Thanks for tuning into The EV North Newsletter, one week until Halloween!

In this issue you’ll see:

• BMW Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Access with Tesla Supercharger Network.

• Fisker Announces Price Reduction and 2024 Orders for Fisker Ocean in Canada.

• ChargePoint Boosts Production of NACS EV Chargers.

• INFINITI Unveils Vision Qe: A Glimpse into the Electrifying Future.

• Rivian R1T: First EV to Triumph at the Off-Road Rebelle Rally.

• GM Postpones Production of Chevy Equinox, Silverado, and GMC Sierra Denali EVs while withdrawing EV production targets.

• Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Enter Landmark EV Battery Supply Agreement

BUT FIRST: Members of the Tesla Owners Club Ontario got together to take part in a “Tesla Light Show” check it out:

Canada

BMW Expands Electric Vehicle Charging Access with Tesla Supercharger Network.

In a move to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape for customers in Canada, BMW of North America, alongside Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, has unveiled that, starting in early 2025, drivers of BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) equipped with the Combined Charging System (CCS) will have seamless access to designated Tesla Supercharger stations.

Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO of BMW North America, emphasized the importance of this milestone. "With the ever-growing availability of fully electric BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce models in the U.S. market, and with more on the horizon, it is our foremost commitment to ensure convenient access to dependable, high-speed charging," he stated. This collaboration underscores BMW's enduring dedication to expanding the charging infrastructure and advancing the electrification journey.

In the coming months, both companies will collaborate to establish a user-friendly experience that allows BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce EV owners to easily locate and utilize available Superchargers directly from their vehicle's display. Additionally, payments for these charging sessions can be conveniently facilitated through the respective vehicle brand's app.

Beyond the integration of Tesla Superchargers, the BMW Group has announced its intention to embrace the North American Charging Standard (NACS) for its electric vehicles in the United States and Canada, commencing in 2025. This commitment reinforces their proactive approach to promoting uniformity and ease of use within the EV charging ecosystem.

It's essential to note that this agreement is in addition to BMW North America's recent commitment, in conjunction with six other leading automakers, to establish a joint venture company responsible for creating a robust, high-powered EV charging network across North America. This initiative aims to construct a minimum of 30,000 new charging stations in metropolitan areas and along major highways, offering accessibility to drivers of all BEVs, regardless of the manufacturer, using CCS or NACS charging standards. The establishment of the joint venture is anticipated later this year, contingent upon customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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

Fisker Announces Price Reduction and 2024 Orders for Fisker Ocean in Canada.

Fisker Inc is on a mission to create emotionally charged and sustainable electric vehicles, and have unveiled exciting news for Canadian customers. The top-tier Fisker Ocean Extreme trim is now available at a more affordable price, and the company has opened orders for all trim levels, including the Ultra and Sport variants for 2024. Here's a closer look at the details:

Price Adjustment for Fisker Ocean Extreme in Canada

Fisker has made a significant move by reducing the price of the Fisker Ocean Extreme trim in Canada. Previously priced at $89,999 CAD, it's now available at a more accessible $79,799 CAD. This price adjustment is effective immediately and is designed to ensure that Fisker customers enjoy a remarkable blend of innovative features, captivating design, sustainable materials, and an impressive range. Importantly, even customers who have already ordered or purchased the Ocean Extreme will benefit from a substantial $10,200 CAD price adjustment, regardless of their vehicle's production status.

Fisker has announced that 2024 orders for the Fisker Ocean are now open across all trim levels, including the highly anticipated Ultra and Sport models. However, it's worth noting that the pricing for the Ultra and Sport variants will see an adjustment on November 6, 2023, making it crucial for interested buyers to act promptly to secure the current pricing.

• The Fisker Ocean Ultra, with an EPA-estimated range of 563 km (based on EPA evaluation in Canada), will be available at $67,999 CAD, up from the current price of $63,999 CAD.

