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

If you’re new here, The EV North is a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers it to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America in general but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

If you’re not new here, thank you for your continued support and be sure to reply to this newsletter with any feedback!

In this issue:

• BC Transit Boosts Electric Fleet: 66 New Buses from Nova Bus, New Flyer.

• Ontario Proposes Discounted Electricity Rates to Boost Public EV Charging Stations.

• Kia Teases New EV3: A Bold Compact Electric SUV Redefining Electric Mobility.

• Weekly Chart: The Rise of Level 2 Charging.

• Rivian Secures $827M USD Illinois Investment for R2 SUV Production.

• Eli Electric Launches $11,900 Eli ZERO Electric Microcar in the US.

• + more!

Canada

BC Transit Boosts Electric Fleet: 66 New Buses from Nova Bus, New Flyer.

BC Transit, the transit agency for British Columbia, is ramping up its electrification efforts with the purchase of 66 new electric buses from Canadian manufacturers Nova Bus and New Flyer. This purchase demonstrates BC Transit's commitment to zero-emission transportation, following a setback caused by Proterra's collapse in 2023.

The new electric buses will serve nine communities across British Columbia, including Chilliwack, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Nelson, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Victoria, and Whistler. Minister of transportation and infrastructure Rob Fleming emphasizes the importance of innovation in public transit for a greener future, stating that the expansion will facilitate cleaner transportation choices throughout the province.

Nova Bus, based in Quebec, will supply 33 LFSe+ 40-foot long-range buses, while New Flyer, headquartered in Winnipeg, will provide 33 Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery electric transit buses. These buses are expected to be in service gradually starting from early 2025, with the entire order completed by mid-2026. To support the electric fleet, BC Transit will install 134 new electric bus charging points over the next two years.

This purchase follows BC Transit's loss of an initial order from Proterra due to the company's bankruptcy. However, BC Transit's procurement process for the new buses involved a thorough evaluation of proposals from Nova Bus and New Flyer, ensuring a reliable supply for its electrification plans.

Looking ahead, BC Transit aims to integrate 115 battery-electric buses into its fleet by the end of 2026, supported by a $395.5 million investment from the government of Canada's Zero Emission Transit Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream. This initiative aligns with BC Transit's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supports the goals outlined in the B.C. government's CleanBC roadmap.

Erinn Pinkerton, president and CEO of BC Transit, expresses enthusiasm for the ongoing electrification efforts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with partners to achieve a cleaner and healthier future for all. With active procurements underway and advancements in charging infrastructure designs, BC Transit is positioned for further progress in its electrification journey.

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Ontario Proposes Discounted Electricity Rates to Boost Public EV Charging Stations.

Ontario is spearheading an initiative to offer discounted electricity rates to providers of EV charging stations, particularly in areas where EV adoption is in it’s infancy. The move aims to alleviate operational costs for charging infrastructure and stimulate wider EV adoption across the province.

Currently, public EV charging stations in regions with low EV uptake face substantial operational expenses due to sporadic demand peaks and consistent costs throughout the day. This financial burden often dissuades operators from building charging stations, which further increases concerns of potential adopters regarding accessibility.

Ontario's Energy Minister, Todd Smith, emphasized the importance of expanding public charging infrastructure to support EV drivers across urban and rural areas alike. The proposed discounted rate, subject to approval following public consultations starting this month, targets charging stations with low usage, ranging from 50 kW to 4,999 kW.

Devin Arthur, Director of Government Relations at the Electric Vehicle Society, highlighted the expense of installing charging stations, particularly in rural areas with limited usage. He underscored the pivotal role of charging infrastructure in driving EV adoption, emphasizing its influence on consumer confidence in EV technology.

In alignment with these efforts, BC Hydro is transitioning to energy-based pricing for public EV chargers, shifting from time-based fees to energy consumption charges. This shift reflects a broader commitment to incentivize EV adoption and facilitate convenient charging options for drivers.

As of March 2024, Ontario has over 150,000 registered EVs, with projections indicating a significant increase to over one million EVs on the road by 2030. The province currently hosts over 2,900 public charging stations with nearly 7,900 ports, comprising both Level 2 and Level 3 fast-charging options.

Kia Teases New EV3: A Bold Compact Electric SUV Redefining Electric Mobility.

Kia has unveiled its upcoming EV3 with teaser images showcasing the EV3's striking design, blending bold geometric elements with robust styling for a dynamic appeal.

