Welcome to The EV North Newsletter - thanks for checking in this week!

Hot topic: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are increasing in popularity and is one of the fastest growing vehicle types in terms of sales. Why? Well as I’ve discussed in the past, PHEVs can be a great stepping-stone for consumers that will eventually go full EV. PHEVs can help a consumer understand their electric mileage needs on a daily basis, they can help a consumer understand charging infrastructure whether it’s at home or on the road and finally PHEVs start the conversation of complete electrification.

Every individual has their own unique set of variables for their situation: do they have solar panels? Do they have Level 2 charging at home? Do they have chargers available at work? Do they travel long distances regularly?

There’s also the question of whether or not PHEVs are better for the environment than gas powered vehicles. In my opinion, if you are using your electric motor for travel most of the time, and your engine only comes on to warm up batteries or defrost frost (ie minimally) then yes they are better even if you consider the carbon emissions created from building the gas engine and the electric motor.

Lastly, does the average consumer care about the carbon footprint of the vehicle they are purchasing? They might say they do, but do they really? Or does it fade in comparison to be able to save money on the purchase or in monthly operation and maintenance costs?

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In this week’s issue of the EV North Newsletter:

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Pricing and Performance Unveiled in Canada.

• 2024 Electric Dodge Charger: Canada's First Passenger EV Unveiled.

• BYD's New Seagull EV Disrupts Market with Shockingly Low Price.

• Tesla Cybertruck Wholesale Prices Declining Rapidly: What This Means for Owners.

• Kia EV9 Wins 2024 World Car of the Year: A Triumph in Innovation.

• +more!

Canada

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N: Pricing and Performance Unveiled in Canada.

Hyundai Canada has announced the pricing for its highly-anticipated IONIQ 5 N, marking the debut of the N performance brand in the electric vehicle segment. Priced at $78,199 plus freight and PDI, the IONIQ 5 N represents an exciting fusion of electrification and performance engineering.

As the latest addition to Hyundai Canada's acclaimed EV lineup, the IONIQ 5 N embodies the N brand's commitment to electrification, offering enthusiasts a thrilling driving experience both on the road and the track. Scheduled to hit dealerships across Canada in the coming weeks, this model promises to elevate the standard for EV performance.

Combining Hyundai's Electrified-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with N motorsport technologies, the IONIQ 5 N delivers cutting-edge performance and unrivaled driver engagement. Tested to excel in cornering, racetrack capability, and everyday driving, this powerful EV boasts technical enhancements to optimize performance.

Powered by an 84 kWh battery and equipped with a two-stage inverter, the IONIQ 5 N achieves a remarkable output of 641 horsepower (478 kW) with N Grin Boost engaged. N Grin Boost maximizes acceleration for a 10-second burst, complemented by N Launch Control for lightning-fast launches with three traction levels.

Innovative features like N e-shift and N Active Sound+ enhance driver feedback and control during dynamic driving, offering an unparalleled level of engagement. The exterior design showcases performance-oriented elements, including an enlarged rear spoiler, 21-inch forged alloy wheels, and aggressive proportions for optimized aerodynamics.

Inside the cockpit, the IONIQ 5 N prioritizes driver comfort and control with a newly designed steering wheel featuring N drive-mode buttons and paddles for N e-shift and regenerative braking. The centre console is optimized for track driving, offering knee pads, an adjustable armrest, and USB-C connectivity, while track-ready N sport bucket seats ensure optimal support and comfort.

While I’m not totally convinced about the e-shift technology and the “fake engine noise”, the performance is quite impressive. Priced at $78,199 CAD, plus freight and PDI could bring this total to close to $90,000 CAD. Is the Canadian market for performance EVs at $90K large enough to sustain this model? I have my doubts but only time will tell.

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

2024 Electric Dodge Charger: Canada's First Passenger EV Unveiled.

Stellantis announces the launch and production of the 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona, which will be Canada's inaugural passenger EV, set to roll off the assembly lines at the Windsor plant this summer.

The Charger Daytona will be the first Canadian-made passenger EV, setting a precedent for the country's automotive industry. While other automakers have outlined plans for EV production, Stellantis takes the lead with the formal unveiling of the Charger Daytona. With it’s success, hopefully more auto manufacturers will consider Canada as a place to set up EV shop.

It’s important to note that while Dodge, a General Motors brand may be the first to produce passenger EVs, Genral Motors began making EVs in Canada in 2022, with the production launch of the COMMERCIAL (not passenger) BrightDrop electric vans at its CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.

Built for speed and performance, the Charger Daytona lineup includes high-powered configurations such as the Scat Pack and R/T models. With the Scat Pack providing 670 horsepower, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.3 seconds, promising exhilarating performance on both road and track. The R/T model provides 496 hp.

Utilizing the advanced STLA Large platform, Stellantis demonstrates its versatility by enabling the production of both electric and non-electric vehicle versions on the same assembly lines. This flexibility underscores Stellantis's commitment to innovation and sustainability in automotive manufacturing.

The Charger Daytona will feature a 400V propulsion system, a high-voltage battery pack that delivers 100.5kW installed capacity and a peak discharge rate of 550kW. They Charger Daytona will have standard all-wheel drive, and advanced performance enhancements. Additionally, the inclusion of an external sound system mimicking traditional engine sounds pays homage to the iconic muscle car heritage - still unsure of how I feel about the “fake noises”.

