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

I hope you are safe and sound with the crazy amounts of snowfall experienced across Canada. Also take this time to check on your elderly neighbours and lend them a hand if you are able! If you are the elderly neighbour, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Stay safe!

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In this week’s issue you will find:

• Legacy auto manufacturers pull back on EVs - Opinion.

• Tesla Slashes Model Y Prices in Canada.

• Ford customers set to receive free Tesla Supercharger adapters.

• Dalhousie University: Canadian Battery Innovation Centre (CBIC) and a pioneering Master of Battery Technology program.

• Canada surpasses China in Bloomberg’s Lithium-Ion battery supply chain ranking.

• BYD and Tesla: Partners in the Electric Vehicle Revolution?!

• Polestar 4 Launches in Europe and Australia.

• + more!

Canada

Legacy auto manufacturers pull back on EVs - Opinion.

I said rather early (if you follow me on social media platforms you’ll know) that I believed that some legacy automakers will pull back their EV efforts. It was too good to be true when they announced “NEW EV COMING IN 2022!”… most of us are still waiting.

Now manufacturers, specifically General Motors are resetting and refocusing on their hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings. Let’s take a step back for a minute and look at the automobile industry as a whole.

Since basically the 1900s, gasoline vehicles were starting to pick up in terms of popularity and by 1920 there were 9 million automobiles on US roads. So for about 100 years (and still to this day) gasoline vehicles are the most common vehicle on the road. To ask a society who has done something for ~100 years to change their transportation habits (ie recharging, purchasing process, brand familiarity, etc) is not something that changes overnight - no matter how much “better” it is.

We all know that electric vehicles are less expensive in terms of total cost of ownership, we all know that EVs are better for the environment, we all know that EVs have a greener lifecycle than traditional vehicles… but change is tough! Naturally humans are creatures of habit and, not only that, but the North American population (in general) is stubborn and opposes change.

Going back to General Motors, they missed out on their opportunity - like other automobile manufacturers - and instead of embracing EVs in a timely manner, they were too slow! They caught on too late! They were sitting back smoking cigars defying change because change meant that they had to adapt. That’s the problem with anything “traditional”. The bureaucracy within traditional companies (that surrounds many traditional industries) makes change even harder. If they would have acted quickly, their market share of electric vehicles would be significantly higher.

GM made the decision to be “all in on EVs”… but I’ve been on a waitlist for the Cadillac Lyriq now since March 2022 (was told early 2023). And there aren’t even many of them available (at least not in my area). Since GM was already behind, going “all in on EVs” was not the best idea. They had to get their technology in order, assembly lines, sales staff and the entire company on board and working hard and fast to even have the slightest chance of succeeding and they failed.

Alternatively, Hyundai and Kia who were quicker at executing on the electrification of their vehicles have seen outstanding success with their Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and EV6 models - all on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). Let’s keep our fingers crossed that these manufacturers continue on their electrification path. It seems like they are hoping to continue on their path when you consider the EV9 release from Kia and continued improvements with Hyundai’s Kona Electric. ALSO! Hyundai is continuing investments for continued development and improvements on their hybrid and PHEV offerings to cater to all markets. Talk about covering all your bases! It’s worth noting that Hyundai is finding success in all of these markets!

Looping back to GM once again, now they rescind back and focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. This is probably where they should have focused in the first place while continuing to develop their EV technology and ecosystem within the company. With rising gas prices the general consumer wants a hybrid and most are open to plug-ins (PHEVs) as well. I think PHEVs are a great stepping stone to getting the traditional consumer ready for a full battery electric vehicle (BEV). It will help them get used to charging at home, it will help them realize that they indeed do not travel 1,000 kms in a single day and will help them become familiar with the terminology and functionality of EVs so that when they do switch to a BEV, the leap does not seem as great and it becomes less daunting for the consumer.

Of course there are the early adopters and the diesel purists but for the general automobile consumer market I believe this is true.

What do you think? To share your thoughts connect with me on LinkedIn, X or reply to this email!

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Tesla Slashes Model Y Prices in Canada.

Tesla has announced a significant price reduction for its Model Y trims in Canada, presenting an opportunity for potential buyers to access substantial rebates, particularly in Quebec. With this move, the popular Model Y AWD could now qualify for up to a staggering $12,000 rebate in the province.

The adjustment in pricing, particularly impactful for the Dual Motor version, reflects Tesla's commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible, particularly in colder climates where the Model Y AWD holds significant appeal.

The base model, Model Y RWD, now starts at $53,990 CAD, marking a $4,000 CAD reduction. Similarly, the Model Y Dual Motor All-Wheel-Drive Long Range has seen a $4,000 CAD price drop, now commencing at $63,990 CAD.

With the base price hitting $54,000 CAD, the Model Y becomes even more enticing, especially considering the $5,000 CAD federal rebate, bringing the starting price down to just $49,000 CAD. Furthermore, various provinces offer additional rebates, enhancing the affordability factor.

