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

I hope you had an amazing Canada Day weekend! School’s out for summer!

As you and your family prepares for summer vacations, make sure to prepare properly:

1. Make sure you are fully charged to start your trip.

2. Use resources like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner.

3. Book hotels that have chargers, and remember, DC Fast Charging is where it’s at!

Canada

Hyundai's Second North American EV Assembly Plant: Canada Emerges as a Promising Fit.

Hyundai Motor Group is already looking ahead to its second North American EV assembly plant while its first facility in Georgia is still under construction. The CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, Don Romano, has expressed interest in Canada being part of this expansion plan. With its initial EV facility investment in Georgia and plans for battery plants in collaboration with LG Energy Solutions and SK On, Hyundai recognizes the need for additional manufacturing capacity to meet the future demand for electric vehicles in North America.

Hyundai's investment of $5.5 billion in a new EV assembly and battery plant in Georgia, announced in May, is currently the largest project in the state's history. The construction, initially scheduled to begin in early 2023, was accelerated due to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed in August. Spanning across 3,000 acres, the facility is projected to produce approximately 300,000 electric vehicles annually. In addition, Hyundai has plans to build a battery plant adjacent to the manufacturing facility in collaboration with LG Energy Solutions, with battery production expected to commence in late 2025.

Hyundai's CEO, Don Romano, reveals that Canada is a potential candidate for the location of Hyundai's second EV assembly plant. Despite the current focus on Georgia, Romano emphasizes the need to expand manufacturing capacity to meet the future demand for electric vehicles in North America. Canada is particularly appealing due to its existing automotive market and the absence of a significant manufacturing presence from Hyundai, unlike its competitors Ford, GM, Toyota, Stellantis, and Honda. Hyundai is recognizing the opportunities presented by Canada's push for an EV future, with the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry of Canada expressing the country's commitment to collaborate and expand in the EV industry.

Canada's attractiveness stems from its potential to leverage existing battery plants, technological expertise, skilled workforce, and supplier network. Sam Fiorani, VP of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, highlights the logic in piggybacking off Canada's battery plants and tapping into its research and development capabilities, assembly work, and supplier parts. As Hyundai aspires to become a top global EV producer, a presence in Canada becomes increasingly advantageous.

Hyundai has set its sights on becoming a top three global EV producer, with a goal of achieving two million annual EV sales by 2030. To accomplish this, expanding its North American assembly footprint, potentially in Canada, seems inevitable. Fiorani predicts that by the early 2030s, if not sooner, Hyundai will need to establish additional assembly plants in North America to accommodate its continuous growth trajectory.

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

Canadians Remain Cautious About Electric Vehicle Adoption, Reveals J.D. Power Study.

The J.D. Power Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) Study reveals that Canadians are still hesitant about embracing electric vehicles. With concerns ranging from inadequate charging infrastructure to cost considerations, EV makers face an uphill battle to promote widespread adoption in the Great White North.

According to the EVC Study, only 34% of respondents expressed overall consideration for electric vehicles, while the majority stated they were unlikely to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. These figures highlight a significant portion of the population who remain unconvinced about relying solely on electric-powered vehicles. Interestingly, among those who had the opportunity to experience an EV through rentals or test drives, only 43% expressed interest in purchasing one as their next vehicle, which is less than half.

The survey identifies the key concerns of respondents who are reluctant to invest in an electric vehicle. Topping the list are worries about range anxiety (63%), high sticker prices (59%), and the lack of charging stations (55%).

Regional analysis of the survey results reveals patterns that align with expectations. British Columbia leads the way, with nearly half of respondents from the province expressing consideration for EVs as their next car. Quebec (39%) and Ontario (34%) follow closely. Notably, Ontario's figure might have been higher if the province had not cut its EV rebate program. It comes as no surprise that Atlantic Canada lags behind with only 26% considering EVs, considering the early stages of charging infrastructure development. Similarly, the Prairie provinces stand at 22%, which is consistent with the political climate in the region.

The study methodology is notable for its inclusivity and fair representation. Conducted between April and May, the survey involved an online community with responses from 4,488 consumers. The use of J.D. Power Canada's diverse online panel of Canadian vehicle owners ensures a wide range of perspectives and avoids bias towards any specific view on EVs.

