EV North Newsletter: FedEx embraces EVs, AEHRA EV, VinFast Policies, + more!

Issue #63 - Tuesday, June 20th, 2023

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Canada

FedEx Express Canada Expands Fleet with 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 Electric Delivery Vehicles.

FedEx Express Canada has taken a significant stride towards its goal of transforming its entire parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2040. General Motors' all-electric delivery vehicle brand, BrightDrop, has delivered the first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vehicles to FedEx Express Canada. This expansion marks a crucial milestone in FedEx's commitment to achieving all-electric, zero-tailpipe emission operations.

GM’s BrightDrop Zevo 600 - Image Source: FedEx

The initial fleet of 50 electric vehicles will serve Toronto, Montreal, and Surrey. As FedEx Express Canada continues to enhance its EV fleet, it plans to extend its footprint in other areas of the country by implementing additional charging infrastructure across FedEx locations. Powered by General Motors' Ultium Platform, the Zevo 600 is specifically designed for last-mile deliveries and boasts an estimated range of up to 400 kilometers on a full charge.

These 50 EVs are part of a broader agreement between FedEx and BrightDrop, envisioning the integration of a total of 2,500 vehicles into FedEx operations over the coming years. In fact, more than 400 BrightDrop vehicles are already in operation in Southern California.

To facilitate the adoption of this new vehicle technology, FedEx is installing charging infrastructure throughout its Canadian facilities. As a testament to its commitment, the company has already installed 80 charging stations in the three launch markets for these electric vehicles.

Dean Jamieson, Vice President of Operations at FedEx Express Canada, expressed his pride in the role his company plays in advancing global carbon neutral operations by 2040. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with companies like BrightDrop, which are at the forefront of building sustainable solutions within Canada.

These light commercial vehicles, assembled in Canada, accelerate FedEx Express's journey towards an all-electric delivery fleet. FedEx Corp., one of the world's largest express transportation companies, plans for 50% of its global PUD vehicle purchases to be electric by 2025, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2030.

The Zevo 600s are manufactured by BrightDrop at General Motors' CAMI Assembly plant in Ontario. To support this initiative, GM invested nearly one billion Canadian dollars to convert CAMI into Canada's first large-scale EV factory. Within just seven months, the plant underwent retooling and reopened in December 2022, marking the fastest plant conversion in GM's history.

Steve Hornyak, Chief Commercial Officer at BrightDrop, acknowledged FedEx's vital partnership in their joint efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the delivery sector. As the first customer to deploy Zevos in both the United States and Canada, FedEx is demonstrating how the integration of electric vehicles can help achieve ambitious sustainability goals and create better communities.

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Introducing the AEHRA Sedan: A Game-Changer in Design and Technology for the Passenger Car Sector.

AEHRA, the renowned global ultra-premium electric automotive brand, is thrilled to unveil the stunning exterior design of its latest model, the AEHRA Sedan. This sleek Sedan, revealed at the prestigious Milano Monza Motor Show, follows the successful launch of AEHRA's first model, an exceptional SUV introduced last year.

Built on the same highly flexible and advanced EV platform as its SUV sibling, the AEHRA Sedan was meticulously crafted without compromising on quality. While it shares the same design language and body surface treatment as the SUV, it possesses a distinct character distinguished by unique graphic signatures at the front and rear.

AEHRA's design team has masterfully captured the essence of softness, simplicity, and elegance in the Sedan's design. The car boasts a single fluid line that runs gracefully along its side, eliminating the need for excessive edges and highlighting the interplay of light and shadow.

This approach to division is also evident at the front of the vehicle, where technical elements and active aerodynamics seamlessly merge in the lower section. Combined with a custom battery solution developed in collaboration with Miba Battery Systems, the AEHRA Sedan and SUV are engineered to optimize efficiency and achieve an impressive 800km driving range.

