. This collaboration between EV Connect and Marriott marks a major advancement of the EV market’s expansion, and it has significant implications for the hospitality sector as a whole."

EV Connect's charging platform streamlines every aspect of charging station setup and management, complemented by top-tier customer service, spanning installation to driver assistance. Marriott properties will have the flexibility to select charging hardware from an open platform, allowing them to tailor EV charging solutions to the unique needs of each location. With EV Connect Shield, a comprehensive parts and labor warranty plan, Marriott property owners can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that crucial operational and maintenance tasks are handled by qualified experts, covering everything from charging station repairs to software support and fieldwork labor.

Andrew Bodziak, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Marriott International, affirmed the importance of meeting evolving consumer expectations: "Our guests increasingly expect EV charging stations at our properties, and this collaboration will help us meet rapidly evolving consumer demand and further the company’s sustainability goals."

Marriott International, owns nearly 8,600 properties spanning 31 brands in 139 countries and territories. By offering EV charging stations at its properties, Marriott is enhancing the guest experience and making sustainable transportation choices more accessible. These charging stations will be prominently featured on the EV Connect app, allowing guests to effortlessly locate and pay for EV charging services during their stay.

EV Around the World 🌏

Ford Halts Construction of $3.5 Billion Michigan LFP Battery Plant Amid Labor Disputes and Political Controversy.

In a strategic move, Ford Motor Company has decided to temporarily halt construction on its massive $3.5 billion battery cell plant in Marshall, Michigan, effective as of September 25, 2023. This decision arises from concerns regarding the competitive viability of the plant amidst ongoing contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) labor union. This pause in construction comes after a series of disputes, including conflicts with local residents, Republican lawmakers, and the broader auto industry strike, which has now entered its second week.

Ford spokesperson T.R. Reid explained, "We're pausing work, and we're going to limit spending on construction at Marshall until we're confident about our ability to competitively run the plant." While Reid acknowledged that the decision was influenced by several factors, he did not confirm whether the UAW strike played a direct role. He emphasized that a final investment decision regarding the Marshall site had not been reached.

UAW President Shawn Fain strongly criticized Ford's decision to suspend construction of the Michigan battery plant, characterizing it as a "shameful, thinly-veiled threat" aimed at job cuts, particularly as Ford engages in challenging negotiations with the labor union. Fain asserted, "Closing 65 plants over the last 20 years wasn't enough for the Big Three, now they want to threaten us with closing plants that aren't even open yet. We are simply asking for a just transition to electric vehicles, and Ford is instead doubling down on their race to the bottom."

In addition to labor disputes, political opposition has arisen, with Republican lawmakers in Congress expressing concerns about the plant's potential to channel US tax subsidies to China and tether Ford to Chinese technology. Following Ford's announcement, Representative Mike Gallagher, the Republican chair of a House select committee on China, welcomed the decision as a "crucial first step to reevaluate its deal" with China's CATL and urged Ford to permanently cancel the agreement.

In February 2023, Ford CEO Jim Farley and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer jointly unveiled a plan to invest $3.5 billion and create 2,500 jobs at the Michigan site, situated just outside Marshall. As part of the arrangement, the state of Michigan and local authorities committed to providing Ford with a combined $1.7 billion in public subsidies.

Nissan's Electrifying Vision for Europe: Unveils Sporty EV Concept and Ambition 2030 Plan.

Nissan's latest electric vehicle concept is causing a buzz in Europe, signaling a bold commitment to an all-electric future on the continent by 2030. The UK-based Nissan design team has crafted the eye-catching 'Concept 20-23,' a sporty electric hatchback with a futuristic appeal, featuring distinctive circle daytime-running lights.

Under the banner of its "Ambition 2030" plan, Nissan is gearing up to introduce a remarkable lineup of 19 new electric vehicles globally, complemented by eight "electrified" models. This ambitious initiative is poised to significantly impact the European market, where one-third of Nissan's global EV sales currently occur.

Nissan's dedication to electrification is evident, with the company exclusively offering hybrid and electric models in Europe. These include the popular "e-Power" non-plugin hybrid Qashqai crossover, the compact X-Trail SUV, the dynamic Nissan Ariya EV, and the versatile Townstar electric van.

In the pipeline for Europe are exciting new additions to Nissan's electric family. An electric version of the compact Micra is in development, set to serve as Nissan's entry-level electric vehicle. Furthermore, a yet-to-be-revealed model is slated for production at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK, emphasizing the company's commitment to local manufacturing.

To support its electrification goals, Nissan is embarking on a mission to reduce battery costs by an impressive 65 percent by 2028. These plans involve transitioning to cost-effective battery chemistries that eliminate cobalt, often referred to as the "blood diamond" of the tech industry.

In tandem with these efforts, Nissan is reiterating its commitment to solid-state batteries, set to revolutionize EV charging. These batteries promise to reduce charging time to a mere one-third of current standards while driving battery costs down to $75 USD per kWh (and later, $65 USD). A stark contrast to the $153 USD per kWh reported by the US Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office for scale-produced EV batteries in 2022.

Nissan's electrification push is further fueled by a substantial investment of approximately $17.6 billion USD over five years, aimed at accelerating global EV development.

While Nissan has made significant strides in the electric vehicle arena, particularly with the pioneering Nissan Leaf, it aims to dazzle the market with more innovative and exciting EV offerings. While the Nissan Ariya SUV has been decently well-received, the company is eager to unveil a host of new EVs that transcend the realm of mere concepts, promising an electrifying future that's practical, stylish, and sustainable.

