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

Winter is here and below you will find some tips & tricks on minimizing winter’s affects on EV range, battery health PLUS do you really need AWD and winter tires for the winter?

Also in this issue:

• Honda Explores $14B for EV Manufacturing Hub in Canada.
  Honda has ambitious EV plans as they “reportedly” explore a potential $14 billion investment for an EV manufacturing hub in Canada. This strategic move that could significantly impact the landscape of electric vehicle production in Canada.

• Sony's AFEELA EV Takes Center Stage at CES with a PS5 Controller Twist.
  Sony Honda Mobility's AFEELA EV steals the spotlight at CES, featuring a unique twist with a PS5 controller integration. Explore the innovative blend of technology that promises a new level of driving experience.

• BYD Initiates $1.4 Billion Sodium-Ion Battery Plant: A Game-Changer for EVs.
  BYD initiates a $1.4 billion investment in a sodium-ion battery plant. This strategic move could revolutionize the future of EV batteries, bringing new possibilities to the forefront.

• Kia Unveils 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' - Modular Electric Minivans for Personal use and for Businesses.
  Step into the future of electric mobility solutions with Kia's revelation of 'Platform Beyond Vehicle.' Explore the concept of modular electric minivans designed for businesses and everyday personal use, showcasing Kia's commitment to innovative and flexible transportation solutions.

• Verge Motorcycles Unveils Futuristic TS Ultra Electric Bike with Revolutionary Safety Tech.
  Check out the futuristic hub-less design and revolutionary safety technologies that set this electric bike apart.

Canada

Winter Challenges for Electric Vehicles: Tips to Navigate the Cold Season.

Having an EV during the winter months requires extra attention to ensure optimal performance. Cold weather affects EVs in various ways, impacting range, charging speed, battery health, and more. To maximize your EV's efficiency during winter, here are some things worth considering especially if you’ve only recently made the switch to an EV:

• Range Drops: Cold temperatures significantly reduce an EV's range due to increased battery cell resistance. EVs (for the most part) retain around ~70% of their range in freezing temperatures, with performance varying among models.

• Battery Performance: Lithium-ion batteries operate less efficiently in the cold, affecting capacity and performance. Modern EVs employ thermal management systems to assist in mitigating these effects.

• Charging Slows Down: EV charging speed is temperature-dependent, and winter charging may be slower. Preconditioning the battery before charging is essential to maintain optimal speeds.

• Regenerative Braking Limits: Cold temperatures affect regenerative braking efficiency. Preconditioning the vehicle or leaving it plugged in overnight helps maintain optimal regenerative braking.

• Cabin Heating Impact: Cabin heating significantly reduces range. Using heated seats and steering wheel instead of traditional cabin heating can help preserve battery power.

• Winter Tires: Switching to winter tires increases rolling resistance, reducing range. EV-specific winter tires from manufacturers like Michelin, Hankook, or Nokian aim to balance grip and rolling resistance.

Speaking of winter tires… do they matter? Are AWD EVs needed for the winter driving conditions in Canada? In the video below, Engineering Explained provides answers:

From Engineering Explained’s tests and calculations AWD vehicles with winter tires can travel up a maximum incline with 32.4% grade vs only 17.3% for RWD vehicles with winter tires. EE’s Tesla Model 3 AWD, also needed less distance to come to a complete stop with winter tires than with all-season tires. So if you’ve been wondering if winter tires and AWD makes a difference - yes the do, especially when driving in the snowy winter conditions that we drive in here in Canada!

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

Honda Explores $14 Billion Investment in EV Manufacturing Hub in Canada.

Honda is reportedly contemplating a substantial $14 billion investment in North America to bolster its presence in the electric vehicle (EV) market. According to Nikkei, the Japanese automaker is considering the construction of an all-electric car factory in Canada, potentially accompanied by a battery cell facility. Notably, the battery production might involve cutting-edge, in-house solutions such as next-generation solid-state batteries, with production potentially commencing in 2028.

While no official decision has been made, the substantial investment suggests serious considerations within Honda. The $14 billion budget could encompass the establishment of extensive vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities, along with the development of crucial technologies. Various locations, including one near an existing Honda factory in Ontario, are being considered for the potential EV hub.

Honda's current all-electric lineup consists of two soon-to-be-launched models—the 2024 Honda Prologue and 2024 Acura ZDX—both based on General Motors' Ultium platform. In the long term, Honda aims to create and manufacture in-house all-electric vehicles using the upcoming e:Architecture EV platform.

