Happy Halloween!

Thank you for checking out The EV North Newsletter this week!

In this weeks’ issue you’ll find:

• British Columbia Accelerates Zero-Emission Vehicle Targets and Charging Network Expansion.

• Ontario Launches Application Process for EV ChargeON Funding.

• Japanese Automakers Redefine Electric Sports Cars at the Japan Mobility Show.

• Hertz Cuts Back on EV Plans Due to Damage and Resale Value Concerns.

• UAW Strikes End as Ford and GM Reach Agreements.

• and more!

But first!
Rivian, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has rolled out a Halloween-themed software update, version 2023.38.00, for its R1S and R1T models. This update adds a "Halloween" tab to the in-vehicle infotainment system settings, offering a "Make it Spooky" option. When selected, the update transforms people detected by the car's sensors and cameras into zombies and witches, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in the ADAS view.

Canada

British Columbia Accelerates Zero-Emission Vehicle Targets and Charging Network Expansion.

British Columbia is taking bold steps to expedite its transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and provide more accessible electric mobility options for its residents. Proposed amendments to the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act and additional provincial funding are set to propel the province further towards a sustainable, clean transportation future.

The updated ZEV Act will set more aggressive targets for automakers, mandating an escalating percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, aiming to achieve 26% of light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 90% by 2030, and an ambitious 100% by 2035, five years ahead of the original goal. British Columbia has consistently exceeded its annual ZEV sales targets, with electric vehicles accounting for nearly 21% of all new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in the province in 2023.

These legislative advancements support British Columbia's transition to ZEVs for personal and commercial use and align with the CleanBC initiative's goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing economic opportunities, and enhancing community health.

British Columbia's Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program, designed for homes, workplaces, and multi-unit residential buildings, is receiving an infusion of $7 million in provincial funding. The program, which had previously run out of funds due to high demand, is being fully reopened on a first-come, first-served basis. This includes the reopening of EV charger rebate applications for single-family homes and workplaces on October 31, 2023.

Facts about electric vehicles in British Columbia

• The number of registered light-duty EVs in B.C. has surged from 5,000 in 2016 to over 129,500 today, marking an incredible 2,500% increase.

• British Columbia boasts one of Canada's most extensive public-charging networks, with more than 4,800 electric-charging stations, a remarkable 515% increase from 2016's 781 charging stations.

• B.C.’s ZEV sector contributes significantly to the provincial economy, including approximately 274 companies and organizations involved in the EV sector, over 11,000 employees in the EV sector, a $1.15 billion total contribution to the provincial GDP, and more than $2 billion in total economic output.

To learn more visit these resources:

Go Electric EV Charger Rebate program and other related initiatives, visit Go Electric BC.

Gain insights into the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 and its comprehensive approach to sustainability, visit the CleanBC website.

For those interested in British Columbia's legislation, you can explore the details on the official government legislation page.

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

Ontario Launches Application Process for EV ChargeON Funding.

Ontario, Canada, is opening doors to an opportunity for small- and medium-sized communities, as well as Indigenous communities, to bolster their electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The province is inviting applications for the $91-million EV ChargeON program, originally unveiled in March 2022, aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the region.

The Ontario government, led by Energy Minister Todd Smith, is committed to advancing the province's transition towards an electric future by providing the necessary infrastructure to support widespread EV use. "Our government is paving the way towards an electric future by building the infrastructure needed to support the electrification of transportation across Ontario," said Minister Smith. "This program will deliver thousands of chargers across the province, making EVs more accessible for everyone."

EV ChargeON also extends its support to the Ivy Charging Network, a public-private collaboration between Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation, further enhancing the EV charging landscape in the province.

As of September 2023, Ontario boasts more than 2,900 public charging stations, featuring 6,600 Level 2 ports and 1,300 Level 3 fast-charging ports. However, these charging stations are predominantly concentrated in urban areas and along major transit corridors, leaving rural areas underserved in terms of public EV chargers.

With approximately 135,000 registered EVs in Ontario, the government anticipates an exponential growth, estimating more than one million EVs on the road by 2030. To address this demand, EV ChargeON seeks to install additional electric vehicle chargers on government-owned land, including highway rest areas, carpool parking lots, and provincial parks.

To align with this dual objective, Ontario is offering two distinct funding streams under the EV ChargeON program: the Community Sites Stream and the Government Sites Stream. While both streams aim to expand EV charging infrastructure, the Community Sites Stream is the only one currently open for applications.

Eligible applicants for the EV ChargeON program include a diverse range of entities, such as businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous businesses, private and public sector organizations (including hospitals and universities), and tourist destinations, among others.

Interested parties have until January 31, 2024, to submit their applications for funding. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of Ontario's electric future and contribute to the growth of EV charging infrastructure in the province. Apply today and be a part of this transformative initiative.