Toyota's Electrification Push: New Compact SUV Teased, Next-Gen EV Production Unveiled, and Ambitious Targets Set.

After years of lagging behind and turning away from electric vehicles, Toyota is finally embracing full electrification and making moves in the electric vehicle market.

In a dynamic shift toward electrification, Toyota has made 3 major announcements that highlight their newly formed commitment to electric vehicles and a sustainable future.

1. New Compact Electric SUV Teased: Toyota is offering a tantalizing glimpse into its forthcoming compact electric SUV in a captivating teaser video. The renowned Japanese automaker is making a bold move to bolster its presence in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market by introducing a smaller bZ compact SUV, aiming to keep pace with the surging global EV sales.

2. Next-Gen EV Production Line Revealed: In a bid to bridge the gap with industry leaders, Toyota has unveiled its next-generation EV production line, showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as Giga casting, self-propelled assembly lines, and advanced robotics for vehicle transport. These innovations promise to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, positioning Toyota as a formidable contender in the EV manufacturing arena.

3. Ambitious EV Production Targets: After years of lagging behind in the EV race, Toyota is taking decisive steps to catch up. The automaker has set an audacious target of producing 600,000 EVs by 2025, a three-fold increase from its previous goal. This ambitious objective reflects Toyota's commitment to electrification, with plans to launch up to 10 new Toyota and Lexus EV models in the coming years.

SIDE NOTE:
I recently saw a Toyota Prius Prime PHEV out in the wild and it absolutely blew my mind away. It looks WAY better in person and I thought I’d share this video related to the Prius.

While Toyota has made strides in electrified vehicle sales, with over 20,000 plug-in cars sold in the first half of 2023, its pure EV sales have room for growth. The brand's pure EV sales, including models like the bZ4X crossover and the Lexus RZ 450e, reached 4,776 units by June 2023.

Despite these ambitious targets, Toyota acknowledges the competitive landscape, with industry leaders like Tesla setting the pace. Tesla, for instance, aims to produce 1.8 million EVs in 2023 and is expanding its global footprint with new Giga factories.

As Toyota races to close the gap and embrace electrification, the automotive industry is witnessing a transformative shift toward sustainable mobility.

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Clean Energy and Mobility

Candela C-8 Electric Boat Sets New World Record, Covering 483 Miles in 24 Hours.

Swedish electric boat manufacturer, Candela, is making waves in the world of electric mobility, literally. Recently, their cutting-edge electric boat, the Candela C-8, achieved a remarkable feat, smashing a world record by covering an impressive 483 miles in just 24 hours. This achievement underscores the remarkable capabilities of electric boats and their potential to revolutionize water-based transportation.

The Candela C-8, constructed from lightweight carbon fiber, boasts a top speed of 31 mph and an impressive 66 miles of range on a single charge. What sets this boat apart is its innovative use of deployable hydrofoils—wing-like structures located beneath the boat—that enhance performance and efficiency. Combined with dual counter-rotating propellers, the C-8 achieves unparalleled hydrodynamic efficiency.

One of the key factors contributing to the C-8's success is its power source. The boat is powered by a 69 kilowatt-hour battery pack borrowed from the acclaimed Polestar 2 electric fastback. Candela proudly claims that, thanks to this robust battery, the C-8 is currently the longest-range electric boat available, surpassing its competitors by a substantial margin.

However, this remarkable technology comes at a price, with the Candela C-8 starting at $395,000 before taxes and fees in the Americas. For those seeking the ultimate experience, there's also the C-8 Polestar edition, starting at a premium $450,000.

In terms of performance, the C-8 impresses with a cruising speed of 23 miles per hour. To achieve its record-breaking feat, the boat underwent 45-minute runs at a top speed of 31 mph between charges, maintaining a remarkable efficiency of one kilowatt-hour per nautical mile at 23 mph.

Charging the C-8 was a breeze, thanks to DC fast charging facilitated by Northvolt's mobile Voltpack battery and Plug charger. Remarkably, the total electricity cost for the entire 483-mile journey was a mere $127. In contrast, a conventional fossil fuel-powered boat would have incurred a hefty cost of $1,483. Furthermore, while a typical boat would have emitted approximately 3,935 pounds of carbon dioxide over the same distance, the C-8 emitted a mere 38.3 pounds, thanks to the use of standard Swedish electricity, which is known for its eco-friendly characteristics.

The previous record holder, a 740 horsepower electric vessel by Voltari Electric, traveled 91 miles on a single charge from Florida to the Bahamas. Candela's C-8 has shattered this record, further solidifying its status as a trailblazer in the world of electric boating. With the C-8's remarkable performance and eco-conscious design, it's clear that the future of water-based transportation is electrifyingly bright.

QuickEV

• Harley’s LiveWire Del Mar electric motorcycles begin deliveries in US.

• VW Group Inks Deal To Import And Sell Bugatti, Rimac Cars In US.

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• Hertz and New York City Launch “Hertz Electrifies New York City”.

• Elon Musk On Tesla Cybertruck Performance Version: "It Kicks Ass Next-Level".

• [VIDEO] Attack on Cruise Robotaxi in SF Filmed by the Passengers.

• Volvo to end diesel car production as it goes fully electric by 2030.

• New Luxeed S7 EV Will Be "Superior" To Tesla Model S, Huawei Claims.

• [VIDEO] Chevy Silverado EV vs. gas Ford F-150.

• Tesla Cybertruck Spotted Doing Straight Line Acceleration Runs.

• [VIDEO] BYD Dolphin Chinese EV Debuts In North America, Starts From $31,000 USD.

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