• The Fisker Ocean Sport will be priced at $45,999 CAD, up from the current price of $43,999 CAD.

Notably, the existing pricing for Sport and Ultra models will be retained for all orders completed on or before November 5, 2023.

The Fisker Ocean Extreme, with its substantial 113 kWh battery pack (106 kWh usable), boasts an EPA range of 579 km. This impressive range positions it as the electric SUV with the longest range in its class. It's a testament to Fisker's commitment to delivering exceptional electric vehicles.

Fisker's Chairman and CEO, Henrik Fisker, expressed the company's dedication to responding to market dynamics, ensuring customers have greater access to the Fisker Ocean, and taking advantage of its outstanding attributes, which include cutting-edge features, eye-catching design, eco-friendly materials, and industry-leading range.

Henrik Fisker also anticipates strong demand for the Fisker Ocean in the coming year, particularly for the Sport and Ultra models, making it an exciting prospect for the EV market in 2024.

For Canadian customers interested in experiencing the Fisker Ocean firsthand, test drives can be scheduled through Fisker's official channels. HERE.

ChargePoint Boosts Production of NACS EV Chargers.

ChargePoint, a provider of networked electric vehicle charging solutions, is intensifying its commitment to EV charging by introducing NACS connector support for both AC and DC charging solutions. The majority of this expanded lineup is set to be available within the next month.

In November, existing DC fast charger customers will receive cable conversion kits, marking a significant milestone for Tesla drivers, as they gain access to public fast charging options for the first time.

ChargePoint's NACS solutions signify the company's dedication to delivering a seamless charging experience for all EV makes and models. Notably, ChargePoint is the first in the charging industry to ship a native DC connector compatible with Tesla vehicles.

Furthermore, the lineup encompasses AC solutions, eliminating the need for cumbersome adapters. For those considering a NACS-equipped vehicle, ChargePoint's popular Home Flex cables are scheduled to be shipped this month for residential installation in homes and garages.

In light of many automakers adopting the NACS standard for upcoming models, ChargePoint now offers a comprehensive range of cable solutions to facilitate EV charging across North America and Europe.

EV Around the World 🌏

INFINITI Unveils Vision Qe: A Glimpse into the Electrifying Future.

Infiniti takes a bold step towards an electrified future with the official debut of the Vision Qe concept, showcasing their upcoming sleek electric sedan. This electrifying revelation occurred at an event near Tokyo Bay, introducing the world to Infiniti's evolved design language and setting the stage for the brand's maiden venture into an all-electric sedan.

The Infiniti Vision Qe concept is a testament to the brand's "Artistry in Motion" design philosophy adapted for the all-electric era. With a design that seamlessly blends artistic intricacies into a single, fluid gesture flowing from the front to the rear, it embodies a sense of graceful motion accentuated by its aerodynamic fastback profile.

Drawing inspiration from three Japanese philosophies – "Kabuku," symbolizing the extraordinary; "Sho," representing speed, dynamism, and movement; and "Sui," reflecting sophistication and purity – Infiniti's global design team has crafted a distinctive design that sparks the imagination. The result is an alluring vision of Infiniti's forthcoming all-electric fastback sedan, hinting at an engaging driving experience.

Infiniti's commitment to visual excellence is evident in the elegant and muscular design of the Vision Qe concept, created by subtle body-side pressing and fender surfacing. It offers a sneak peek into the remarkable all-electric performance that a future production model will deliver.

Dressed in a bespoke Shadow Blue paint, enriched with lustrous gold highlights that shimmer as light dances across its surface, the concept mirrors Infiniti's revitalized visual identity anchored around these two captivating colors.

The Vision Qe concept rides on large wheels featuring a geometric pattern inspired by the coiled structure of an electric motor. Warm gold accents beautifully contrast the rich blue body color.

