Welcome to this week’s EV North Newsletter!

Here’s a quick summary of what we will take a look at in this week’s issue:

• Vancouver Trade Show Highlights Past and Future of Electric Vehicles.

• Volvo Prepares for an All-Electric Future: Shifting Workforce in the US and Canada.

• Canada Ranks 9th on Global Electric Vehicle 'Readiness' Index.

• Lotus Emeya: The Latest Electric Hypercar Joins the Sub-3-Second Club.

• Tesla Updates Section.

• + MORE!

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Canada

Vancouver Trade Show Highlights Past and Future of Electric Vehicles.

Fully Charged Live, a dynamic exhibition encompassing electric vehicles, renewable energy, clean technology, and urban mobility, captivated visitors at the convention center from Friday, September 8th through Sunday, September 10th. Hosted by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, this event not only celebrates the past but also propels us into the electrifying future of sustainable transportation.

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Bruce Stout, a representative of the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, notes that public sentiment is rapidly shifting in favor of electric vehicles. As more individuals in British Columbia (and Canada) embrace EVs, those who have yet to make the switch are increasingly viewed as the "laggards." This cultural shift towards electric mobility is evident in the participation of renowned automakers such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Volkswagen, and Rivian at the event.

Fully Charged Live not only showcases an array of electric cars but also spotlights industrial vehicles like transport trucks and personal electric vehicles such as e-bikes and scooters. The diverse range of offerings reflects the eagerness of the public to embrace cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation.

Josie Osborne, British Columbia's Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, emphasizes the strong demand for electric vehicles in the province. She reports that one in five cars currently sold in British Columbia is electric. The show's emphasis extends beyond consumer vehicles to include larger industrial and personal electric modes of transport.

Osborne underscores the government's commitment to facilitating this transition, aiming for a future where 100 percent of new cars sold in Canada are electric by 2035, with interim targets of 20 percent by 2026 and 60 percent by 2030.

The growing demand for electric vehicles presents unique challenges, particularly for organizations like B.C. Hydro, the lead sponsor of Fully Charged Live. According to Chris O'Riley, CEO of B.C. Hydro, the shift from encouraging EV adoption to meeting the surging demand for infrastructure is substantial. The utility is now actively responding public demands to expand charging infrastructure across the province.

O'Riley acknowledges that insufficient charging infrastructure has been a major obstacle to widespread EV adoption, as identified by industry experts. To address range anxiety, B.C. Hydro is strategically expanding its charging network. Currently, they operate 153 charging units at 84 locations across the province and have ambitious plans to add an additional 3,000 ports over the next decade.

In a significant development, B.C. Hydro has unveiled plans to introduce new charging stations capable of adding up to 180 kilometers of range to an electric vehicle in just 10 minutes. These 180-kilowatt units are scheduled for deployment this fall, with further expansion in 2024, starting in communities like Surrey, Manning Park, Mackenzie, and Tumbler Ridge.

The federal government is also actively involved in supporting charging infrastructure growth, with commitments of $680 million since 2019 for a zero-emission vehicle infrastructure program. Additionally, the Canada Infrastructure Bank has pledged $500 million for a large-scale EV charging and hydrogen refueling initiative.

As Fully Charged Live continues to electrify Vancouver, it's clear that electric vehicles have moved from the fringes to the forefront of sustainable transportation, promising a cleaner, greener future for British Columbia and beyond.

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Volvo Prepares for an All-Electric Future: Shifting Workforce in the US and Canada.

Volvo Cars, in line with its commitment to going all-electric by 2030, is undergoing a significant transformation. As part of an $88 million restructuring effort, Volvo is making strategic shifts in its US and Canadian operations to enhance competitiveness in the future EV landscape. This comprehensive initiative, codenamed CORE+, is aimed at optimizing costs, improving efficiency, and preparing the workforce for a fully electric future.