EV Around the World 🌏

Japanese Automakers Redefine Electric Sports Cars at the Japan Mobility Show.

The Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo has witnessed the unveiling of five remarkable electrified sports cars, representing a significant step forward in the realm of electric vehicles. These innovations have come from renowned Japanese automakers, including Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota, reflecting their unwavering commitment to preserving the spirit of sports cars in the electric vehicle era.

In recent years, two prevailing sentiments have circulated among auto enthusiasts: the decline of auto shows and the notion that the electrification of vehicles will spell the end of sports cars and driving pleasure. While the former may hold some truth, the latter assertion remains a topic of heated debate. Auto shows have witnessed a diminishing presence of automakers, with many opting to host their dedicated reveal events instead, long before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

However, in Tokyo, the Japan Mobility Show has rekindled the excitement reminiscent of the auto shows of yesteryears. Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, this event has been rebranded as the Japan Mobility Show, expanding its focus to encompass various futuristic transportation modes beyond just conventional cars and motorcycles.

The show has witnessed the introduction of numerous vehicles, from production-oriented kei vans and crossover concepts to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototypes and futuristic robotic scooters. It's been a while since an auto show has seen such an abundance of new products, which is typically more associated with the Chinese market-focused shows.

However, the most remarkable aspect of this show is the unveiling of five groundbreaking sports car concepts by Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. These concepts represent a commitment to preserving the essence of sports cars, even in the face of the global electric vehicle transition. What sets these concepts apart is their proximity to production, with some of them serving as genuine surprises, a rarity in today's automotive landscape.

Japan has a long history of producing affordable performance cars of various kinds, and these five concepts reflect the kind of variety that enthusiasts have been dreaming of. Even if just one or two of these cars had been unveiled, it would be significant news. Reports of the death of auto shows may have been premature.

Let's take a look at each of these remarkable Japanese sports car concepts:

1. Honda Prelude Concept

The Honda Prelude Concept is the most visually production-ready among the sports cars showcased at the Japan Mobility Show. Resurrecting the Prelude name, this concept represents Honda's commitment to bringing the joy of driving into an electrified future. It features a hybrid powertrain and is designed as a two-door coupe with a contemporary and captivating appearance. The design includes distinct features like an aggressive front fascia, clean surfacing, and a sporty raked roofline, alluding to Honda's vision for its upcoming electrified models. Although the Prelude is currently a hybrid, an all-electric version may be in the cards in the future.

2. Mazda Iconic SP Concept

Mazda's Iconic SP Concept is a breathtaking sports car that rekindles the spirit of the brand's sports car legacy. This two-door coupe boasts a mesmerizing design with swan-wing doors, a low-slung roof, and wide fenders. It integrates a rotary engine as a range extender for its electric powertrain, demonstrating Mazda's innovative approach to electrification. The Iconic SP's 365 horsepower output and exhilarating design make it a compelling contender in the electric sports car segment.

3. Nissan Hyper Force Concept

The Nissan Hyper Force Concept is a vision of the future for the iconic GT-R. Featuring an eye-catching carbon-fiber body and advanced aerodynamics, it offers a glimpse into the highly anticipated R36 GT-R. With an astounding 1,341 horsepower, this supercar concept uses a solid-state battery pack, showcasing Nissan's commitment to advancing electric powertrains. The futuristic in-cabin graphics and infotainment, developed in collaboration with Gran Turismo creator Polyphony Digital, further emphasize the forward-looking nature of this concept.

4. Subaru Sport Mobility Concept

Subaru's Sport Mobility Concept brings a bold, boxy design to the forefront, harking back to the classic 1980s XT coupe. This concept, with its tall greenhouse and chunky wheel arches, sets the stage for what could be an electric successor to the BRZ. Although details about the powertrain remain sparse, Subaru's dedication to all-wheel drive and the possibility of rear-wheel steering make it an exciting prospect. As Subaru embarks on its journey into electrification, a new era of electrified sports cars may be on the horizon.

5. Toyota FT-Se Concept

Toyota has reignited the spirit of its mid-engined sports cars with the electric FT-Se Concept. This remarkable concept marks a significant departure from traditional Toyota designs, featuring a small, aerodynamic design with futuristic aesthetics. Its modular architecture, shared with Toyota's next-gen EVs, promises impressive performance and handling characteristics. With minimal information available on this concept, it leaves room for speculation about its potential as a production model.

In addition to these electrifying sports car concepts, Toyota has also unveiled a wide range of electric vehicles and concepts at the Japan Mobility Show. These vehicles include the Land Cruiser Se, a large electric SUV with three rows of seats, and the FT-3e, an electric crossover that offers a glimpse of the replacement for the existing bZ4X. Toyota has demonstrated its commitment to electrification, with a diverse lineup that caters to various market segments.

