Hello EV enthusiasts! Thank you for checking out this weeks’ EV North Newsletter where we bring you the latest news and updates from the world of electric vehicles. From record-breaking journeys to game-changing technologies, there's a lot happening in the EV space. Let's dive in!

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

1. VW ID.4 Driver Sets Guinness World Record on Remarkable Canadian Road Trip.

2. ChargePoint Revolutionizes EV Charging Reliability with Near 100% Uptime Plans.

3. PEI's EV Experience Tour Promotes Sustainable Driving.

4. Surge in Canadians Claiming EV Rebates Reflects Growing Interest.

5. Archer Aviation Takes Flight with FAA Approval and Substantial Investment.

6. GM Introduces V2H Charging Technology to Ultium-based EV Lineup

7. Tesla Dashcam Footage Raises Safety Concerns

Stay tuned for more electrifying ⚡️ updates next week!

Canada

VW ID.4 Driver Achieves Guinness World Record on Epic Canada Road Trip

An electrifying accomplishment has marked the automotive world as a Volkswagen ID.4 driver has secured a remarkable Guinness World Record for the least number of charging stops during an electric vehicle (EV) journey across Canada.

Rainer Zietlow, in tandem with cameraperson Elric Popp, embarked on this groundbreaking journey on July 25th from St. John’s, Newfoundland, culminating their adventure in Victoria, British Columbia on August 1st. The feat involved covering an astonishing 7,133 kilometers in a mere seven days while making only 18 crucial charging stops.

The Volkswagen ID.4 at the heart of this achievement boasted a 400 km range coupled with a 77 kW battery. This extraordinary feat showcased the fewest charging stops ever made on a coast-to-coast Canadian journey, underscoring the remarkable potential of EVs.

Zietlow, also the founder of CHALLENGE4 GmbH, a German agency specializing in record-setting international long-distance tours, attributed the voyage to more than just breaking records. He aimed to demystify electric vehicle capabilities, addressing concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety.

The journey was notably supported by Volkswagen Canada, which seized the opportunity to exhibit the ID.4’s remarkable range and capabilities following its Canadian market launch.

Zietlow's motivation reverberated beyond speed and records, encompassing a mission to raise awareness about EVs. He aimed to dismantle misconceptions, emphasizing the seamless nature of driving an EV across a vast country like Canada.

Speaking about Canada’s charging infrastructure, Zietlow drew attention to its multifaceted nature, encompassing various charging network operators such as FLO, Circuit Electrique, Petro Canada, and more. He noted regional disparities in charging availability, urging the expansion of charging stations in provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba to enhance the overall charging network.

The trip offered valuable insights into the balance between speed and efficiency during long-distance EV travel. Zietlow's journey also highlighted the significance of boosting the prevalence of 100 kW chargers, supplementing the prevalent 50 kW standard in Canada.

Zietlow’s remarkable achievement encapsulates not only a Guinness World Record but also a testament to the growing capabilities of EVs and the evolving charging infrastructure across Canada. As the automotive landscape continues to electrify, journeys like these serve as beacons of inspiration for a sustainable and efficient future of transportation.

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ChargePoint Revolutionizes EV Charging Reliability with Near 100% Uptime Plans.

ChargePoint, the renowned leader in electric vehicle charging solutions, has unveiled key strategies to elevate its charging station uptime to nearly 100%, setting a new benchmark in reliability. This strategic move involves a substantial investment in cutting-edge technology derived from networking and information security domains, with the ultimate goal of delivering unparalleled charging station dependability.

To achieve their objective, ChargePoint is integrating advanced technological components, including natural language processing, enhanced driver communication, and a top-tier training certification program. These innovations are poised to fortify ChargePoint's position as a trailblazer in the global EV charging landscape, staying ahead of the curve in the era of EV adoption.

