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

Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers it 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:

• Shop and Charge: FLO and METRO to Deploy Public EV Fast Charging in Quebec and Ontario.

• FLO gets more DOUGH by securing $136M in Financing.

• Hyundai Confirms the Name of New A-Segment Sub-Compact EV: INSTER.

• Rivian Launches their Next-Generation EVs: The Revamped R1S and R1T

• Weekly Chart: EV Battery Data explored.

• Aspark’s next evolution of the OWL Hypercar becomes world’s fastest EV at 438.7 km/h.

• +more!

Canada

Shop and Charge: FLO and METRO to Deploy Public EV Fast Charging in Quebec and Ontario.

FLO, the North American EV charging company and smart charging solutions provider, has partnered with METRO Inc. to deploy fast charging stations at over 130 grocery store locations, including Metro, Super C, Food Basics, and Marché Adonis, across Quebec and Ontario. Beginning in August, this collaboration aims to install at least 500 fast charging ports, providing EV drivers with convenient and accessible charging options, seamlessly integrated into their daily routines.

Many of these new installations are supported by FLO’s partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), which has pledged C$235 million to bring over 1,900 public fast-charging ports online across Canada by 2027.

The chargers located at the 130+ grocery stores will feature the new dual-port FLO Ultra fast charger. With up to 320 kW of available power, the FLO Ultra charger can charge most new EVs to 80% in just 15 minutes. The Ultra fast charger can deliver up to 500kW when paired with a second FLO Ultra charger. Its flexible, modular design and extended cable length ensure ease of use for all makes and models.

In other FLO News: FLO gets more DOUGH by securing $136M in Financing.

FLO has secured $136 million in long-term capital, primarily from a Series E equity financing led by Export Development Canada (EDC). This significant investment, the largest in FLO's history, will drive the company’s growth in the U.S. and Canada and accelerate the deployment of its charging network. The funds will also support the rollout of FLO’s latest products, including the NEVI and Buy America-compliant FLO Ultra fast charger and the next generation of FLO Home residential chargers.

EDC, a long-time supporter of FLO’s mission, first invested in the company in 2020 through its Investment Matching Program and later supported it via its Export Guarantee Program. Erik Brien-Wright, Partner, Mid-Market Growth Capital at EDC, will join FLO’s board of directors.

The equity raise is also supported by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Investissement Québec (IQ), Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Energy Impact Partners (EIP), and MacKinnon, Bennett & Company Inc. (MKB).

This year, FLO is launching two significant new products: the DC ultra fast charger and the next generation of residential chargers.

The new dual-port FLO Ultra charger will charge most new EVs to 80% in 15 minutes with 320kW of power. The station can deliver up to 500kW when paired with a second FLO Ultra charger.

The FLO Ultra charger complies with the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) standards and the Buy America Act, supporting U.S. federal initiatives to build a nationwide network of EV charging stations. Deliveries of the FLO Ultra charger begin this month.

Last month, FLO announced the next generation of FLO Home chargers. The new FLO Home EV chargers will offer three flexible options to meet various needs, including the choice of J3400 (NACS) or J1772 connectors and increased power options with 12 kW (50A) and 19.2 kW (80A). These chargers will be available this summer in the FLO store and through FLO’s distribution partners.

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

Hyundai Confirms the Name of New A-Segment Sub-Compact EV: INSTER.

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the first official teaser images of its new A-segment sub-compact EV, INSTER.

Derived from "intimate" and "innovative," the INSTER marks a significant evolution from Hyundai's Korea-only, petrol-powered CASPER introduced in 2021.

The initial images reveal an SUV profile featuring signature LED daytime running lights, pixel-graphic turn signals, and tail lamps. These elements highlight Hyundai’s distinctive EV design identity.

Hyundai has outlined INSTER’s targeted maximum range of 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge, making it a strong contender in the sub-compact EV market.