Volvo's ambitious plan includes a transition to becoming a fully electric car brand by 2030. By 2025, the company aims for pure EV models to represent half of its projected 1.2 million in annual sales. To achieve this, Volvo intends to introduce a new electric model each year, gradually phasing out internal combustion engines and hybrids.

Recognizing the evolving demands of the EV era, Volvo is reshaping its workforce. This strategic shift will encompass all aspects of the business, from operations to personnel. Michael Cottone, President of Volvo Car USA and Canada, emphasizes that "there's not any area of the business that is not impacted." As part of this realignment, Volvo plans to reduce its white-collar workforce in the US and Canada by over 10%, with some personnel opting for early retirement. These changes are expected to be implemented by early October.

Volvo's commitment to upskilling its workforce for the EV future is evident in the CORE+ strategy. The company aims to create a more focused and capable workforce that will not only navigate the transition effectively but also benefit Volvo's retailers. The emphasis is on hiring experts with specialized knowledge in areas such as battery chemistry, inverters, and silicon carbide technology to support the shift to electric mobility.

It's important to note that Volvo's restructuring efforts will not impact its global production network, including the assembly plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. CEO Jim Rowan emphasized the need for factory output to meet the surging demand, which has increased by 50% compared to the previous year.

Cottone assures that this strategic realignment will provide Volvo with the financial resources and skilled workforce required to successfully transition into an all-electric future. The company is determined to remain at the forefront of the EV revolution, and these changes are a crucial step in that direction.

As Volvo forges a path forward on it’s the way for an all-electric future, its proactive approach to workforce and operational transformation underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.

Canada Ranks 9th on Global Electric Vehicle 'Readiness' Index.

Canada has made significant strides in its readiness for the EV revolution, climbing four spots to secure the ninth position in a global index assessing countries' readiness for a seamless transition to electric vehicles. Compiled by EY, a leading global accounting firm, the index evaluates nations based on critical factors like supply, demand, and regulatory environment for EVs.

In the 2023 index, Canada's progress is notable, reflecting the nation's commitment to promoting the EV sector. China leads the rankings, followed by Norway, the United States, Sweden, the U.K., South Korea, the Netherlands, and Germany. Canada's ascent in the rankings can be attributed to various factors:

• Demand Surge: Canada witnessed the most significant surge in the demand category this year, advancing six positions. Factors driving this demand include the availability of high-performance EVs, rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, and reduced range anxiety.

• Regulatory Improvements: Canada also made gains in regulatory factors, moving up one spot from the previous year. Government initiatives and policies aimed at encouraging EV adoption have played a role in this progress.

• Supply Continuity: While Canada maintained its position in the supply category, ongoing efforts ensure a consistent supply of EVs to meet the growing demand.

Canada's journey towards EV adoption is fueled by several key factors:

• Consumer Inclination: The rising preference for EVs among consumers is driven by factors such as soaring fuel costs, improved charging infrastructure, and the cost-effectiveness of EV ownership.

• Government Targets: Ottawa aims for all new light-duty cars and passenger trucks sales to be zero-emission by 2035, providing a clear vision for the EV sector's growth.

• Increasing ZEV Registrations: Despite a slight dip in the first quarter of 2023, zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) registrations have surged to an all-time high of 10.5% in the second quarter, indicating a growing appetite for EVs.

EY's report recognizes Canada's commendable efforts in advancing its EV ecosystem:

• Renewable Power: Canada is applauded for its increasing availability of renewable energy, contributing to the sustainability of EVs.

• Investments in Charging Infrastructure: Ongoing investments in charging infrastructure strengthen Canada's EV landscape.

• Government-Industry Collaborations: Multi-billion incentive deals between the federal and Ontario governments and automakers like Volkswagen AG and Stellantis to build battery factories in Ontario demonstrate a commitment to EV growth.

Canada's favorable attributes, including abundant raw materials, mining activity, strong environmental and governance factors, and a robust innovation and industry landscape, are acknowledged in reports from BloombergNEF and Bloomberg, further solidifying its position as a competitive player in the EV market.

