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  • ⚡️🚗EV North Newsletter: MEVS acquired, EV sales surge in Canada, Tesla Quicksilver paint, Lucid Air Pure most efficient EV, Porsche Macan EV, Elon delays Robotaxi, + more!

⚡️🚗EV North Newsletter: MEVS acquired, EV sales surge in Canada, Tesla Quicksilver paint, Lucid Air Pure most efficient EV, Porsche Macan EV, Elon delays Robotaxi, + more!

Issue #115 - Thursday, July 18th, 2024

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!

Also, be sure to check us out on X / Twitter and LinkedIn!

In this issue:

  • Montreal Electric Vehicle Show Acquired by Montreal International Auto Show.

  • Electrified Vehicle Sales Surging in Canada: Outpacing the U.S. in 2024.

  • Tesla Updates Model Y in Canada: Quicksilver Paint, Dark Gemini Wheels, and Removal of Seven-Seat Option.

  • Lucid Air Pure: The Most Efficient Electric Vehicle Ever Made.

  • Porsche Launches All-Electric Macan with Impressive 641 km Range.

  • Elon Musk Announces Delay to Tesla Robotaxi for Key Design Change.

  • +more!

Canada

Montreal Electric Vehicle Show Acquired by Montreal International Auto Show.

The Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) has officially acquired the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show (MEVS) and is committed to preserving the uniqueness of both events in the short and medium term.

“When we heard that the MEVS could change hands, we quickly showed interest… In the mid-2000s, the MIAS was the first event in the country to introduce an electric vehicle zone. It was imperative for our organization to consolidate our leadership role in the greater Montreal area.”

Denis Dessureault, Executive Vice President of the MIAS

The next show will take place at a new location—Stade IGA in Parc Jarry—from May 2-4, 2025, instead of the Montreal Olympic Stadium. The new venue is centrally located, easily accessible, and features ideal indoor facilities.

Louis Bernard, Co-Founder of the MEVS stated that in the coming months, they will ensure a smooth transition between teams to continue positioning the MEVS as a key reference in electric mobility in Québec.

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Electrified Vehicle Sales Surging in Canada: Outpacing the U.S. in 2024.

Canada is now outpacing the U.S. in the sales growth of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) for 2024. Historically, American sales have been stronger, but the first four months of this year show a significant shift.

According to a report from S&P Global Mobility, sales growth of BEVs and PHEVs in Canada has been considerably stronger compared to the U.S. from January to April 2024.

BEV volume growth PHOTO BY S&P GLOBAL MOBILITY

One of the key factors contributing to this surge in Canada is the availability of rebates. Provinces like Quebec and British Columbia offer substantial incentives, which have bolstered the adoption of EVs. In contrast, state-level incentives in the U.S. appear to have less impact.

The Canadian electricity sector also offers some of the cleanest and cheapest electricity in the world, enhancing the cost and carbon savings of EVs versus ICE options. The cost of gasoline is another contributor, as on average gas is significantly cheaper in the US versus Canada.

Quebec holds the highest concentration of BEVs in Canada, followed by Ontario and British Columbia. While the overall vehicle market in Canada is smaller than that of the U.S., Canadians are now more inclined to choose electrification.

Canadian BEV registrations rose by 57% and PHEV registrations increased by 75% in the first four months of 2024. The neighbors to the south have seen BEV registrations increase by 25,000 vehicles from January to April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The Canadian federal government offers up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). British Columbia provides rebates ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on the vehicle and the buyer’s income. Quebec currently offers up to $7,000 in rebates, which will gradually decrease until it is eliminated by 2027. Other provinces with incentives include Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Comparatively, the U.S. federal incentive for BEVs which is a credit of up to $7,500 for new vehicles purchased in or after 2023, is complemented by state-level incentives in only 15 states. California leads with 34% of all BEV registrations, followed by Florida (8%) and Texas (7%). BEVs accounted for 7% of total vehicle registrations in the U.S. from January to April 2024.

Tesla Updates Model Y in Canada: Quicksilver Paint, Dark Gemini Wheels, and Removal of Seven-Seat Option.

Canadians can now opt for the Quicksilver paint option as it is finally available for the Model Y. Initially introduced in the U.S. in early May, Quicksilver is now offered across all three variants of the Model Y in Canada. This premium paint option, priced at C$2,600, ties with Ultra Red as the most expensive choice.

Tesla recently began producing the Model 3 in Quicksilver at Giga Shanghai, making it available in several markets supplied by the Chinese factory. Although Quicksilver is not yet available for the Model 3 in Canada or the U.S., Tesla hinted on Instagram that it could be introduced in more markets soon.

Another significant update for the Model Y in Canada is the standardization of Dark Gemini Wheels on the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range (LR) variants. Previously offered as a $750 option, the Dark Gemini Wheels saw a price increase to $1,000 before becoming standard. Consequently, the Light Gemini Wheels have been discontinued.

