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:

• Ford Shifts Gears: Oakville Plant to Produce Super Duty Trucks Instead of EVs.

• Webinar: Canada Talks Electric Cars with Dr. Jeff Dahn.

• Tesla Secures Transport Canada Exemption for Cybertruck's Drive-by-Wire System.

• Tesla Q2 2024 Quarterly Update Summary.

• Discover the Cadillac SOLLEI Concept: A Convertible EV.

• Rivian's R3X to Lead the R3 Lineup Amid R2's Impressive Preorder Momentum.

• +more!

Canada

Ford Shifts Gears: Oakville Plant to Produce Super Duty Trucks Instead of EVs.

Ford has announced a major pivot in its production strategy at the Oakville, Ontario plant. Initially set to produce electric vehicles, the plant will now focus on manufacturing F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks. This decision follows the conclusion of production for the Ford Edge and Lincoln Nautilus SUVs at the Oakville facility.

The shift is driven by the success of Ford’s Pro program, targeting fleet customers, and the immense popularity and profitability of the Super Duty trucks. Despite this change, Ford indicates that EV production is still a future consideration for the plant. With the inclusion of Oakville, Ford will bolster its Super Duty production alongside the Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant, both currently operating at full capacity. The Oakville facility will have the capacity to produce up to 100,000 Super Duty trucks annually.

This “strategic” move paves the way for the integration of multi-energy technology in the next generation of Super Duty trucks, offering customers more flexibility and aligning with Ford’s broader electrification goals. While the all-electric Lightning is based on the F-150, current Super Duty models are powered by gasoline or diesel engines.

Ford’s retooling plans for the Oakville plant, initially announced in April 2023, included a $1.8-billion investment for battery pack assembly. The new Super Duty production will require an investment of approximately US$3 billion, with US$2.3 billion allocated for assembly and integrated stamping at Oakville. This initiative will create 1,800 jobs initially, which is 400 more than the required workforce for the planned three-row EV production. Workers represented by Unifor will commence in 2026, a year earlier than originally planned.

The new production line will also enhance operations at Ford’s engine plant in Windsor, Ontario, adding 150 jobs for increased V8 engine production. Additionally, it will create new jobs and overtime opportunities at three U.S. plants involved in producing transmissions, axles, and other components for the trucks.

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Webinar: Canada Talks Electric Cars with Dr. Jeff Dahn.

This is a webinar you don’t want to miss! On August 6th at 7:30pm Eastern Time, EV Society’s webinar series “Canada Talks Electric Cars” will have Dr. Jeff Dahn to discuss lithium-ion batteries, their applications in EVs and storage and the current path of battery research.

Dr. Dahn is recognized as one of the pioneering developers of the lithium-ion battery that is now used worldwide in laptop computers, cell-phones and many other devices including EVs.

Register for this amazing opportunity to have your battery questions answered by a true authority on the subject.

Tesla Secures Transport Canada Exemption for Cybertruck's Drive-by-Wire System.

Tesla has taken a significant step forward in its Cybertruck launch plans by securing an exemption from Transport Canada. This exemption allows the Cybertruck to utilize its innovative drive-by-wire system, which deviates from the traditional minimum steering angle requirement of ±270 degrees.

While North America remains a primary market for the Cybertruck due to higher demand for pickup trucks, Tesla is exploring opportunities in other regions. However, the unique form factor of the Cybertruck presents regulatory challenges that may necessitate design modifications for certification in these markets.

Transport Canada generally aligns with U.S. automotive regulations, facilitating a smoother approval process for vehicles in both countries. Despite this alignment, Tesla needed to obtain a specific exemption to meet Canadian standards for the Cybertruck's drive-by-wire system.

Transport Canada has officially announced Tesla's exemption, stating:

This regulatory milestone marks is a key milestone for Tesla, bringing the highly anticipated Cybertruck closer to its official launch in Canada.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Tesla Q2 2024 Quarterly Update Summary.

Tesla Motors has reported second-quarter earnings, and the stock is down more than 12% today due to below-expected earnings. However, the company delivered an increase in year-over-year revenues. Below are some key highlights from the Tesla Q2 2024 update.

Financial Highlights:

• Revenue: $25.5 billion, a 2% YoY increase.

• Profitability: $1.6 billion GAAP operating income, $1.5 billion GAAP net income, $1.8 billion non-GAAP net income.

• Cash Flow: $3.6 billion operating cash flow, $1.3 billion free cash flow, cash and investments rose to $30.7 billion.

Operational Highlights:

• Vehicle Production and Deliveries: Total production was 410,831 vehicles, total deliveries were 443,956 vehicles.

• Energy Storage: Record 9.4 GWh deployed, a significant increase in Megapack and Powerwall deployment.

• Cybertruck: Became the best-selling EV pickup in the U.S.

Technological Advancements:

• AI and FSD: Progress in AI initiatives, with enhancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities and increased focus on AI-enabled products.

• Battery and Powertrain: Over 50% increase in 4680 cell production compared to Q1, cost reductions achieved.

Outlook:

• Vehicle Volume Growth: May be lower in 2024 compared to 2023, focus on launching next-gen vehicle platform.

• Energy Storage Growth: Expected to outpace the Automotive business.

• Product Development: Plans for more affordable models on track for 2025 production start.

Overall, Tesla continues to focus on cost reduction, increasing production efficiency, and expanding its product and technological capabilities while maintaining strong financial health.

