Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of The EV North!

Each week, we highlight the top electric vehicle stories—with a strong focus on Canada and North America, plus key updates from around the globe.

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In this issue:

• BC Hydro Triples EV Fast-Charging Network Across B.C. in Just One Year.

• Tesla Raises Canadian Prices by Up to 21% Following New Tariffs.

• CATL Introduces Naxtra, Freevoy, and Shenxing Batteries, Signaling a Shift to Multi-Power EV Technology.

• Meet Slate Auto: The Reinvented, Radically Affordable EV Pickup That Transforms With You.

• Jay Leno Drives the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq - Jay Leno's Garage.

• + more!

Canada

BC Hydro Triples EV Fast-Charging Network Across B.C. in Just One Year.

BC Hydro has significantly expanded its electric vehicle fast-charging network, now operating 591 public charging ports across British Columbia—three times more than just a year ago. This expansion averages out to more than one new charging port added every day.

British Columbia continues to lead the way in EV adoption, with over 195,000 electric vehicles now on the road and projections reaching up to 900,000 within the next decade. Backed by a grid powered by over 98% renewable electricity, EV drivers in B.C. benefit from up to 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and fuel savings of up to 80% compared to gas-powered vehicles.

Highlights from BC Hydro’s latest EV Charging Progress Report include:

• Network growth: 418 new charging ports added in the past year alone.

• Charging hubs: 22 new regional sites launched, offering 8–22 ports each to reduce wait times.

• Ultra-fast charging: Deployment of 350 kW chargers, capable of adding 100 km of range in five minutes.

• Power boost: Network capacity increased from 10 MW in April 2024 to 41 MW by March 2025.

• Wide compatibility: 85% of ports are DC fast chargers supporting CCS, NACS, and CHAdeMO connectors.

• Electric Highway: Completed in September 2024, with BC Hydro operating 111 of 155 locations spaced every 150 km on key routes.

• Recognition: BC Hydro ranked among the top six charging network providers in North America by ChargeHub.

Looking ahead, BC Hydro plans to grow its network to 800 ports by spring 2026. This year, it will also introduce its first 400 kW chargers—delivering 100 km of range in just three minutes.

New and expanded sites include:

• Vancouver (Kerrisdale) – 17 ports

• Maple Ridge (Haney Place Mall) – 16 ports

• Surrey (Panorama Place) – 12 ports

• Colwood Park & Ride – 22 ports

• Sidney (Mary Winspear Centre) – 13 ports

• Sechelt (Trail Bay Mall) – 6 ports

• Agassiz (Chehalis Band Store) – 4 ports

• And more across the province

These efforts reflect BC Hydro’s continued investment in supporting EV drivers with reliable, accessible charging solutions.

For more details on EV ownership in B.C., visit bchydro.com/ev.

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

Tesla Raises Canadian Prices by Up to 21% Following New Tariffs.

Tesla has raised prices across its entire lineup in Canada, with increases as high as $30,000 or 21%, following the federal government’s implementation of a 25% tariff on electric vehicles imported from the United States.

In response, Tesla is encouraging Canadian customers to consider its existing “pre-tariff priced” inventory—vehicles brought into the country before the tariff came into effect. These vehicles are available at previous pricing levels while supplies last.

Here’s a look at the new Tesla pricing in Canada:

Notably, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive has been removed from Tesla’s Canadian lineup entirely.

Tesla’s current approach appears to include passing on much of the tariff cost directly to buyers, while also promoting vehicles that arrived in Canada before the new tariffs were applied. Customers looking to save on their next Tesla may find better deals by acting quickly on available pre-tariff inventory.

For more details or to check availability, visit tesla.com.

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EV Around the World 🌏

CATL Introduces Naxtra, Freevoy, and Shenxing Batteries, Signaling a Shift to Multi-Power EV Technology.

CATL unveiled a trio of new electric vehicle battery innovations: the Naxtra sodium-ion battery, the Freevoy Dual-Power Battery, and the second-generation Shenxing Superfast Charging Battery. These new solutions are designed to offer greater flexibility, temperature resilience, and faster charging, helping usher in what CATL describes as the "Multi-Power Era" of energy storage.

