Welcome to this week's edition of The EV North Newsletter – your trusted source for the latest updates, trends, and innovations in the world of electric vehicles.

(puns incoming)

As we embark on this electrifying journey, we're thrilled to be your companions in exploring the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable mobility. In each weekly issue, we'll bring you the hottest news, reviews, and insights, providing a one-stop destination for all things EV. So, plug in and get ready to dive into a world of electric possibilities, as we charge forward into a cleaner, greener automotive future.

In this issue:

• Major Investment in New Eastern Ontario Plant to Boost Electric Vehicle Industry.

• Canadian Startup Teleport Unveils Its First E-Bike - The Ride.

• Vingroup Chairman Donates VinES Energy Solutions to VinFast to Boost EV Battery Tech.

• Labor Disputes in the Automotive Industry: UAW Strike Updates.

• Mercedes-Benz: First-Ever Two-Car Electric Crash Test.

• + more!

Canada

Major Investment in New Eastern Ontario Plant to Boost Electric Vehicle Industry.

The federal and provincial governments are teaming up to support a groundbreaking multi-billion-dollar project by Umicore Rechargeable Battery Materials Inc. in Loyalist Township, Eastern Ontario. The initiative is set to create battery components for electric vehicles and generate hundreds of job opportunities in the region.

The project, valued at up to $2.76 billion, has received substantial backing from the Canadian government, with an investment of up to $551.3 million, and the province pledging up to $424.6 million. These investments are a testament to the commitment to bolstering Canada's EV industry.

At the groundbreaking ceremony held on October 16th, 2023, Mathias Miedreich, Umicore's CEO, expressed his delight at the extensive government support. He assured the gathered audience that the plant in Loyalist Township would not only provide a substantial return on investment but also make a significant contribution to the local community and economy.

The project is expected to unfold in multiple phases, with the initial stage promising the creation of 600 new jobs, along with an additional 700 co-op positions throughout the project's development. Officials describe the plant as the "first of its kind in North America," emphasizing its ability to produce cathode active materials, a vital component of EV batteries, on an industrial scale.

The full-scale project is projected to produce ample battery materials to support the annual production of over 800,000 electric vehicles. Notably, the process will rely on Canadian resources, including nickel, lithium, and cobalt, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly EV production.

Vic Fedeli, Ontario's minister of economic development, job creation, and trade, highlighted the significance of the project in reviving the province's auto sector. Ford emphasized that Ontario is putting the "auto sector back on the map," ensuring that the "cars of the future" will be manufactured in the region.

The project site spans over 141 hectares and is set to become a "world-class" facility. François-Philippe Champagne, the federal minister of innovation, science, and industry, noted that this initiative reinforces Canada's position as a leading green supplier in the EV industry.

Loyalist Township Mayor Jim Hegadorn expressed the enthusiasm of the community, stating that the project is a significant economic boost for the region. Residents and businesses are eagerly anticipating the project's completion, which is expected to commence production in 2026.

The Umicore project is the latest addition to a series of substantial investments by both provincial and federal governments to support Canada's rapidly growing electric vehicle industry. While the significant amount of public funding may raise questions, experts assert that such financing is vital to remain competitive in the global market.

Greig Mordue, chair of advanced manufacturing policy at McMaster University's school of engineering, noted that government support has historically played a pivotal role in the auto industry's success. Champagne echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Canada's advantage lies in its talent, critical minerals, proximity to resources, markets, and assembly lines.

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Canadian Startup Teleport Unveils Its First E-Bike - The Ride.

Teleport, the Canadian startup, is gearing up to introduce its inaugural electric bicycle, aptly named "The Ride." This sleek e-bike is set to revolutionize urban commuting and exercise with its minimalist design and impressive features. With deliveries scheduled to kick off in February 2024, let's dive into the details of this innovative creation.

Urban cycling often feels like teleporting through congested city streets, allowing riders to effortlessly navigate traffic or take advantage of bike-specific paths. It's not only a convenient mode of transportation but also a great way to stay active and burn calories, a fact supported by studies. The same holds true for e-bikes, which provide an efficient means of commuting and exercise.

Teleport's foray into the e-bike market, "The Ride," is a testament to simplicity and functionality. Designed by Gus Johansson in 2021, this e-bike boasts a clean and unassuming appearance, easily mistaken for a traditional bicycle. However, it conceals a remarkable feature – a remarkable range of up to 100 miles on a single charge.

