Welcome back to the EV North Newsletter! Wishing you all a happy and healthy year ahead! Thank you for all of your support in 2024! Looking forward and working hard to give you all the EV news in 2025.

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In this issue:

• 2025 New Year Resolutions for EVs.

• Autonomous Battery-Electric Loaders in Action at Canadian Gold Mine in BC.

• AutoTrader.ca’s Dodge Charger Daytona Video Review.

• Sony Honda Mobility Unveils AFEELA 1.

• Tesla’s Model Y "Juniper" Refresh Spotted During Winter Testing in China.

• Honda Unveils Honda 0 Saloon, Honda 0 SUV, and ASIMO OS.

• + more!

Canada

2025 New Year Resolutions for EVs.

We can predict what the EV industry will bring in 2025 but what do people actually need from the EV industry in 2025?

Here are my thought’s on 2 EV industry resolutions for 2025:

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations:
The charging network needs to grow. All across Canada (and North America) there are still not enough chargers. In particular not enough fast chargers. While most EVers charge at home and overnight, for long trips and making EV ownership convenient, chargers are needed. It is predicted that in 2025, 1 in 4 vehicles sold will be electric.

Another situation hindering the adoption of electric vehicles is lack of charging in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), at workplaces and public spaces such as grocery store or movie theatre. Maybe additional government incentives are required so that business owners and workplaces consider upgrading their infrastructure to allow for electric vehicle charging stations.

Battling Electric Vehicle Misinformation:

This is no small or easy task - the amount of misinformation that I see across many social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Reddit) is mind blowing! We’ve been seeing Tesla dominate sales globally, we’ve seen how EVs have better performance and we’ve seen governments pour billions into the electric vehicle industry - yet some still refuse to accept that EVs are HERE TO STAY!

Common misinformation that I see:

• It takes hours to charge. It may take me hours to charge on a Level 1 or Level 2 charger but my vehicle charges overnight. I don’t even notice it. For longer roadtrips where I can’t charge overnight in the comfort of my own home, Level 3 chargers make charging much quicker and costs less than gas. My vehicle “refuels” while I sleep. I don’t need to get out in the cold to “refuel”.

• EVs are more expensive. I actually find it hilarious when I see this comment because it typically comes from someone who drives a top of the line diesel truck that cost at least $80,000 at the time of purchase and probably costs them upwards of $500 per month for diesel. Some naysayers share examples of some of the most expensive electric vehicles out there, such as Rivian, Lucid Air or Tesla Model S Plaids… They aren’t looking at Hyundai, Kia, Nissan or GM vehicles and they aren’t looking at used electric vehicles either. Taking a look at at Clutch.ca there are over 30 vehicles listed under $40,000 that are model year 2020 or newer! There’s a 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate for $30k! I understand that some of these vehicles may not suit EVERYONE’s needs but for most people they are perfect!

• EVs are more harmful for the environment. Again, I need to laugh at this. “Your electricity comes from burning coal!”… Oh! sorry I forgot that getting gas to the pumps was direct with no intervention… Not to mention the ongoing green house gas emissions caused by ICE vehicles. It’s not even close when you look at the entire lifecycle of the vehicle compared to traditional gas vehicles.

• EV batteries are expensive to replace and catch fire! Yes, batteries are expensive to replace when they actually need to be. The costs (if outside of warranty) can range between $5,000 and $20,000 but these types of repairs are rare! Even more rare than having to replace an engine or transmission on an ICE, which guess what? Costs around the same depending on vehicle! With the latest Cybertruck fire, more people are saying that EVs catch fire. A 2022 report from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) shows EV fires are 20 times less likely than ICE vehicle fires, with rates of 0.004% for EVs and 0.08% for ICE cars. MSB has also developed a fast method for extinguishing battery fires.

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

Autonomous Battery-Electric Loaders in Action at Canadian Gold Mine in BC.

Two 18,000-tonne self-driving electric Sandvik loaders are now operational at the New Afton gold and copper mine near Kamloops, British Columbia. This is one of Canada’s first deployments of large autonomous electric machinery in an underground mining setting.

New Gold Inc., a Toronto-based mining company, manages three mines across North America, including the New Afton site. The autonomous electric loaders are enhancing operations by improving efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing noise and heat levels underground.

These loaders were initially deployed in a test zone last year, and New Gold plans to transition them to active mining areas in the near future. The loaders also improve safety by reducing worker exposure to high-risk environments, as they handle ore extraction after the material collapses into designated chambers.

The New Afton mine is the only “block mine” in Canada, a method where ore collapses into a chamber for loading and transport. The use of autonomous electric equipment represents a significant step forward for the mining industry, aligning with goals to improve safety and reduce environmental impact.

Across Canada, other mines are also exploring autonomous zero-emission technologies. Ontario’s Côté Gold mine has 14 autonomous haulers in operation, with plans for a fleet of 23. British Columbia’s Turnagain open-pit mine is preparing to use autonomous trolley and haulage systems, though the start date is yet to be determined. Additionally, Quebec’s LaRonde mine is testing various autonomous technologies.

AutoTrader.ca’s Dodge Charger Daytona Video Review.

Dan Ilika takes the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona on the track and gives insights into Dodge’s electric revamp of the Charger Daytona.

👋 Hello, one quick thing. If you’re enjoying this, can you do me a favour and forward it to a friend? Thank you!