The Lexus brand, under Toyota's umbrella, has also presented two intriguing concepts, the LF-ZC and LF-ZL, based on Toyota's next-gen EV architecture. The LF-ZC hints at a production sedan with an extended range, slated for a 2026 release, while the LF-ZL showcases a flagship luxury crossover. Lexus continues to explore high-performance electric sports cars, further expanding the horizon for electrified performance vehicles.

Hertz Cuts Back on EV Plans Due to Damage and Resale Value Concerns.

Hertz, the car rental giant, has scaled down its ambitious electric vehicle (EV) plans due to a combination of factors, including damage to their Tesla EVs and the declining resale value of these vehicles. Originally, Hertz aimed to distribute nearly 200,000 EVs to business travelers, ride-hail drivers, and tech enthusiasts, forging agreements with companies like Tesla and Polestar. Tesla's valuation soared past $1 trillion following this news.

However, the realities of the EV transition have presented challenges for Hertz. They have decided to slow down their EV rollout, citing two main issues: plummeting resale values and the high cost of EV repairs. Tesla, facing increased competition and softening demand, has been reducing its prices to stimulate sales. Additionally, repair costs for EVs are approximately double the expenses incurred for gasoline-powered cars, as disclosed by Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr.

One major concern arises from Hertz's plan to rent Teslas to ride-hail drivers, with half of the 100,000 Teslas they acquired designated for Uber drivers. While these drivers expressed their enthusiasm for Tesla vehicles, they also tend to drive them intensively, resulting in more wear and tear than Hertz had anticipated. In response to the "higher incidents of damage among EV rideshare drivers," Hertz attempted to shift some of its EVs into its leisure segment. However, this strategy did not yield the expected results and instead led to a drop in revenue per day (RPD) for their EVs in the leisure sector.

Scherr admitted that this approach had inadvertently overflooded the leisure segment with EVs, contributing to the quarter's lower RPD performance. Removing the EV-related costs, Hertz would likely have met Wall Street's expectations for the quarter, according to Bloomberg. Despite these challenges, Hertz remains committed to its long-term strategy of electrifying its fleet.

Lastly, price reductions by manufacturers, primarily driven by Tesla, have impacted the fair market value of Hertz's EVs, creating larger losses when vehicles are designated as salvage. Hertz has found itself shouldering significant costs in its dealings with Tesla and Uber, reflecting the inherent risks involved in owning and managing an EV fleet. Although the situation is challenging, Hertz remains dedicated to being a pioneer in electrifying its fleet, despite the quarter's less-than-ideal financial results.

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UAW Strikes End as Ford and GM Reach Agreements, Shaping the Auto Industry's Future.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strikes, affecting major automakers, have come to an end as Ford and GM reached agreements to resolve the labor disputes. UAW had previously initiated work stoppages against Ford, GM, and Stellantis to assert its demands and protest the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive industry.

Ford and UAW reached a tentative agreement, and GM followed suit, putting an end to the strikes that had disrupted automotive production. The agreements include substantial wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments, with a focus on improving retirement benefits. These deals put pressure on the remaining automaker, Stellantis, to reach an agreement with the union.

Ford's agreement with the UAW features a wage increase of over 30%, totaling more than $40 per hour, though it is still subject to union member approval. On a related note, Ford is investing significantly in EVs, constructing new EV battery plants in multiple locations. Despite the challenges posed by EV transitions, the company remains committed to electrifying its fleet.

GM's agreement, while not yet officially confirmed, is expected to be similar to Ford's and is likely to include a 25% pay increase for workers and cost-of-living adjustments. Of particular note, GM has agreed to place all of its US joint-venture battery plants under the union's master agreement. This move signifies GM's commitment to supporting the just transition to EVs, aligning with the UAW's vision.

As labor unions gain momentum in the US and workers continue to demand better conditions and benefits, the UAW seeks to inspire broader labor action by encouraging other unions to align contract expirations. The UAW's negotiated contracts are expected to last until April 30, 2028, with the potential for significant labor actions across the economy in the future.

QuickEV

• Tesla Hacker Uncovers M3 Highland 'Sport' Trim With Bolstered Seats.

• Chevrolet Blazer EV Named 2023 MotorTrend SUV of the Year.

• [VIDEO] Rider attempts to tow 7-ton truck with electric motorcycle.

• Stellantis takes $1.6 billion stake in China’s Leapmotor, forming JV to sell its EVs in Europe.

• bp boosts EV charging network with $100 million order of Tesla ultra-fast chargers.

• [VIDEO] Official Nissan Hyper Force concept Reveal.

• North America getting its first long range cruiser electric motorcycle.

• Ford Expands BlueOval Charge Network, Adding Three New Charging Providers to Surpass 106,000 Chargers.

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