The findings indicate that the road to EV adoption in Canada remains challenging, comparable to convincing a child to eat vegetables. Despite efforts by manufacturers and consumer groups to address range anxiety, the fact that nearly two-thirds of respondents cited this concern indicates that more work needs to be done. The standardization of charging plugs, similar to Tesla's NACS style, could potentially alleviate apprehensions about public charging and increase predictability in the charging process.

EV Around the World 🌏

XPeng Inc. Launches G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV, Showcasing Next-Generation Technology.

China's leading smart electric vehicle (Smart EV) company, XPeng Inc. has officially introduced its highly anticipated G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV. The G6, based on the next-generation technology architecture SEPA2.0, signifies XPeng's commitment to innovation and its mission to lead the mobility transformation. This groundbreaking model is now available for customers in China, with deliveries scheduled to begin in July 2023.

The G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV showcases XPeng's advanced technologies, including the XNGP full-scenario ADAS solution, XPower 800V powertrain system, and 800V high-voltage SiC platform. The vehicle incorporates cutting-edge features such as front and rear integrated aluminum body die-casting and CIB battery-body integration technology, setting new standards for Smart EVs. With a price starting at approx. $38,500 CAD (209,900 RMB), XPeng aims to provide customers with an exceptional and affordable next-generation Smart EV experience.

The G6 is equipped with the industry's only mass-produced full-scenario ADAS, XNGP, which leverages China's first BEV+Transformer-based deep visual neural network XNet. Boasting 31 smart sensors, including two LiDARs, and powered by dual NVIDIA DRIVE Orin-X chips, the G6 provides real-time panoramic road visualization and handles various driving scenarios with or without high-definition (HD) map coverage. XPeng has achieved a remarkable level of ADAS capability with XNGP, a significant step toward fully autonomous driving.

XPeng's G6 also integrates the new-generation Highway NGP, efficient City NGP, and the industry-leading VPA-L memory-based parking function. These features enable end-to-end assisted driving in daily scenarios, with City NGP already available in China's top-tier cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. By the fourth quarter of 2023, XPeng plans to introduce "AI Valet Driver" capabilities, utilizing XNGP's learning capabilities to provide an ADAS experience comparable to that of an experienced driver, even in areas without HD map coverage.

The G6 prioritizes superior range performance and charging experience by achieving industry-leading charging capacity and energy efficiency. Its energy-saving attributes include 17 optimized anti-drag design features, the advanced X-HP 3.0 Intelligent Thermal Management System, and reduced body weight due to China's exclusive front and rear integrated aluminum body die-casting technology. As a result, the G6 delivers a range of up to 755 km (CLTC) with 13.2kWh energy consumption per 100 km.

Moreover, the G6 incorporates the industry's first mass-produced 800V SiC (silicon carbide) platform and a standard 3C battery, enabling rapid charging. The vehicle can achieve a charging speed of 300 km in just 10 minutes on XPENG S3/S4 supercharging piles. Even on public fast-charging stations, the G6 charges more than twice as fast as previous-generation 400V models available in the market.

In terms of safety, the G6 excels by adhering to the highest safety certification standards. Its body structure combines steel and lightweight aluminum, providing robust safety features without compromising weight. The CIB battery-body integration technology, featuring ultra-high-strength thermoforming steel (1500 MPa), ensures excellent body rigidity and strength across multiple angles. The G6's battery packs exceed industry standards, capable of withstanding high temperatures up to 700℃ and achieving the highest IP68 rating for waterproofing and dust resistance.

The G6 boasts 13 comprehensive, active safety systems, offering exceptional risk assessment and timely warnings or active intervention. Through radar and camera detection, the G6's safety systems assess risks in all directions, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.

Collaborating with renowned Sci-Fi writer Liu Cixin, XPeng has crafted the G6's body design with sleek lines inspired by tech-fluid aesthetics. The suspended roof design, coupled with its long wheelbase of 2890mm and 60.8% axial length ratio, provides ample headroom and spacious rear seats. This design achieves a perfect balance between the sleek fastback styling of a coupe and the consumer demand for a roomy cabin, ensuring a comfortable and spacious interior.

Since 2019, XPeng has been at the forefront of intelligent cockpit features. The G6 is equipped with an upgraded smart in-car operating system, Xmart OS 4.0, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P chipset and a user-friendly 14.96-inch touchscreen display. The G6's intelligent cabin includes XPeng's full-scenario voice assistant 2.0, capable of real-time continuous voice command recognition, multi-zone dialogues, and offline interaction, further enhancing the overall driving experience.