The cornerstone of this transformation lies in the Network Operations Center (NOC), which will be instrumental in implementing an array of advancements. The NOC will operate round the clock, offering proactive station monitoring, predictive analytics, and harnessing the power of applied machine learning. This proactive approach aims to swiftly detect potential station downtime, ultimately enhancing charger uptime and ensuring rapid incident response. Designed for seamless scalability, the NOC aligns with ChargePoint's rapidly expanding network, which already boasts an impressive 243,000 active charging ports along with roaming partners.

ChargePoint is pioneering a groundbreaking training initiative, introducing a comprehensive certification program tailored for electrical contractors involved in EV charging infrastructure installation. This pioneering program is set to become a first-of-its-kind in the EV charging industry. By ensuring proper installation practices and facilitating effective repairs, ChargePoint anticipates a significant reduction in reliability issues. The training and certification program is expected to go live early in 2024.

While uptime is an integral gauge of charging reliability, the industry lacks a standardized measurement for uptime. ChargePoint, however, distinguishes itself by measuring station uptime as the operational period of individual charging ports, aligning with driver expectations. Currently, ChargePoint maintains an impressive 96% uptime across its expansive public network spanning North America and Europe. For ChargePoint Assure customers, this figure rises to over 98%.

Key Initiatives in a Glance:

1. Network Operations Center (NOC): Launched in July 2023, the NOC ensures 24/7 proactive monitoring, enabling swift identification of charging station issues among the vast network of over 243,000 active ports. This integration of hardware and software guarantees seamless communication between charging stations and the NOC, expediting notifications to station owners and facilitating prompt maintenance and repairs.

2. Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing: The NOC leverages these technologies to process extensive data feeds and social media mentions, enabling the pinpointing of individual stations with issues. This rapid identification triggers 24-hour response and swift remediation action for ChargePoint Assure Pro customers, enhancing charging station reliability and reducing downtime.

3. Comprehensive Training and Certification Program: ChargePoint is developing an all-encompassing training and certification curriculum for electrical contractors involved in EV charging infrastructure installation. Expected to launch in early 2024, this pioneering program aims to ensure proper installation practices and effective repairs, bolstering the reliability of the charging infrastructure.

These groundbreaking initiatives are a testament to ChargePoint's commitment to reliability and innovation. Building on a substantial investment in research and development, which exceeded $194 million in fiscal year 2023, ChargePoint is driving the evolution of EV charging reliability, ensuring a seamless and dependable charging experience for the growing EV community.

Embrace Electric Driving: PEI's EV Experience Tour Encourages Sustainable Transportation.

In a bid to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles among Islanders, the Prince Edward Island government has embarked on an initiative in partnership with Safe Drivers P.E.I. The collaboration seeks to enlighten and engage the community about the benefits of driving electric, in alignment with the province's Net Zero Office agenda.

Recently, the city of Charlottetown became a hub of electric enthusiasm, as individuals were given the opportunity to take the wheel of an EV, courtesy of Safe Drivers P.E.I. The experience was a revelation for many, as voiced by Beatrice Abbey who exclaimed, "That was so amazing!" After her first encounter with an electric vehicle, she echoed the sentiments of countless others who are motivated by the pressing need to preserve and safeguard the planet.

This initiative perfectly embodies the ethos of Safe Drivers P.E.I., a revered driving school that caters to the entire Island. Eric Brookins, the school's esteemed general manager, emphasized how this endeavor aligns with both federal and provincial ambitions to achieve net zero emissions. Drawing from the province's commitment, articulated in 2021, to attain "net-zero energy" by 2030 and "net-zero greenhouse gas emissions" by 2040, this event served as a dynamic stepping stone towards these goals.

The event in question marked the fifth in a series of immersive experiences throughout the summer season, each attracting approximately 35 participants eager to delve into the world of electric driving. Eric Brookins noted the resounding success of these gatherings, with attendees unanimously raving about their positive encounters. The hands-on sessions have successfully dismantled misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles. Many attendees have been astounded by the ease of operation while equally surprised by the impressive torque and acceleration that these cars offer.

