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

Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers them to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

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In this issue:

• Canada Invests in 660 New Level 2 EV Chargers in Nova Scotia.

• Understanding the iZEV Program: What Canadians Need to Know.

• Lucid Group Secures $1.5 Billion USD Investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

• Uber and BYD Announce Major Partnership to Deploy 100,000 EVs Across EU and Latin America.

• Ford and N+ Unveil Bronco and Mustang Inspired E-Bikes.

• + more!

Canada

Canada Invests in 660 New Level 2 EV Chargers in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia (finally!) is enhancing their EV charging infrastructure with a significant investment from the federal government. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has announced funding for the installation of 660 public Level 2 EV chargers across the province. This initiative aims to increase EV accessibility and support the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The Polycorp Group of Companies will spearhead the majority of this installation project, receiving $3,054,725 CAD to deploy 634 Level 2 chargers and integrate nine multi-unit residential buildings. In addition, 292 Main Street Developments Limited will receive $95,596 CAD for the installation of 26 chargers at Latitude 45 Suites, which will also feature an internal EV car-sharing program.

All 660 chargers are scheduled to be operational by December 2024.

This funding is part of Canada’s ‘Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program,’ designed to support the installation of EV chargers in various locations including multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces, on-street locations, public spaces, and for EV fleets. The Canadian government has allocated over $1 Billion CAD to advance charging infrastructure nationwide, underscoring its commitment to a sustainable transportation future.

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

Understanding the iZEV Program: What Canadians Need to Know.

The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program was launched by the Government of Canada in May 2019 to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by Canadians. Transportation accounts for a significant portion of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, promoting ZEVs is crucial for reducing environmental impact.

What is a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV)?

ZEVs include:

• Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs)

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)

• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)

These vehicles can operate without emitting tailpipe pollutants, which is essential for reducing transportation-related emissions.

Why is iZEV Important?

The iZEV Program is a pivotal step towards Canada's goal of decarbonizing its transportation sector and achieving 100% zero-emission light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. By providing financial incentives, the program makes it more affordable for Canadians to choose environmentally friendly vehicles, thus supporting the country's climate goals.

How to Get Rebates?

To benefit from the iZEV Program:

• Check Vehicle Eligibility: Ensure the vehicle you're interested in is listed as eligible under the iZEV Program - check out the following link to see which EVs are available": Eligible vehicles list.

• Purchase or Lease: Buy or lease the eligible ZEV (minimum 12-month lease).

• Receive the Incentive: The incentive, up to $5,000, is applied at the point of sale by the dealership.

Additional iZEV program offerings include incentives for carsharing companies, if can received 50 incentives per year. Also, Canada is expanding its ZEV charging and refueling stations to support the growing number of ZEVs on the road.

For detailed information on the iZEV Program, including eligible vehicles and how to apply, visit the official iZEV Program page.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Lucid Group Secures $1.5 Billion USD Investment from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Lucid Group, has added to a $1.5 Billion USD investment to its financial resources from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), its largest shareholder.

The investment comprises of two key components: a $750 million purchase of convertible preferred stock and a $750 million credit line from Ayar Third Investment Company, an affiliate of PIF. This investment aims to accelerate the production of Lucid's eagerly awaited Gravity SUV and support the establishment of a new factory in Saudi Arabia with an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles.

This marks PIF's second major investment in Lucid this year, increasing its total stake to approximately 60% and bringing its total investment to around $8 billion.

With this substantial financial backing, Lucid Group is well-positioned to enhance its competitiveness in the rapidly evolving EV market. The investment has positively impacted Lucid’s stock price, which surged by 6% in after-hours trading, reflecting increased investor confidence.

Lucid’s Q2 financial performance showed revenue of $200.6 million USD, with an expectation to deliver around 9,000 vehicles in 2024. Despite facing challenges, the company ended the quarter with a strong liquidity position of $4.28 billion USD.

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Uber and BYD Announce Major Partnership to Deploy 100,000 EVs Across EU and Latin America.

BYD, a leading global manufacturer of new energy vehicles and batteries, has unveiled a significant multi-year strategic partnership with Uber. This collaboration aims to introduce 100,000 new BYD EVs to the Uber platform across key international markets.

The initial focus will be on Europe and Latin America, with plans to extend to the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This partnership will offer Uber drivers access to competitive pricing and financing options for BYD vehicles, enhancing the affordability and accessibility of EVs.

