Hello! Thank you for checking out this week’s EV North Newsletter!

Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers them to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

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In this issue:

• ChargeLab Launches OpenOCPP: Open-Source, Hardware-Agnostic Software for EV Chargers.

• Federal EV Rebate Returning as Canada Sticks to Zero-Emission Sales Mandate Despite Slowing Uptake.

• Hyundai Teases IONIQ 6 N: A High-Performance Electric Sedan with Track-Ready Design.

• Inside Rivian’s R2: Design, Powertrain, and Electronics Development.

• Tesla Unveils Refreshed Model S and Model X: New Features, More Range, and Higher Prices for the US.

• Candela to Bring Electric Hydrofoil Ferries to Mumbai's Waterways.

• + more!

Canada

ChargeLab Launches OpenOCPP: Open-Source, Hardware-Agnostic Software for EV Chargers.

ChargeLab has officially launched OpenOCPP, a new open-source embedded software stack for EV chargers. Designed to simplify and accelerate OCPP adoption, OpenOCPP supports both OCPP 1.6J and 2.0.1 and is licensed under Apache 2.0. The software is hardware-agnostic and pre-certified for both OCA and CTEP compliance, helping EV charger manufacturers cut integration time from over a year to just a few weeks.

Unlike traditional solutions that require manufacturers to build custom firmware to support OCPP, OpenOCPP delivers a ready-to-use, memory-efficient stack that can run on everything from lightweight microcontrollers like the ESP32 to full Linux-based systems. It includes enterprise-grade security and works with any OCPP-compliant charging station management system (CSMS), eliminating vendor lock-in.

Early adopter FractalEV has already used OpenOCPP to deploy chargers across North America with over 20 different CSMS providers. More than 4,000 chargers are currently running on OpenOCPP through manufacturer beta programs, including deployments for Fortune 500 companies with strict cybersecurity needs.

OpenOCPP is now available to manufacturers and developers looking to accelerate time-to-market, improve compatibility, and participate in an open-source community. Learn more at www.openocpp.com.

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Federal EV Rebate Returning as Canada Sticks to Zero-Emission Sales Mandate Despite Slowing Uptake.

Canada’s federal government plans to reinstate its electric vehicle rebate program after funding ran out earlier this year. Originally launched in 2019, the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program offered up to $5,000 off eligible new EV purchases. The program was paused in January 2025 and remains officially on hold, but both Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin and Economic Development Minister Mélanie Joly have confirmed a new rebate is in development, although no timeline has been announced.

At the same time, the government is holding firm on its national zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate. Despite industry pressure and a sharp drop in EV registrations, falling from 81,216 in Q4 2024 to just 37,229 in Q1 2025, Canada still plans to require 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales to be ZEVs by 2035. Interim targets include at least 20% ZEV sales in 2026 and 60% by 2030. Officials reaffirmed that battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles qualify under the policy, though minimum electric-only range requirements for PHEVs have yet to be defined.

The rebate pause appears to have directly affected EV adoption. EVs represented just 7.53% of new vehicle sales in April 2025 which is down from 16.5% in Q4 2024 and 18.29% in December. Provincial programs have also faced disruption: B.C.'s rebate is paused, Quebec briefly suspended and later reinstated its incentive, and provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta have introduced annual EV ownership taxes.

Canada's ZEV mandate uses a credit system to enforce compliance. Automakers can meet targets by earning or purchasing credits, similar to systems in place in the U.S. Some companies, such as Tesla, generate revenue by selling credits to manufacturers that fall short.

Meanwhile, trade tensions and tariffs are beginning to affect EV strategy. Honda recently delayed a planned $15 billion EV and battery plant in Ontario, citing economic uncertainty. Still, the federal government maintains its focus on making ZEVs more affordable and increasing charging infrastructure to support its long-term climate goals.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Hyundai Teases IONIQ 6 N: A High-Performance Electric Sedan with Track-Ready Design.

Hyundai Motor Company has released the first official teaser images of the upcoming IONIQ 6 N, offering a preview of its next high-performance electric vehicle. Following the success of the IONIQ 5 N, the new model is set to continue Hyundai’s push into high-performance EVs with a sleek, aerodynamic design and track-inspired engineering.

The IONIQ 6 N features a streamlined silhouette, flared fenders, lightweight wheels, and a large rear wing, all designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. With a wider stance and enhanced exterior elements, the vehicle is expected to deliver a driving experience shaped by Hyundai N’s three core pillars: Cornering agility, racetrack readiness, and everyday usability.

Set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the IONIQ 6 N aims to connect directly with driving enthusiasts and performance EV fans. According to Hyundai, this new model is built to elevate electric driving with advanced handling and power delivery, making it suitable for both daily driving and spirited track sessions.

With the IONIQ 6 N, Hyundai continues its strategy of blending innovative EV technology with motorsport-inspired performance, reinforcing the brand’s growing presence in the high-performance electric segment.

Inside Rivian’s R2: Design, Powertrain, and Electronics Development.

As Rivian prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated R2 mid-size SUV, the company is offering a behind-the-scenes look into the vehicle’s design process, motor development, and advanced electronics. The R2 marks a new chapter for Rivian, built with efficiency, affordability, and innovation in mind.