As part of its electric strategy, Honda has a 40-gigawatt-hour battery joint venture with LG Energy Solution in Ohio, slated to be operational by the end of 2025. Simultaneously, the company has abandoned plans for affordable all-electric cars in collaboration with General Motors, signaling a shift towards increased independent investments in the development and launch of its EV products.

Here are some resources on the Prologue and ZDX.

Honda Prologue:
Introduction video, 1 min 40secs.
Manufacturer information page.

Acura ZDX:
Introduction video, 30 secs.
Manufacturer information page.

EV Around the World 🌏

Sony's AFEELA EV Takes Center Stage at CES with a PS5 Controller Twist.

Sony showcased its AFEELA electric vehicle at CES, making it the fifth consecutive year of unveiling its upcoming EV. While the CES press conference emphasized Sony's software plans and expertise in electronics, a unique twist stole the spotlight – the AFEELA was driven onto the stage using a PS5 controller.

See video below, for AFEELA specific section, skip to 28mins.

The AFEELA concept, set to hit the market in 2026, boasts impressive specs, including a 400kW dual-motor all-wheel-drive, 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 240km/h. However, details such as price and battery size remain undisclosed.

Sony aims to leverage its electronics proficiency by focusing on the car's sensing and infotainment systems. The AFEELA is equipped with various sensors for potential autonomous driving and promises enhanced in-car entertainment through continuous over-the-air software updates. The showcased large displays in both front and back seats hint at PS5-level performance for gaming tasks, potentially rivaling Tesla in the high-end gaming device market.

To underscore its commitment to the AFEELA, Sony has partnered with Honda to form Sony Honda Mobility, Inc. The collaboration signifies Sony's serious intent in the EV space, and its emphasis on software-defined features was demonstrated by driving the car onto the stage using a PS5 controller.

Despite the lack of new details on pricing, battery specifics, or the SUV version, Sony's vision for the AFEELA emphasizes a "digital playground" where software-defined elements create innovative in-car experiences. Sony envisions a creative community between users and creators, with access to vehicle data to realize unique ideas.

The demonstration highlighted the evolving role of software in shaping the driving experience, offering the potential for over-the-air updates to enhance vehicle characteristics over time. Sony's AFEELA aims to be more than just an EV; it aspires to be a platform for creativity and digital innovation within the automotive industry.

BYD Initiates $1.4 Billion Sodium-Ion Battery Plant: A Game-Changer for EVs.

BYD, a world leading EV manufacturer, has marked a significant milestone by breaking ground on its inaugural sodium-ion battery plant. With a massive investment of $1.4 billion and an annual capacity target of 30 GWh, BYD aims to revolutionize the EV battery landscape.

Despite already surpassing Tesla in global EV production, BYD continues its innovation journey as a top battery manufacturer. The company's Blade Battery, which powers EVs from various automakers, is renowned for its efficiency and reliability. This LFP battery, crafted by BYD's FinDreams, has been in production since 2020.

In collaboration with Huaihai Holding Group, BYD's FinDreams established a joint venture last June to venture into sodium-ion batteries. The first plant for sodium-ion batteries is under construction in Xuzhou, China, representing a major stride in BYD's commitment to diversifying battery technologies.

Sodium-ion batteries, offering a more cost-effective alternative to lithium, are particularly suitable for smaller vehicles that prioritize affordability over higher energy density. BYD's foray into sodium-ion technology aligns with the industry trend of developing chemistries that promise lower costs, extended range, faster charging, and reduced raw material consumption.

While rumors circulated about BYD introducing sodium-ion battery production in 2023, the recent groundbreaking indicates progress in this direction. The move follows the footsteps of JAC Group's YiWei, a new EV brand supported by Volkswagen, which recently unveiled its sodium-ion battery-powered EV.

BYD's commitment to sodium-ion technology not only reflects its ambition to be a global sodium battery systems leader but also echoes industry-wide efforts to bring low-cost solutions that foster the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

As sodium-ion technology gains traction, other major players like CATL have also disclosed plans for sodium-ion battery use, with Chery Auto's iCar brand set to be the pioneer in adopting this innovative battery chemistry. The shift towards sodium-ion batteries signifies a paradigm shift in the EV industry, opening new avenues for affordable and sustainable electric mobility.

Do you enjoy one or all of the following?

• Learning about EVs?

• Deep dives on EVs and the EV industry as a whole?

• An email with character and humour?

• Someone else connecting the EV dots so you don’t have to?