Check out the livestream of the financial results and Q&A below:

Discover the Cadillac SOLLEI Concept: A Convertible EV.

Cadillac has unveiled the SOLLEI concept vehicle, representing coach-built luxury in an all-electric 2+2 convertible.

Key features include:

• Signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen

• Stunning interior and exterior lighting choreography

• Intuitive front and rear command consoles

The name SOLLEI combines "sun" (SOL) and "leisure" (LEI), symbolizing Cadillac’s vision for a relaxed, open-air lifestyle. This concept celebrates Cadillac’s heritage of elegant convertibles, blending high luxury with modern design and experiences.

SOLLEI is Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to use bio-based materials, in collaboration with MycoWorks. The charging mats and door map pockets feature Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks, a renewable material grown from the root structure of mushrooms, aligning with Cadillac’s mission to pioneer sustainable automotive resources.

The SOLLEI’s exterior is a blend of emotion and unmistakable Cadillac proportions. Its low, elongated body, wide stance, and long coupe door facilitate easy access to the spacious rear. Other design features include:

• Uninterrupted surfaces and stretched A-line

• Dynamic yet elegant proportions with a low tail design

• Discrete buttons replacing conventional door handles for a clean profile

• The exterior is finished in “Manila Cream,” a color revived from Cadillacs of 1957 and 1958, meticulously hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen.

Cadillac’s “art of travel” philosophy shines through in the SOLLEI’s interior. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with crystal glasses, and illuminated décor adding to the brand’s unparalleled aesthetics. The interior decor honors natural color and grain variations with unstained wood veneers and open-pore finishes.

Cadillac utilizes lighting as a layer of personalization. The SOLLEI offers ambient lighting with 126 color options across multiple zones, personalizing the interior ambiance.

For bird-watching enthusiasts, the SOLLEI includes a custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case with 3D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal with hand-painted bird illustrations, and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, matching the vehicle's interior.

The SOLLEI celebrates travel and the celestial environment with rich sensory engagement and unexpected discoveries. Sun-themed features include:

• Sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography

• Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns

• Fine Nappa leather with a pink iridescent pigment for a subtle sunrise effect

The SOLLEI concept was brought to life to share Cadillac’s vision to blend modern design with the timeless elegance of its iconic convertibles. The concept was unveiled at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, dedicated to bespoke design experiences for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients.

Rivian's R3X to Lead the R3 Lineup Amid R2's Impressive Preorder Momentum.

Rivian has EVers patiently waiting for upcoming launches, starting with the highly anticipated R3X. This performance variant will be the first in the R3 lineup, according to CEO RJ Scaringe. Meanwhile, Rivian's R2 crossover is making waves with "well over 100,000" preorders, positioning it as a formidable contender against Tesla's Model Y.

Scaringe announced that the R3X electric SUV will debut before the base model, emphasizing a launch "as soon as we possibly can." The R3 lineup, previewed during Rivian’s R2 reveal event in March, promises cutting-edge features and performance:

• Price: Expected to be less than the R2, which starts at $45,000 USD.

• Performance: Boasts “more dynamic abilities, both on and off-road.”

• Technology: Includes "dramatically enhanced autonomous capabilities."

• Charging: Equipped with a NACS charging port.

• Battery: Features Rivian’s new 4695 cylindrical battery cells.

The R2 is scheduled to enter production in the first half of 2026, offering over 480 km (300 miles) of range and a 0-100 km/h time of three seconds. The R3 lineup, including the R3X, is anticipated to launch in 2027.

R2's Surge in Preorders: Over 100,000 and Counting

Rivian's R2 concept, revealed earlier this year, aims to democratize electric vehicles with a more affordable price point. At a recent event at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois plant, Vice President of Manufacturing Tim Fallon announced that preorders for the R2 had surpassed 100,000, with orders growing "organically." Initially, the R2 garnered over 68,000 reservations within 24 hours of opening preorders.

The R2, priced at around $60,000 CAD, targets the same market segment as Tesla's Model Y, the world's best-selling car in 2023. The R2 promises similar capabilities to the more expensive R1 models but in a compact, accessible package. Key features include:

• Size: Approximately 15 inches shorter than the R1S.

• Range: Larger battery offering at least 300 miles.

• Variants: Available in single, dual, and tri-motor options, with the tri-motor achieving a 0-60 mph time of under three seconds.

• Charging: Equipped with the NACS port for Tesla charging network access.

Here is the the launch event if you have been living under a rock and haven’t watched it yet:

Despite initial skepticism about Rivian's long-term viability, the company has shown substantial progress. The enthusiastic response to the R2 and the upcoming R3 lineup, coupled with the impressive preorder numbers, underscores Rivian's potential to disrupt the electric vehicle market.

QuickEV

• Jeep to try and challenge Rivan, Tesla Cybertruck with the Gladiator EV.

• Google’s Alphabet Inc. doubles down on robotaxis, committing another $5 billion into Waymo.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Model Y Owner Bought A Rivian R1T And He Loves It. Mostly.

• Xiaomi Unveils SU7 Ultra Prototype: A Track-Focused Electric Hypercar.

• [VIDEO] Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Smokes Tesla Model 3 Performance.

• All New Chevy And Cadillac EVs Will Have Fewer Parts.

• Tesla Cybertruck police vehicle to get adopted by Irvine PD.

EV Tweet of the Week

Thoughts on this Cybertruck wrap?