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

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:

• Linamar Invests $1.1 Billion in EV Manufacturing and Green Tech in Ontario.

• BMW's 2026 iX SUV: More Power, Range, Features and Price announced for Canada.

• RIZON’s First Medium-Duty Electric Dump Truck Hits Canadian Roads.

• GM’s Electric Future: Growth, Investments, and Market Position.

• Lucid Gravity: Fastest Charging SUV in the U.S. with Tesla Supercharger Access.

• Rivian Brings Apple Music with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos to Its EVs.

• + more!

Canada

Linamar Invests $1.1 Billion in EV Manufacturing and Green Tech in Ontario.

Linamar Corporation has announced a $1.1 billion investment in its Ontario operations, focusing on EV powertrains, battery packaging, and hydrogen fuel cell advancements. The Innovation Driving Green Technology Project will expand facilities in Guelph, Welland, Salford, and Windsor, creating up to 2,300 new jobs while securing 10,000 existing positions.

The federal and Ontario governments are backing this investment, contributing $169.4 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund and $100 million from Invest Ontario. Linamar aims to support propulsion-agnostic vehicle systems, including semiconductor packaging for EV batteries and increased eAxle system production.

This expansion comes as potential 25% tariffs from the U.S. loom over Canada's auto sector, with former President Trump proposing new trade restrictions as early as February. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized that Linamar’s investment strengthens the domestic EV supply chain and ensures Ontario-made components will play a critical role in future vehicle production.

Here is an (1 year old) interview with CEO of Linamar, Linda Hasenfratz which gives some insights into the company:

Linamar, Canada’s second-largest auto parts manufacturer, operates 34 manufacturing and support locations nationwide, with 29 in Guelph alone. While no timeline has been provided for the expansion, this move positions Ontario as a key hub for next-generation vehicle technology and manufacturing.

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

BMW's 2026 iX SUV: More Power, Range, Features and Price announced for Canada.

BMW has introduced the 2026 iX SUV with upgrades in performance, efficiency, and technology. The lineup remains unchanged, with three trims: the xDrive45, xDrive60, and the new M70 xDrive, replacing the outgoing M60 model.

iX Trims:

• iX xDrive45: 402 hp, up to 502 km of range, starts at $88,900.

• iX xDrive60: 536 hp (20 hp increase), up to 547 km of range, starts at $94,900.

• iX M70 xDrive: 650 hp (40 hp increase), 811 lb-ft torque, 0-100 km/h in 3.8 sec, up to 486 km range, starts at $129,000.

Feature Highlights:

• New front and rear aprons, optional illuminated grille, and fresh M alloy wheels.

• M Sport styling package and M Sport Pro Package offer unique design elements, including red brake calipers and darkened lights.

• New M multifunction seats, optional microfibre or natural leather upholstery.

• Advanced driver assistance with Highway Assistant for hands-free highway driving and remote-controlled parking.

• 10% range improvement due to new silicon carbide semiconductor components.

• Higher battery density, with the xDrive45 featuring a 100.1 kWh usable battery, while the higher trims range between 112.8-113.4 kWh.

• Fast charging at up to 175 kW for the xDrive45 and 195 kW for the xDrive60 and M70.

• The updated iX will be available in Canada in mid-2025.

Here’s a great review video if you are looking for a more in-depth look:

RIZON’s First Medium-Duty Electric Dump Truck Hits Canadian Roads.

RIZON, Daimler’s medium-duty electric truck brand, has officially launched Canada’s first Class 4 battery-electric dump truck, now in operation with Villamar Construction in Victoria, BC. Rizon targets the shift towards lower total cost of ownership and sustainability in commercial fleets.

Model Variants: Four models available, ranging with GVWR from 15,995 to 18,850 lbs and offer a range of up to 257 km (160 miles) for L variants.

Canada-spec models include battery and cabin preconditioning for better efficiency in low temperatures.

Villamar Construction sees this investment as a step toward a net-zero future, aligning with Canada’s 2032 sustainability goals. With fast charging, efficient motors, and car-like handling, RIZON’s electric trucks are gaining traction in the Class 4-6 cabover segment.

Out of Spec spent 10 days in China checking out EVs. Absolutely fascinating how, in many ways, they are ahead of the curb in China. Lots of respect for the Out of Spec team as they are quite open-minded, open to all EVs and dive deep into other aspects of EVs, including charging, infrastructure and technology. Check out their video below:

👋 Hello, one quick thing. If you’re enjoying this, can you do me a favour and forward it to a friend? Thank you!

EV Around the World 🌏

GM’s Electric Future: Growth, Investments, and Market Position.

As outlined in a recent financial report, General Motors is continuing its electric vehicle strategy, expanding its lineup, strengthening its financial position, and investing in the infrastructure needed for a growing EV market.

GM is rolling out new EV models across multiple segments, aiming to reach a broader consumer base. The company’s focus is on high-volume vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and Equinox EV, while also developing next-generation Ultium-based models. Production efficiency is improving, with a streamlined battery supply chain and increased capacity at its key manufacturing facilities.