Production of the Scat Pack and R/T models will begin in mid-2024. The two-door model will be “supposedly” available late 2024 and four-door models are set to arrive early 2025. Pricing has yet to be confirmed but I would expect the base price to be around $60,000 CAD

Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to introduce further EV models, with announcements expected in the near future. The Charger Daytona represents just the beginning of Stellantis's electrification journey, with more exciting developments anticipated in the coming years.

EV Around the World 🌏

BYD's New Seagull EV Disrupts Market with Shockingly Low Price.

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has introduced its latest model, the Seagull (known as Dolphin Mini abroad), priced at an astonishing ~$13,325 CAD (69,800 yuan). While not available in the Canada or the US, this affordable EV has caught the attention of automakers around the world.

BYD's Seagull EV Honor Edition boasts impressive features, including Blade batteries offering up to 405 km of range and rapid charging capabilities. With a sleek design and advanced technology like a 10.1" rotating center screen, it's earning the nickname "Lamborghini mini" (yuck) due to its exceptional value proposition.

Industry experts like Terry Woychowski, former GM executive, recognize the significance of BYD's affordable electric offering. Woychowski sees it as a wake-up call for American automakers, urging them to keep pace with the evolving market landscape.

While BYD currently has no plans to enter the US market with the Seagull, its success overseas underscores the demand for budget-friendly EV options. Global automakers like Ford and GM are taking note, shifting their focus towards more affordable electric models to remain competitive.

Ford's upcoming compact electric pickup and SUV, expected in 2026, aims to deliver value with a starting price of around $35,000 CAD. Similarly, GM plans to launch its next-gen Chevy Bolt EV, leveraging cost-saving LFP batteries, signaling a strategic move towards accessible electric mobility.

As BYD disrupts the market with its low-cost Seagull EV, the automotive industry braces for a new era of affordability and accessibility in electric transportation.

Tesla Cybertruck Wholesale Prices Declining Rapidly.

Are you keeping an eye on Tesla's Cybertruck market? Over the past week, wholesale prices for the Cybertruck have taken a notable dip, indicating a shift in the electric vehicle landscape.

According to sources like Teslarati, the Cybertruck market is witnessing a swift decline in prices. A recent auction on February 29th made waves as a Cybertruck fetched a jaw-dropping $244,000 USD by a Porsche dealer who put it on their lot for $300,000 UDS. Fast forward today, and there are Cybertrucks selling for as low as $171,000 USD, marking a substantial drop in value within a short span.

A price drop from $244,000 USD to $171,000 USD, is a significant decrease ($73,000 USD). Should this downward trajectory persist, wholesale figures might reach or dip below MSRP levels by summer. Nonetheless, as Tesla ramps up production and more Cybertrucks hit the streets, resale values are expected to stabilize.

While some speculate that this trend may lead to a complete “collapse” in Cybertruck prices, I say “let’s not get ahead of ourselves here”. Despite the decline, these vehicles still command prices well above their manufacturer's suggested retail price. Even the top-tier Cybertruck Cyberbeast, priced at approximately $122,000 USD, retains its allure among buyers.

In a recent auction on Cars & Bids, a dual-motor Foundation Series Cybertruck failed to meet its reserve price, closing at $158,000. This outcome serves as a cautionary tale for owners contemplating a profitable flip.

For Cybertruck owners eyeing a potential resale, timing could be crucial. Considering the current market dynamics, selling sooner rather than later might be a prudent move.

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Kia EV9 Wins 2024 World Car of the Year: A Triumph in Innovation.

The EV world is continuing to hold onto it’s love for the KIA EV9 as the EV wins the prestigious title of 2024 World Car of the Year, announced live at the New York International Auto Show. This victory marks Kia's fourth win in the esteemed World Car Awards' two-decade history, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in design and technology.

In 2023, Kia's EV6 GT stole the spotlight by securing the World Performance Car title. Prior to that, Kia celebrated a dual victory in 2020, with the Kia Telluride crowned as the overall World Car of the Year and the Kia Soul EV winning the World Urban Car category.

A panel of 100 eminent international automotive journalists, representing 29 countries, meticulously evaluated each eligible vehicle to determine the winners. The KIA EV9 emerged triumphant from a pool of thirty-eight contenders worldwide, ultimately selected as the top choice from a shortlist of three finalists, alongside the BYD Seal and the Volvo EX30, announced earlier at the Geneva International Motor Show.

To qualify for consideration, vehicles must demonstrate production volumes of at least 10,000 units annually, maintain pricing below the luxury-car threshold in their primary markets, and be available for sale in at least two major markets across two continents between January 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024.

QuickEV

• ABB and MAN demonstrate MW charging on electric transport truck.

• [VIDEO] 800 HP BMW XM Label Red vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT 1/4.

• Tesla Launches CyberHammer as referral award.

• [VIDEO] Sandy Munro “We're Tearing Down a Cybertruck!”

• Why The Tesla Cybertruck Isn't The Best EV Truck For Towing.

• [VIDEO] How The Cheapest Tesla Model 3 Compares To A $50,000 New One.

• It’s electric! Metallica summer tour hits the road with Iveco electric power.

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