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

The Electric Mobility Canada kicked off their EVVE (electric vehicle / véhicules électriques) national conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 10th. The event will bring leaders and experts together to discuss challenges and solutions showcasing EV programs, policies and innovative technology. You can check out the event page here: https://evve.emc-mec.ca/

Another event to mark on your calendars is the Tesla Robotaxi reveal, set to take place October 10th, (10/10). Tesla has released details on how you could attend:

In this issue:

• Plug’n Drive Launches National Electric Vehicle (EV) Education and Test Drive Tour Across Canada.

• British Columbia Completes Electric Highway, Enhancing EV Travel Across the Province.

• Tesla Cybertruck Arctic Expedition: A Groundbreaking Success for Electric Vehicles.

• Tesla and EVject Reach Agreement on Escape Connector Recall.

  Tesla AI Team Unveils FSD Release Roadmap and Global Rollout Plans.

• Lucid Unveils Gravity SUV with Tesla-Compatible Port and Announces New Affordable Midsize EV.

• + more!

Canada

Plug’n Drive Launches National Electric Vehicle (EV) Education and Test Drive Tour Across Canada.

Announced at EVVE2024, Canada’s premier EV industry event currently taking place in Halifax Nova Scotia from September 10th - 13th, Plug’n Drive unveiled the “EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour”. This nationwide initiative aims to enhance public awareness and knowledge about electric vehicles (EVs) through interactive education and hands-on test drives.

Supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) and various generous sponsors, the tour is designed to boost public understanding and confidence in zero-emission vehicles and their supporting infrastructure.

The EVs are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour is a two-year initiative featuring Mobile EV Education Trailers (MEETs) and dynamic EV Roadshows. The tour will bring immersive EV education directly to communities across Canada.

MEETs: Two collapsible and transportable trailers will be stationed in Eastern and Western Canada. These MEETs will act as mobile community hubs for two to four weeks, offering EV education and test drives with the latest models from top manufacturers.

These events will travel for one to three days, featuring pop-up tents or tradeshow booths, a fleet of EVs, and knowledgeable EV Ambassadors. The Roadshows will reach smaller, rural, and remote communities and make appearances at conferences, tradeshows, and festivals.

Upcoming MEET Locations

MEET Calgary: September 5 – 29, 2024, at Vivo Centre for Healthier Generations 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, AB T3K 6E3

MEET Ottawa: September 12 – 29, 2024, at IKEA Ottawa
2685 Iris Street, Ottawa, ON K2C 3S4

MEET Kingston: October 3 – 20, 2024, at Kingston East Community Centre
779 Highway 15, Kingston, ON K7L 4V3

For more details and to find additional events, visit the Plug’n Drive events calendar. Communities interested in hosting a MEET or EV Roadshow are encouraged to contact Plug’n Drive.

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British Columbia Completes Electric Highway, Enhancing EV Travel Across the Province.

British Columbians will soon experience a transformative shift in EV travel as the province finalizes its Electric Highway. This comprehensive network of public EV fast-charging stations, strategically placed approximately 150 kilometers apart, spans the entire province. By the end of September, B.C.’s Electric Highway will facilitate seamless EV travel from Alaska through British Columbia and down the west coast to California.

The network includes 155 charging sites which has over 310 fast chargers and additional Level 2 chargers at select locations. The coverage ensures EV drivers can travel confidently across B.C. without worrying about finding a charging station, addressing common concerns such as range anxiety.

The completion of the Electric Highway aligns with CleanBC’s climate action plan and supports the province’s target of 10,000 public charging stations by 2030. With over 5,300 public chargers as of August 2024, this represents a nearly 350% increase since 2018.

The completion of B.C.’s Electric Highway involved collaboration among utilities, local governments, Indigenous communities, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the private sector. The province has invested over $13 million through the GoElectric Public Charger Program and additional funding from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.

In a related announcement, the province has allocated $14 million to the GoElectric Home and Workplace Charger Program. This initiative, managed by BC Hydro and FortisBC, supports the installation of EV chargers at homes and businesses, enhancing accessibility and convenience for EV owners.