The INSTER will make its global debut at the Busan International Mobility Show later this month.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Rivian Launches their Next-Generation EVs: The Revamped R1S and R1T

Rivian has presented the second generation of its flagship electric vehicles: the R1S SUV and R1T pickup. These vehicles have been enhanced with hardware improvements, performance upgrades, and a fully redesigned software experience. Maintaining Rivian's exterior design, these new models introduce a zonal electrical architecture and cutting-edge compute and autonomy platforms.

The new R1 platform delivers exceptional power, performance, and range. The Rivian-designed Quad-Motor R1T boasts 1,025 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h in under 2.5 seconds with 1,198 lb-ft of torque. Available in Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations.

Customers can choose from new Large and Max battery packs, providing up to 675 km of range. For those seeking value, the lithium iron phosphate (LFP)-based Standard pack offers an EPA-estimated 430 km of range.

To maximize efficiency, the next-gen platform features a redesigned heat pump-based thermal system. The new 22-inch aero wheels and tires reduce drag, achieving a coefficient as low as 0.297. Updated suspension and air springs ensure a smooth on-road ride without sacrificing off-road capability.

Rivian’s second-generation R1 vehicles introduce an advanced electrical architecture and compute platform, reducing 17 ECUs to just 7 and eliminating 2.5 km of wiring. The Rivian Autonomy Platform, powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and AI technology, provides industry-leading computing power.

Standard features include high-resolution camera Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist, with the premium Rivian Autonomy Platform+ offering Lane Change on Command and Enhanced Highway Assist later this year. Adaptive Drive Beam headlights enhance safety by dynamically adjusting to oncoming traffic.

Rivian introduces a range of new features for the R1S and R1T. Use car keys via Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, or select Google Pixel devices, for seamless vehicle access. The Rivian Premium Audio system, featuring Dolby Atmos, offers an immersive sound experience.

The Connect+ subscription service supports Google Cast streaming and access to over 3,000 apps, integrating deeply with Apple Music for ad-free listening and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.

Interior enhancements include a Dynamic Glass Roof, customizable interior lighting, and a redesigned software interface powered by Unreal Engine. New premium Ascend trims, Storm Blue exterior paint, and blackout trim options are also available.

Rivian's dedication to sustainability is evident in the new R1 platform. These vehicles achieve a 15% lower lifetime carbon footprint than the first generation, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies and improved materials supply chain. The innovative electrical zonal architecture reduces manufacturing costs and CO2 emissions by about 50% compared to model-year 2022 vehicles.

The second-generation R1S starts at $102,900 CAD and the R1T at $153,100 CAD. Production is based in Normal, Illinois, with immediate deliveries. You can order your R1T and R1S today at www.Rivian.com.

Weekly Chart: Recurrent’s Latest Battery Longevity Report

EV battery data firm Recurrent has released its latest report on battery health and longevity from data collected on 20,000 EVs.

The data shows dramatic improvements in battery health and lifespan when comparing first-generation EVs to the current crop of available vehicles.

The findings should prove interesting to EV owners and prospective buyers, “Across all years and models, outside of big recalls, only 2.5% have been replaced. This increase from last year is entirely due to older cars. For cars older than 2015, replacement rates are 13%, but under 1% for cars from 2016 and newer.”

Aspark’s next evolution of the OWL Hypercar becomes world’s fastest EV at 438.7 km/h.

QuickEV

• Hyundai & Kia close the gap with Tesla as US EV market share hits double-digits.

• [VIDEO] This 'Dead' Tesla Model S Was Bought For Just $10,100.

• McLaren Working On PHEV SUV That Isn’t An SUV: CEO.

• [VIDEO] Watch The 2025 Rivian R1T Hit 100 km/h (60 MPH) In 2.59s.

• Tesla Model Y's 'Juniper' Update Won't Happen This Year, Musk Says.

• [VIDEO] Unkillable: Model S Has 430,000 Miles On Original Battery & Motors.

• Elli introduces new cost-effective charging to drive the energy transition at home.

EV Tweet of the Week

Portable solar panel to charge your EV during the day - what do you think? Looks to add approx. 16-48 km of range per day.