Infiniti's iconic double-arched grille has been reimagined for the electric era, showcasing sculpted lines within the front fascia and enhanced with a bright LED outline. The "digital piano key" lighting signature, a symbol of Infiniti's innovation, adorns both the front and rear of the concept, casting a brilliant shade of gold.

At the front, the Vision Qe concept boasts a three-dimensional emblem that radiates within the front fascia. Slender headlights connect seamlessly from fender to fender, emphasizing the concept's width and presence.

The rear of the concept features digital piano key tail lamps that run the full width of the vehicle, intricately integrated within an aerodynamic lip, displaying precision in every detail. An animated sequence further adds to the concept's charm, simulating a gracious welcome to the owner as they approach the vehicle.

Infiniti's Vision Qe concept is not just a vision of the future; it's a remarkable blend of artistic design, electrifying performance, and sophisticated elegance. This concept promises an electrifying future for Infiniti and the automotive world.

Rivian R1T: First EV to Triumph at the Off-Road Rebelle Rally.

Rivian is the first EV to clinch victory at the 2023 Rebelle Rally, the longest off-road competition in the United States.

The Rebelle Rally, initiated in 2015, was conceived to provide a platform for women to showcase their adeptness in off-road driving. Teams are tasked with navigating a grueling 2,500-mile course, fraught with deserts, rocky terrain, and scorching winds. The uniqueness of this competition lies in its strict adherence to traditional navigation tools; participants can rely only on paper maps, compasses, and plotters, with no digital GPS aids permitted.

Rivian's journey at the Rebelle Rally dates back to 2020, when the automaker entered a pre-production R1T electric truck. Notably, for the second consecutive year, Rivian employees took the wheel of a vehicle they had actively contributed to in design, construction, and support.

In a noteworthy development, a Rivian customer team, led by Mandy Brezina and navigated by Alex Gilman, completed the rally in their privately owned pure EV. This marked Mandy's fourth appearance at the event, with her customer team securing the 11th position.

The triumphant team, known as "Limestone Legends," comprised Rivian employees Lilly Macaruso as the driver and Alex Anderson as the navigator. Lilly serves as a special projects engineer at Rivian, while Alex is a senior mechanical engineer at the EV startup.

Commenting on their historic win, Alex Anderson expressed, "We learned and grew so much from training to competition. I experienced areas of the world I never imagined I would see as we swept across valleys, mountains, and dunes, all sustainably and nearly silently in our R1T."

This victory marks Lilly and Alex's second appearance at the event, following their impressive fourth-place finish last year and earning the coveted "Rookies of the Year" award.

In the final rally standings, the 2023 Rivian R1T outshone tough competitors, including the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor, and 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Remarkably, three Rivian R1T electric vehicles secured spots in the top 20.

Here's the official ranking for the 2023 Rebelle Rally:

1. 2023 Rivian R1T

2. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe

3. 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

4. 2020 Toyota 4Runner

5. 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor

6. 2023 Ford Bronco Wildtrak

7. 2019 Lexus GX460

8. 2023 Land Rover Defender

9. 2018 Jeep JL

10. 2005 Toyota Tacoma

The Rivian R1T's remarkable win at the Rebelle Rally is not only a testament to its off-road prowess but also a historic moment for electric vehicles in the world of motorsport.

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GM Postpones Production of Chevy Equinox, Silverado, and GMC Sierra Denali EVs.

General Motors (GM) has officially announced a temporary delay in the production of its upcoming electric vehicles, which includes the Chevy Equinox EV, Chevy Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra Denali EV. The decision comes amid changing dynamics in the EV market, characterized by softened demand and declining prices, despite overall year-over-year growth in sales.

The production delay, described as lasting "just a few months," is a strategic move aimed at preserving pricing and enhancing the overall viability of GM's EV lineup, according to GM's CEO, Mary Barra. These adjustments are intended to make the electric trucks more cost-efficient and profitable in the future.