Quebec stands out as one of the most supportive provinces for electric vehicle adoption, offering a substantial $7,000 CAD rebate, which can be combined with the federal incentive. Consequently, the Model Y's starting price in Quebec now stands at an impressive $42,000 CAD.

Notably, the Model Y AWD now falls below the $65,000 CAD threshold, making it eligible for Quebec's EV incentive program. Although the vehicle has yet to be officially added to the list of eligible models, the recent price adjustment suggests it's a matter of time before it gains approval.

Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning owners in the U.S. and Canada set to receive free Tesla Supercharger adapters this spring!

Ford has just announced that eligible owners of the Mach-E & F-150 EVs will soon have access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, thanks to complimentary charging adapters. CEO Jim Farley shared the news on social media, expressing Ford's gratitude by offering these adapters free of charge.

Starting this spring, eligible customers can reserve these OEM adapters, which will be shipped directly to them. This move marks Ford as the first major American automaker to strike a deal with Tesla, allowing Blue Oval-branded EVs to utilize Tesla's Supercharger stations across the U.S. and Canada.

Tesla's Supercharger network, boasting over 5,000 stations globally, is renowned for its reliability and expansive coverage. Ford's decision to offer these adapters reflects their commitment to enhancing the charging experience for their electric vehicle owners.

Tesla primarily utilizes the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, while Ford EVs come equipped with a Combined Charging System 1 (CCS1) inlet. Hence, the need for an adapter to bridge the gap.

Looking ahead, Ford plans to introduce next-generation electric vehicles with the NACS connector built-in by 2025, eliminating the need for adapters. However, for current owners of Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit models, this complimentary adapter ensures seamless access to Tesla's Supercharger network until then.

This collaboration not only expands charging options but also signifies a step forward in the EV industry, promoting interoperability and convenience for electric vehicle owners.

EV Snippets:

Electric Autonomy has exclusively reported that Dalhousie University is set to unveil two groundbreaking initiatives: Canadian Battery Innovation Centre (CBIC) and a pioneering Master of Battery Technology program slated for fall 2025. Led by renowned researchers like Michael Metzger and Jeff Dahn, in collaboration with Tesla, these efforts aim to meet the surging demand for EV battery expertise in Canada.

The Master's program, spearheaded by Dalhousie's battery research team, seeks to equip the industry with highly skilled professionals to fill the burgeoning talent gap in the EV supply chain. With the global battery market projected to surpass $100 billion by 2030, Dalhousie's strategic move aims to train the next generation of battery experts.

The CBIC, a state-of-the-art R&D facility, will serve as a hub for academia and industry to prototype advanced battery cells. With confirmed partnerships with industry giants like Tesla and Novonix, the centre is poised to drive innovation and foster collaboration in battery technology.

Dalhousie's forward-thinking approach extends to groundbreaking battery chemistry research, including novel lithium-chloride lithium-bromide graphite cathode chemistry developed by Chongyin Yang. This innovation, along with others, promises to usher in a new era of sustainable, high-energy-density batteries crucial for the future of electric vehicles.

—

The latest BloombergNEF's (BNEF's) Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking reveals a significant shift as Canada surpasses China to claim the top spot. This marks the first time China has not held the number one position. Canada's rise is attributed to its consistent manufacturing advancements, strong ESG credentials, and integration with the US automotive sector. The Inflation Reduction Act has further boosted Canada's position by promoting "friendshoring" ambitions. While China retains a robust supply chain, the increasing importance of sustainability necessitates proactive approaches to address ESG concerns. North America, led by Canada and the US, dominates the top positions, with Mexico also making notable progress. The ranking, now in its fourth edition, evaluates 30 countries based on various metrics across five categories: raw materials, battery manufacturing, downstream demand, ESG considerations, and industry, infrastructure, and innovation.

—

Volvo Cars has announced it will cease funding Polestar Automotive Holding and is transferring responsibility for the luxury car brand to Geely Holding, Volvo's top shareholder in China. The move follows criticisms from analysts who viewed Volvo's heavy involvement in Polestar, where it owns around 48% of the shares, as a drain on resources. Polestar, like other electric vehicle (EV) brands, has faced challenges in the market, especially with the competition sparked by Tesla's price war. Volvo is considering handing Polestar shares to its shareholders, potentially making Geely a significant direct owner in the brand. Polestar recently missed its delivery targets for 2023, and its shares have declined by over 83% since going public in June 2022. The news raises questions about Polestar's viability, with some analysts suggesting integration into Geely might be more practical. Volvo Cars reported a better-than-expected rise in fourth-quarter operating earnings, emphasizing the growing margin in its battery-electric vehicle (BEV) segment.

