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In this issue:

• Stellantis Temporarily Shuts Down Windsor Plant Over U.S. Auto Tariffs.

• Tesla Canada Responds to Incentive Controversy Following Sudden $43M Rebate Spike.

• Halifax Launches E-Scooter and E-Bike Pilot Program with Bird Canada.

• 2026 GMC Sierra EV Adds AT4 and Elevation Trims for More Flexibility and Performance.

• Lotus Refreshes Eletre and Emeya EV Lineup with New Trims and High-Performance Options.

• + more!

Canada

Stellantis Temporarily Shuts Down Windsor Plant Over U.S. Auto Tariffs.

Stellantis will idle its Windsor Assembly Plant for two weeks starting April 8 due to new U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles. The shutdown affects production of models like the Chrysler Pacifica, Grand Caravan, and Dodge Charger Daytona. Operations are expected to resume the week of April 21.

Roughly 3,200 Canadian workers will be impacted by the pause. The company is also temporarily laying off 900 employees at five U.S. plants. Stellantis said it is still reviewing the implications of the new tariffs and will continue discussions with U.S. officials.

Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart criticized the decision, calling the border tax “unjustified” and noting the emotional impact on the Windsor community. He emphasized that the issue lies with U.S. government policy—not American workers. Stewart also expressed concern about how the disruption will affect local suppliers and families tied to the plant’s operations.

While Canada avoided additional tariffs, a 25% U.S. duty on non-American content in vehicles came into effect last Thursday. In response, Canada announced a matching 25% countertariffs and pledged to reinvest the estimated $8 billion in revenue into supporting the domestic auto industry.

The Windsor shutdown highlights the growing challenges automakers face as cross-border trade tensions intersect with the shift to electric vehicle manufacturing.

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

Tesla Canada Responds to Incentive Controversy Following Sudden $43M Rebate Spike.

Tesla Canada is under scrutiny after claiming $43 million in federal EV rebates during the final days of the iZEV incentive program in March. The unusually high number of claims—8,653 in total—raised concerns among competitors and government officials, particularly after one Quebec City location reportedly submitted 4,000 rebate filings in a single weekend.

The spike led to a freeze on Tesla's rebate payments as Transport Canada launched an investigation. In response, Tesla stated that the filings were for backlogged vehicle deliveries and followed normal procedures. The automaker argued that the program has always allowed dealerships to submit claims retroactively and that it acted in accordance with established rules.

Dealer groups voiced frustration, suggesting the timing of Tesla’s mass filings excluded thousands of other EV buyers from receiving incentives. The Canadian Auto Dealers Association claims that nearly $10 million in rebates—covering approximately 2,300 vehicles—were lost to other dealerships as a result.

Tesla maintains that the rebates are issued to customers, not the company itself, and that it has a history of compliance with the iZEV program. However, the company did not provide specific data showing how many of the claims were for past sales.

The situation has sparked wider concerns about Tesla's transparency and internal operations, especially in Canada, where public perception of the brand has shifted. Part of that shift has been influenced by political developments, including recently imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian vehicles and the close association of Tesla’s CEO with controversial political figures.

In response to the rebate filings and the broader trade tension, Canada’s government has frozen payments and pledged to revise eligibility criteria for future incentive programs. Some provincial programs, including British Columbia’s EV charger rebate, have also removed Tesla from eligibility.

As Canada adjusts its approach to EV support programs, the outcome of this investigation could impact how automakers participate in future incentive offerings—and how the public views Tesla's role in the country’s EV transition.

It’s pretty funny / ironic how a company such as Tesla, who is “run” by Elon Musk, whom also is head of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and obsessed with “efficiency” could operate in such an inefficient manner.

Halifax Launches E-Scooter and E-Bike Pilot Program with Bird Canada.

Halifax is preparing to launch its first regulated shared e-scooter and e-bike pilot program in mid-May, in partnership with Bird Canada. The two-year initiative will begin with 300 e-scooters and 300 e-bikes available across downtown Halifax and Dartmouth.

Bird Canada, a micro-mobility company, has operations in over 25 communities across the country. Earlier this year, the Halifax Regional Municipality selected Bird Canada as the exclusive provider for the city’s shared electric transportation services during the pilot term.

The program is designed to support short, efficient urban trips while connecting with public transit. Riders can expect designated parking zones near bus stops, ferry terminals, and major transit hubs. If a vehicle is left outside of a drop zone, charges will continue until it's returned to a valid area.

To improve safety, Halifax has implemented bylaws requiring the use of bike lanes, paths, or roads—sidewalk riding is prohibited. Bird Canada’s app includes features like helmet reminders, a late-night sobriety test, and remote shut-off capabilities for no-ride zones.

E-scooter and e-bike usage will start at $1 to unlock plus $0.35 per minute. Riders can also purchase bulk time or opt for passes priced similarly to Halifax Transit’s monthly fare options.

