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

In this issue you will find:

• NMG and GM Partner for North America's Electric Vehicle Revolution.

• Chevrolet Equinox EV 2024: Canada's Most “Affordable” Electric SUV.

• Aptera Motors Unveils Solar EV Production Process: A Step Closer to Reality.

• BYD Partners with Ford and GM Supplier, BorgWarner, for LFP Battery Packs.

• Biden Administration Relaxes Vehicle Emission Regulations in the US.

• + more!

But before we get into that, here’s a quick clip of me driving the new Tesla Model 3 AWD and laughing/giggling while doing it! I know a lot of you are EV owners, and some of you are still on the fence - but if you haven’t had a big smile while driving your vehicle lately, maybe it’s worth taking a look at an EV. At the very least, going and checking one out will help you to make an informed decision.
It doesn’t have to be a Tesla, it can be any EV and I can almost guarantee that you’ll have a fun time!
PS: if you want me to make better videos, with reviews etc, please let me know!

And here’s an in-depth video on the updates on new Tesla Model 3 compared to the the previous version. YouTube Link 2min37sec

Canada

NMG and GM Partner for North America's Electric Vehicle Revolution.

Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (NMG) has inked a transformative deal with General Motors Holdings LLC (GM), marking a significant step forward in North America's EV) landscape. The agreement encompasses an offtake arrangement and a substantial $200 million CAD (US$150 million) equity investment by GM, propelling NMG's mission to become the region's premier source of natural graphite for EV batteries.

NMG, located in Quebec, is poised to pioneer the first fully integrated natural graphite active anode material project in North America. This strategic collaboration with GM underscores a shared commitment to local, sustainable, and reliable EV supply chains.

With more than 95% of EV battery anodes composed of graphite, securing a local and reliable source is paramount. NMG's Phase-2 operations aim to fulfill this demand, ensuring a seamless supply chain for GM's EV production.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

Supply Agreement: GM commits to purchasing 18,000 tonnes per annum of active anode material from NMG, covering a substantial portion of NMG's Phase-2 production. This multiyear supply agreement ensures a steady flow of essential materials for GM's EV production.

Equity Investment: GM's $200 million CAD (US$150 million) equity infusion into NMG signifies a robust endorsement of the company's growth trajectory. This investment will fuel the advancement and construction of NMG's Phase-2 operations, including the Matawinie Mine and Bécancour Battery Material Plant.

Sustainable Impact: The collaboration aligns with GM's sustainability goals, providing a source of carbon-neutral active anode material. This underscores GM's commitment to developing a resilient and eco-friendly EV supply chain.

Milestone Achieved: The partnership represents a significant milestone in NMG's journey towards becoming North America's leading natural graphite producer. It lays the groundwork for future investments and underscores the viability of NMG's ambitious expansion plans.

Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President, and CEO of NMG, hailed the partnership as a testament to shared values and a shared vision for a thriving local supply chain. He highlighted the significance of leveraging North America's resources and innovation to drive towards a zero-emission future.

The collaboration between NMG and GM heralds a new era of sustainable EV manufacturing in North America. By leveraging local resources and forging robust partnerships, both companies are poised to drive the electrification revolution forward. Stay tuned for further developments as NMG continues to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future for transportation.

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

Chevrolet Equinox EV 2024: Canada's Most “Affordable” Electric SUV.

Chevrolet's latest offering, the 2024 Equinox EV, is doing what it can under the General Motors umbrella to provide Canadians with “affordable” EVs and help a struggling brand in the EV market. Well priced, this SUV beats out rivals like Volkswagen and Hyundai by offering affordability without compromising on quality or performance.

Starting at $48,199 CAD (before rebates), the Equinox EV is positioned as one of the most budget-friendly EVs in its segment. With various trims available, there's an option to suit every budget and preference.

The Equinox also offers an impressive range of 512 km (319 miles) on a single charge, helping with range anxiety and provide confidence for longer trips. This surpasses many competitors in the compact SUV market such as the Subaru Solterra which offers a range of 360km, Nissan Ariya which offers 330km-465km and even the Tesla Model Y which offers 394km-497km.

The Chevrolet Equinox is scheduled to hit Canadian dealerships in June, the Equinox EV will initially offer four front-wheel-drive trims: 2LT, 2RS, 3LT, and 3RS. Additional trims, including the 1LT, and eAWD variants are also in the pipeline.

Beyond the Equinox EV, Chevrolet has exciting plans for 2024, including the introduction of the Blazer EV and the highly anticipated Silverado EV pickup truck. Additionally, a new range of plug-in hybrids will cater to customers seeking alternative options. Also, in 2025 we should be seeing an all-new version of the Chevrolet Bolt.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV redefines affordability in the electric SUV landscape. With its compelling features, including competitive pricing and impressive range, it's set to become a top choice for environmentally-conscious Canadian drivers. Stay tuned for its arrival in dealerships and join the electric revolution today.

EV Around the World 🌏

Aptera Motors Unveils Solar EV Production Process: A Step Closer to Reality.

Aptera Motors is moving towards their goal of creating the most efficient transportation on the planet with their continued development of cutting-edge solar EV technology. Aptera has successfully secured $33-Million USD through a community-led crowdfunding program to fund the initial phases of their solar EV production.

Aptera's solar EVs aim to provide exceptional range and efficiency. With solar panels strategically integrated into the vehicle's design, drivers can enjoy up to 40 miles of additional range per day, making it an ideal choice for daily commuting.

