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

Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll find in this weeks’ newsletter:

1. Ford and SK invest $1.2 billion in Cathode Factory in Quebec.

2. Tesla Introduces Magic Docks for Superchargers in Canada: Non-Tesla EVs Welcome.

3. What happens to dead EV battery packs?

4. KIA EV5 details revealed.

5. Lamborghini Lanzador is brands first EV.

& MORE!

Stay tuned for more exciting EV news and updates in the coming week. Keep driving green!

Canada

Ford and SK Announce $1.2 Billion Cathode Factory in Quebec's Battery Valley.

In a groundbreaking move towards bolstering their electric vehicle (EV) ambitions, Ford and Korean battery giant SK are set to construct a state-of-the-art $1.2 billion cathode factory in Becancour, a region renowned as Quebec's battery valley.

This strategic partnership between Ford and SK represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of an integrated battery supply chain within North America, marking another milestone in the duo's commitment to the EV revolution. With the looming necessity of a substantial boost in battery production to meet their EV targets, both companies have already initiated battery plant projects across the United States.

The most recent addition to their impressive lineup is the cathode manufacturing facility in Bécancour, Quebec. This monumental endeavor, in collaboration with cathode specialist EcoProBM, will play a pivotal role in furnishing Ford's forthcoming electric vehicle lineup with essential cathode materials.

The investment totals a substantial C$1.2 billion, with production slated to commence in the first half of 2026. Once fully operational, this facility aims to generate an impressive annual output of up to 45,000 tonnes of Cathode Active Materials (CAM). Specifically, it will focus on producing high-quality Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) cathode materials designed to elevate EV performance and extend range, thanks to the innovative Core Shell Gradient (CSG) technology pioneered by EcoProBM.

Situated in Quebec's battery valley, this factory joins a growing list of strategic investments in battery materials within the region. Key players like GM-Posco, Nemaska Lithium, and Nouveau Graphite have also recognized the potential of this burgeoning hub.

Construction of the facility is already underway, covering a vast expanse of 280,000 square meters. It will include a six-floor building, providing employment opportunities for approximately 345 Canadians, ranging from engineers and sales professionals to co-op positions for local university and college students. Moreover, EcoPro CAM Canada LP, the driving force behind the cathode production, will spearhead research and development initiatives, targeting enhanced battery safety, performance, increased productivity, and reduced environmental impact in the manufacturing process.

Currently, North America faces a lack of cathode material production facilities, making this collaboration between Ford, SK, and EcoProBM a pivotal contribution to fulfilling the criteria for sourcing battery materials within North America. This move is not only a strategic business endeavor but also aligns with the goal of making Ford's electric vehicles eligible for the coveted $7,500 federal tax credit, a key incentive for the growing EV market.

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

Tesla Introduces Magic Docks for Superchargers in Canada: Non-Tesla EVs Welcome.

Tesla, the pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer, has marked a significant milestone by equipping its first Canadian Supercharging station with integrated CCS1 adapters, commonly known as Magic Docks. These innovative docks now allow non-Tesla electric vehicles, specifically those compatible with CCS1, to access and utilize Tesla Superchargers.

It's worth noting that while Tesla has not officially listed Canada in its non-Tesla Supercharging FAQ section, and the site has yet to appear on the map featuring non-Tesla Superchargers, it's highly anticipated that this will soon change.

In May, the Government of Canada issued an update, committing to the installation of approximately 750 "charging connectors" (individual stalls) for non-Tesla EVs by the end of 2025.

Canada now joins a growing list of 20 countries participating in the non-Tesla Supercharging initiative:

Europe (15 countries) - France, the Netherlands, Norway, UK, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Iceland, Italy (featuring native compatibility with the CCS2 standard). Additionally, new V4 stations are equipped with longer cables to accommodate various EVs.

Australia - (Native compatibility with the CCS2 standard).

