Hello! Welcome to the EV North Newsletter!

This issue has a lot packed into it, so let’s give you quick idea of what you’ll find below 👇️ 

• Northvolt Announces Plans for 60 GWh Battery Gigafactory in Canada.

• Toronto's EV Mandate for Rideshare Drivers Requires Charging Infrastructure Upgrade.

• Honda's 2024 Prologue EV: A Strong Contender in the Electric SUV category.

• Lucid Launches First Car Manufacturing Plant in Saudi Arabia.

• Lucid Motors Expands Presence in Germany with New EV Studio.

• Kia to Use Record 55-Ton Ocean Plastic Haul in New EV Models.

• + more!

Canada

Northvolt Announces Plans for 60 GWh Battery Gigafactory in Canada.

Swedish electric vehicle battery innovator and manufacturer, Northvolt, is set to establish an advanced lithium-ion battery gigafactory in the province of Quebec, Canada, just outside the bustling city of Montreal.

Named "Northvolt Six," this cutting-edge facility will boast an impressive annual cell manufacturing capacity of 60 GWh. Additionally, it will include facilities for the production of cathode active materials and battery recycling, ushering in a fully circular production model right on-site.

The commencement of construction for the first phase, which will see the production of 30 GWh, is slated to begin before the end of 2023, with full-scale operations set to kick off in 2026. This initial phase, covering cathode and cell manufacturing along with recycling processes, will necessitate a substantial investment of 7 billion CAD and provide employment for up to 3,000 individuals. The construction of the facility has major support from both the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec, marking it as the largest private investment in the history of Quebec.

The selection of the 170-hectare site for Northvolt Six, located in McMasterville and Saint-Basile-le-Grand, just outside Montreal, was the result of a thorough evaluation of potential locations in North America. This site fulfills a multitude of criteria vital to ensuring the company's commitment to sustainable battery production. Quebec's abundant hydroelectric power guarantees that cell production will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy, while the region's strategic position within the North American automotive value chain adds to its allure.

Leading the charge as CEO of Northvolt North America, overseeing the Northvolt Six project, is Northvolt Co-Founder Paolo Cerruti, with the headquarters based in Montreal. Cerruti is optimistic about the potential of Northvolt Six, emphasizing, "We have in Northvolt Six enormous potential, not only to rapidly expand our ability to bring sustainable batteries into North American markets but also to accelerate Quebec's emergence as a key player in the global energy transition. With its unique access to renewable power and raw materials, we see this as the ideal base of operations for Northvolt's first gigafactory outside of Europe. We look forward to engaging with all local stakeholders and the province to make Northvolt Six a textbook example of sustainable investment."

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Toronto's EV Mandate for Rideshare Drivers Requires Charging Infrastructure Upgrade.

As Toronto contemplates a proposal mandating EVs for rideshare drivers, experts emphasize the urgent need to enhance charging infrastructure in high-rise and multi-unit buildings. Advocates argue that this infrastructure is essential since many rideshare drivers reside in such buildings.

Ian Klesmer, Director of Strategy and Grants at The Atmospheric Fund (TAF), highlights that a significant number of ride-hailing app drivers are low-income earners or new immigrants living in apartment buildings that would require upgrades to support electric chargers. He emphasizes that this group could play a vital role in driving the electrification wave.

Toronto aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with its economic and community development committee recently voting to consider transitioning the vehicle-for-hire industry to net-zero emissions by 2031. Transportation accounts for one-third of Toronto's total emissions, with rideshare trips contributing approximately four to six percent.

However, experts warn of "serious equity issues" if the city mandates electric vehicles without ensuring accessible charging stations. Without adequate infrastructure, the transition to EVs could pose challenges for drivers.

An internal survey conducted by Uber Canada in December 2022 found that drivers had reservations about electric vehicles, including cost, long wait times for charging, and government incentives.

Toronto has already required residential parking spaces in apartment or condo buildings to have outlets capable of meeting charging standards, but installation can be complex, particularly in older buildings.

The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) has launched a program to support EV charger implementation in multi-family buildings in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Hamilton. Building owners in Toronto have shown significant interest in this initiative. Given that rideshare drivers use the road more frequently than average commuters, installing chargers in areas where they live can lead to significant cost and carbon savings.

Honda's 2024 Prologue EV: A Strong Contender in the Electric SUV category.