One of the paramount aspects of these events is the opportunity for individuals to shed their reservations about EVs. Addressing common concerns, Brookins highlighted worries regarding battery longevity, driving range, and safety risks. However, he underscored how firsthand experiences behind the wheel effectively quell these apprehensions, leading to transformed perspectives once participants step out of the driver's seat.

Alkarim Sachedina, an aspiring EV owner, affirmed that the time has come to embrace electric mobility. With enticing provincial incentives, the transition to an EV seems all the more appealing. "Now it's coming to the time where one of our vehicles is ready to be retired so EV makes an absolutely perfect option," Sachedina declared enthusiastically.

As a testament to its commitment to sustainable transportation, Prince Edward Island boasts Canada's most generous EV incentives. Islanders can enjoy a substantial $5,000 incentive when purchasing a new or used EV, with an additional $2,500 incentive for plug-in hybrids, as confirmed by the provincial government.

For those eager to embark on an electrifying journey, detailed information about the EV Experience Tour can be readily accessed on the province's official website. Furthermore, the momentum continues, as another exciting EV test-driving event is scheduled to take place in Summerside on August 25th. This occasion promises to be another transformative step towards cultivating a greener and more sustainable driving landscape for all Islanders.

Record Surge in Canadians Claiming EV Rebates in 2023 Signals Growing EV Interest.

Canada's federal EV rebate program has achieved a remarkable milestone by granting a record number of electric vehicle (EV) rebates in recent months. Since its inauguration in May 2019, the program has consistently provided an average of approximately 4,200 monthly rebates. However, a significant paradigm shift occurred between May and June of this year, with the issuance of over 30,000 rebates, equating to a remarkable 10,000 per month.

A comprehensive report from the Canadian Press suggests that this surge is not an isolated occurrence but rather a testament to Canadians increasingly considering EVs as their next automotive choice. This trend is particularly prominent in the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia, where a synergy of federal and provincial rebates has been instrumental in propelling the EV adoption movement.

While a spring influx of EV deliveries did contribute to the surge, the momentum is poised to continue. As waitlists grow and more EV models become available from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the remaining summer and fall seasons seem promising in terms of continued EV rebates.

However, a pivotal question looms: Can auto manufacturers keep up with the burgeoning demand? As suggested by industry expert Dunsky, initial reports do indicate improved inventory levels in 2023, hinting at an upward trajectory. Nevertheless, conventional automakers are grappling with production constraints, leading to extended waitlists - in some cases spanning several years. This issue has the potential to impede the anticipated growth of the EV sector.

In essence, the onus falls on industry giants such as Ford, GM, and Hyundai to streamline their production processes and address supply chain challenges. This pivotal step is essential for fostering a substantial spike in EV market share across Canada. While Tesla has undeniably revolutionized the EV landscape, a considerable portion of the Canadian population still seeks the familiarity of vehicles from traditional OEMs.

EV Around the World 🌏

GM Introduces V2H Bidirectional Charging Tech to Upcoming Ultium-based EV Lineup.

General Motors is taking a groundbreaking leap by incorporating vehicle-to-home (V2H) bidirectional charging technology across its upcoming retail lineup of Ultium-based electric vehicles (EVs) by the model year 2026. This strategic move underscores GM's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The first wave of vehicles to feature this transformative technology includes the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST, followed by the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, and the all new Cadillac ESCALADE IQ.

By capitalizing on GM Energy's vision to provide an expanding array of energy management solutions, V2H introduces an extra layer of value for EV drivers. This technology empowers users to transfer energy from their EVs to their home's equipped systems at their convenience. This capability becomes pivotal during peak demand periods or power outages, offering a compelling advantage as we transition to an all-electric era.

Consumers will harness V2H technology through GM Energy's Ultium Home offerings, supplemented by the GM Energy Cloud – a cutting-edge software platform that enables seamless energy transfer between compatible GM Energy assets and the home.