In response to the unexpected slowdown in demand, GM has decided to withdraw its short-term targets for EV sales. Previously, the company had set ambitious goals, such as selling 400,000 EVs in North America from 2022 through mid-2024 and producing 100,000 EVs by the end of 2023. However, GM remains committed to its long-term goal of manufacturing one million EVs by 2025.

During a conference call with investors, Mary Barra acknowledged the present uncertainties and the inevitable ups and downs in the transition to EVs. Despite these challenges, GM reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, with revenue reaching $44.13 billion, surpassing the estimated $43.68 billion.

The delay in production comes at a time when GM is also in the midst of negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) to resolve a strike that has been ongoing for six weeks. The strike has resulted in substantial losses, with GM estimating approximately $200 million per week in lost vehicle production.

While these delays are a setback, GM remains dedicated to its goal of transitioning to an all-electric vehicle lineup in the US by 2035. However, it's clear that the path to full electrification over the next decade, as described by GM's chief financial officer, Paul Jacobson, may be marked by occasional challenges and uncertainties. This includes dealing with issues related to the supply chain and ramping up production for its Ultium-powered EVs, such as the GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq, which have faced their own share of challenges in recent times. Additionally, GM's plan to commence EV truck production at its Orion facility has been pushed back to late 2025, signaling the complexities of transitioning to electric mobility.

Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Enter Landmark EV Battery Supply Agreement.

Samsung SDI and Hyundai Motor Company have forged their first-ever supply agreement for EV batteries. Samsung SDI is set to provide prismatic batteries for Hyundai Motor's electric vehicles, with a primary focus on the European market, spanning an impressive seven-year contract from 2026 to 2032.

This monumental collaboration marks a significant milestone, as it represents the maiden partnership between Samsung and Hyundai Motor Group within the realm of EV batteries. With this supply deal, Samsung SDI not only gains Hyundai Motor as a new customer but also propels its growth trajectory, aligning with the expanding horizons of this strategic partnership.

The partnership holds the promise of enabling Hyundai Motor to diversify its battery form factors, specifically through the supply of prismatic batteries. For Hyundai, this agreement serves as a pivotal opportunity to boost the adoption of prismatic batteries, a crucial aspect in the ever-evolving landscape of electric mobility.

Beyond this supply agreement, the two entities plan to continue their collaboration in leading-edge research on next-generation battery platforms, further solidifying their collective commitment to innovation in the EV domain.

The batteries earmarked for Hyundai Motor will be the sixth-generation prismatic battery from Samsung SDI, aptly designated as "P6." The P6 battery boasts a remarkable 91% nickel-high NCA cathode and Samsung SDI's proprietary silicon-based anode, optimizing energy density to peak levels. These cutting-edge P6 batteries will be produced at Samsung SDI's facility in Hungary and supplied to Hyundai Motor's European production facility.

Yoon-ho Choi, President and CEO of Samsung SDI, expressed, "We have taken the very first step forward with Hyundai Motor Company, a leader in the global automobile industry. The company is committed to making every effort to support Hyundai Motor in strengthening its global market leadership. This will be accomplished by expanding our long-term partnership with the automaker, offering unparalleled technologies and supreme quality to our valued customer."

QuickEV

• We’ll Finally See The Lucid Gravity SUV In November.

• Toyota and Lexus join the Tesla charging connector bandwagon.

• [VIDEO] Going 190 MPH In A Tesla Model S Plaid At The Nurburgring.

• Ford Recalls 35,000 Mustang Mach-Es Citing Battery System Hazard.

• Nissan Nissan Hyper Punk concept: for content creators & artists.

• [VIDEO] The GT4 e-Performance takes on Laguna Seca Raceway.

• Chevy Bolt owners could receive $1,400 from GM for nerfed batteries.

• California DMV suspends Cruise’s robotaxi permit ‘effective immediately’.

• [LIVESTREAM] Honda Concept Cars Debut At Japan Mobility Show: See The Livestream.

  
  

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