As leaders in their fields—Uber with the largest on-demand EV network and BYD as a top EV manufacturer—this partnership aims to reduce the total cost of EV ownership for Uber drivers, boost EV adoption globally, and provide millions of riders with greener transportation options.

Surveys indicate that cost and financing are significant barriers to EV adoption among Uber drivers, despite their faster transition to electric vehicles compared to private car owners. BYD’s EVs are noted for their lower maintenance and repair costs, wide range of models, superior battery performance, and high build quality, making them ideal for rideshare operations.

The partnership may also offer additional benefits, including potential discounts on charging, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and tailored financing and lease options, depending on the specific needs of drivers in each market.

Uber and BYD plan to collaborate on future autonomous-capable BYD vehicles to be integrated into the Uber platform.

Here’s a post from

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber:

Ford and N+ Unveil Bronco and Mustang Inspired E-Bikes.

Ford is merging its automotive performance with cycling innovation by teaming up with N+, a leading name in cycling technology. The result is a dynamic lineup of officially licensed eBikes inspired by the Ford Bronco and Ford Mustang.

Tyler Hill, Ford Global Brand Licensing Manager, said, “We understand the thrill that comes with driving a Bronco or Mustang. These new eBikes will bring the adventurous spirit of the Bronco and the exhilarating performance of the Mustang to cycling enthusiasts.”

The Bronco eBike is designed to echo the ruggedness and capability of the Bronco SUV. It features a powerful 750W hub-mounted motor generating 85 Nm of torque, complemented by a G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) inspired dual suspension system and a motorcycle-style seat for a truly adventurous ride.

Key Features:

• 750W Hub-Mounted Motor: Delivers 85 Nm of torque, offering a top assist speed of 28 MPH and approximately 60 miles of range on a 3.5-hour charge.

• Four-Piston Hydraulic Brakes: Provides superior braking performance and enhanced control.

• Pirelli Tires and Running Lights: Equipped with 27.5" x 2.6" Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M tires and bright running lights for improved visibility.

• Motorcycle-Inspired Seat: Designed for comfort and style, mirroring the Bronco's adventurous spirit.

• Full-Color LCD Panel: Integrated into the handlebars, displaying real-time speed, battery life, and range.

• Starting at $4,500 USD, the Bronco eBike offers an additional 10 color options for $390 SD beyond the standard Area 51.

In celebration of the Mustang’s 60th anniversary, Ford introduces two Mustang eBike models, including the exclusive Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition available only through Ford dealers. These eBikes capture the performance-driven design of the Mustang sports car, providing a thrilling ride with precise handling.

Key Features:

• 750W Hub-Mounted Motors: Both models deliver 85 Nm of torque, a top assist speed of 28 MPH and approximately 60 miles of range on a 3.5-hour charge.

• Four-Piston Hydraulic Brakes: Ensures maximum safety with robust braking capabilities.

• Pirelli Tires and Running Lights: Features Pirelli Angel GT semi-slick tires for optimal speed and handling, enhancing safety and rider confidence.

• Full-Color LCD Panel: Inspired by the Mustang’s driver display, providing real-time speed, battery life, and range information.

The Mustang eBike starts at $4,000 USD, with an additional $390 USD for 10 color options beyond the standard Carbonized Gray Metallic. The limited edition Mustang 60th Anniversary Edition is available exclusively through Ford dealers.

Both the Bronco and Mustang eBikes are now available for order at www.ford-bikes.com, with deliveries expected later this year.

QuickEV

• Mustang Mach-E Drove 917 km (570 Miles) On A Single Charge.

• [VIDEO] New Model 3 Performance VS IONIQ 5 N: DRAG RACE.

• Honda & Nissan invite Mitsubishi to join EV development partnership.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Kia EV9 cured range anxiety - EV Review.

• Tesla sues EV charging accessory aimed at preventing carjacking.

• [VIDEO] All-Electric Ford EXPLORER Review - Is it Really A VW?

• Wireless EV charging using Porshce Taycan sets record.

• [VIDEO] Why Are Used EV Values Are Dropping Like Crazy?

• Wallbox secures $45 million in fresh capital.

EV Tweet of the Week

Reveal of something new from Rimac… could it be their robotaxi?

Every share reduces the value on the website which then leads to the reveal of their new product.