Then The EV Universe if the place for you! Check it out below:

Kia Unveils 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' - Modular Electric Minivans for Businesses.

Kia's innovative 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' (PBV) takes a practical approach at CES, introducing modular electric minivans designed for businesses and individuals. The flexible chassis of PBV allows for at least nine vehicle variations, emphasizing utility with a boxy design that can adapt to various use cases.

The PBVs are envisioned as versatile solutions, resembling minivans with customizable interiors for passenger or cargo-focused needs. Kia's three-phase business strategy outlines the evolution of PBVs, starting with the introduction of the PV5. This adaptable EV is optimized for hailing, delivery, and utilities, functioning as a software-defined fleet connected to a central hub.

In the second phase, Kia plans to expand the PBV lineup into AI-based mobility platforms, utilizing data to interact with users and keep vehicles updated. The third and final phase aims to create highly customizable mobility solutions, integrating with the future mobility ecosystem.

While specifics on the PBV's technical details are yet to be released, Kia's emphasis on a weldless body structure designed for standardized shipping in kit form is noteworthy. The PBV's design allows for interchangeable upper bodies, transforming the vehicle from a taxi during the day to a delivery van at night or a personal recreational vehicle on weekends.

The initial PV5 phase introduces various variants, including Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab. Future plans include a robotaxi model developed with Motional, a joint venture between Aptiv and Kia's parent company, Hyundai.

Kia plans to establish a dedicated factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, slated for production in 2025 with an expected annual output of 150,000 PBV vehicles. The company's forward-thinking strategy positions the PBV as a solution for evolving mobility needs, combining practicality, customization, and adaptability in the electric vehicle space.

I highly recommend taking a look at the various videos available on Kia’s YouTube channel. They are definitely making their PBV so versatile that their use cases are quite limitless.

Verge Motorcycles Unveils Futuristic TS Ultra Electric Bike with Revolutionary Safety Tech.

Finland-based Verge Motorcycles has set the stage for the release of its groundbreaking electric motorcycle, the Verge TS Ultra, featuring revolutionary safety technology and a distinctive design. The TS Ultra boasts 201 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque, powered by a unique hubless ring motor embedded in the rear wheel.

The motorcycle's innovative design addresses the challenge of optimizing the center of gravity by placing the battery low in the frame. The resulting hubless ring motor not only offers a radical look but also enhances the bike's agility. Despite initial skepticism, Verge Motorcycles is confident that this design will redefine the future of electric motorcycles.

This year at CES 2023, the company will unveil the Starmatter Vision sensor package, a sophisticated safety system for the TS Ultra. This includes six cameras providing 360-degree sensing, augmented by high-resolution radar units. The sensor data will be processed using Unreal Engine, offering high-end 3D graphics on the motorcycle's displays.

The Starmatter Vision system aims to enhance rider awareness by identifying obstacles, vehicles approaching from behind, and potential hazards from all directions. The sensor data will be communicated through displays on the handlebars and tank, with the software being part of Verge Motorcycles' Starmatter package, ensuring continuous updates via integrated wireless connectivity.

The TS Ultra comes with a premium price tag, starting at approx. ~$60,000 CAD, including the advanced sensor package and offering a range of up to ~375km. For budget-conscious riders, Verge Motorcycles offers the TS Pro at approx. ~$40,000 and the base TS at approx. ~$36,000 CAD each with varying power and range specifications. You can check out the Verge Motorcycles website here.

Despite the high cost, Verge Motorcycles plans to ship to Canadian consumers in the summer/fall of this year, starting with direct sales. The company has already delivered production TS units to customers in Europe, signaling the imminent arrival of this futuristic electric bike to reality.

QuickEV

• [VIDEO] VW tests QuantumScape’s Solid-State Battery: Retains 95% after 480,000 km.

• Tesla recalling 1.62 million EVs in China for autopilot, lock issues.

• Nissan suggests electric GT-R with solid-state batteries by 2030.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Cybertruck To Dead In 70-MPH Highway Range Test.

• This Tesla Cybertruck Video Exposes All Of The Details, Big And Small.

• All-New Toyota Prius/Prius Prime: 2024 North American Car of the Year.

• [VIDEO] Motormouth: All-New 2024 KIA EV9 Review.

• Tesla slashes car wrap prices, adds new color “Satin Abyss Blue”.

EV TikTok of the Week

@shetalkscars

10 New EVs Coming In 2024!😱 There’s some incredible new electric cars coming out this year, some you won’t have heard of… 👀 ✅ 1. Hyundai ... See more