—

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) battery maker, is set to construct its own $1.83 billion offshore wind farm near its headquarters in Ningde, southeastern Fujian Province. The 800-megawatt (MW) wind farm, approved by the Fujian Provincial Development and Reform Commission, aims to provide clean energy for CATL's operations. The subsidiary, Fujian Runshi Offshore Wind Power, established in April 2023, will oversee the project, with CATL's green energy unit holding a 96% ownership stake, while state-owned Fujian Mindong Electric Power and PowerChina Fujian Electric Power Engineering own the remaining 4%. Construction is required to commence within two years.

—

Parisians have voted in favor of tripling parking charges for out-of-town SUV drivers in an effort to address road safety, air pollution, and climate change. The referendum, with 54.6% approval, means that starting September 1st, gas or hybrid SUVs, and other larger vehicles weighing over 1.6 tonnes, will be charged €18 (~$26 CAD) per hour to park in the center of Paris and €12 (~$17 CAD) per hour in the rest of the city. The move aims to reduce the presence of "heavy, bulky, and polluting" vehicles, with exemptions for taxis and city residents. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasized the goal of reducing pollution and enhancing safety for children. The referendum saw low turnout, but the decision could influence other cities facing similar challenges related to SUVs and pollution.

EVs Around the World 🌏

BYD and Tesla: Partners in the Electric Vehicle Revolution?!

Recently, BYD expressed admiration for Tesla, recognizing them as a crucial ally in reshaping the automotive industry. While their relationship has evolved significantly over the past decade, it's clear that both companies now share a common goal of accelerating the adoption of EVs worldwide.

Initially, Tesla and BYD approached electric mobility from different angles, with BYD focusing on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and Tesla championing battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, as the landscape shifted, so did their perspectives.

Despite past skepticism from Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, about BYD's competitiveness, BYD has since emerged as the world's largest producer of all-electric vehicles. This shift has prompted Musk to acknowledge Chinese EV manufacturers, including BYD, as formidable competition.

Moreover, the relationship between Tesla and BYD has evolved beyond competition into collaboration. Tesla now integrates BYD's LFP battery cells into some of its electric vehicles.

Yunfei Li, BYD's general manager of branding and public relations, emphasized the importance of cooperation in driving the growth of new energy vehicles. Li highlighted Tesla as a respected industry peer and acknowledged their role in advancing EVs globally.

As BYD expands beyond its stronghold in China into Western markets, the potential for further collaboration and innovation between these industry leaders becomes increasingly promising.

Polestar 4 Launches in Europe and Australia: A Fusion of Design, Sustainability, and Performance.

Polestar announces the official launch of the Polestar 4 in Europe and Australia. Following its successful production debut and initial deliveries in China at the close of 2023, the highly anticipated Polestar 4 is now available for online purchase, starting at an indicative price of EUR 63,200 and AUD 81,500. Production is slated to commence in mid-2024, with the first deliveries anticipated from August onwards. The Polestar 4 is set to make it’s North American debut this year.

Polestar 4 represents a groundbreaking evolution, blending the aerodynamics of a coupé with the spaciousness of an SUV to introduce a new category: the SUV coupé. With design cues inspired by Polestar's visionary concept cars, this latest addition to the Polestar lineup boasts unmatched performance, innovation, and sustainability.

Design Innovation:

Drawing inspiration from the award-winning Polestar Precept concept car, the Polestar 4 showcases groundbreaking design elements, including the elimination of the rear window for an immersive rear occupant experience. The distinct Polestar light signature and emblem, combined with aerodynamic enhancements such as retractable door handles and flush glazing, elevate the vehicle's aesthetics and efficiency.

Sustainability at Its Core:

Built on the premium Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), developed by Geely Holding, the Polestar 4 sets new standards for sustainability in the automotive industry. With a focus on reducing carbon footprint, the Polestar 4 features a mono-material interior design, utilizing recycled and bio-attributed materials for upholstery and trim. Furthermore, the vehicle's production process incorporates green electricity and low-carbon aluminum, ensuring a minimal environmental impact.

Performance Prowess:

As the fastest production car in Polestar's history, the Polestar 4 delivers exhilarating performance with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 3.8 seconds and a maximum power output of 400 kW (544 hp). Equipped with both single- and dual-motor variants, the Polestar 4 offers dynamic driving dynamics, complemented by advanced semi-active suspension and precise steering response.

Cutting-Edge Technology:

Polestar continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology with the Polestar 4, featuring an advanced infotainment system powered by Android Automotive OS. With Google integration, including Google Assistant and Google Maps, the Polestar 4 offers seamless connectivity and an immersive driving experience. Additionally, over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure that the vehicle remains up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements.

Safety First:

Safety is paramount in the Polestar 4, with intelligent safety technology integrated throughout the vehicle. From advanced driver assistance systems to innovative driver monitoring features, the Polestar 4 prioritizes occupant safety and peace of mind on every journey.

Lastly, you can view more detailed specifications of the Polestar 4 here: LINK

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