The masterminds behind The Ride, Gus Johansson and his brother-in-law Anthony Ross, have translated their vision into a tangible product by founding Teleport. To bring this exceptional e-bike to life and accelerate production, they are planning a fundraising campaign on Indiegogo. But what can future owners of The Ride look forward to?

The Ride is equipped with a 750-watt rear hub motor, capable of a peak output of 1,200 watts. It harmonizes with the rider's pedaling efforts, transferred to the rear wheel via a Gates Carbon Belt drive system. Known for its noiseless operation and minimal maintenance, Gates' technology enhances the riding experience. The e-bike boasts a real-world top speed of 28 miles per hour with pedal assist, complemented by a built-in torque sensor. For those moments when pedaling feels like a chore, a thumb throttle is conveniently included.

The Ride features a 36-volt, 11.4-ampere-hour battery pack with all its electronic components and wiring discreetly integrated into the frame. This design choice ensures a clean and streamlined appearance. Multiple riding modes are available, including an Eco mode that extends the range to an impressive 100 miles on a single charge.

Weighing in at a mere 34 pounds, The Ride's aluminum frame and compact design make it agile and easy to handle, resembling a non-electric mountain bike. Its 700x38c puncture-resistant tires provide stability, and Tektro hydraulic brakes ensure reliable stopping power. Despite its lightweight construction, The Ride can accommodate riders weighing up to 290 pounds. The e-bike is equipped with an OLED display on the handlebars, enabling riders to monitor their speed, range, and battery status. Additionally, assist settings can be easily adjusted through the display.

The Ride comes with a competitive price tag of $1,899 USD, making it an attractive option for urban commuters and e-bike enthusiasts. Pending a successful funding campaign, the first deliveries of The Ride are slated to begin in February 2024.

Teleport's innovative e-bike promises to make urban commuting a breeze while offering a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation. With its minimalist design and impressive range, The Ride is set to become a game-changer in the world of electric bicycles.

EV Around the World 🌏

Vingroup Chairman Donates VinES Energy Solutions to VinFast to Boost EV Battery Tech.

In a groundbreaking move, Vingroup Chairman and Vietnam's wealthiest individual, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, has unveiled his plan to contribute 99.8 percent of VinES Energy Solutions Joint Stock Company's shares to VinFast. This strategic merger is poised to fortify VinFast's self-reliance in battery technology and production processes, positioning it to excel in the electric vehicle market.

This generous donation paves the way for the seamless integration of VinES into VinFast, bolstering the company's autonomy in battery technology and harnessing additional resources for intensified battery research and development.

VinES, an esteemed member of the Vingroup family, specializes in cutting-edge lithium-ion battery research, development, and production for various mobility and energy storage applications. It has also cultivated partnerships with prominent global battery technology leaders, striving to evolve into a comprehensive energy solutions provider.

In this merger, VinFast is poised to gain ownership of all of VinES's intellectual property relating to battery cells, battery packs, manufacturing facilities, technology assets, strategic partnerships, and supplier contracts. This comprehensive acquisition significantly bolsters VinFast's position, providing a vital piece in its fully integrated production puzzle and establishing an unparalleled competitive edge in the global EV market.

In April 2023, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong publicly committed to donating $1 billion from his personal assets to VinFast. In an impressive show of support, Vingroup, alongside Mr. Vuong, announced an additional contribution of $500 million to VinFast in non-repayable grants, as well as a guarantee for a $1 billion loan, extendable up to five years. These financial provisions are designed to fuel VinFast's expansion and growth efforts on the global stage.

Labor Disputes in the Automotive Industry: UAW Strike Updates.

Amidst the ongoing labor disputes in the automotive industry, the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike continues to make headlines, impacting major automakers like Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. Here's an overview of recent developments and their implications:

1. UAW Strikes at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant.

The UAW's decision to strike at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant is a contentious issue. Ford had presented a generous contract offer aimed at improving the quality of life for its 57,000 UAW-represented workers. This strike affects Kentucky Truck Plant, Ford's largest facility, and the production of vehicles generating billions in revenue annually. The disruption extends to other Ford operations and supplier activities, impacting over 100,000 people. Striking when Ford has been adding UAW jobs since the Great Recession seems counterintuitive.