EV Around the World 🌏

Sony Honda Mobility Unveils AFEELA 1.

Sony Honda Mobility Inc. (SHM) introduced the AFEELA 1, the first vehicle under its AFEELA brand, at CES 2025. Online reservations for California customers are now open with a refundable $200 deposit. The AFEELA 1 is set for production at an advanced facility in Ohio, with deliveries starting mid-2026. Pricing begins at $89,900 USD for the AFEELA 1 Origin trim, and $102,900 USD for the Signature trim.

The AFEELA 1 blends advanced software with high-performance hardware, offering a suite of innovative features:

• AFEELA Intelligent Drive utilizes 40 sensors and AI-powered technology to provide end-to-end driver assistance for safer, more convenient journeys.

• AFEELA Personal Agent allows for voice interaction for in-car controls, conversations, and personalized travel suggestions.

• Entertainment-Focused Cabin features noise-canceling technology, Sony’s 360 Spatial Sound, and seat-specific displays for immersive entertainment experiences.

• Designed for driver engagement, the vehicle offers precise handling, optimal ride comfort, and noise-reduction technology. Its interior and exterior reflect a sleek and timeless aesthetic, using plant-based and recycled materials for sustainability.

The AFEELA 1 Origin includes a 3-year subscription for Intelligent Drive, Personal Agent, entertainment content, and 5G connectivity allowing for over-the-air (OTA) updates. The Signature trim adds premium features like 21-inch wheels and a rear entertainment system. The AFEELA 1 supports Tesla’s Supercharging Network, with a targeted range of up to 300 miles.

Sony Honda Mobility Press Conference:

Tesla’s Model Y "Juniper" Refresh Spotted During Winter Testing in China.

The longawaited refresh of Tesla’s Model Y, codenamed "Juniper," has been spotted uncamouflaged for the first time during winter testing in Northeast China, is an official reveal imminent?

The Model Y refresh is set to follow the 2023 Model 3 refresh with several similar updates along with new features as well.

From the photo and online speculation here are some updates:

• Exterior Redesign: The front end now features a Cybertruck-inspired light bar, replacing the traditional headlights, and the rear sports a sleeker design with “TESLA” text badging instead of the Tesla logo.

• Interior Enhancements: While specific details haven’t been confirmed, improvements are expected to focus on efficiency, cabin noise reduction, and possibly updates to interior materials and technology.

• Production Timeline: Reports suggest trial production began in late 2024, with mass production anticipated to start in January 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory.

The refreshed Model Y eliminates the “duck lips” front-end design seen in previous models, creating a more aerodynamic and streamlined look. The changes align with Tesla’s strategy to refine its vehicle lineup while enhancing efficiency and driving comfort. The front light bar follows similar designs as seen on the Cybertruck and the recently revealed Cybercab (Robotaxi).

This sighting signals that the official launch of the refreshed Model Y could happen soon, bringing an upgraded version of one of the brand’s most popular electric SUVs to EV enthusiasts.

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Honda Unveils Honda 0 Saloon, Honda 0 SUV, and ASIMO OS.

At CES 2025, Honda revealed two prototypes from its Honda 0 Series—Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV—along with its new ASIMO OS, an advanced vehicle operating system set to debut in global EV models starting in 2026. These innovations highlight Honda’s focus on automated driving, personalization, and sustainability.

Honda 0 Saloon

Designed with a sleek, low-profile aesthetic and a spacious interior.

Features next-generation technologies, including Level 3 automated driving and ultra-personalized user experiences powered by ASIMO OS.

Launching in North America in 2026, followed by Japan and Europe.

Honda 0 SUV

Built on the Space-Hub concept, offering a mid-size EV with expanded interior space and a clear, unrestricted field of view. Equipped with advanced stabilization control for dynamic handling on diverse road surfaces. Scheduled for global release starting in North America in early 2026.

ASIMO OS

Honda’s proprietary ASIMO OS integrates robotics-inspired technologies to deliver:

• Automated driving features, including expanded Level 3 capabilities for safe, hands-free driving.

• Over-the-air updates to continually enhance in-car functions, entertainment, and user preferences.

• Seamless control of vehicle systems like advanced driver assistance and infotainment.

Honda is expanding its Level 3 automated driving features, targeting all driving scenarios. This includes advanced AI systems capable of handling complex road conditions and cooperative driving behaviors. These innovations aim to enhance safety and reduce traffic accidents.

Delivery summaries for major EV manufacturers for 2024.

• BMW sold over 50,000 EVs in 2024.

• Lucid Delivered A Record 10,241 in 2024.

• Rivian delivered over 51,000 electric cars in 2024.

• Tesla delivered 1,789,226 vehicles in 2024 (slight drop from 1,808,581 in 2023).

QuickEV

• Thomas Built Buses Launches C2 Jouley Gen 2 Electric School Bus.

• Chrysler Is Planning a New Car and SUV Based on the Halcyon Concept.

• [VIDEO] The Future of Rivian: Gen 2 Enhancements with RJ Scaringe.

• Record Electrified Vehicle Sales Power Toyota Canada Inc. to Record 2024.

• The Ford Mustang Mach-E Handily Outsold The Gas Mustang In 2024.

• [VIDEO] The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ Just Broke the Mold.

• XPeng and Volkswagen to build super-fast charging network in China.

EV Tweet of the Week