Additionally, BC Hydro plans to introduce 400 kW charging stations early next year, capable of delivering up to 100 kilometers of charge in just two to three minutes. These high-speed chargers will be strategically located near major highways to meet the high demand for rapid charging.

Tesla Cybertruck Arctic Expedition: A Groundbreaking Success for Electric Vehicles.

The recent Arctic Cybertrek Expedition has set a new benchmark for electric vehicles by successfully completing a grueling 5,500-mile journey from Florida to the Arctic Ocean’s edge at the end of the Dempster Highway in Canada. The expedition showcased the Tesla Cybertruck’s remarkable capability by achieving this feat using only electric power, despite the harsh conditions and sparse charging infrastructure along the route.

The Arctic Cybertrek Expedition was designed to challenge the notion that electric vehicles cannot handle extreme journeys. Critics often claim that such long and arduous trips are best suited for combustion-powered vehicles, but this expedition was intended to showcase the Tesla Cybertruck’s ability to conquer even the most demanding terrains without relying on traditional fuel sources.

The journey was not without its challenges. The team, consisting of EV enthusiasts @teslatino and his spouse @TSLATNA, @beardedtesla, and @blueskykites, encountered significant difficulties early on due to the lack of EV chargers in the Canadian wilderness. However, their resilience and strategic range management allowed them to overcome these hurdles and reach their destination.

Photos shared online capture the triumphant moment when the team posed with their Tesla Cybertrucks at the Arctic Ocean’s shores. To commemorate their achievement, they left their Arctic Cybertrek Expedition badge at a notable signage near the Arctic Ocean.

In addition to their remarkable journey, the expedition team made a substantial impact by setting up several Level 2 chargers along their route. This development will significantly enhance EV charging infrastructure for future travelers, making it easier for other electric vehicle owners to undertake similar long-distance journeys with improved charging support.

The Arctic Cybertrek Expedition’s success marks a significant milestone for electric vehicles. By demonstrating that Tesla Cybertrucks can complete such a demanding trip without the aid of diesel generators, the expedition has effectively disproven skeptics who doubted the viability of EVs in extreme conditions.

The successful completion of the Arctic Cybertrek Expedition is a testament to the growing capabilities and reliability of electric vehicles. As more EV charging stations are established along routes like the Dempster Highway, we can anticipate an increase in adventurous electric vehicle journeys to the Arctic Ocean and beyond.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Tesla and EVject Reach Agreement on Escape Connector Recall.

Tesla and aftermarket accessory manufacturer EVject have reached an agreement following a lawsuit concerning the safety of EVject's Escape Connectors. The accessory maker has announced a recall of its V1.0 and V1.1 Escape Connectors, which will be replaced with the new V1.2 version, now featuring built-in thermal protection.

Tesla's lawsuit against EVject stemmed from concerns over the safety of the Escape Connector, a device that allows drivers to disconnect and drive away from a Supercharger without exiting their vehicle. The primary issue was the lack of overtemperature protection, which led Tesla to seek a ban on importing these connectors into the United States.

The lawsuit sparked a wide range of reactions within the EV community, with many advocating for a resolution that would allow the continued use of the Escape Connector due to its importance in enhancing driver security during Supercharging sessions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to these concerns by pledging to investigate the matter, leading to a recent resolution with EVject.

EVject has communicated to its customers that it is committed to being a "good partner" with Tesla and has acted upon this commitment by recalling the V1.0 and V1.1 models. The new V1.2 Escape Connector, set to ship later this year, will include several improvements to ensure compliance with Tesla’s safety standards. These enhancements include:

• Advanced Thermal Sensors: For better safety during charging.

• Improved Temperature Monitoring: To detect and manage potential risks.

• Compliance with Latest Charging Recommendations: Ensuring optimal performance and safety.

• Customer Upgrade and Return Process

Customers who have previously purchased the V1.0 or V1.1 Escape Connectors will receive a complimentary upgrade to the V1.2 model. EVject is facilitating this transition by asking customers to return their old connectors in exchange for credit towards the new V1.2 Escape Connector.

