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

In this issue you will find:

• Electrify Canada Launches Its First EV Charging Station in Saskatchewan.

• Can Our Electric Grid Support the Growing Adoption of EVs?

• Polestar 4: The Greenest of the Polestar Lineup.

• Volvo's New Electric Minivan and Rising EV Sales.

• Nio's Ambitions for U.S. Market: Importing Chinese EVs.

• Tesla Service Strike Impacts Swedish Operations.

• Nevera sets new Guinness World Records.

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Canada

Electrify Canada Launches Its First EV Charging Station in Saskatchewan.

Electrify Canada, a leading EV charging network, has introduced a state-of-the-art EV charging station in Saskatchewan, offering the potential for 'Hyper-Fast' 350 kW charging. This expansion marks the network's debut in the province, featuring six new next-gen balanced chargers located at the convenient Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Regina.

Electrify Canada is thrilled to unveil its latest addition to the Plug & Charge network, bringing a range of advanced charging solutions to Regina, Saskatchewan. With this installation, Electrify Canada sets a significant milestone as it establishes its first presence in the province. The Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Regina will host six cutting-edge balanced chargers, offering an unparalleled charging experience for electric vehicle owners.

These eight-foot-tall chargers are not just practical but also environmentally friendly, thanks to the solar panels installed on their roofs, which power the canopy lighting. EV drivers can expect the convenience of DC fast charging at this location. What sets these chargers apart is their 'Balanced' capability. Depending on availability, they can provide either 150 kW 'Ultra-Fast' charging for compatible vehicles or an astonishing 350 kW 'Hyper-Fast' charging.

The new chargers come with several functional improvements to enhance the user experience. Their more compact footprint ensures efficient use of space at the charging station, while a redesigned recessed screen makes it easier to read, even in direct sunlight. Additionally, the cable system has been modified to simplify the process of connecting to EVs, regardless of the location of their charging ports.

This installation expands Electrify Canada's network of charging stations to five provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and now Saskatchewan. The brand is committed to further growth, with plans to establish a presence in two more Canadian provinces by the end of 2024.

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Can Our Electric Grid Support the Growing Adoption of EVs?

The transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is becoming increasingly crucial, especially in British Columbia (BC), as a means to curb greenhouse gas emissions and create a greener future. However, several factors will shape consumer decisions in this transition. Canadians need access to clean energy vehicles across various price points and a robust charging infrastructure that accommodates ZEV sales, be it in rural areas, along major transportation routes, or where people live, work, and socialize.

While these factors are essential, the key to genuine environmental success lies in the cleanliness of the power grid. In the United States, electric vehicles often draw power from grids that incorporate both fossil fuel and renewable energy sources. Thankfully, many countries, including the U.S., are making efforts to transition to cleaner grids.

In BC, a significant portion of the electric supply already originates from renewable sources, and BC Hydro is proactively planning for increased demand. The corporation forecasts that BC will have around 350,000 ZEVs on its roads by 2023, adding an extra 1,050 gigawatt-hours of electricity load annually.

As Canadian governments promote the shift to ZEVs for emission reduction, it's equally vital to ensure that the electric grid can handle the growing load while remaining affordable and reliable. The objective is to prevent future energy bills from becoming a burden on the average Canadian.

Reports from the International Energy Agency and the Canadian Climate Institute indicate that Canada will need to double or even triple its electrical grid capacity by 2050 to meet its net-zero greenhouse emission targets set by Ottawa. Fortunately, government modeling and established ZEV targets provide a degree of predictability, making this goal feasible.

In British Columbia, the Site C project, initiated in 2015, is on track to have all six generating units in service by 2025. This project is expected to provide energy equivalent to what's needed to power about 450,000 homes or 1.7 million electric vehicles annually, according to BC Hydro.

Additionally, BC is set to issue its first call for large-scale utility projects in 15 years, with a focus on renewable sources like wind and solar. This move reflects the commitment to clean and sustainable energy.

When Ottawa unveiled new regulations aiming for a net-zero grid by 2035, it estimated an investment of around $400 billion would be required to replace aging facilities and expand generating capacity. This financial commitment is essential to accommodate the growing demands on the system, including electric heating and cooling systems, EVs, and population and economic growth.

To achieve Canada's goal of having all new light-duty cars and passenger truck sales as zero-emission by 2035, both federal and provincial governments need to take more ambitious actions. This includes enhancing consumer incentives, investing in convenient and accessible charging infrastructure nationwide, promoting consumer education, and developing a robust electric vehicle battery supply chain.

Polestar 4: The Greenest of the Polestar Lineup.