Naxtra: Commercial-Ready Sodium-Ion Batteries with Extreme Cold Performance

CATL's Naxtra is the world’s first sodium-ion battery to reach mass production. With an energy density of 175Wh/kg, it offers performance comparable to LFP batteries while using more abundant and lower-cost sodium resources. It enables up to 500 km of range and supports over 10,000 cycles, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Key features:

• Operates reliably in temperatures from -40°C to +70°C

• Retains 90% of usable power at -40°C

• Offers high safety by eliminating flammable materials

• Available in two formats: a passenger EV battery and a 24V integrated start-stop battery for heavy-duty trucks

The truck version delivers more than 8 years of service life and lowers lifecycle costs by up to 61% compared to lead-acid batteries. It allows deep discharges, cold-weather starts at -40°C, and can restart after a year of inactivity.

Freevoy Dual-Power Battery: Blending Chemistry for Versatility and Extended Range

CATL's Freevoy battery introduces a dual-power architecture, featuring two separate energy zones within one pack. This setup allows for customized performance tailored to user habits and driving scenarios.

Highlights include:

• Dual high/low-voltage support

• Dual thermal management systems

• Intrinsic safety features

• “Self-forming anode” technology that boosts volumetric energy density by 60%

• Supports pairing with sodium, LFP, or NCM chemistries

Three versions of the Freevoy battery were introduced:

1. Sodium-LFP Dual-Power – Designed for cold climates with excellent low-temperature performance and extended range.

2. LFP-LFP Dual-Power – Targets long-range sedans, achieving up to 1,000 km per charge with extremely low per-kilometer operating costs.

3. NCM-LFP / NCM-NCM Dual-Power – Supports high-performance applications with up to 1.3 MW output and over 1,500 km of range.

This architecture makes it possible to fine-tune EV performance across a range of vehicle classes and cost points. Beyond passenger cars, the system is intended to support buses, commercial vehicles, aviation, marine, and industrial storage.

Second-Generation Shenxing Battery: Superfast Charging with Record-Setting Performance

CATL also introduced its latest Shenxing battery—an 800 km range LFP battery capable of charging at a peak rate of 12C. With a maximum charging power of 1.3 MW, it can deliver 2.5 kilometers of range per second of charge.

Performance at a glance:

• 5% to 80% charge in 15 minutes at -10°C

• Peak output of 830 kW even at low state of charge

• Maintains performance in sub-zero temperatures and low-charge conditions

• The Shenxing battery is designed to eliminate charging wait times and increase convenience, especially in colder regions.

CATL's latest battery portfolio reflects a shift from traditional, single-chemistry systems to modular and adaptable solutions. By integrating multiple energy zones, materials, and design strategies, CATL is prioritizing flexibility, performance, and reliability across a wide range of real-world conditions.

These technologies mark a step forward in aligning battery systems with user needs, supporting everything from daily commutes to commercial logistics and autonomous driving applications.

Meet Slate Auto:
The Reinvented, Radically Affordable EV Pickup That Transforms With You.

Slate Auto is trying to rewrite the playbook on vehicle ownership. With a bold promise of extreme versatility, sleek design, and a starting price of around $35,000 CAD ($25,000 USD). The Slate is a U.S.-built electric vehicle that’s as personal as your smartphone—and just as customizable.

At its core, the Slate is a rear-wheel drive, two-door electric pickup with a projected base range of 240km (150 miles) and a longer-range option that extends to 385km (240 miles). But it’s more than just a truck. With modular kits available, your Slate can quickly become a five-seat SUV, a covered cargo van, or an open-air ride for sunny weekend adventures.

The available body styles include:

• Pickup (standard, 2-seat).

• Squareback SUV Kit (classic SUV profile, seats 5).

• Fastback SUV Kit (sporty look, seats 5).

• Open Air Kit (open rear for wind-in-your-hair drives, seats 5).