Canada - (Magic Dock built-in CCS1 adapter).

Mainland China - (Native compatibility with the local GB/T standards).

Turkey - (Native compatibility with the CCS2 standard).

The United States - (Magic Dock built-in CCS1 adapter).

Tesla has recently made significant adjustments to its Supercharging network in Canada. In early August, the company transitioned from a time-based billing system to a kilowatt-hour billing system, a move seen as more equitable and widely adopted by charging networks when government approval allows for electricity sales similar to utility companies.

Furthermore, Tesla introduced new Supercharging rates with the introduction of off-peak hours. Pricing now dynamically adjusts based on the time and specific station. For instance, at the Richmond Supercharger on Steveston Hwy in BC, the pricing structure is as follows (all prices in CAD):

• Off-peak hours between 12:00 am and 4:00 am: $0.10/kWh.

• 4:00 am and 2:00 pm: $0.27/kWh.

• Peak hours of 2:00 pm to 12:00 am: $0.34/kWh.

Several stations may offer different rates across four time windows, promoting charging during less busy and more cost-effective periods.

In Ontario, electricity prices during peak hours can be significantly higher, reaching up to $0.60/kWh (CAD).

Here's What Happens To Dead EV Battery Packs.

EV Around the World 🌏

Kia EV5: The New Standard in Electric Compact SUVs Unveiled.

Kia jumps further into EVs with the official debut of the Kia EV5, an all-electric compact SUV. Unveiled at the Chengdu Motor Show in China, the Kia EV5 is set to redefine the compact SUV landscape, offering a blend of exceptional design and unmatched comfort that caters to the preferences of millennial families.

The EV5 seamlessly melds cutting-edge design, exceptional versatility, and supreme comfort to create a perfectly balanced vehicle. Every facet of the EV5 has been meticulously crafted to cater to the evolving needs of modern families, ensuring a delightful experience on every journey.

In a move to transcend the established norms of compact SUV aesthetics and introduce a vehicle with a bold, genre-defining presence, Kia drew inspiration from its acclaimed 'Opposites United' design philosophy. This philosophy, which celebrates the interplay between nature and modern architecture, has resulted in the EV5's robust and graceful lines. The EV5's interpretation of the iconic Kia tiger mask is characterized by its wide and distinctive stance, reflecting passion and precision in its creation.

Inspired by the 'Bold for Nature' element of the 'Opposites United' design principles, the EV5 boasts a robust and commanding body, complemented by a soft and emotionally resonant surface. This design aims to ignite creativity while addressing the needs of environmentally conscious families and individuals seeking innovation.

From every angle, the EV5 exudes confidence and dignity, evident in its muscular fenders and broad shoulder lines, which create a solid and distinctive quarter silhouette. The rear of the EV5 features pushed-back D-pillars, enhancing the SUV's family-friendly practicality, maximizing rear seat and trunk space, and providing excellent visibility.

At the front, the EV5 boasts a sleek digital 'Tiger Face,' featuring distinctive Kia design elements like the wide nose and solid bonnet, replacing the traditional grille with a clean and powerful impression. The front design is further enhanced by the three-dimensional 'Signature Star Map Lighting' created by daytime running lights (DRL), inspired by star-studded constellations.

The rear of the EV5 features an extended and lowered spoiler that maintains the SUV's distinctive profile while improving aerodynamic efficiency. This design emphasizes the EV5's rugged and protective nature, while the tailgate's parting line adds a crisp, clean finish to the overall design.

The EV5 offers a range of exterior color options, including nine glossy colors and one matte color, catering to various tastes.

Kia's research has shown that the interior of an EV SUV is more than just a place to sit while traveling; it's an additional 'room' for living life. The EV5's interior design reflects this, offering an expansive and inviting space akin to a home lounge.

Once again, the 'Bold for Nature' design principle plays a pivotal role in creating a harmonious blend of new spaces and shapes, seamlessly integrating nature and man-made elements. This results in an engaging and comfortable experience for all occupants, making the EV5 an ideal environment for leisure activities.