Polestar has taken a giant leap in environmental responsibility by publishing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for their latest creation, the Polestar 4. This assessment highlights the remarkable fact that the Polestar 4 holds the title for the lowest carbon footprint among all Polestar vehicles, with a mere 19.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent at launch.

Manufactured in Geely Holdings' SEA factory in Hangzhou Bay, China, the Polestar 4 benefits from a green energy blend, comprising electricity carrying the I-REC hydro power certificate and photovoltaic electricity harnessed from the factory's rooftop. This conscientious choice of energy sources significantly reduces its climate impact. The utilization of low-carbon aluminum from smelters powered by hydropower electricity further contributes to the vehicle's eco-friendly credentials. Notably, this LCA also includes data on the use of recycled aluminum for the first time.

For environmentally conscious consumers in China, the Polestar 4 offers several options. The Standard range Single motor variant boasts a commendable carbon footprint of 19.4 tCO2e. The Long range Single motor version is equally eco-friendly with a carbon footprint of 19.9 tCO2e, while the Long range Dual motor, while slightly higher, maintains an admirable carbon footprint of 21.4 tCO2e. In this assessment, aluminum constitutes 23-24% of the carbon footprint, steel and iron account for 20%, and battery modules have the most substantial share in materials production and refining at 36-40%.

Polestar is dedicated to transparency in its efforts to drive the automotive industry towards sustainable mobility. Since 2020, they have been publishing LCAs for their models, considering the entire life cycle of the vehicle, from sourcing materials to production and recycling. By summarizing the climate impact in one easily understood number, Polestar empowers consumers to make informed choices when purchasing a vehicle.

It's essential to note that the LCA figures in this release pertain to the cars' cradle-to-gate carbon footprint, encompassing material acquisition through production and excluding the use and end-of-life stages.

EV Around the World 🌏

Volvo's New Electric Minivan and Rising EV Sales.

Volvo EM90 Electric Minivan Unveiled
Volvo has unveiled its upcoming electric minivan, the EM90, offering a glimpse of its spacious and flexible interior. Described as a "Scandinavian living room on the move," the EM90 seats six people across three rows. While no special features are mentioned for the front seats, the second-row passengers are treated to massaging lounge chairs, individual ventilation, heating options, built-in tables, and cupholders. These second-row seats even feature zero-gravity cushions with seven-layer structure and infotainment controls. The third-row seats are easily accessible, thanks to sliding rear doors and a long-sliding second row. The EM90 is set to go on sale in China on November 12, with no confirmation regarding availability in other markets.

The interior boasts a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting settings, Orrefors crystal, and birch wood deco panels, inspired by Scandinavian design. While unconfirmed, the EM90 may share a powertrain with the Zeekr 009, featuring a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 horsepower and a CATL-supplied 144-kilowatt-hour battery offering up to 511 miles of range. We can expect more details after the official debut next week.

Rising Sales of Volvo Electric Vehicles
Volvo reports robust growth in sales, with global sales of 59,861 units last month, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. The most significant growth in October was observed in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with a 29% increase and 10,489 cars sold worldwide. In the United States, 1,240 fully electric Volvos were sold in October, marking a 6% increase from the same month in the previous year. Plug-in hybrids, however, saw an 8% decrease with 10,864 units sold last month.

Europe remains the largest market for Volvo, where 7,009 EVs and 6,654 plug-in hybrids were sold last month, contributing to a total of 24,892 units. China follows with 15,041 cars sold in October, including 237 EVs and 929 plug-in hybrids. The United States ranks as the third-largest market for Volvo, with a total of 11,296 sales.

Volvo's top-selling models include the XC60 crossover and the XC40, both achieving strong sales figures. Year-to-date, Volvo has sold 569,019 cars, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. These numbers are expected to rise further with the introduction of the entry-level EX30 small crossover, offering an affordable starting price and impressive electric motor and battery specifications.

Volvo's Commitment to Bidirectional Charging
Volvo is taking steps to explore the potential of bidirectional charging, allowing electric vehicles to contribute surplus battery power back to the grid. The company has established a new business unit called Volvo Cars Energy Solutions, focusing on energy storage and charging technologies, including vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-grid, and vehicle-to-load solutions. The new unit aims to develop hardware and software to facilitate bidirectional charging capabilities. The Volvo EX90 SUV is set to be one of the first models equipped with bidirectional charging and solar energy storage.

Additionally, Volvo is launching a vehicle-to-grid pilot program in Gothenburg, Sweden, in collaboration with Gothenburg local grid company Göteborg Energi Nät AB. The pilot will employ low-cost AC wall boxes installed in customers' homes, allowing their EVs to feed back into the local grid. Volvo's long-term goal is to enable bi-directional charging across Sweden and promote similar services throughout Europe.

