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

Let’s dive right in, here is what you will find below 👇️ 

• Canada Nickel Co. Announces Plans for $1 Billion EV Nickel Plant, NA's Largest.
  

• NOVONIX & Panasonic Energy Ink Deal for High-Performance Graphite Anode Material.
  

• See the Fisker Ocean at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto!
  

• New Battery Options for Rivian R1T And R1S Models + R2 Reveal!
  

• Unveiling the Chrysler Halcyon Concept: Chrysler's Electric Future.
  

• LG Chem Signs $18.8 Billion Cathode Material Supply Deal with GM.
  

• Introducing 'Ionna': The Tesla-Rivaling Charging Network.

Canada

Canada Nickel Co. Announces Plans for $1 Billion EV Nickel Plant, North America's Largest.

Helping to solidify Canada’s place as a top EV lifecycle powerhouse by bolstering the EV battery supply chain, Canada Nickel Co. unveils plans for a groundbreaking $1 billion nickel processing plant in Ontario. Anticipated to become the largest facility of its kind in North America upon completion, the plant is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the surging demand for nickel in EV batteries.

With an annual production capacity exceeding 80,000 tons of nickel, the plant is slated to commence operations in 2027, as per a recent press release. Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, emphasizes the critical importance of this endeavor, highlighting the exponential growth projected in nickel demand over the next decade amid the burgeoning battery production sector in North America.

The company's ambitious vision extends beyond nickel processing, as plans also include the establishment of a stainless steel and alloy production plant, further enhancing the region's industrial capabilities. This additional venture comes with a price tag of approximately $2 billion, according to CEO Mark Selby.

Recognizing the strategic significance of this initiative, Canada Nickel aims to secure funding from both the Canadian and Ontario governments to facilitate the construction of the plant. The project aims to address the existing gap in North America's EV battery supply chain, which, despite abundant raw materials, lacks the essential infrastructure for processing and refining.

While the nickel market has experienced fluctuations, including recent price declines attributed to increased supply from Indonesia, Selby remains optimistic about the long-term demand for North American nickel. Citing geopolitical concerns and a desire for diversified sources of battery metals, he underscores the importance of reducing dependence on overseas suppliers.

As global nickel mines face uncertainties, Selby emphasizes the strategic value of domestic production, highlighting the need for sustainable and secure sources of this critical metal. With Canada Nickel's ambitious plans, North America is poised to emerge as a formidable player in the global EV battery industry, signaling a transformative shift towards regional self-sufficiency.

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

NOVONIX and Panasonic Energy Ink Binding Off-Take Deal for High-Performance Graphite Anode Material.

In a landmark development for the battery materials sector, NOVONIX Limited and Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. have officially sealed a binding off-take agreement for high-performance synthetic graphite anode material.

This strategic collaboration aims to bolster Panasonic Energy's operations in North America and contribute to the region's sustainable battery supply chain. Under the terms of the agreement, Panasonic Energy has committed to purchasing a minimum of 10,000 tons of anode material from NOVONIX's Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, spanning the period from 2025 to 2028. NOVONIX, headquartered in Nova Scotia, Canada was founded by Dr. Chris Burns, with a journey which began in 2009 when he started his graduate research under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Dahn at Dalhousie University.

The agreement underscores the commitment of both companies to advancing sustainable battery technologies and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Here is an interview with CEO of NOVONIX, Dr. Chris Burns:

Some Key highlights from the press release:

1. Sustainability Focus: Panasonic Energy aims to enhance its EV battery production capabilities in North America while prioritizing local sourcing of materials. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint within the lithium-ion battery supply chain by 50% by 2031 compared to 2022 levels.

2. Strategic Collaboration: This agreement follows years of collaboration between NOVONIX and Panasonic Energy, with a focus on aligning product development with the requirements of Panasonic Energy's U.S. facilities.

3. Production Expansion: NOVONIX's Riverside facility, slated to commence operations in late 2024, is set to become North America's first large-scale synthetic graphite production site for the battery sector. The facility's expansion is supported by a US$100 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Experience the Fisker Ocean at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto!

