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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:

• Electric Buses Arriving Soon in Victoria, Advancing BC Transit’s Zero-Emission Goals.

• Canada’s EV Charging Infrastructure Falling Behind Growing Demand.

• Lucid Air Grand Touring Sets Guiness World Record Title for Longest Distance on a Single Charge.

• Rivian Unveils Next-Gen Quad-Motor R1S and R1T: Enhanced Power, Range, and Control.

• IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Tesla Deslivers Itself to New Owner

• Kia EV5: A Versatile All-Electric SUV for Modern Families.

• + more!

Canada

Electric Buses Arriving Soon in Victoria, Advancing BC Transit’s Zero-Emission Goals.

Victoria’s transit riders will soon experience cleaner, quieter, and more energy-efficient travel as BC Transit begins rolling out its first electric buses in the region. The first 10 heavy-duty electric buses have started to arrive since April 2025 and are set to gradually enter service over the coming weeks, with all 10 expected to be on the road by fall 2025.

Compared to diesel buses, these electric vehicles will deliver significant environmental benefits, cutting carbon emissions by nearly 95% over their lifetime—an estimated reduction of 12,000 tonnes of CO₂. Each bus is expected to save the equivalent of one tanker truck of diesel fuel per year, translating to about 550 fuel fill-ups for a typical mid-size car.

BC Transit has a total of 125 heavy-duty electric buses on order from Nova Bus and New Flyer. By the end of 2026, close to 80 of these vehicles will be deployed across various regional transit systems in British Columbia.

Funding for the first 10 electric buses was secured through a $28.6 million investment from the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and the Victoria Regional Transit Commission. An additional $395.5 million investment in BC Transit’s electric bus fleet and infrastructure was announced in 2023, supported by the Zero Emission Transit Fund and other federal and provincial programs.

The new electric buses align with the Province of B.C.’s CleanBC climate action goals and BC Transit’s broader efforts to create a sustainable and accessible transportation network. While the focus shifts toward zero-emission vehicles, BC Transit will continue to add approximately 105 hybrid buses to meet operational needs during the transition.

BC Transit’s electric bus deployment marks a significant milestone in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and providing a better transit experience for the Victoria region.

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Canada’s EV Charging Infrastructure Falling Behind Growing Demand.

According to the Toronto Star, experts are saying that Canada is struggling to expand its electric vehicle charging network at a pace that meets rising demand. Industry experts caution that if this gap continues, it could slow EV adoption and hinder the country’s climate targets. Although progress has been made in some regions, the overall charging infrastructure remains inconsistent and insufficient.

Access to EV charging stations in Canada is uneven. While some major urban centers are relatively well-served, rural areas and smaller communities face significant gaps. This lack of reliable chargers across the country discourages potential EV owners who rely on long-distance travel. Despite federal programs offering incentives and funding for charging infrastructure, the pace of deployment remains slow. Projects frequently encounter delays caused by complicated permitting processes, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain disruptions.

Private sector investment has also been slower than anticipated. Many businesses hesitate to install EV chargers without certainty that drivers will use them, particularly in areas where EV adoption is still low. This cautious approach limits the expansion of charging stations in locations where they are urgently needed to support future growth.

A faster buildout of Canada’s charging network is critical for several reasons. First, widespread and reliable access to charging stations will help drivers feel confident making the switch from gas-powered vehicles to EVs. Second, improving the charging infrastructure supports Canada’s climate goals by enabling more drivers to reduce their carbon emissions. Third, scaling up this infrastructure has the potential to fuel economic growth by creating jobs in manufacturing, construction, and ongoing maintenance of EV charging systems.

Experts suggest several solutions to help Canada close the charging gap. Streamlining permitting and zoning processes would allow projects to move from planning stages to completion more efficiently. Stronger public–private partnerships are needed to increase investment and ensure chargers are built in locations where they will have the greatest impact. Targeted government funding could help bring chargers to underserved areas such as highways, smaller towns, and remote communities. Finally, coordinating the expansion of charging stations with upgrades to the power grid and greater use of renewable energy sources will help create a cleaner and more reliable system.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Lucid Air Grand Touring Sets Guiness World Record Title for Longest Distance on a Single Charge.

Lucid Motors has set a new Guiness World Record title for the longest journey completed by an electric car on a single charge. The Lucid Air Grand Touring covered 1,205 kilometers (~749 miles) without recharging, surpassing the previous record of 1,045 kilometers by 160 kilometers.

The record-setting drive took place between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany, covering a mix of alpine roads, highways, and secondary routes. This achievement highlights Lucid's leadership in EV efficiency and battery technology.