In contrast to the technical lower section, the upper portion of the car exhibits a clean and pure shape, flowing seamlessly from the hood to the windscreen and over the roofline. Inspired by the aeronautic sector, this fluid shape conveys a sense of effortless gliding through the air, even when the vehicle is stationary.

"With the AEHRA Sedan, we have pushed the boundaries to fully embrace design freedom and leverage the most advanced technologies from the automotive and aeronautic industries. Drawing inspiration from the rich artistic and architectural heritage of Italy, we aimed to create a sense of purity and aesthetic functionality."

Filippo Perini, AEHRA Head of Design.

While exuding beauty, elegance, and agility, the AEHRA Sedan also exudes power, dynamism, and energy, emphasizing the brand's commitment to balance and proportion. The muscular front and rear fenders add a touch of strength and convey the passion and driving pleasure at the core of AEHRA's ultra-premium, zero-emission mobility.

Similar to the SUV, AEHRA's commitment to transforming the automotive customer experience and revolutionizing the EV mobility ecosystem extends to the use of exceptionally light and sustainable composite materials, including forged carbon fiber technologies. These materials, typically found in the supercar and hypercar sector, enable AEHRA to redefine technical design in the passenger car industry, resulting in groundbreaking features like the double-falcon doors, providing both a visual statement and effortless ingress and egress.

The AEHRA Sedan debut, following closely after the launch of our SUV and our recent partnership with Miba Battery Systems, affirms our commitment to revolutionize the design, customer experience, and ownership of ultra-premium electric vehicles. By 2026, we will start delivering the AEHRA Sedan and SUV, ensuring that the production models remain faithful to the remarkable designs we have unveiled, delivering an extraordinary driving and ownership experience paired with exceptional design and technology."

Hazim Nada, AEHRA Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO.

With substantial private funding and a clear roadmap, AEHRA is set to introduce its transformative business model to key markets, including North America and Europe, in 2026, followed by China and the Gulf States. The AEHRA Sedan represents a game-changer in the passenger car sector, combining unrivaled design, cutting-edge technology, and an extraordinary ownership experience.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Introducing the All-New Tiguan: Elevating the SUV Experience.

Volkswagen is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated third generation of its best-selling Tiguan model, delivering a host of impressive features that will elevate your SUV experience. With a focus on premium technologies and an extended electric range, the Tiguan is set to redefine the segment.

The new Tiguan is built on the advanced modular transverse matrix, known as MQB evo, which seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art technology components. One of the standout features is the newly developed active suspension control system, providing unparalleled handling and comfort. Paired with the optional HD Matrix headlights, the Tiguan sets new standards in illumination, enhancing visibility and safety on the road.

Camouflaged VW Tiguan - Image Source: Volkswagen

Inside the Tiguan, Volkswagen has completely revamped the interior to meet the demands of modern drivers. A newly developed cockpit and intuitive infotainment system offer a seamless user experience, while a customizable 15-inch display provides easy access to navigation, music, and climate control functions. With the inclusion of the Driving Experience Control on the center console, you can effortlessly adjust drive mode, radio volume, and even ambient lighting colors, adding a touch of personalization to your journey.

To meet the ever-growing demand for electrification, Volkswagen is introducing plug-in hybrid drive options for the Tiguan. These innovative powertrains offer an impressive electric range of up to 100 kilometers, pushing the boundaries of sustainable mobility. Furthermore, AC charging has been optimized for faster charging in all eHybrid versions, and for the first time, DC charging is available as standard.

Comfort and luxury are paramount in the new Tiguan. Premium-class seats, including ergoActive front seats with lumbar support adjustment and a 10-chamber pressure point massage function, provide exceptional comfort for both short and long journeys. The redesigned Tiguan also offers a larger luggage compartment, maximizing space and practicality for your belongings.

The Tiguan's new adaptive suspension control, known as DCC Pro, brings enhanced comfort and dynamics to the driving experience. Working in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which fine-tunes the performance of electronic differential locks and shock absorbers, the Tiguan delivers improved handling, stability, and agility. Whether navigating sharp corners or cruising on the highway, the Tiguan offers a smooth and controlled ride.