2. Expanding Strikes.

The UAW strike, which commenced on September 15, 2023, initially involved 13,000 workers but has since grown to include 25,000 individuals across 43 facilities in 21 states. Even Mack Trucks recently joined the strike. Despite automakers' efforts to address wage increases and manufacturing commitments, the UAW's actions have drawn criticism.

3. Stellantis' Proposal to Sell Auburn Hills HQ.

Stellantis, the parent company of several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Alfa Romeo, has put forth a proposal to gain the unilateral right to sell its North American headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, along with 17 other facilities. This proposal is part of Stellantis' fourth counteroffer to the UAW. The impact of this proposal on workers, communities, and the future of these facilities is a matter of concern. The Auburn Hills headquarters, once Chrysler's world headquarters, is of historical significance. Any decision to sell would require the UAW's approval.

4. Tesla's Union Battle in Germany.

In Germany, Tesla is confronting a unionization effort. IG Metall, a significant union in the German auto industry, is making strides at Tesla Gigafactory Berlin. Workers have joined the union's campaign to advocate for better working conditions. Concerns about work accidents and conditions at the factory have raised the union's profile.

These ongoing developments reflect the dynamic landscape of the automotive industry. As automakers navigate modernization and the adoption of new technologies, they must also address labor concerns and negotiate with the UAW. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the American auto industry.

In a recent statement, Stellantis emphasized the importance of finding common ground with the UAW to enable the company to meet the challenges of electrification and ensure competitiveness during this transformative period. UAW President Shawn Fain has declared the strike's transition into a more aggressive stage, underscoring the significance of ongoing negotiations. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.

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Mercedes-Benz: First-Ever Two-Car Electric Crash Test.

Mercedes-Benz has set a remarkable safety precedent by conducting the world's first public crash test involving two fully electric vehicles. This test not only meets legal requirements but surpasses industry standards. Euro NCAP mandates a frontal impact test with a 1,400 kg trolley and an aluminum honeycomb barrier that mimics the front of another vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz adhered to these specifications but went further by using real vehicles, specifically an EQA and an EQS SUV. These vehicles are considerably heavier at around 2.2 and three tonnes, respectively. Also, they were tested at 56 km/h, exceeding the 50 km/h speed requirement. The result was a higher crash energy impact than mandated by law, with extensive deformation of the vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz engineers viewed the deformation as a positive sign, indicating that the vehicles efficiently absorbed the collision energy. This ensured that the passenger safety cell of both electric models remained intact, and the doors could still be opened, facilitating emergency exits. The high-voltage system in the EQA and EQS SUV also automatically deactivated during the collision.

Mercedes-Benz's philosophy is clear: to produce cars that excel not only in controlled crash tests but in real-world accidents. The crash test scenario mimics a type of common rural road accident, simulating a failed overtaking maneuver at 56 km/h. This takes into account that real drivers often attempt to brake before a collision, making this test highly relevant.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized their commitment to safety regardless of the drive system. Their goal is zero accidents involving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle by 2050, emphasizing the importance of protecting human lives.

In the crash test, both the EQA and EQS SUV carried adult dummies, indicating a low risk of serious to fatal injury. The vehicles' crumple zones and advanced restraint systems performed effectively, showcasing a high level of occupant protection.

Mercedes-Benz has developed a multi-stage high-voltage protection concept for its electric vehicles, ensuring the safety of the battery and components with voltages above 60 volts. This system includes self-monitoring high-voltage systems that automatically deactivate during serious collisions, surpassing legal requirements and consumer protection standards.

Mercedes-Benz's campaign, titled "Safety Symphony," highlights the harmony of safety systems working together to protect lives during accidents. The campaign emphasizes the importance of these systems acting together at the right moment, like a symphony.

Mercedes-Benz conducts crash tests at its state-of-the-art Technology Centre for Vehicle Safety in Sindelfingen, a facility capable of conducting up to 900 crash tests and 1,700 sled tests annually. This experience and analysis from the Accident Research unit form the basis for Mercedes-Benz's real-life safety philosophy.

QuickEV

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• Tesla’s latest funky product is 2 bottles of beer for $150.

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• The 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ Is A Luxury Plug-In Hybrid With V6 Power.

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• [VIDEO] Model 3 Owner Gives Praise After 4 Years of ownership.

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• [VIDEO] Mercedes-Benz EQS vs Porsche Taycan.

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