Images from XPeng News Release.

The G6's innovative technology and forward-looking design have garnered international recognition. Recently, the G6 won the prestigious Platinum Award in the Transportation Design category at the MUSE Design Awards, an international competition that celebrates designers' craftsmanship and paradigm-shifting designs.

Lot’s happening in the world of Tesla, here is a quick rundown:

1. Tesla Model 3 with CATL M3P LFP cells: There are rumors suggesting that Tesla is planning to introduce a new version of the Model 3 equipped with CATL's M3P LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells. These cells are expected to provide a longer range for the Model 3, improving its overall performance.

2. Tesla App Store for Third-Party Apps: Tesla is reportedly working on launching an App Store for its vehicles, allowing third-party developers to create and distribute applications specifically designed for Tesla cars. This move aims to enhance the overall user experience and expand the capabilities of Tesla vehicles through the integration of various applications.

3. Polestar Adopts Tesla's NACS Charging Standard: Polestar, an automaker known for its electric vehicles, has decided to adopt Tesla's NACS (North American Charging Standard) for its EVs. By doing so, Polestar vehicles will be compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network, providing Polestar owners with access to Tesla's extensive charging infrastructure.

4. Volkswagen in Talks About Tesla's NACS Charging Standard: Volkswagen, another major automaker, is reportedly engaging in discussions with Tesla regarding the adoption of Tesla's NACS charging standard. By adopting this standard, Volkswagen's electric vehicles would also be compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network, offering their customers access to a wider charging network.

5. Electrify America to Adopt Tesla's NACS Connector by 2025: Electrify America, a charging network operator, has announced plans to adopt Tesla's NACS connector for its charging stations by 2025. This decision would make Electrify America's charging infrastructure compatible with Tesla vehicles, providing Tesla owners with additional charging options and expanding the network of accessible charging stations.

Don’t forget to check out the entire EV Universe!

Clean Energy and Mobility

Wind and Solar Outshine Coal in US Electricity Generation in Early 2023.

Renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, have overtaken coal in electricity production during the initial third of 2023 in the United States. Recent data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that wind and solar energy outperformed coal and nearly matched nuclear power generation. This surge in renewable energy production demonstrates a positive shift towards sustainable energy sources. Additionally, a new survey by the Pew Research Center indicates that a majority of US adults prioritize the development of renewable energy over increasing fossil fuel production.

According to the latest "Electric Power Monthly" report by the US Energy Information Administration, covering data up until April 30, 2023, wind and solar power outpaced coal and made significant strides in the US electricity generation landscape. The SUN DAY Campaign, which analyzed the report, highlights that solar energy production experienced the most rapid growth, expanding by 10.24% compared to the same period in 2022.

The robust growth in solar power generation can be attributed to the substantial increase of approximately 24.88% in small-scale solar PV, including rooftop installations, which accounted for 32.33% of total solar output. Combined with utility-scale solar PV and solar thermal, solar energy contributed 5.05% to the overall US electrical output during the first four months of 2023.

Wind power also exhibited growth, with a 1.97% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022, making up 12.85% of the total US electrical generation. When combined, wind and solar energy constituted 17.91% of the US's electricity output during the initial third of 2023, surpassing coal's share of 14.98% and coming close to nuclear power's contribution of 19.17%.

If other renewable sources like biomass, geothermal, and hydropower are considered, the total renewable energy generation accounted for 25.73% of the US's electricity production, slightly up from 25.35% in 2022. However, the drought in the West resulted in a 14% decrease in hydropower output.

In contrast, coal-fired electricity generation experienced a sharp decline of 28.4% year-over-year, while nuclear power remained relatively stable with a negligible change of 0.1%. Natural gas witnessed a substantial increase of 9.9% in electrical generation.

The Pew Research Center conducted a survey, which indicates that 67% of US adults prioritize the development of renewable energy over increasing fossil fuel production. However, only 31% of Americans support completely phasing out fossil fuels, while 32% believe the US should eventually stop using fossil fuels but consider the country unprepared at present. Conversely, 35% of respondents believe the US should continue using fossil fuels indefinitely to meet its energy needs.

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