Hello and welcome to the EV Newsletter!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone is well rested from a weekend filled with family, friends (old and new) and gratitude for the life that we live.

I’d also like to send my sympathies to the people of Israel and the immense tragedies that they are facing. The horrific headlines and stories coming from Israel make me even more thankful this past Thanksgiving. I hope that the people of Israel find safety and security during these tragic events.

Canada

GM and Canadian Union Reach Tentative Agreement, Ending Strike.

General Motors (GM) and the Canadian union Unifor have reached a tentative agreement, ending a strike by 4,300 workers at three GM facilities. The strike lasted approximately 12 hours and had the potential to disrupt GM's profitable full-size truck production. Workers will need to vote to approve the agreement.

The tentative agreement follows a pattern agreement that Unifor reached with Ford Motor last month. It includes wage hikes of up to 25% and addresses key issues such as pensions, retiree income support, and the conversion of full-time temporary workers into permanent employees over the agreement's duration.

One significant aspect of the agreement is the reduction of the time needed to reach top pay from eight years to four years. This change is essential, particularly for younger GM Canadian workers.

While the tentative agreement is a positive development, it must still be ratified by the workers. The strike's resolution and the agreement's terms reflect the company's recognition of the contributions of its represented team members, with significant increases in wages, benefits, and job security.

The strike's impact was potentially significant for GM, which is already facing challenges in the U.S. due to a strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) that began on September 15. GM has lost a substantial number of vehicles in production since the start of the UAW strike, and the strike has forced GM to lay off U.S. workers.

Unifor employed a "pattern bargaining" approach in its negotiations, reaching an agreement with Ford before negotiating with GM. The union expects GM to follow this pattern, while the UAW has taken a different approach under its new leadership.

The resolution of the GM strike underscores the increasing use of strikes across various sectors, including automakers, as unions leverage a tight labor market and positive public opinion, despite a decline in union membership. Unifor, which represents approximately 18,000 Canadian workers at Ford, GM, and Stellantis (Chrysler's parent company), has employed this approach effectively in its negotiations.

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Volvo Car Canada Announces Pricing for 2025 Volvo EX30: A Small Premium Electric SUV.

Volvo Car Canada Ltd. has unveiled the pricing details for its latest addition to the electric vehicle lineup, the 2025 Volvo EX30. This fully electric SUV, introduced in Milan, Italy, expands Volvo's electric vehicle offerings to four models.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 starts at an enticing price of $53,700. This affordability brings customers a premium electric SUV with pricing comparable to traditional internal combustion engine equivalents.

The Volvo EX30 showcases Scandinavian design principles in a more compact form. Customers can select from five exterior colors, ranging from bold to elegant. Inside, it offers a luxurious, minimalist Scandinavian design using natural and recycled leather-free materials. Four unique interior design expressions and five ambient light themes inspired by Swedish landscapes allow for a personalized experience.

The Volvo EX30 is engineered to meet Volvo's high safety standards, designed to protect both passengers and the environment. It's aimed at having the lowest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date. This aligns with Volvo's goal of becoming a fully electric car company by 2030 and carbon-neutral by 2040.

The 2025 Volvo EX30 comes with Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. It also features wireless Apple CarPlay and a range of advanced safety features, making it a comprehensive choice. Upgrading to the Plus or Ultra package levels provides additional perks such as an immersive sound experience, panoramic roof, advanced driver-assist systems, and more.

The Volvo EX30 offers two electric propulsion options for various driving needs. The Single Motor Extended Range variant provides up to 442 kilometers of EPA-estimated fully electric range. It comes in three package levels with competitive pricing.

Canadians can configure and reserve their 2025 Volvo EX30 starting in the fall, with deliveries expected next summer. This model is part of Volvo Car Canada's 'One Price Promise,' ensuring a transparent and negotiation-free shopping experience.

Jay Leno and the Tesla Semi.

EV Around the World 🌏

Electric Motorcycles: Kawasaki and Zero Make Waves with Pricing and Performance.

In the realm of electric motorcycles, two major players, Kawasaki and Zero Motorcycles, have recently made significant announcements regarding their offerings, shaking up the industry with competitive pricing and impressive performance features.