As Volvo moves towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2030, the company anticipates its fleet's total battery capacity to reach approximately 50 GWh by 2025, offering significant surplus battery capacity for bidirectional charging and energy storage services.

Nio's Ambitions for U.S. Market: Importing Chinese EVs.

Nio, a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, has been considering its entry into the U.S. automotive market for some time. In 2021, CEO William Li announced plans to commence EV sales in the United States by 2025. However, the landscape has evolved, and recent developments have led Nio to reevaluate its strategy for entering the North American market.

Ganesh Iyer, the CEO of Nio's U.S. division, provided insights into the company's current stance during the NextChina Conference in New York. He acknowledged that Nio is reassessing its market entry plan due to changing macro-economic conditions and potential conflicts. When asked about the 2025 target for a U.S. launch, Iyer expressed uncertainty, stating that circumstances have evolved since that announcement. This uncertainty underscores the challenges Chinese automakers face when trying to establish a foothold in the U.S. market, marked by steep tariffs, U.S.-China relations, and the complexities of introducing a new brand.

Iyer emphasized his commitment to seeing Nio vehicles accessible to everyone. He called for support from various stakeholders, including the government, policymakers, supply chain partners, and infrastructure readiness to expedite the company's U.S. market entry.

Remarkably, Nio has decided against establishing manufacturing plants in North America. Instead, it plans to import its premium EVs from China. Iyer explained that the decision was influenced by the availability of local suppliers in China who exclusively serve Nio and do not operate in the U.S. The implication is that Nio EVs will not qualify for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500, potentially putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared to vehicles produced in North America.

The challenging U.S. market conditions are further compounded by the 27.5 percent tariff imposed on Chinese-made cars. Nio's CEO, William Li, previously criticized what he termed "U.S. protectionism" and called for equitable access to the American market enjoyed by Tesla in China. However, it appears that the tariff is unlikely to disappear in the near future.

While Nio's ambitions for the U.S. market may face significant hurdles, the increasing focus on electrification has brought Chinese automakers closer to their established Western counterparts. The question remains: when will the first Chinese automaker successfully enter the U.S. market with EVs, and will it begin with imports or consider alternative strategies such as local manufacturing, such as in Mexico?

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Tesla Service Strike Impacts Swedish Operations.

Tesla's service workers in Sweden have gone on strike, demanding a collective bargaining agreement from the company. Swedish dockworkers are also refusing to unload Tesla vehicles at ports until the issue is resolved, adding to the challenges facing Tesla's operations in Sweden.

Despite having no manufacturing presence in Sweden, Tesla has a strong sales presence. Electric cars enjoy popularity in Sweden, constituting around 60% of the market, with the Tesla Model Y leading in sales. Tesla has sold approximately 14,000 Model Ys in Sweden this year, making up about 6% of the total car market.

The service workers at Tesla are dissatisfied with their working conditions, claiming that they are worse at Tesla compared to other auto mechanics. They are urging Tesla to sign a collective bargaining agreement to align their conditions with industry standards.

Collective bargaining agreements are prevalent in Northern European countries, including Sweden, where about two-thirds of employees are part of unions. In Sweden, nearly 90% of workers benefit from some form of collective bargaining agreements, rendering legally mandated minimum wages unnecessary.

It's somewhat surprising that Tesla has operated in Sweden without such an agreement, given regional norms. Tesla's resistance to unionization is well-known, but as it expands into international markets, where collective bargaining is standard, conflicts like the current strike in Sweden become inevitable.

The strike, led by IF Metall, a major union representing many industrial workers in Sweden, began after the workers gave notice of their intent to strike. With Tesla not responding to the notice, the strike began, involving around 130 workers across seven locations. While not all workers at these locations are unionized, European data privacy rules protect their anonymity.

The strike will continue until a collective bargaining agreement is reached, with IF Metall prepared to support it financially for an extended period. The strike's impact on Tesla's operations remains uncertain, potentially affecting the servicing of Tesla vehicles in Sweden. Tesla has expressed its intent to hire strikebreakers to maintain operations.

The hiring of strikebreakers, or "scabs," is more common in the United States than in Sweden, where it is considered a sensitive matter. An IF Metall spokesperson said “that would be crossing all boundaries. That kind of thing happened in Sweden in the 1920s and 30s,” as reported by thelocal.se, an English-language Sweden news site.

Third-party auto shops that service Teslas, unaffected by the strike, could provide an alternative to Tesla customers in Sweden.

Additionally, the Swedish dockworkers union intends to halt the unloading of Tesla vehicles from ships at four Swedish ports starting November 7 if Tesla does not address the labor dispute. This places additional pressure on Tesla to resolve the situation.

Bending Physics: Nevera sets new Guinness World Records™ Title – 275.74 km/h in reverse!

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