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

Before we get into this weeks’ issue, I wanted to highlight another newsletter that focuses on Rivian. The Rivian Report is a weekly newsletter that highlights the latest news and videos about Rivian - subscribe below 👇️ 

Here’s what you’ll find below 👇️ 

• RFPs for ZEVIP now open for submissions!

• New Rebate Program Helps Manitobans Get Into Electric Vehicles.

• Hyundai INSTER: Affordable Electric Crossover with 355 km Range.

• Ford CEO Highlights Shift to Smaller, Affordable EVs Amid America's Love for Large Vehicles.

• Couple Drives EV Through 38 Countries Using Solar Charging Solution.

• +more!

Canada

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is now officially open for submissions!

This initiative by Natural Resources Canada aims to accelerate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the country, supporting our transition to a cleaner, greener future.

If you're involved in the electric vehicle sector, this is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the expansion of Canada's EV infrastructure. Whether you're a business, municipality, or organization, your innovative solutions and projects can help shape the future of transportation.

Learn more and apply here: LINK

New Rebate Program Helps Manitobans Get Into Electric Vehicles.

The Manitoba government has introduced a new rebate program to encourage the purchase of EVs. Announced by Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt and Finance Minister Adrien Sala, the initiative aims to help Manitobans lower their emissions and save money on gas.

Quick Key Benefits of the Rebate Program:

• $4,000 incentive for new EV purchases

• $2,500 incentive for used EV purchases

• Applicable for EVs purchased on or after August 1, 2023

• Program runs until March 2026

The $25-million Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program offers financial incentives to make EVs more affordable. Vehicles must be purchased or leased from Manitoba dealerships, with a maximum manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $70,000 for new vehicles and a maximum purchase price of $70,000 for used vehicles. New Tesla vehicles with a maximum MSRP of $70,000 purchased outside of Manitoba between August 1, 2023, and May 2, 2024, are also eligible. Only one rebate per vehicle and per owner is allowed.

Manitoba Hydro offers a financing program for Manitobans to install Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at their homes, further encouraging the transition to EVs.

Both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for the incentive. Used EVs must be less than four years old, and incentives for leased vehicles will be proportionate to the lease length, with a full incentive for a four-year lease.

Manitobans who purchased an EV between August 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, can apply for the incentive on the Manitoba Public Insurance website starting July 2.

For more information, visit the Government of Manitoba website.

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

Hyundai INSTER: Affordable Electric Crossover with 355 km Range.

Hyundai has introduced the INSTER, a new A-segment sub-compact electric crossover, at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show. This EV offers a futuristic design, advanced technology, and a leading driving range of 355 km.

The INSTER blends a bold, futuristic exterior with a spacious interior. It is positioned between traditional city cars and compact SUVs, providing maneuverability and enhanced practicality. Key exterior features include LED daytime running lights, pixel-graphic turn signals, and various color options, including two-tone combinations.

Inside, the INSTER offers a 10.25-inch digital cluster and infotainment touchscreen, wireless charging dock, and customizable trim. The interior is versatile with flat-folding seats and walk-through access in the front row.

The INSTER comes with a 42 kWh battery or an optional 49 kWh Long-Range battery, delivering up to 84.5 kW and 147 Nm of torque. It achieves a segment-leading range of 355 km on a single charge. Fast charging allows the INSTER to go from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes with a 120 kW DC charger.

Packed with advanced safety and driver assistance features, the INSTER includes Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Blind-spot View Monitor, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The INSTER will launch in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. A rugged variant, the INSTER CROSS, will be introduced later. Currently the INSTER will not be offered to the North American Market.

Key Specifications:

• Range: Up to 355 km (220 miles)

• Battery: 42 kWh (standard), 49 kWh (Long-Range)

• Charging: 10-80% in 30 mins (120 kW DC)

• Power: Up to 84.5 kW (115 PS)

• Safety Features: Comprehensive ADAS including SVM, PCA-R, BVM, FCA 1.5

• Colors: Multiple exterior and interior options

• Cost: 22,000 pounds (~$38,000 CAD).

The Hyundai INSTER is a game-changer in the affordable EV segment, combining innovative design, advanced technology, and eco-friendly materials.

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EV Around the World 🌏

Ford CEO Highlights Shift to Smaller, Affordable EVs Amid America's Love for Large Vehicles.