Via X.com, Aptera offers a glimpse into its production-intent build process, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every vehicle. From carbon body construction to the installation of solar panels, Aptera is committed to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly EVs.

The Launch Edition of the Aptera solar EV will be the first to hit the roads, prioritizing investors who participated in the Accelerator program. With preconfigured designs and exclusive badges, these vehicles represent a milestone in solar EV production.

While the Accelerator program has ended, reservations for Aptera vehicles are still available. You can secure your spot in line with a $100 deposit and be among the first to experience the future of transportation. LINK.

BYD Partners with Ford and GM Supplier, BorgWarner, for LFP Battery Packs.

BYD, a global leader in EV manufacturing, continues to expand its presence in the market with groundbreaking partnerships. In a recent announcement, BorgWarner, a key supplier to automotive giants like Ford and GM, revealed a strategic agreement with BYD's battery unit, FinDreams, granting it exclusive rights to localize and manufacture BYD's Blade LFP battery packs for commercial vehicles.

Under the agreement, BorgWarner becomes the sole non-OEM manufacturer authorized to localize BYD's Blade LFP battery packs. This partnership highlights BYD's commitment to advancing EV technology through collaboration with industry leaders.

BorgWarner will serve as the preferred manufacturer of LFP battery packs using FinDreams' Blade battery cells across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. The deal spans over eight years, ensuring long-term supply and support for EV manufacturers. In addition to battery packs, BorgWarner gains access to FinDreams Battery's intellectual property, including design and manufacturing processes. This positions BorgWarner to leverage LFP battery technology and meet the growing demand for cost-effective EV solutions.

BYD's dominance in the LFP battery market, coupled with BorgWarner's extensive reach in the automotive industry, signals a significant shift in EV production dynamics. As BYD continues to innovate with its Blade Battery technology, the collaboration with BorgWarner strengthens its position as a global EV leader.

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:

More BYD news:

BYD is set to introduce its latest electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, on February 25. Following the success of its ultra-luxury brand Yangwang, which includes the off-road U8 SUV and the soon-to-be-released U7 sedan, the U9 promises high performance with a quad motor system and BYD's e⁴ platform. With a 0-60 mph acceleration in under 2 seconds and a price tag around $140,000 USD, the U9 aims to rival top competitors like Tesla. BYD's expansion into the luxury EV market reflects its aggressive growth strategy for 2024, including the launch of new SUV models and increased market share overseas.

[VIDEO] BYD's YangWang U9 dance with dragons and wishes happy Chinese new year.

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BYD is considering establishing an EV plant in Mexico to serve as an "export hub" for the US and other overseas markets. Following its rise to the top-selling EV maker globally, BYD is expanding its presence beyond China and into key international markets. The company's success is attributed to its lineup of low-cost and functional electric cars, such as the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seal, which are gaining traction in various countries. With plans for overseas production facilities in Thailand and Brazil underway, BYD sees Mexico as a strategic location due to its proximity to the US market and potential cost-saving benefits. The move aligns with the requirements of trade agreements like the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement and incentives for EV manufacturing in Mexico. As other automakers, including Tesla, also express interest in Mexican EV production, Mexico is emerging as a hot spot for EV manufacturing with significant investment influx and incentives.

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BYD, is preparing to launch its electric pickup truck overseas, with recent sightings of test models in Australia. The development of BYD's electric truck has been ongoing for years, with test models spotted in China and at BYD's facility in November 2022. Leaked patents and reports suggest that the electric pickup will feature a rugged design resembling popular models like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150, with notable design elements such as stacked double LED headlights and a massive "BYD" symbol upfront. The truck is expected to come in a dual-cab five-seater configuration and compete with other electric pickups like Ford's F-150 Lightning and Geely's Radar R6. While specific details about the powertrain options are yet to be confirmed, it's anticipated that the truck will offer both plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and all-electric options. With sightings of test models in Australia, the arrival of BYD's electric pickup in international markets, including South Africa, is imminent.

Biden Administration Relaxes Vehicle Emission Regulations in the US.

As reported by the New York Times, President Biden's administration announces a rollback of stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, granting automakers extended time until 2032 to transition to electric vehicles as their primary focus. The New York Times reports this decision, highlighting industry pressure for more time to reduce EV costs and expand nationwide charging infrastructure.

Labor leaders advocated for an extension to facilitate union membership in new US EV plants. This move underscores the significance of labor union support amid Biden's re-election bid, balancing climate imperatives and opposition.

This adjustment follows a year marked by record-breaking global temperatures, compounded by climate trends and an intense El Niño event. The original EPA regulations aimed for 67% EV sales in light-duty vehicles and 46% in medium-duty vehicles by 2032, a notable increase from last year's 7.6%. However, slowed EV sales and industry demands for larger electric trucks and SUVs have hindered progress, challenging supply chain readiness.

QuickEV

• The Rivian R2 Will Be Eligible For The $7,500 Tax Credit.

• Polaris’ next electric UTV is here: the Pro XD Full-Size Kinetic.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Cybertruck CYBERBEAST on 1/8 mile Dragstrip!

• Tesla-Powered Chevy S-10 Just Crushed A Brutal Off-Road Race.

• Fisker Ocean Owners Love The Cars. Just Not The Bugs.

• [VIDEO] The Lucid Gravity Team: Detailed Walkaround Overview.

• 10 Reasons To Consider An Electric Car In 2024.

• 2024 Cadillac Lyriq Regains $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.

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