Tesla has also decided to remove the seven-seat interior configuration from the Model Y lineup in Canada. This option, previously available on the LR variant for an additional $4,000, was removed on Thursday night. While the reason for this removal is unclear, it’s worth noting that Tesla had similarly removed and later reinstated this option in the past. The change may be related to logistical adjustments, as the Model Y is now exported from China to Canada instead of being sourced from the Fremont factory in California.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Lucid Air Pure: The Most Efficient Electric Vehicle Ever Made.

Lucid Motors is claiming that the 2025 Lucid Air Pure is the most efficient EV ever produced. This groundbreaking electric sedan has an impressive efficiency of 5 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), setting a new benchmark in the industry.

Lucid's 2025 Air Pure achieves a remarkable 146 MPGe and an EPA-estimated range of 420 miles. This efficiency milestone is a testament to Lucid's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve.

Starting at $96,800 CAD, the Air Pure is Lucid’s most affordable model. For the new model year, the battery capacity was slightly reduced from 88kWh to 84kWh, but it incorporates cutting-edge energy-saving features. One such feature is the heat pump technology, originally introduced with the high-end $327,300 CAD Sapphire model, which enhances efficiency and cold weather performance.

Lucid is betting that luxury EV buyers will value efficiency and MPGe alongside traditional premium features like leather seats and high-end audio systems. However, Air Pure’s efficiency crown may be challenged soon, with luxury competitors like Mercedes-Benz developing their ultra-efficient EVs, such as the Vision EQXX concept, which provides an efficiency of 8.4 miles per kWh.

Lucid Air Model Lineup:

  • Air Pure: 676km of range, priced at $96,800 CAD

  • Air Touring: 653km of range, priced at $109,300 CAD

  • Air Grand Touring: 772km of range, priced at $152,300 CAD

  • Air Sapphire: 687km of range, priced at $327,300 CAD

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Porsche Launches All-Electric Macan with Impressive 641 km Range.

Porsche has officially introduced the all-electric Macan, the latest addition to its SUV lineup. The base Macan offers rear-wheel drive alongside the all-wheel-drive Macan 4S, both designed to cater to different performance needs.

The rear-wheel-drive Macan focuses on high efficiency and range, making it an ideal entry point to Porsche's electric SUV series. Equipped with a 100 kWh battery, the Macan achieves an impressive WLTP range of up to 641 km. This model's propulsion comes from a rear-axle motor producing 250 kW and a peak torque of 563 Nm, allowing the Macan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 220 km/h.

Positioned between the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo, the Macan 4S delivers enhanced performance with its 330 kW electric motor setup, which can over-boost to 380 kW. This model features the Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) system, ensuring rapid power distribution between the axles. The Macan 4S can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h, with a WLTP range of up to 606 km.

Both models feature Porsche's Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture, allowing DC charging capacity of up to 270 kW. This technology enables the high-voltage battery to charge from 10% to 80% in about 21 minutes at suitable fast-charging stations. Additionally, Porsche has introduced new technology like a 12.6-inch curved display, 10.9-inch passenger display, and a head-up display with augmented reality.

The Macan 4S comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and adaptive air suspension, which includes a leveling system and height adjustment. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and rear-axle steering further optimize the chassis for performance and comfort.

Porsche has introduced several new features and customization options for the Macan lineup. A new exterior color, Slate Grey Neo, is now available, along with a 20-inch Macan S wheel. The new off-road design package enhances the SUV’s off-road capabilities, offering increased ground clearance and improved approach angles.

The electrification of the Macan brings a completely new display and control system called the Porsche Driver Experience. This system combines digital and analog elements, including a redesigned instrument cluster, ambient lighting with communication light, and the new Themes app for customizing display backgrounds and ambient lighting.

The new all-electric Porsche Macan models are available for order now, with deliveries expected in the second half of the year. Starting at competitive prices, these models are set to redefine efficiency and luxury in the electric SUV market.

Elon Musk Announces Delay to Tesla Robotaxi for Key Design Change.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Monday that the unveiling of the much-anticipated robotaxi will be postponed to incorporate significant design changes to the vehicle's front and to showcase additional features. Originally set for August 8, the event has now been rescheduled to October.

Musk revealed on his X social media platform that the delay will allow Tesla to make an "important design change" to the robotaxi's front, as well as to highlight some other new features.

The delay follows an announcement made in April 2023, when Tesla canceled its long-promised inexpensive car to focus on developing self-driving robotaxis using the same small-vehicle platform. Musk has provided limited details about the robotaxi, indicating that some units will be operated by Tesla, while others will be owned by individuals and rented out on Tesla's network.

In 2022, Musk projected that Tesla would begin mass-producing a robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals by 2024.

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