Ford CEO Jim Farley is steering the 120-year-old automaker towards a more sustainable future, emphasizing the importance of smaller EVs. At the Aspen Ideas Festival, Farley highlighted America's affection for large "monster vehicles" but stressed the need for a shift towards smaller EVs.

Ford, traditionally known for its heavy trucks and SUVs, is undergoing a significant transformation. Farley acknowledged the appeal of large vehicles but pointed out their drawbacks, particularly their weight.

Earlier this year, Farley revealed Ford's secretive work on a new platform for smaller, cost-effective EVs. This initiative aligns with Ford's plan to launch a $30,000 USD electric car by 2027, which Farley asserts will be profitable.

To bring this vision to life, Ford is assembling a team of elite EV engineers, including talent from Tesla, Rivian, Apple, and Lucid. This team is dedicated to developing the new platform and ensuring the smaller EVs meet profitability goals.

Farley discussed the necessity of a "radical change" in their approach to EVs. This shift has already impacted Ford's strategy, as the company delays plans for a larger three-row electric SUV and postpones the next-gen EV pickup, the "T3," until 2026. Farley emphasized that "big, enormous EVs" are not financially viable, citing the high cost of batteries for such vehicles.

Ford faces pressure to build profitable EVs within the next five years, especially as Chinese automakers like BYD expand globally. Farley acknowledged the competition, noting that these companies are already making money on EVs and building their supply chains.

Despite a significant loss of $132,000 USD per EV in the first quarter of the year, Farley remains optimistic about the profitability of Ford's next-generation models. The company's strategic pivot towards smaller, affordable EVs is seen as a critical step in securing its future in the evolving automotive landscape.

For Jim Farley’s full article check it out here.

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:

Couple Drives EV Through 38 Countries Using Solar Charging Solution.

EV owners often face challenges with public charging availability and reliability. These issues become even more pronounced during an epic overlanding trip through 38 countries with fragile electrical grids. So, how did one couple manage to charge their EV in the middle of nowhere?

Renske Cox and Maarten van Pel, a Dutch couple, embarked on a 24,000-mile journey from the Netherlands to South Africa and back in their 2021 Skoda Enyaq EV. They equipped their EV with a custom-made portable DC-to-DC charger, which allowed them to harness energy from solar panels and feed it directly into their vehicle's charging port. This method proved to be 20% more efficient than a standard AC to DC wallbox.

The couple carried 60 portable solar panels, generating a total potential power output of 10.8 kW. This setup enabled them to achieve a 54% solar energy usage rate out of over 5,500 kilowatt-hours consumed during their 12-month journey. Despite being less convenient than a high-powered DC station, this solution allowed them to fast charge their EV off-grid, ensuring they never got stranded.

Their Skoda Enyaq EV was more than just a car; it was a mobile home, complete with all-terrain tires, heavy-duty springs, a rooftop tent, an air compressor, a mobile generator, and an induction cooktop. The solar panel holder in the trunk was a critical component, making it possible to use solar energy efficiently.

Manufactured by Venema E-mobility in the Netherlands, the DC-to-DC charger was the backbone of their charging solution. It maximized the efficiency of the solar panels, each rated at 180 W, and provided a practical off-grid charging option.

Key Setup Features:

• Custom Portable DC-to-DC Charger.

• 60 solar panels, 180 W each, total output of 10.8 kW.

• 24,000 miles through 38 countries over 12 months.

• Vehicle: 2021 Skoda Enyaq EV with extensive modifications.

This inspiring story showcases the resilience and ingenuity required to navigate the globe in an electric vehicle, proving that with the right equipment and planning, even the most challenging trips are possible.

You can check out all of their videos on their YouTube Channel: 4x4electric

QuickEV

• This Electric Sports Car Charges Faster Than Any Other EV.

• BYD’s +1,200 hp electric sports car spotted testing at Nurburgring.

• [VIDEO] Watch the Ioniq 5 N destroy luxury ICE SUVs in a drag race.

• Ampere partners with CATL and LGES for LFP battery technology.

• Fisker Ocean Owners Are Lawyering Up To Keep Their Cars Running.

• [VIDEO] I Sold My $100,000 Cybertruck After 50 Days.

• Here's How The Tesla Robotaxi Might Clean Itself.

• Kia’s new EV3 secures over 10,000 reservations.

• [VIDEO] 1,300 HP Yangwang U9 EV Supercar Hits The Nurburgring.

EV Tweet of the Week