With its extensive range of engine options, including TDI, TSI, eTSI, and eHybrid, the Tiguan caters to a variety of driving preferences. From turbocharged petrol engines to plug-in hybrid systems, Volkswagen ensures that every Tiguan owner can find the perfect balance between performance and efficiency.

The world premiere of the all-new Tiguan is scheduled for the upcoming autumn, followed by its official market launch in 2024. Volkswagen's commitment to delivering a superior SUV experience is evident in every aspect of the Tiguan's design and engineering. Prepare yourself for a new era of premium technologies, extended electric range, and unparalleled comfort with the all-new Tiguan. Get ready to redefine your SUV journey.

VinFast Launches New After-Sales Policy: Cash or Vouchers for EV Breakdowns.

VinFast, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer, has introduced a new after-sales policy in the United States, Canada, and Vietnam. Under this policy, eligible customers experiencing EV breakdowns will receive cash or service vouchers. The policy covers three types of issues categorized by their impact on vehicle usage.

Type 1 issues, causing inconveniences without affecting vehicle use, qualify for a $100 reimbursement. Type 2 issues, rendering the vehicle inoperable, provide roadside assistance along with $300 compensation. Type 3 issues requiring more than three days of repair receive $100 per additional day beyond the initial three days.

VinFast ensures that if Type 1 and Type 2 issues occur simultaneously, customers will receive support for both. Additionally, if a Type 3 issue arises, eligible customers will also receive Type 3 support. However, the company has not specified the criteria for determining cash versus voucher eligibility.

The after-sales policy excludes hardware upgrades, scheduled software updates, accidents, customer-induced vehicle damage, non-compliance with manufacturer instructions, and issues that cannot be replicated by VinFast.

While the policy is currently limited to the US, Canada, and Vietnam, VinFast plans to expand its coverage in the future. European customers will have to wait, as EV deliveries have not yet begun on the continent.

The VF 8, VinFast's flagship electric crossover, is the only model available in the US. Priced from $46,000 USD, it boasts a 349-horsepower dual-motor setup and an 87.7-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a range of 264 miles. The City Edition Plus, with 402 horsepower and a range of 191 miles, comes at a higher cost of over $55,000 USD.

VinFast's innovative after-sales policy aims to enhance interest in the VF 8, a vehicle with potential for improvement according to automotive reviewer Steven Ewing. With its competitive pricing and performance, VinFast seeks to address customer concerns and establish a strong foothold in the EV market.

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Clean Energy and Mobility

Switching to Electric Construction Equipment: Advantages, Savings, and Sustainability.

The construction industry is embracing electric equipment as the new standard on job sites. Electric construction equipment offers numerous advantages, driving the industry's transition. Here are six reasons why the switch is happening:

  1. Lower operating costs: Electric equipment eliminates idle time and provides a full day of productive work on a single charge, saving money on diesel fuel consumption.

  2. Lower maintenance costs: Electric construction equipment has fewer friction-generating parts compared to piston engines, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements.

  3. Federal and state tax credits: Tax credits are available for organizations adopting electric equipment, offering substantial savings for fleet operators.

  4. Carbon credits and offsets: Electric equipment helps companies reduce emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Carbon credits and offsets provide opportunities to offset carbon footprints and support ESG goals.

  5. ESG goals: Many organizations are committed to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) goals. Going electric aligns with these objectives and helps mitigate risks associated with noncompliance and reputational damage.

  6. Continuous improvement: Electric construction equipment and EV chargers are expected to advance significantly in the coming years, offering faster and more efficient charging solutions, further driving adoption in the industry.

As the construction sector increasingly recognizes the benefits, electric equipment will dominate job sites, providing cost savings, environmental advantages, and support for sustainability initiatives. The ongoing development of electric construction equipment will continue to enhance its performance and efficiency, making it an even more attractive choice for the industry.

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