Gear up, Toronto! The highly anticipated Fisker Ocean is making its debut at the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show, inviting attendees to discover and test-drive this revolutionary all-electric SUV.

Fisker's participation in Canada's largest auto event, running from February 16th to 25th, marks a significant milestone as the brand responds to the burgeoning demand in Toronto's dynamic automotive landscape. Hosted at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) in downtown Toronto, this event promises an unforgettable experience for automotive enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.

Following a successful tour across Canada last fall, including stops in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, the Fisker Ocean returns to Toronto for the auto show, offering visitors a firsthand encounter with its cutting-edge features and sustainable design.

Check out the official website for the 2024 Canadian International Auto Show here!

EV Around the World 🌏

Introducing New Battery Options for Rivian R1T And R1S Models + R2 Reveal!

Rivian, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, is expanding its lineup with two new entry-level battery options for its R1T truck and R1S SUV. These options, known as Standard and Standard+, are designed to offer more accessible pricing for prospective buyers.

The Standard pack, exclusively available with the dual-motor variants, is projected to provide an estimated range of 435 km (270 miles) from a 106-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Meanwhile, the Standard+ pack is expected to offer approximately 507km (315 miles) of range from a 121-kWh battery pack. It's important to note that these range estimates are provided by Rivian and not yet validated by the EPA.

While the Standard+ pack can be paired with both dual-motor and performance variants, it may not be immediately available on the configurator. Rivian's previous offerings included the Large pack with 135 kWh capacity and the recently launched Max pack with 149 kWh capacity, boasting impressive ranges of up to 659km (410 miles) on select models.

With the introduction of these new battery options, Rivian has lowered the entry point for its base model vehicles. Additionally, eligible customers may qualify for a federal tax credit, further enhancing the affordability of these electric vehicles.

The pricing for the new variants is as follows:

R1T Dual Motor Standard: $105,000 CAD
R1T Dual Standard+: $110,000 CAD
R1T Performance Dual Standard+: $118,000 CAD
R1S Dual Standard: $112,500 CAD
R1S Dual Standard+: $117,500 CAD
R1S Performance Dual Standard+: $125,000 CAD

Check out the configurator for the R1S here to see all variations and options with Rivian’s combinations of battery packs and performance packs.

As Rivian gears up for the debut of its first R2-platform-based crossover on March 7, these new entry-level R1 models offer consumers a compelling option to explore electric mobility before the arrival of the next-generation lineup.

Unveiling the Chrysler Halcyon Concept: A Glimpse into Chrysler's Electric Future.

Chrysler has pulled back the curtain on its latest innovation: the Chrysler Halcyon Concept. This visionary concept car embodies Chrysler's commitment to a fully electrified future, blending sustainability-driven design, advanced technology, and personalized driving experiences. With its "Harmony in Motion" ethos, the Halcyon Concept sets the stage for Chrysler's evolution towards a greener, more connected automotive landscape.

According to Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO at Stellantis, the Halcyon Concept represents a new era of automotive design and technology. "The Chrysler Halcyon Concept creates a level of serenity that fully represents the Halcyon name," Feuell explains. "It showcases innovative and sustainable mobility solutions that embrace technology and offer value to customers while delivering Harmony in Motion."

This concept car is the latest in a series of forward-thinking designs from Chrysler, following in the footsteps of the Chrysler Portal Concept, the Chrysler Airflow Concept, and the Chrysler Synthesis Cockpit Demonstrator. It signals Chrysler's bold vision for the future, with plans to launch its first battery-electric vehicle in 2025 and transition to an all-electric portfolio by 2028.

Designed on the STLA Large platform, the Chrysler Halcyon Concept boasts a sleek and aerodynamic exterior characterized by clean lines and seamless technology integration. From its dramatic sculptural styling to its innovative aerodynamic features, every aspect of the Halcyon Concept's design is aimed at maximizing efficiency and performance.

The interior of the Halcyon Concept offers a futuristic and immersive driving experience, with a range of cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. The cockpit features a transparent display that spans from pillar to pillar, providing a forward-looking view of vital information while minimizing distractions.

