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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:

• Goodyear Expands Electric Vehicle Tire Production in Canada with a Major Investment in Ontario Plant.

• Government of Canada Invests $7.5 Million for 35 Projects as Part of the Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI).

• ZEV Dashboard Enhances Transparency in EV and Charger Adoption Across Canada.

• 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Priced at $77,495 in Canada.

• Rimac Unveils the Enhanced Nevera R, Pushing the Limits of Electric Supercars.

• Lamborghini Temerario: The Front-Drive Hybrid Supercar with Cutting-Edge Technology.

• + more!

Canada

Goodyear Expands Electric Vehicle Tire Production in Canada with a Major Investment in Ontario Plant.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is expanding and modernizing its Napanee, Ontario facility to cater to the growing demands of the electric vehicle (EV) and all-terrain markets. This investment will help Goodyear gain market share in the future of tire production while contributing to the local economy.

Key Highlights of the Investment:

• $575 Million CAD Investment: Goodyear is committing over $575 million CAD to the expansion of its Napanee plant. This funding will be allocated towards building expansions, state-of-the-art equipment, and enhanced manufacturing capabilities.

• Job Creation: The expansion will create 200 new, highly skilled manufacturing jobs in Eastern Ontario, boosting the local job market and contributing to regional economic growth. This will bring the total workforce at the Napanee plant to over 1,000 employees.

• Environmental Commitment: The Napanee facility, already recognized for its net-zero waste to landfill status, will further integrate advanced environmental solutions. These enhancements aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Goodyear’s commitment to sustainability.

Federally, the Government of Canada will invest $44.3 million CAD through its Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) to support the expansion and strengthen Canada’s automotive manufacturing supply chain. Provincially, the Government of Ontario, through Invest Ontario, will contribute $20 million CAD for innovative technologies and skills training. Locally, the Town of Greater Napanee, Township of Stone Mills, and County of Lennox and Addington will provide approximately $2 million CAD in incentives over four years through an Industrial Community Improvement Plan.

Construction of the expanded facility began earlier this year, with completion expected by mid-2027. The new equipment and technology will position Goodyear’s Napanee plant as a leading producer in the global tire market, prepared to meet future industry demands.

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

Government of Canada Invests $7.5 Million for 35 Projects as Part of the Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI).

Addressing climate change requires collective action, and a major component of this effort is transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). On-road transportation contributes 20% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with light-duty vehicles (LDVs) accounting for half of this figure. The shift to EVs is crucial for reducing these emissions and achieving Canada's climate goals.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a federal investment of $7.5 million to advance the Zero-Emissions Vehicles Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI). This initiative will fund 35 projects aimed at raising awareness and educating Canadians about zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), public charging and refueling infrastructure, and clean fuels.

Funding Breakdown:

• Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDV): $4,236,774

• Light-Duty Vehicles (LDV): $1,947,928

• Clean Fuels: $1,321,750

• Enhanced Access to ZEV Infrastructure Funding

To facilitate access to funding, a newly launched ZEV infrastructure funding landing page is now available. This resource, developed by Natural Resources Canada in collaboration with Infrastructure Canada and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, helps Canadian businesses and organizations find and apply for funding opportunities tailored to their ZEV infrastructure projects.

In addition to promoting electric vehicles, the Canadian government is investing in clean fuels, including clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, liquid synthetic fuels, and renewable natural gas. These fuels are essential for decarbonizing hard-to-reach sectors such as industry and medium- and heavy-duty freight.

The complete list of projects that are receiving funding, click here.

ZEV Dashboard Enhances Transparency in EV and Charger Adoption Across Canada.

The federal government has introduced the ZEV Council Dashboard, a tool designed to provide comprehensive insights into electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging infrastructure across Canada. Developed jointly by Transport Canada and the ZEV Council panel, this new online resource aims to bring greater transparency and accessibility to data on the country’s transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Benefits of the ZEV Council Dashboard:

Unified Data Source: The dashboard consolidates information from various sources, offering a comprehensive view of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty EV adoption rates and charging station availability.

Quarterly Updates: The tool provides regular updates on market share for new light-duty and medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. It also tracks the uptake of incentive programs and the deployment of charging and hydrogen refueling stations, including federal investments in these areas.

Insights on Market Trends: For Q1 2024, the dashboard highlights that Quebec and British Columbia lead in light-duty EV registrations with market shares of 28.3% and 22.7%, respectively. Yukon follows with 11.4%, while Prince Edward Island and Ontario round out the top five with 8.2% and 7.9%, respectively.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle (MHDV) Adoption: Yukon leads in MHDV market share with 4.2% for Q1 2024, followed by Quebec at 3.5%. Overall, Canada saw 418,800 new battery-electric passenger vehicle registrations and 4,590 new electric MHDV registrations as of January 2024.

Rebate Claims: The iZEV rebate program has processed over 160,000 claims between 2023 and 2024 year-to-date, reflecting strong consumer interest in EVs.

The dashboard also provides valuable data on the ratio of public charging stations to EVs across Canada:

National Average: There are currently 24 EVs per public charging port in Canada, which includes both battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Regional Differences: Quebec leads with the highest number of public EV chargers—4,114 stations, including 1,577 DC fast charger ports and 8,126 Level 2 ports. In contrast, the Northwest Territories has the fewest with just three EV charging stations (two DC fast charger ports and two Level 2 ports).