The cabin of the EV5 features meticulously selected design details and impeccable finishes, creating an ambiance of relaxed wellbeing, personal inspiration, and family enjoyment. Variable mood lighting across the front section of the crash pad and the front and rear door trims enhances the atmosphere, especially in low light conditions.

Kia plans to launch the EV5 in the latter half of 2023, starting in China, with further product details set to be unveiled at the Kia EV Day event scheduled for October. At this event, Kia will expand on its global vision for electrification and its growing EV lineup.

Lamborghini Unveils Lanzador EV Concept with Over One Megawatt of Power.

During Monterey Car Week, Lamborghini unveiled its Lanzador concept, providing a sneak peek into the Italian supercar manufacturer's upcoming fourth pure EV model, slated for a 2028 release.

The Lanzador concept, introduced at Monterey Car Week, is a high-riding grand tourer featuring 2+2 seating and imposing 23-inch wheels. While it draws inspiration from Lamborghini's Urus and Sián models, it carves out a unique identity of its own.

Lamborghini's journey into the world of fully electric vehicles takes a significant step with the Lanzador concept. While it's not the company's first EV concept (that honor goes to the Terzo Millennio from 2017), it signifies the automaker's growing commitment to electric performance.

Although Lamborghini has not disclosed details such as range, battery specifications, charging capacity, or zero-to-60mph acceleration, they did reveal a tantalizing piece of information—the Lanzador boasts a "peak power of over one megawatt." This translates to 1,341 mechanical horsepower, positioning the Lanzador in the realm of powerful EVs like the Lucid Air Sapphire (920kW) and the Tesla Roadster (1,100kW). While this doesn't provide precise energy delivery figures, it hints at exceptional performance.

Driving the Lanzador promises to be an unparalleled experience. Lamborghini integrates "significantly" more sensors and actuators into the vehicle's dynamic driving control, ensuring an exceptionally smooth ride. The Lanzador's algorithmic computer continuously processes data to deliver a nuanced driving experience that evolves over time.

A notable feature is the integration of intelligent sensors behind the new 'pilot's' glass panels at the front, offering a glimpse of future radar technology, enhancing driver awareness.

Aerodynamics play a pivotal role in the Lanzador's design, optimizing both performance and range. The vehicle's air resistance can be adjusted to cater to a driver's preferences, similar to systems used in the Huracán Performante and Aventador SVJ. Additionally, new active aero devices in the front and rear enhance efficiency across Urban and Performance driving modes. The Lanzador features an active chassis with a steerable rear axle and air suspension, controllable via the steering wheel.

The vehicle's hexagonal-shaped taillights, inspired by the Countach LPI 800-4, add a distinctive touch. The beefy 23-inch wheels, incorporating hexagonal elements and aeroblades, provide a heightened ground clearance not typically seen in Lamborghini's lineup, giving the Lanzador a rugged appearance.

Lamborghini designed the Lanzador with a GT body shape and a high-riding driving style, reminiscent of the Huracán Sterrato—an off-road supercar produced in a limited run of 900 units. The aim was to create an experience akin to piloting a spaceship, with the driver and passenger sitting in frame-like bucket seats insulated with 3D-printed foam. The rear seats can be folded down for added luggage space, and there's even a front trunk for additional storage.

In line with sustainability trends, Lamborghini incorporates recycled nylon, plastics, and regenerated carbon fiber into the interior. The automaker claims its leather and wool procurement processes are sustainable and use renewable energy. Additionally, a synthetic yarn made from recycled plastics is employed.

The Lanzador is more than just a concept; it offers a glimpse of Lamborghini's electrified future. The company embarked on a €1.9 billion ($2 billion USD) electrification strategy, which includes introducing gas-electric hybrid versions of its entire lineup before unveiling a new all-electric fourth model in 2028.