The Lucid Air Grand Touring features a WLTP-rated range of up to 960 kilometers and an energy consumption rating as low as 13.5 kWh/100 km. Powered by an 831 PS electric drivetrain, the sedan can reach a top speed of 270 km/h and supports ultra-fast charging, adding up to 400 kilometers of range in just 16 minutes. The vehicle also offers a spacious, high-quality interior designed for comfort.

Rivian Unveils Next-Gen Quad-Motor R1S and R1T: Enhanced Power, Range, and Control.

Rivian has introduced its second-generation Quad-Motor system for the R1S and R1T, creating the most powerful versions of its electric SUV and pickup yet. Each wheel is powered by an independent motor, delivering a combined 1,025 horsepower and 1,198 lb-ft of torque. This setup enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds.

The Gen 2 Quad features new oil-cooled motors designed in-house, optimizing both thermal performance for off-road driving and efficiency for highway cruising. Drivers can expect up to 600 km (374 miles) of EPA-estimated range—or up to 640 km (400 miles) in Conserve mode. The system includes automatic rear disconnect functionality, balancing performance and energy savings based on driving conditions.

Interior upgrades for the Quad include Rivian’s Ascend package with premium materials, quilted seats, and distinct color combinations inspired by nature. Exterior enhancements feature Laguna Beach Blue accents, refreshed wheel designs, and all-terrain tire options.

Rivian also introduced new software features:

• Launch Mode with camera capture to record acceleration runs.

• RAD Tuner for personalized drive mode adjustments.

• Kick Turn, a new off-road tool for tighter maneuvers on rugged trails.

These features reflect real-world testing at events like the Rebelle Rally and Pikes Peak, where Rivian’s vehicles have demonstrated their performance capabilities.

Looking ahead, all 2026 Rivian R1 models will adopt the North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving drivers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Quad-Motor models also come with a CCS adapter, providing flexibility across public charging networks.

The Gen 2 Quad debuts with a Launch Edition, featuring exclusive paint options, premium interiors, and lifetime access to Rivian’s Autonomy Platform+ and Connect+ services.

Pricing for the Quad-Motor lineup starts at:

• R1S: $201,990 CAD ($121,990 USD)

• R1T: $190,990 CAD ($115,990 USD)

Launch Edition models start at $207,990 CAD ($125,990 USD) for the R1S and $196,990 CAD ($119,990 USD) for the R1T. Deliveries begin this month.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Tesla Deslivers Itself to New Owner

Kia EV5: A Versatile All-Electric SUV for Modern Families.

Kia has officially introduced the EV5, a fully electric mid-sized SUV designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV5 blends striking design, spacious comfort, and advanced electric performance to meet the demands of everyday life and weekend adventures.

Entering the competitive C-SUV segment, the EV5 joins Kia’s growing EV portfolio alongside the EV3, EV4, EV6, and EV9. With its SUV styling and family-friendly features, the EV5 plays a key role in Kia’s strategy to make electric mobility accessible to a wider range of drivers. The global rollout begins in Korea and Europe in late 2025, with North American sales expected in early 2026.

Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the EV5 features a confident SUV stance, a spacious 4,610 mm-long body, and a refined interior. Highlights include a panoramic wide display integrating a 12.3-inch driver cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a dedicated 5-inch climate control panel. Practical storage options, folding rear seats, and thoughtful features like a three-zone climate control system and massage-equipped seats create a comfortable, versatile cabin environment.

Performance-wise, the EV5 comes with two battery options 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh delivering up to 530 km of estimated range (WLTP) and DC fast charging capabilities that replenish from 10-80% in around 30 minutes. All-wheel drive, regenerative braking, and Kia’s i-Pedal 3.0 system provide a smooth and adaptable driving experience. The EV5 also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and future-ready Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, allowing the vehicle to power camping gear, tools, or emergency equipment.

Inside, the next-generation connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) supports over-the-air updates and digital feature purchases through the Kia Connect Store. Additional smart technologies include Digital Key 2.0, fingerprint recognition, and the Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Safety remains a priority with advanced driver assistance features like Highway Driving Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. These systems aim to provide peace of mind, particularly for young families.

Official launch dates and pricing is expected in the coming months, so stay tuned!

QuickEV

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 completes epic EV road trip to the Arctic Ocean.

• UK: Every fourth new car is electric.

• Range Rover finally has a logo, just in time for the brand’s first electric SUV.

• Tesla Semi shows strong results in ArcBest’s real-world freight trial.

• Official: US tax credit for EVs to end in September.

• The Porsche Cayenne EV flexes its power towing 3 tons in public.

• BYD achieves best sales month of the year.

• This Early Hyundai Ioniq 9 Charge Test Looks Really Good.

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