If demand grows, the fleet could expand up to 1,000 vehicles and potentially serve more communities within the municipality. This pilot program aims to give residents and visitors a more flexible, affordable, and sustainable way to navigate Halifax while helping the city reduce traffic and emissions.

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2026 GMC Sierra EV Adds AT4 and Elevation Trims for More Flexibility and Performance.

GMC has expanded its 2026 Sierra EV lineup by introducing two new trims—AT4 and Elevation—alongside the existing Denali. These additions give Canadian drivers more electric pickup options, with multiple battery configurations and features suited for a variety of driving needs.

The Sierra EV will offer three battery ranges: Standard, Extended, and Max Range. Elevation buyers can choose between Standard or Extended Range, while AT4 offers Extended or Max Range. The Denali trim will be available with all three.

Sierra EV AT4: Built for Off-Roading

The AT4 trim is designed for off-road performance, featuring:

• 2-inch lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires

• Terrain Mode with one-pedal driving and automatic braking

• 4-Wheel Steer with CrabWalk

• Super Cruise hands-free driving (3-year plan included)

• Forest Storm interior design

• Optional MultiPro™ MidGate for extra cargo space

• Up to 5,534 kg (12,200 lbs) of towing

• DC fast charging at up to 350 kW (up to 160 km in 10 minutes)

• Available Energy Transfer Pro system with onboard power outlets

Sierra EV Elevation: Accessible and Versatile

As the entry point into the lineup, the Elevation trim includes:

• 16.8-inch center touchscreen

• Power-operated eTrunk

• MultiPro Tailgate and optional MidGate

• After Dark interior styling

• 18-inch wheels

• Optional Super Cruise and DC fast charging (up to 300 kW)

• Available 7.2 kW off-board power system

Sierra EV Denali: Premium and Configurable:

The Denali trim offers the most customization, with all battery ranges and features such as:

• Two interior options

• Heated and ventilated seating

• Air Adaptive Suspension

• Panoramic glass roof

• 22-inch and optional 24-inch wheels

• Up to 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) of towing

• More Color Choices Than Ever

GMC is also expanding its color palette with new options like Glacier White Tri-Coat, Coastal Dune, Deep Bronze Metallic, and Magnus Matte. Canadian prices re yet to be announced but are expected in the coming months along with associated range estimates.

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Lotus Refreshes Eletre and Emeya EV Lineup with New Trims and High-Performance Options.

Lotus has unveiled a refreshed lineup for its all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV and Emeya hyper-GT, introducing new trim levels and performance variants for the 2025 model year. The update includes the introduction of “600” and “900” model names—reflecting their respective power outputs of 612 hp (450 kW) and 918 hp (675 kW)—as well as the return of classic Lotus trim names like GT, GT SE, and Sport SE.

Customers can now choose from clearly defined trims tailored to performance or luxury, such as:

• Eletre 600, 600 GT, 600 GT SE, 600 Sport SE

• Eletre 900 Sport, 900 Sport Carbon

• Emeya 600 GT, 600 GT SE, 600 Sport SE

• Emeya 900 Sport, 900 Sport Carbon

Each version includes a wide range of technology, comfort, and performance features. Interior options now include LOTUSWEAR Performance Fabric and color themes like Quartz and Jasper, while new exterior paint choices such as Zenith White and Akoya White have been added.

Both the Eletre and Emeya 600 trims deliver 0–100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds, while the 900 trims take acceleration even further—Emeya 900 reaches 100 km/h in just 2.78 seconds. Top speeds range from 250 km/h to 265 km/h, depending on the model.

Range figures are equally impressive, with up to 610 km WLTP for the Emeya and 600 km for the Eletre. Thanks to 800V battery technology, the Emeya can charge from 10% to 80% in about 14 minutes with a 400kW charger, while the Eletre achieves the same on a 350kW charger in around 20 minutes.

Standard across the range are features like:

• Active air suspension with Continuous Damping Control

• Advanced driver assistance systems

• 29" or 51" head-up display

• Massaging and ventilated seats

• Custom ambient lighting

• Premium KEF sound systems (up to 23 speakers)

• Aerodynamic efficiency, aided by Lotus’ porosity design, and an intuitive driver-focused cockpit make both models suitable for everyday luxury and long-distance touring.

The updated Lotus Eletre and Emeya 600 and 900 models are available to order now, with deliveries starting this summer. Starting prices begin at $154,100 for the Eletre 600 and $154,100 for the Emeya 600 GT.

These updates aim to position Lotus strongly within the high-performance electric vehicle market, offering refined choices for drivers seeking design, speed, and luxury in an all-electric package.

QuickEV

• A New $25,000 American EV Truck Company Is Backed By Jeff Bezos: Report.

• Tesla confirms Cybertruck will make its way out of North America this year.

• BMW sells almost a third more electric cars.

• Tesla unveils new cheaper, but nerfed ‘Long Range’ Cybertruck.

• Hyundai’s new IONIQ 6 already looks like a major upgrade on the road.

• Volkswagen to unveil three concept cars at Auto Shanghai.

EV Tweet of the Week