Zero Motorcycles Slashes Prices for Electric Lineup

Zero Motorcycles, a renowned American electric motorcycle manufacturer, has taken the bold step of permanently reducing the prices of its entire range of 2022 and 2023 electric motorcycles available in North America. These price drops are aimed at making electric riding more accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts.

The price adjustments vary, with reductions ranging from $1,000 to $4,500, and they apply to both the 2022 and 2023 models. Even the most premium models from Zero have seen substantial price cuts. According to Mike Cunningham, Vice President of Sales at Zero Motorcycles, this move is part of the company's commitment to lead the electric motorcycle revolution:

"This MSRP reduction is another example of how Zero Motorcycles continues to lead the charge. It enables Zero to leverage its scale and manufacturing efficiency to make EV motorcycles accessible to a greater number of riders as demand increases and the industry continues to evolve."

These lower prices position Zero's electric motorcycles as highly competitive options in the commuter electric motorcycle market. Notable price reductions include the 2023 FX and FXE models, now priced at $11,995 after a $1,000 cut, and the 2023 Zero S and Zero DS models, now the most affordable in the lineup at $11,745 after a $1,250 price reduction. The 2023 SR and DSR have dropped by $3,000, with new prices of $16,995 and $14,995, respectively. The flagship street bikes, the 2023 Zero SR/S and SR/F, have seen a $4,000 price reduction, with new prices of $19,995 and $19,795. The adventure bike, the 2023 DSR/X, has been reduced by $4,500 to $19,995.

As this pricing adjustment aligns with Zero's anticipated 2024 model year lineup, the question remains whether these price reductions will persist in the upcoming models. Zero typically unveils new model lines between September and November, bringing a mix of minor aesthetic changes, new models, larger motors, and batteries. This price restructuring also coincides with the entry of lower and mid-performance electric motorcycles in the US market, intensifying competition in the sector.

Zero Motorcycles' commitment to competitive pricing aligns with the growing interest in electric mobility and makes electric motorcycles an appealing option for riders seeking eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions.

Kawasaki's Affordable Entry into Electric Motorcycles

On the other side of the spectrum, Kawasaki has unveiled its first foray into electric motorcycles with the Kawasaki Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. Both models are designed for the commuter market, offering affordable pricing and essential performance features. In the US, the Ninja e-1 is priced at $7,599, while the 2024 Z e-1 starts at a slightly lower $7,299.

Both models share a 5 kW electric motor, with a peak power of 9 kW in short bursts. Riders can select from Eco and Road modes, with a boost button that temporarily increases power and top speed. In Eco mode, the bikes are limited to 40 mph, but they can reach 47 mph in boost mode. Road mode provides a constant speed of 55 mph, extendable to 65 mph with the boost feature, which lasts for 15 seconds.

The bikes use removable 1.5 kWh battery packs, offering a combined 3 kWh of capacity. While smaller than some competitors, the bikes are designed for urban riding. In Road mode, they provide around 41 miles of range, with an estimated average speed of 35 mph.

Recharging the 25 lb. batteries is convenient, taking less than four hours for a full charge from a standard wall outlet, or just under two hours to reach 20-80% capacity. These electric motorcycles are well-suited for urban use, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for city dwellers, particularly with their removable batteries that allow at-home charging.

Kawasaki's entry into the electric motorcycle market provides a more affordable option for those seeking emission-free urban transportation, balancing price and performance to cater to a broader audience.

Nissan Reveals All-Electric Hyper Urban Concept Ahead of Japan Mobility Show.

In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Nissan is set to unveil a series of thrilling all-electric concept vehicles. The first in this exciting lineup is the Nissan Hyper Urban, which has been introduced digitally.

These concepts, introduced one by one in digital form leading up to the show's press day on October 25, are aptly named "hyper" to convey the heightened excitement and innovation they promise to bring. Each concept is represented by a distinctive character and is equipped with tailored features that cater to unique lifestyles and diverse aspirations. These concepts aim to empower customers to make a positive impact on the planet without sacrificing style or enjoyment.

Nissan's vision for the Japan Mobility Show underscores the company's unwavering commitment to enriching people's lives and reshaping the electric vehicle landscape with transformative products and technologies.