The government has funded a total of 46,244 charging ports across Canada, with many of these still in the planning stages.

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Priced at $77,495 in Canada.

The iconic Volkswagen Bus is making a comeback with the 2025 ID. Buzz, starting at $77,495 CAD in Canada. The ID. Buzz electric vehicle (EV) is styled by combining retro charm with modern technology, offering three rows of seating, impressive battery range, and semi-autonomous driving features.

The base model of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is priced at $77,495 CAD, making it Volkswagen's most expensive model in Canada. This rear-wheel-drive version provides 282 horsepower via a 91 kWh battery, and an estimated range of 377 kilometers.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) 4Motion version, which features two motors and 335 horsepower, is priced at just $5,500 more than the base model. Despite having a slightly lower range of 373 kilometers, it is expected to be popular in Canada due to its superior traction in harsh weather conditions.

Here’s a video review from Marques Brownlee:

The ID. Buzz captures the nostalgic essence of the original VW Bus with a modern twist. While it has a slightly chunkier appearance compared to its predecessor, it remains a stylish and functional minivan.

All Canadian ID. Buzz models come with three rows of seats, dual power-sliding rear doors, and powered sliding windows. The base model includes seating for seven, with 12-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row outboard seats. Three-zone automatic climate control ensures a comfortable ride for all passengers.

Standard features include a 12.9-inch infotainment display, a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 30-color ambient lighting, and wireless phone charging. The ID. Buzz is also equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities such as lane changes, and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking.

The “1st Edition” model, which will be available initially, includes exclusive badging, heritage-inspired floor mats, and additional luxury features. The AWD “1st Edition” offers optional second-row captain’s chairs and an electrochromic panoramic roof for an additional $2,000.

A 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers provides premium audio quality. There are eight available 45W USB-C ports and a 110V passenger-seat outlet for added convenience.

Volkswagen Canada has not yet announced specific delivery dates for the ID. Buzz but expects it to arrive in dealerships between now and the end of the year. Keep an eye out for updates from VW dealerships for the latest information.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz combines classic design with cutting-edge technology, offering a compelling choice for those interested in an electric vehicle with a nostalgic touch. With its range of features and starting price, it represents a significant step forward for Volkswagen’s EV offerings in Canada.

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Rimac Unveils the Enhanced Nevera R, Pushing the Limits of Electric Supercars.

Rimac Automobili has taken its electric supercar to the next level with the introduction of the Nevera R. Building on the success of the original Nevera, the Nevera R promises even greater performance and agility. With a power boost and refined features, this hypercar is set to pushing what’s possible with EV performance.

The Rimac Nevera R is now the fastest production EV, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.74 seconds, which is approximately a tenth of a second faster than its predecessor. The upgraded model has an impressive 2,107 horsepower, an increase of around 200 horsepower from the standard Nevera. With these enhancements, the Nevera R achieves a top speed of 412 km/h (256 mph), though it is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph) without manufacturer oversight. The vehicle’s 108 kWh battery is expected to offer about (400km) 250 miles of range based on the European WLTP cycle, though this figure has yet to be officially certified.

The Nevera R features significant aerodynamic improvements, including a larger fixed rear wing and an aggressive diffuser. These changes enhance downforce by 15% and aerodynamic efficiency by 10%. Rimac has also fitted the car with new Michelin Cup 2 tires, improving lateral grip and reducing understeer. On the Nardo Ring, a high-speed Italian track, the Nevera R has demonstrated its superior performance by cutting 3.8 seconds off the original Nevera’s lap time.

Rimac’s CEO, Mate Rimac, describes the Nevera R as a more focused and dynamic iteration of the Nevera, retaining its DNA while delivering enhanced performance. The R model features a power output of 1,571 kW and improved torque vectoring for all-wheel drive. New braking systems have also been added to optimize the car’s handling capabilities. Although the design changes are subtle, the enhancements significantly boost the car's performance and driving experience.

The Rimac Nevera R is a highly exclusive vehicle, with only 40 units planned for production. Priced at $2.5 million, it is aimed at the elite market of hypercar enthusiasts. For those who might find the Nevera R out of reach, Rimac is also working on its Croatian robotaxis, which might offer a more accessible alternative in the future.

You can dive even further into the Rimac Nevera R at their website HERE.

Lamborghini Temerario: The Front-Drive Hybrid Supercar with Cutting-Edge Technology.

The Lamborghini Temerario, the brand's new hybrid supercar, is notable for being the first front-drive Lamborghini in electric mode, utilizing three electric motors—one for each front wheel and one integrated with the engine and transmission. It features an 800-hp twin-turbo V8 with a high 36 PSI boost pressure for exceptional performance. The hybrid system mirrors that of the Revuelto, sharing components like the axial-flux motors and battery pack but differs in the rear motor's setup. With a redline of 10,000 RPM and a valvetrain capable of 11,000 RPM, the Temerario includes advanced roller finger technology for high-rev reliability.

Check out this video from TopGear for more information:

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