Inspired by Kia's acclaimed 'Opposites United' design philosophy, the EV3 inherits the same principles that sculpted the flagship EV9 SUV, ensuring continuity across the brand's model range while allowing each vehicle to embody its distinct character.

Scheduled for a global unveiling on May 23rd via live stream on Kia Worldwide's YouTube channel, the EV3 promises to democratize electric mobility. Building on the success of Kia's award-winning EV6 and EV9 models, this compact EV SUV combines cutting-edge technology with comprehensive features to deliver outstanding performance.

With its futuristic Star Map lighting, boxy rear fenders, and signature design cues, the EV3 exudes a strong identity that sets it apart in the electric vehicle market. Designed to enhance accessibility without compromising on style or functionality, the EV3 is a welcomed addition to the compact SUV segment.

Anticipated to hit the market later this year, the Kia EV3 represents a significant step forward in the global transition to electric mobility, offering customers a compelling and accessible solution.

Weekly Chart: The Rise of Level 2 Charging.

According to the IEA’s 2024 Global EV Outlook, globally there are almost ten times as many private chargers as public ones, with the majority of current EV charging taking place at home. The availability of charging varies widely between regions - however in Canada 80% of EV owners have a home charger.

Despite the recent headlines about the Tesla Supercharging layoffs and wider rollout of DC fast charging infrastructure, the reality is that most charging takes place on Level 2 chargers for vehicles parked at home, work, or other convenient locations. 

With the average vehicle parked for 95% of the time, most charging can easily take place at a much slower rate - meaning that low-cost Level 1 and Level 2 charging is a practical way to improve EV adoption and usage around the world.

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Rivian Secures $827M USD Illinois Investment for R2 SUV Production.

Rivian Automotive secures an $827 million USD incentive package from the State of Illinois to bolster its production capabilities for the eagerly awaited R2 midsized SUV at its Normal, IL plant. This investment encompasses plant expansion, infrastructure enhancements, and workforce development initiatives, reaffirming Rivian's commitment to Illinois' economy and communities.

RJ Scaringe, Rivian's Founder and CEO, expresses gratitude for the state's support, highlighting Governor Pritzker's advocacy for economic growth. The partnership aims to accelerate the launch of the R2 SUV, enriching the EV market with diverse consumer choices and fostering job opportunities in Illinois.

The investment underscores a collective effort towards achieving ambitious climate objectives while promoting job creation and community development.

Rivian's Normal manufacturing facility, slated for upgrades, will produce the R2 alongside the R1S, R1T, and commercial electric delivery vehicles. The R2 SUV promises a blend of performance, capability, and utility, tailored for both adventure and daily commutes.

With over $2 billion USD invested and a significant value add of $3.9 billion USD to the local economy in just three years, Rivian's contribution underscores its commitment to Illinois. Since its inception in 2021, the Normal facility has produced over 100,000 electric vehicles, marking a milestone in Rivian's journey towards sustainable mobility.

Eli Electric Launches $11,900 Eli ZERO Electric Microcar in the US.

Eli Electric’s Eli ZERO electric microcar, unveils reservations for its compact EV in the US market, offering urban commuters an eco-friendly and agile transportation solution.

The Eli ZERO, a microcar gaining popularity in Europe and Asia, due to its compact design and efficient performance. With hundreds already on streets worldwide, the US launch aims to cater to the growing demand for sustainable mobility options.

Priced at $11,900 USD, the Eli ZERO is available for reservation with a $200 USD refundable deposit, offering customers accessibility and affordability. Scheduled for Q3 2024 deliveries, the upgraded US version complies with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations, making it street-legal for speeds up to 35 mph (56 km/h).

Eli Electric plans to leverage a dealership model to distribute the Eli ZERO across the US, with an enhanced production capacity of 4,000 vehicles annually. Founder and CEO Marcus Li emphasizes the company's mission to redefine urban transportation, promoting community connectivity and environmental sustainability.

Featuring an 8 kWh battery, the Eli ZERO offers an impressive range of 90 miles (145 km) in the US model, coupled with a fast-charging capability that replenishes the battery in under three hours. Despite its compact size, the microcar boasts car-like features including heat and A/C, keyless entry, power steering, and advanced safety features.

Ahead of the official launch, Eli Electric teases innovative features set to elevate the microcar experience, promising to introduce industry-first advancements. Stay tuned for more updates as Eli ZERO redefines urban mobility with its compact yet feature-packed design.

QuickEV

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• Cadillac Walks Back EV Commitment, Will Sell Gas Cars Past 2030.

• Shyft Group Secures FedEx Order for Blue Arc EV Trucks.

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