Advanced AI functionality allows the Halcyon Concept to adapt to the driver's preferences and provide a personalized driving experience. From predictive navigation to voice-activated controls, the Halcyon Concept is designed to anticipate the driver's needs and enhance the overall driving experience.

In addition to its advanced technology and sustainable design features, the Chrysler Halcyon Concept also envisions a future of fully autonomous driving and unlimited range. Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology enables wireless recharging on specially equipped road lanes, while breakthrough battery technology promises a lower carbon footprint and greater environmental sustainability.

Overall, the Chrysler Halcyon Concept represents a bold step forward for Chrysler, showcasing the brand's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused design. As Chrysler continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology, the Halcyon Concept offers a glimpse into the future of electric mobility.

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LG Chem Signs $18.8 Billion Cathode Material Supply Deal with General Motors.

LG Chem has inked a monumental deal with General Motors (GM), worth $18.8 billion USD, to supply cathode materials for the next decade. This strategic agreement solidifies LG Chem's position as a key player in the battery material market, with plans to leverage its cathode plant in Tennessee, U.S., to bolster cooperation with GM in the North American market.

Under the long-term supply contract spanning from 2026 to 2035, LG Chem will provide GM with over 500,000 tons of cathode materials, sufficient to power approximately 5 million units of high-performance EV boasting a range of 500km on a single charge.

The agreement, which follows a comprehensive deal reached in July 2022, reinforces the collaboration between LG Chem and GM, specifying a portion of the agreed volume and underscoring GM's commitment to establishing a robust and sustainable EV supply chain.

LG Chem's plans include supplying North American-sourced cathode materials to GM starting in 2026, coinciding with the commencement of production at its cathode materials plant in Tennessee. The plant will produce NCMA (nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum) cathode materials, primarily for Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and GM. Additionally, as part of the direct contract with GM, LG Chem's cathode materials may be utilized in other EV projects. LG Chem aims to leverage its local supply chain to ensure that customers, including GM, meet the EV subsidy criteria set by the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

In December 2023, LG Chem initiated the construction of America’s largest cathode plant in Tennessee, with an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons. The company plans to optimize the facility for producing customized cathode materials tailored to North American EVs, while enhancing manufacturing competitiveness through technological advancements in the calcination process, ultimately achieving a world-leading annual production capacity of 10,000 tons per line.

Introducing 'Ionna': The Tesla-Rivaling Charging Network by Seven Automakers.

The long-awaited collaboration between automotive giants has finally ‘started’ to take shape, and it goes by the name 'Ionna.' Comprising Honda, GM, Hyundai, BMW, Kia, Stellantis, and Mercedes-Benz, this charging supergroup is set to ‘try to’ revolutionize America's EV charging landscape.

With Seth Cutler, an industry veteran with executive experience at EV Connect and Electrify America, at the helm as CEO, Ionna has officially received regulatory approval and is gearing up for action. The company has announced plans to roll out its first stations across the U.S. in 2024, with Canada next in line.

The primary goal of Ionna is to address the prevalent issue of charging anxiety among potential electric vehicle buyers by providing a robust and reliable charging infrastructure. By deploying at least 30,000 high-powered charge points across North America, the venture aims to surpass Tesla's Supercharger network, offering thousands more plugs to cater to the growing EV market.

The current state of America's charging infrastructure leaves much to be desired, with a shortage of public plugs and reliability concerns plaguing existing networks. Ionna seeks to bridge this gap and meet the projected demand for fast-charging plugs, estimated to reach 182,000 by 2030 according to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Traditionally, automakers relied on third-party providers for charging solutions, unlike Tesla, which pioneered its charging network. However, with the rise of electric mobility, many manufacturers are now investing in their own charging initiatives. Mercedes-Benz is developing charging hubs with lounge facilities, while GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to expand charging along highways.

Moreover, the wider auto industry's adoption of Tesla's North American Charging Standard promises a standardized plug design for future vehicles, enhancing interoperability across charging networks. As federal funds pour into the charging space under President Joe Biden's EV initiatives, the stage is set for significant changes in the charging landscape in 2024 and beyond.

With Ionna and other industry initiatives underway, the future of EV charging looks promising, paving the way for increased adoption of electric vehicles and a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

QuickEV

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