The Nissan Hyper Urban made its digital premiere at Nissan's new vehicle design hall within the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi, Kanagawa.

The Nissan Hyper Urban boasts a design that perfectly aligns with the refined tastes of its target users, including urban- and suburban-based professionals with a focus on environmental sustainability. Its sleek and contemporary aesthetic not only caters to discerning users but also makes a bold statement while harmonizing with the urban environment.

This concept is not just a stylish vehicle; it is fully integrated into the EV ecosystem. It features an impressive V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) function, offering significant energy cost savings by powering homes and reducing the strain on the power grid. With V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) capability, owners can even contribute excess power to support the local community while earning money. The Intelligent Charging Management System, driven by AI, autonomously charges vehicles and powers buildings, ensuring efficient power management.

Sustainability extends to the vehicle's lifespan, making it ideal for those who value long-term ownership. Hardware updates and regular software updates offer a fresh ownership experience over the years. For instance, the interior can be refreshed with a new instrument panel reflecting the latest technologies and UI trends.

The Nissan Hyper Urban represents the future of Nissan's electric offerings, showcasing advanced design and technology. Its lime yellow exterior changes in appearance with varying light angles, capturing attention while blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Scissor doors at the front and rear exude character and openness, and the sporty silhouette enhances aerodynamic efficiency. Wide tires add a touch of urban ruggedness to the overall aesthetics.

The interior is designed to harmonize with urban living spaces. Inspired by kaleidoscopic triangles, the instrument panel and display can be customized to match the owner's mood. Additionally, the front seats can fold into the back seats, creating a cozy, sofa-like relaxation space. The Nissan Hyper Urban effortlessly integrates relaxation and utility, offering a multifunctional interior space to unwind when not on the road.

Nissan has also digitally released the Nissan Hyper Adventure:

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Kia Teases Two New EVs Ahead of Inaugural EV Day Event on Oct 12

Kia is gearing up for its highly-anticipated EV Day event, where the brand will unveil its expanded electric vehicle (EV) lineup, featuring three new small to medium-sized electric models. This event is set to take place on October 12 in Yeoju, Korea.

Kia's EV Day event will not only mark a significant milestone but will also establish an annual tradition. It will serve as a platform to showcase Kia's latest electric models, groundbreaking concepts, and cutting-edge technologies.

During the inaugural Kia EV Day event, attendees can look forward to a comprehensive display of the entire EV lineup. This includes the Kia EV5, EV6 GT, and EV9. Furthermore, two new concept EVs will be introduced, providing in-depth specifications of the EV5, which made its debut at the Chengdu Motor Show in August.

Kia has offered a teaser image, offering a sneak peek at what's to come. It features familiar models such as the EV6 GT, EV5, and EV9. However, two other vehicles are also visible, although their identities are not as apparent.

The second vehicle from the right is believed to be the upcoming EV3 subcompact electric crossover, based on its size and design language. The second vehicle from the left, though, presents a bit more of a mystery. It combines curved lines with design cues from the SUV lineup. Its body style suggests it could be a crossover coupe or a fastback sedan.

As Kia promises to unveil concept vehicles at the EV Day event, these two mystery cars may be close to production concepts.

Kia's EV Day will also feature influential keynote speakers who will address pivotal topics related to the brand's transition towards sustainable mobility solutions. These subjects encompass Kia's comprehensive EV strategy, the "Opposites United" design philosophy, customer experience (CX) enhancements, and exciting product insights.

The event is poised to provide a window into Kia's electric future, showcasing its dedication to innovation, sustainable mobility, and customer-focused solutions. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this significant event.

Aptera October Update.

QuickEV

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• F-150 Lightning Flash:more range, a bigger screen, and heat pump.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Cybertruck Spotted Towing SpaceX Rocket Engine.

• XPeng Motors G9: First Drive - It should be sold in North America.

• Lucid Adds Air Pure RWD To Model Lineup.

• [VIDEO] Lamborghini Revuelto PHEV Test Drive.

• Tesla prices keep dropping, Model 3 & Y now at lowest prices ever.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Review & Why It's Worth $500,000.

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