While the Lanzador is currently a concept, it signifies Lamborghini's commitment to delivering extraordinarily powerful electric vehicles, setting the stage for what lies ahead in the world of electric supercars.

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Clean Energy and Mobility

CATL Unveils World's First 4C Superfast Charging LFP Battery: Shenxing.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer CATL has introduced Shenxing, the world's first 4C superfast charging LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. Shenxing is capable of providing a driving range of 400 kilometers with just a 10-minute charge and can cover over 700 kilometers on a single full charge. This breakthrough is expected to significantly alleviate range anxiety for EV users and usher in an era of superfast EV charging.

As battery technology continues to advance, achieving long driving ranges for EVs has become commonplace. However, fast charging anxiety has emerged as a top concern among potential EV buyers. In response, CATL has focused on enhancing electrochemistry, material innovation, and system structure to achieve superfast charging, high energy density, and enhanced safety simultaneously.

Shenxing employs super electronic network cathode technology and nano-crystallized LFP cathode material to create a super electronic network, which enables the swift extraction of lithium ions and rapid response to charging signals. CATL has also utilized second-generation fast ion ring technology to enhance the properties of graphite surfaces, resulting in improved lithium ion intercalation. This technology creates a fast current conduction pathway, improving charging efficiency.

In addition, CATL has developed a new superconducting electrolyte formula to reduce the viscosity of the electrolyte, leading to enhanced conductivity. Improvements have been made to the ultra-thin SEI (solid electrolyte interface) film, reducing the resistance of lithium-ion movement. The separator design has been optimized to lower lithium ion transmission resistance.

Shenxing is not only capable of 4C superfast charging but also offers a long driving range, fast charging in a wide range of temperatures, and a high level of safety through structural innovations and intelligent algorithms.

• Delivering a Range of Over 700 km: CATL's innovative all-in-one grouping technology, in conjunction with the integration of the internal crossbeam and end plates featured in its CTP 3.0 technology, enables Shenxing to achieve a range of over 700 kilometers, surpassing the limits of LFP chemistry.

• Charging in Low Temperatures: Shenxing can charge to 80% state of charge (SOC) in just 10 minutes at room temperature. CATL employs cell temperature control technology on system platforms to ensure rapid heating of cells to the optimal operating temperature, enabling 0-80% charging in only 30 minutes even in temperatures as low as -10°C. The battery maintains uncompromised acceleration performance even at low temperatures.

• Safety Measures: Shenxing features an upgraded electrolyte and a separator with a highly safe coating, providing dual protection. CATL utilizes intelligent algorithms to regulate the global temperature field inside the cells, ensuring a high level of safety during fast charging.

CATL aims to achieve mass production of Shenxing by the end of 2023, bringing superfast charging to the EV market in the first quarter of the following year. The launch of Shenxing represents a significant milestone in EV battery technology and is poised to accelerate the global transition to comprehensive e-mobility. CATL is committed to making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the global energy transition.

With its expertise in rapid technology transfer from the lab to the market, CATL is poised to make Shenxing and its superfast charging capabilities widely available, furthering the adoption of advanced technologies in the global energy transition.

The world’s largest floating offshore wind farm is officially online.

QuickEV

• Fisker to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard.

• [VIDEO] Sandy Munro Analyze Tesla Cybertruck’s Suspension Setup.

• Kia officially reveals the new entry-level Ray EV, starting at $20,500 USD.

• [VIDEO] First Use Of The Tesla Universal Wall Connector With Chevy Bolt EV.

• VW ID.7 Pre-Orders Begin In Europe With $61K USD Launch Model.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Model 3 Dive Into Flood Water While Running On FSD Beta.

• Rivian Patents Camp Kitchen Design For R1S SUV.

• [VIDEO] Meyers Manx 2.0 Electric Buggy Pricing Starts At $74,000 USD.

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