To support widespread EV adoption, GM is investing in charging networks and battery technology. The company is advancing its Ultium battery platform to enhance vehicle range and efficiency while working with charging partners to expand fast-charging availability for customers.

Here are some slides from the official report that are specific to EVs:

With a combination of new EV models, infrastructure investments, and financial stability, GM is looking to position itself for long-term success in the evolving automotive landscape. While I haven’t always been a fan of GM and their EV related decisions, it looks like consistency is paying off and we’re hoping to see some innovations in 2025 and beyond.

Lucid Gravity: Fastest Charging SUV in the U.S. with Tesla Supercharger Access.

Lucid’s Gravity SUV is setting new standards in the EV industry with its cutting-edge charging capabilities and seamless access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Starting January 31, Gravity owners will gain access to 20,000 Tesla Superchargers across North America, making long-distance travel far more convenient. This marks a major milestone for Lucid, as the Gravity is among the first non-Tesla EVs to come factory-equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, eliminating the need for an adapter at Superchargers. Owners of the Lucid Air sedan will receive Supercharger access later in Q2 2024, further expanding Lucid’s charging ecosystem.

One of the Gravity’s standout features is its record-breaking charging speed. With its 926-volt electrical architecture, it is capable of charging at up to 400 kW at 1000V ultra-fast chargers, making it the fastest-charging EV in the North America. While most public chargers do not yet support this level of power, select high-performance stations, such as Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging sites, will allow the Gravity to reach these speeds. More commonly available chargers, including Tesla’s 500V Superchargers, will still allow the Gravity to charge at an impressive 225 kW, thanks to an advanced system that boosts voltage using the SUV’s rear motor. This high-power charging capability means the Gravity can add 320 kms of range in under 12 minutes, significantly reducing downtime during road trips.

To ensure maximum compatibility with existing infrastructure, Lucid is equipping all Gravity models with CCS-to-NACS and J1772-to-NACS adapters, allowing drivers to use a variety of charging stations beyond Tesla’s network. This flexibility ensures that Gravity owners will have one of the most extensive charging options available among EVs today. The Gravity’s fast-charging capabilities are further enhanced by an advanced cooling system and newly developed Panasonic battery cells, which help manage heat and maintain consistent charging speeds.

The launch of the Gravity is a pivotal moment for Lucid, as the company expands beyond luxury sedans into the highly competitive SUV market. While the Lucid Air received praise for its efficiency and range, it struggled to reach mass-market adoption. The Gravity, with its seven-seat layout, high-performance specs, and rapid charging capabilities, is positioned to attract a much broader audience. Lucid is also benefiting from the broader industry shift toward NACS, as more automakers transition away from the CCS charging standard in favor of Tesla’s infrastructure. By integrating the NACS port directly into the Gravity from the factory, Lucid ensures that its customers can seamlessly take advantage of one of the most reliable and widespread charging networks in North America.

With wider customer deliveries expected soon, the Lucid Gravity is shaping up to be one of the most advanced long-range electric SUVs available. Combining high-speed charging, a versatile charging network, and premium performance, it stands out as a strong contender in the premium EV space.

Do you enjoy one or all of the following?

• Learning about EVs?

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Rivian Brings Apple Music with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos to Its EVs.

Rivian has announced native Apple Music integration across its entire lineup, bringing Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos to drivers for an enhanced listening experience. Starting today, Rivian owners with an Apple Music subscription can access the streaming service directly from their vehicle’s infotainment system. This update is available through Rivian’s latest software update and powered by Connect+, Rivian’s streaming and connectivity subscription.

Apple Music subscribers can browse a catalog of over 100 million songs and 30,000 curated playlists, along with global live-streaming radio stations. For Rivian customers driving Second Generation models, the Rivian Premium Audio system delivers Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, creating a more immersive sound experience with greater depth and clarity.

Apple Music’s Spatial Audio has gained widespread adoption, with over 90% of users experiencing it and a growing catalog of tracks from major artists across multiple genres. Rivian drivers can enjoy curated Spatial Audio playlists, such as Driving in Spatial Audio and Hip-Hop in Spatial Audio, for an optimized in-car music experience.

Apple Music is now available in all Rivian vehicles via a software update. Spatial Audio is supported in First Generation Rivian models and Second Generation vehicles with Rivian Premium Audio. To stream Apple Music anywhere, Connect+ is available for $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually, with a two-month free trial for new users. New Rivian owners also receive a 90-day free trial of Apple Music.

QuickEV

• [VIDEO] Cheap Performance! Porsche Taycan Turbo vs Tesla Model 3 Performance.

• Kia Recalls 80,000 Niro EVs & Hybrids Because An Airbag May Pop Unexpectedly.

• [VIDEO] Audi A6 e-tron - the best electric car in the world?

• BYD’s electric SUV racks up +1,000 preorders in Korea and it just launched last week.

• [VIDEO] Porsche Taycan Longest Vehicle Drift On Ice By An EV Guinness World Record.

• Europe and North Africa to be connected with electric ferries.

• [VIDEO] Vessev’s VS–9 electric hydrofoiling boat to begin passenger operations.

EV Tweet of the Week