Tesla AI Team Unveils FSD Release Roadmap and Global Rollout Plans.

Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) enthusiasts can look forward to an eventful few months, as the Tesla AI team has unveiled a detailed release roadmap. This roadmap highlights several key features set for release in the near future and outlines Tesla’s plans to secure FSD approval in Europe and China by early 2025.

The Tesla AI team aims to achieve approximately a 3x improvement in miles between necessary interventions with the release of FSD v12.5.2. Additionally, efforts are underway to create a unified model for vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 and Hardware 4, now designated as AI3 and AI4.

Key features slated for rollout this month include:

• Actually Smart Summon (ASS): Already in progress, this feature enhances the vehicle's ability to autonomously summon itself.

• Autopark for Cybertruck: Introducing advanced parking capabilities tailored for Tesla’s new Cybertruck.

• Eye-Tracking System: Designed for drivers who wear sunglasses, improving the system’s ability to monitor driver attentiveness.

• FSD for Cybertruck: This long-awaited feature will finally be available, adding full self-driving capabilities to the Cybertruck.

In October, Tesla will continue to roll out new features, including:

• Unpark, Park, and Reverse Functions in FSD: Enhancements that will streamline parking and maneuvering.

• FSD V13: This major update promises a significant upgrade, with expectations of approximately 6x improvement in miles between necessary interventions. The V13 update is anticipated to bring even greater comfort and functionality to Tesla’s FSD system.

The most intriguing aspect of the release roadmap is Tesla’s target for global expansion. According to the Tesla AI team, FSD is expected to be released in Europe and China in Q1 2025, contingent upon regulatory approval. With China’s proactive stance on driverless technology, there is strong optimism for timely approval in the region.

Lucid Unveils Gravity SUV with Tesla-Compatible Port and Announces New Affordable Midsize EV.

At its recent Technology and Manufacturing Day event, Lucid Motors showcased exciting updates on its upcoming Gravity SUV and teased a new, budget-friendly EV set to debut by late 2026.

Lucid's Gravity SUV, scheduled for first deliveries later this year, will feature a Tesla-compatible charging port, known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS), starting in 2025. This aligns with the industry trend as more automakers adopt the NACS for future EV models. Notably, the Gravity will likely have the NACS port positioned on the driver's side rear, similar to Tesla vehicles, which should prevent blocking multiple Supercharger stalls during charging.

Currently, EV owners face challenges using Tesla Superchargers with adapters or at stations equipped with the "MagicDock" adapters. Ford and Rivian have made strides with software updates to enable their EVs to connect with Tesla’s charging network. Lucid’s integration of the NACS port further simplifies the charging experience for its customers.

In addition to the Gravity updates, Lucid teased a new midsize SUV priced under $50,000, expected to launch in late 2026. This vehicle will be built on an innovative Midsize Platform and feature the next-generation “Atlas” drive unit, aimed at offering enhanced value in the competitive electric SUV market.

The new SUV will position Lucid more competitively against established players like Tesla's Model Y, which currently leads the electric SUV segment. Lucid also hinted at another forthcoming model intended to rival Tesla’s Model 3, expanding their presence in the affordable EV market.

As Lucid advances with these new models and technologies, it aims to capture a broader segment of the EV market and compete more effectively with industry giants.

QuickEV

• [VIDEO] China's BYD Shark VS. Tesla Cybertruck VS. Rivian R1S.

• China urges Canada to comply with WTO rules.

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N gets free charger and charging.

• [VIDEO] The Lucid Gravity Gets Durability Tested.

• Volkswagen is recalling ID.4 due to defective door handles.

• Panasonic is ready for series production of 4680 cells.

• [VIDEO] Cybertruck Ownership Experience: Complaints After 8,000 Miles.

• Toyota’s all-solid-state EV battery plans get the green light in Japan.

• China's BYD Was The Third-Best-Selling Brand In The World This July.

• [VIDEO] The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV Highway Range Test.

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