This strategic announcement exemplifies GM's holistic approach to energy management, effectively harnessing the potential of Ultium to introduce novel technologies and features for residential customers. The development of Ultium Home solutions that complement GM's expanding range of EVs ensures customers access an unparalleled array of options and value across diverse vehicle categories and price points.

Further details concerning the widespread availability of V2H technology and the rollout schedule for individual vehicle models will be communicated in forthcoming updates. As GM pioneers the integration of V2H capabilities, the automotive industry takes yet another stride towards a cleaner, more efficient, and interconnected electric future.

Tesla dashcam footage: The vehicle did not detect emergency vehicles.

The following dashcam recording, obtained by the Wall Street Journal, shows a Tesla Model X driving at 54 miles per hour while in AutoPilot. After passing multiple parked emergency vehicles, which the Tesla fails to detect, it crashes into a police vehicle.

My opinion: The driver definitely was impaired to some capacity and failed to detect the emergency vehicles as well. Their vehicle asked them 150 times to take control of the steering wheel. This seems like a safety system design flaw if the driver can place their hands on the steering wheel to remove the alert and then remove them right away. After “X” amount of times, the autopilot should automatically be disengaged. Ultimately, in my opinion, the driver is at fault. The driver did not use the Tesla AutoPilot feature correctly and still failed to recognize the driving situation. Whether the marketing and name of Tesla’s autopilot has led to customer confusion and misuse - is another question. - MT

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Clean Energy and Mobility

Archer Aviation Soars with FAA Approval and $215M Investment Boost.

eVTOL pioneer Archer Aviation has illuminated the aviation landscape with a string of significant updates during its Q2 2023 financial results call. The developments include receiving airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and securing a substantial $215 million equity infusion from notable entities like Stellantis and United.

Archer Aviation stands at the forefront of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft innovation. The company's distinctive "Midnight" aircraft, unveiled in December, has been gradually progressing towards its first flight.

Founded just five years ago, Archer Aviation has cultivated strong partnerships and substantial investments from industry giants like United Airlines and the US Air Force. This collaboration led to a pivotal eVTOL purchase contract valued at up to $142 million from the US Department of Defense.

Stellantis, a multinational automotive conglomerate, has been a steadfast supporter of Archer, recently announcing an exclusive collaboration to manufacture the Midnight eVTOLs on US soil. This partnership is set to flourish at a state-of-the-art facility in Covington, Georgia.

With prototype Midnight eVTOLs entering assembly lines, Archer Aviation's roadmap points toward commercial operations by 2025. The Q2 report not only reinforces this vision but also introduces remarkable progress.

Archer Aviation's Funding Milestone Surpasses $1 Billion In a recent release accompanying its Q2 2023 financial results, Archer unveiled a substantial equity investment of $215 million, led by Stellantis. The investment consortium includes influential players like Boeing, United, and ARK Invest. With this infusion, Archer's total funding surpasses an impressive $1.1 billion, providing ample resources for scaling their endeavors in the realm of eVTOL aviation.

During discussions with investors, Archer unveiled a pivotal achievement: the Midnight eVTOL has obtained its Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA. This certification signifies compliance with stringent FAA safety standards, greenlighting the initiation of flight tests. Archer anticipates these tests to commence within weeks as the company gears up for piloted "for credit" trials with the FAA in early 2024.

Archer Aviation's founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, reflected on the remarkable progress: "Our team’s hard work and dedication have brought us to this exciting moment, and we can’t wait to see Midnight soar."

QuickEV

• GM confirms $130K Cadillac Escalade IQ won’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

• Tesla officially acquires wireless charging startup.

• [VIDEO] Extreme Cold Testing | Tesla Model X & Y.

• Fisker Ronin Super GT Brings 600-Mile Range And 1,000HP For $385,000.

• First 100% electric Lamborghini teased ahead of Monterey Car Week debut.

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• Rivian Prepping Adaptive Battery Range Tracking, Drone Mode Software Updates.

  
  

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