Design Studio

The R2’s journey began in Rivian’s Design Studio, where creative teams shaped the vehicle’s form while collaborating with engineers to optimize every detail for both visual appeal and manufacturability. The result is a design that balances simplicity, function, and style—created to streamline production without compromising character.

Powertrain Test Lab

At the core of R2 is a new in-house electric motor named Maximus. Smaller and easier to manufacture than previous motors, Maximus was engineered for performance and cost-efficiency. It joins Rivian’s existing lineup of proprietary motors (Enduro and Ascent) and undergoes extensive stress testing to ensure long-term durability under extreme conditions.

Electrical Lab

Rivian’s Silicon Valley-based electrical lab powers the vehicle’s brains. The zonal architecture—a fully integrated, in-house software and hardware platform—controls everything from driving dynamics to infotainment. This system supports over-the-air updates, enabling Rivian to introduce new features and improvements without requiring trips to a service center.

By designing each component of its technology stack internally, Rivian says it can adapt more quickly and offer a more seamless user experience. This approach allows for enhanced control over performance, safety, and connectivity features.

Tesla Unveils Refreshed Model S and Model X: New Features, More Range, and Higher Prices for the US.

Tesla has officially unveiled updated versions of the Model S and Model X for the US, introducing a series of small but meaningful upgrades for 2026. While the design remains familiar, enhancements span improved range, new colors, interior lighting updates, and a $5,000 price increase across all trims. Currently not available on the Tesla Canada website.

Improved Range and Efficiency

The Model X Long Range receives the largest range increase, jumping from 329 miles to 352 miles—a 7% improvement. The Model S Plaid now reaches 368 miles, up from 348 miles. These gains are likely tied to improved aerodynamics from new wheel designs.

Exterior and Performance Tweaks

Refreshed Plaid variants get a redesigned front bumper and carbon fiber grille accents, giving them a sleeker, sportier appearance. A new front bumper camera has also been added, bringing the S and X in line with the Cybertruck and Model Y.

New wheels have been introduced, including the 19” Magnetite for Model S and 20” Perihelix for Model X. Premium options like the 21” Velarium and 22” Machina offer higher top speeds but reduce overall range.

New Colors and Lighting

Two new paint options are available: Frost Blue Metallic ($2,500 USD) and Diamond Black ($1,500 USD). Inside, Tesla added multi-color animated ambient lighting, LED footwell lights, and new door pocket lighting, offering more personalization and a more premium feel.

A new entry animation plays when the driver enters, syncing display graphics with interior lighting. The animation color adjusts based on the ambient lighting selected by the driver.

Ride Comfort and Practicality

The ride is said to be smoother thanks to updated suspension bushings, and Tesla claims improved noise isolation through better sound-dampening materials and enhanced Active Noise Cancellation. The Model X sees a small bump in cargo capacity, increasing from 92 to 94.5 cubic feet, and more usable space in the third row.

Other Changes

• The yoke steering wheel is now exclusive to Plaid models.

• The infotainment system continues to use AMD Ryzen (MCU3).

• FSD hardware remains at HW4, with no upgrade to HW5 yet.

Price Increases

Tesla raised prices by $5,000 USD across all trims. Updated base prices are as follows:

Availability

Currently not available in Canada - the Tesla Canada website does not allow for custom orders at this time, you can only purchase existing inventory for these models. The updated models are now available to order on Tesla’s website, with 3–5 week delivery estimates. Customers with pending orders will likely receive the refreshed versions. Some discounts may appear on remaining 2025 inventory models as Tesla clears out older stock.

While the refresh doesn’t introduce advanced features like Powershare, a 48V electrical system or an 800V architecture, it brings incremental upgrades aimed at refining Tesla’s flagship vehicles without a complete redesign.

Clean Energy and Mobility

Candela to Bring Electric Hydrofoil Ferries to Mumbai's Waterways.

Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela is expanding into India with an order for eleven P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries. The vessels were ordered by Mumbai-based transport operator JalVimana, with future fleet expansions already under consideration. Each P-12 ferry can carry up to 30 passengers and is designed to reduce travel times and ease congestion in one of the world’s busiest cities.

The initial deployment will connect the Gateway of India and Alibaug, transforming a typical 2–3 hour road journey into a much faster water commute. Another key route will link Mumbai’s new airport to the city centre, cutting travel times from 90 minutes to under 30 minutes.

Candela’s electric ferries use hydrofoil technology, which lifts the hull above the water to minimize drag and reduce energy consumption by up to 80%. Cruising at speeds of 25 knots (46 km/h), these vessels also increase range per battery charge and offer a quiet, emission-free ride.

Mumbai will join other locations already using Candela’s electric ferries, including Stockholm, Lake Tahoe, Neom, and New Zealand. This expansion marks a significant step in introducing sustainable water transport to India's largest urban centre, with potential to scale further as part of the city’s long-term mobility plans.

QuickEV

• Honda to Show New City EV Concept at Goodwood Festival of Speed.

• U.S. Senate takes another step toward eliminating EV subsidies.

• [VIDEO] DIY Upgrade on 470,000 mi Model S: Swapping In A 100kWh Battery!

• Xiaomi's Patented Solid-State Battery Could Go 1,200 km (745 Miles).

• Hyundai Motor teases the all-new IONIQ 6 N.

• VoltAero presents production version of Cassio 330 electric aircraft.

EV Tweet of the Week