Honda unveils the highly-anticipated 2024 Honda Prologue, marking a significant milestone in the automaker's electrification journey. With a strong focus on clean design, impressive technology, and a spacious interior, the Prologue is set to redefine the midsize SUV segment.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is expected to receive an impressive EPA range rating of over 450 kilometers on a full charge, making it an ideal choice for both urban and off-road adventures. Equipped with DC fast charging capabilities, recharging is fast and convenient, with the ability to gain over 100 kilometers of range in just about 10 minutes.

Honda's Prologue boasts a neo-rugged design, offering a sleek silhouette with a capable and planted stance. Available with 21-inch wheels, the Prologue exudes an adventurous spirit. Its design is anchored by the largest wheels ever offered on a Honda vehicle, emphasizing its off-road readiness.

Inside the Prologue, you'll find a spacious, modern cabin designed for comfort and usability. The cabin features high-quality materials and large buttons and knobs for easy operation. Notably, the Prologue offers ample storage, including a clever two-tiered center console and Honda's first space-saving pocket type wireless smartphone charger.

The Prologue features a tech-rich cabin, including Google built-in, an 11-inch digital driver instrumentation display, and an intuitive 11.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Google Maps integration provides advanced route planning and charging station recommendations, optimizing travel time and reducing charging stops.

Prologue's sporty, engaging driving experience is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration that delivers an estimated 288 hp and 333 lb.-ft. of torque. The available Sport mode enhances the driving experience with quicker throttle response, firmer steering, increased braking power, and more.

Honda is committed to making charging convenient for Prologue owners, with plans to create a high-speed brand-neutral charging network in the United States and Canada, set to begin operation in summer 2024. This network will feature ultra-fast (350 kW+) charge points in urban and highway locations, making long-distance journeys hassle-free.

The Prologue is just the beginning of Honda's electrification journey. Honda plans to introduce 30 new EV models globally by 2030, with a goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in North America by 2040. This includes a mid- to large-size EV model in North America based on Honda's original dedicated e: Architecture platform, slated for release in 2025.

As part of its electrification efforts, Honda is investing in its EV Hub in Ohio, transitioning its Marysville Auto Plant to EV manufacturing and building a joint venture EV battery plant in Fayette County, Ohio.

Pre-sale activities for the 2024 Honda Prologue have already begun, with deliveries expected in Spring 2024. The Prologue will be available in select provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, with a starting price expected in the mid $60,000s.

EV Around the World 🌏

Lucid Launches First Car Manufacturing Plant in Saudi Arabia.

Lucid Group has made history by launching first car manufacturing facilityin Saudi Arabia The facility, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Plant-2 (AMP-2), represents Lucid's second manufacturing plant and its first international venture. AMP-2 will be responsible for producing Lucid's innovative electric vehicles for the Saudi Arabian market and export to global destinations.

This milestone was achieved with substantial support from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), and the Economic City at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The facility's significance lies in its crucial role in advancing Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts. By contributing to the development of electric transportation, Lucid is aligning itself with the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to ensure that 30% of new car sales in Saudi Arabia are electric by 2030.

AMP-2 has commenced semi knocked-down (SKD) assembly, with an initial annual capacity of 5,000 cars. It will begin by re-assembling Lucid Air vehicle 'kits' that are pre-manufactured at Lucid's AMP-1 Manufacturing Facility in the United States. Lucid's long-term plan is to transition AMP-2 to complete build unit (CBU) production after the mid-decade, with an additional annual capacity of 150,000 cars.

AMP-2 will serve as a hub for innovation and job creation. It will support the development of local Saudi talent by offering expert skill development training and is expected to employ hundreds of Saudi nationals initially, with plans for further growth in the coming years.

In line with Vision 2030, an agreement with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) aims to attract, train, and retain talent to build a skilled and localized workforce.

The strategic location of the plant near Jeddah will also stimulate the growth of the domestic supply chain, creating opportunities for local suppliers and fostering long-term expansion. With its position on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah offers robust supply chain access by land and sea, positioning Lucid to export its luxury electric vehicles to other regions in the future.

This achievement is a significant step forward for Lucid and Saudi Arabia in advancing the electric vehicle industry and supporting sustainable economic growth.

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Lucid Motors Expands Presence in Germany with New EV Studio.

Lucid Motors, is venturing into the heartland of luxury automakers like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW with its latest EV retail studio in Germany.