• Cargo Kit (covered storage, ideal for fleets or businesses).

Slate is built around the idea of a “blank Slate”—you get one model, and make it your own using accessories and modular add-ons, many of which can be installed at home using the free tutorial hub known as Slate University.

Using the Slate Maker, customers can preview color wraps, body styles, and features. Accessories ranging from audio systems to utility tools, can be added before or after purchase. Wrap kits are affordable (starting around $750 CAD), DIY-friendly, and require no trim removal.

Ordering your Slate is simple:

• Reserve now for $50 USD (fully refundable).

• Customize later when it’s time to order—select wraps, battery range, and kits.

• Upgrade anytime with accessories from the Slate Maker.

• Expected Price: Under $20,000USD after US federal incentives

• Financing: Available through Slate or your preferred lender

• No dealerships: Direct-to-consumer sales, online

• Delivery: Pickup or home delivery (for a fee)

• Fleet purchases: Available for businesses and organizations

• Note: The Slate is currently only available in the continental U.S.

However, I spoke with a Slate representative who indicated that they are looking to expand into Canada sooner than later and that it’s in the works. I expect Canadian options to be available only closer to the end of 2026, IF they even make them available in Canada.

Quick physical specs, safety and other features:

• Cargo bed: 5 feet long, 35.1 cubic feet.

• Frunk (front trunk): 7 cubic feet.

• Payload: Approx. 1400 lbs.

• Towing capacity: Around 1000 lbs.

• Interior volume: 58 cubic feet.

• Heating & A/C.

• Remote keyless entry.

• Phone-based Bluetooth audio control.

• Optional dash-mounted soundbar accessories.

• Optional steering wheel controller.

• Charging, Range & Battery Life.

• Forward Collision Warning.

• Automatic Emergency Braking.

• Stability & Traction Control.

• Full suite of airbags (including side curtain airbags in SUV form).

• Backup camera.

• Pedestrian detection.

• Auto high beams.

The Slate is compatible with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and supports:

• Level 1: Adds up to 50 miles overnight via standard outlet.

• Level 2: 4–8 hour full charge.

• Level 3 DC Fast Charging: 20–80% charge in ~30–45 minutes.

Most maintenance is minimal as such with EVs compares to ICE, think wiper fluid, cabin filters, and tire checks. You can do it all with the help of Slate University or get help from over 2,500 upcoming service locations US-wide.

If you have a parking space with a nearby outlet, Slate includes a charger that can add up to 80km (50 miles) overnight. No outlet? Use the Slate App (coming in 2026) to find public charging near you, or work with a Slate Agent for installation solutions.

What’s Next?

• Test drives: Coming in 2026 to cities across the U.S., with early access for reservation holders.

• Accessories and colors: Ever-expanding catalog via the Slate Maker.

• Leasing: Not available yet, but on the radar.

• Slate App: Will offer maintenance tracking, service locations, public charging maps, and more.

Visit slate.auto to learn more.

Information compiled from slate.auto/en/faq

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Jay Leno Drives the 2025 Cadillac Celestiq - Jay Leno's Garage.

QuickEV

• Hyundai Opens New Battery and Electrification R&D Center in India.

• New York lawmakers are trying to shut down Tesla stores.

• Kia EVs can now officially charge on Tesla Superchargers.

• Alpine's New Tri-Motor Electric Sedan Samples A110 Sounds.

• Isuzu’s first electric pickup is here and it’s a beast: Meet the new D-MAX EV.

• Vinfast reports significant growth in EV sales.

• Used EV prices fell 40%, and buyers are searching like never before.

TikTokT EV of the Week

When Shaq forgets he bought an Escalade IQ EV… now he own’s two or is it three?!

@hotfreestyletv

SHAQ forgot that he bought two Escalades 😂😂 #shaq #cars (via @Effortless Motors)

And that moment when Shaq pranks the delivery on his 3rd Escalade IQ:

@hotfreestyletv

Why did SHAQ prank @Effortless Motors like this 😂 #shaq #prank #shaquilleoneal