Situated in the heart of Düsseldorf on the prestigious Königsallee, known for its high-end brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, Lucid's new EV retail space marks its second location in Germany and fifth in Europe as it extends its luxury brand reach overseas. Zak Edson, VP of Sales and Service at Lucid, noted that Germany, being a nation passionate about automobiles, has shown a warm reception to the brand, stating, "We are delighted to open our second studio in Germany."

The luxury EV manufacturer received a positive response at the launch of its first store in Munich, affirming the readiness of German customers for Lucid.

Lucid's Autobahn-tuned Lucid Air boasts exceptional features such as impressive range, unique design, remarkable performance, and rapid charging capabilities. With a WLTP range of up to 518 miles (833 km), the Lucid Air can journey from Amsterdam to Berlin on a single charge. Utilizing fast charging and Lucid's proprietary EV technology, drivers can gain up to 248 miles (400 km) of range in just 15 minutes.

In terms of performance, the Lucid Air rivals, and in many cases surpasses, its competitors with options for single- or dual-motor configurations, delivering up to 1,126 hp (828 kW). This power enables the Lucid Air to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 2.7 seconds.

Lucid has already introduced its first Air electric sedans in Germany, with the base Air Pure starting at EUR 109,000 ($115,200 USD) according to Lucid's latest lease offers in the country. Other trims, including the Touring, begin at $136,300 USD, the Grand Touring at $168,000 USD, and the fully-equipped Dream Edition at $230,300 USD.

Clean Energy and Mobility

Kia to Use Record 55-Ton Ocean Plastic Haul in New EV Models.

Kia has announced its plans to incorporate recycled plastic from a groundbreaking 55-ton plastic haul, retrieved from the Pacific Ocean by its global partner, The Ocean Cleanup, into its new electric vehicle models. This significant achievement is a part of the ongoing seven-year partnership between Kia and The Ocean Cleanup, solidifying Kia's commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility solutions.

The Ocean Cleanup, an international non-profit project dedicated to eliminating plastic from the world's oceans, successfully delivered the collected plastic to Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada. The massive haul was extracted from the Pacific Ocean using The Ocean Cleanup's System 002 technology, following an extensive journey through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The GPGP, the world's largest accumulation of floating waste, covers an estimated surface area equivalent to three times the size of France, approximately 1.6 million square kilometers.

Recycling of the collected plastic will commence soon, and Kia intends to incorporate a portion of this material into its future vehicle models. This initiative aligns with Kia's mission to provide sustainable mobility solutions with a measurable impact on achieving sustainability at scale.

Kia has already implemented over 30 sustainable solutions across various product areas, including the use of recycled PET in fabrics and carpets, bio-based alternative leather, and BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) -free paint. For instance, the EV9, Kia's flagship 7-seat all-electric SUV model, utilizes upcycled waste, including fishing nets recovered from the ocean, for its floor carpets. The components constructed from recycled plastic and eco-friendly materials in the EV9 weigh approximately 34kg.

Following the successful delivery of the record plastic haul, The Ocean Cleanup has introduced its new System 03 technology. System 03 is nearly three times larger than System 002, enabling the capture of more substantial quantities of plastic at a lower cost per kilogram removed, and it operates year-round. The upgraded system features advanced environmental monitoring and safety technologies, including a Marine Animal Safety Hatch designed to protect marine life. This scale-up is a crucial step towards The Ocean Cleanup's goal of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.

Kia remains steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable planet and future generations, exemplified through its continued support for The Ocean Cleanup. The Kia logo and colors will be prominently displayed on the overalls worn by the crew of System 03.

QuickEV

• Tesla enters critical trial over fatal Autopilot crash.

• Kia’s three-row EV9 electric SUV will start at $54,900.

• [VIDEO] FLO Home X5 EV Charger Review.

• China Plug-In Car Sales Record Of 750,000 Units In August 2023.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Tesla Model 3 - What's New Inside And Out.

• Rivian R1T transformed into an Apocalypse-ready 850 HP off-road beast.

• [VIDEO] Model S Plaid Track Pack VS: Taycan Turbo S, Audi RS e-Tron GT.

• Tesla Semi Logs Over 1,000 Miles On A Single Day In Independent Test.

• [VIDEO] Jay Leno Hauls Tesla Semi with Tesla Semi.

• Mercedes-Benz and NIO are exploring an EV tech partnership, report says.
  

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