As Canada's readiness for electric vehicles continues to grow, it stands poised to play a significant role in the global shift toward sustainable and electrified transportation.

EV Around the World 🌏

Lotus Emeya: The Latest Electric Hypercar Joins the Sub-3-Second Club.

Lotus is pushing the boundaries of electric hypercars with its unveiling of the 2024 Emeya. This four-door electric sedan boasts 900 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds. With quick acceleration, ultra-fast charging capabilities, and aerodynamic design enhancements, the Emeya is poised to challenge renowned luxury sports cars like Audi's E-tron GT and Porsche's Taycan.

Lotus claims that the Emeya is "one of the fastest GTs in the world," boasting a top speed of 155 mph and a blistering zero-to-60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. While independent testing is needed to validate these claims, the Emeya's performance credentials are undeniably impressive.

Lotus hasn't provided all the technical specifications yet, including battery capacity or range, but it's expected to align with Lotus' first electric vehicle, the Eletre SUV, which achieved around 310 miles of EPA-estimated range. More details are anticipated to be disclosed in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The Emeya likely features a battery pack exceeding 100 kWh, given its dual-motor setup, and is equipped to accept up to 350 kW of DC fast charging, translating to approximately 93 miles of additional range with just five minutes of charging.

The powertrain is expected to deliver a staggering 905 horsepower along with 985 Nm of torque. The car's aerodynamic design plays a pivotal role in enhancing range, efficiency, and handling, with an active rear diffuser inspired by Lotus' storied motorsports heritage, contributing to smooth airflow under the vehicle.

A substantial 296 mm-wide rear spoiler, significantly wider than that found on the Eletre, generates a net downforce exceeding 215 kg, greatly enhancing stability at high speeds. Lotus encourages its customers to experience the Emeya's exceptional handling capabilities, reflecting the brand's motorsports legacy.

Owned by China's Geely, Lotus is actively reinventing itself for the electric era. The Emeya is the second of three new electric vehicles slated for release over the next four years, alongside a sports car, coupe-sedan, and another SUV. The Eletre, an electric crossover SUV, was unveiled last year, boasting a battery capacity of over 100 kWh and 600 horsepower.

This shift toward electric vehicles is aimed at rejuvenating Lotus' sales figures. In 2022, the automaker's sales dwindled to 576 cars, marking a 62 percent decline from the previous year. Additionally, the company reported a loss of £145.1 million ($180.9 million) for the year and is exploring measures, including potential job cuts exceeding 200 positions.

As Lotus embraces the electric future, the Emeya represents a significant step towards revitalizing the brand and reclaiming its position as a pioneer in high-performance electric vehicles.

Puzzles are fun!

Puzzles are fun when you know you have all of the pieces and you know what the desired final outcome will look like. But what if you didn’t have all of the pieces and no one knew what the final picture would look like? Not that fun. That’s why I really enjoy The EV Universe - not only does it do a great job of gathering all of the EV pieces, but The EV Universe gives a great picture as to where the future is headed with EVs - with industry deep dives, educational content and doing it all with a great sense of humour!

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Tesla Updates Summary:

You’ve no doubt heard about the unveiling of the redesigned Tesla Model 3 (of course you have! Everyone and their dog has!). However, although it might be one of the “biggest” news to come from Tesla this past week or so, it is not the only thing. So many wheels are turning at Tesla (😉) and they are all headed towards a single goal: World Dominance. Well… maybe not the Tesla/McDonald collab (see EV Tweet of the Week below 👇️) - not sure what the goal is there. Below are the latest Tesla news summarized in bite-sized pieces for easy consumption 😅 :

Tesla Model 3 refresh/Highland.
Starting with the “refreshed” Tesla - the question wasn’t “if” a redesign was happening, the question was “when?”. Months ago photos of the Model 3, also referred to as the Highland was leaked and the very first few photos showed the updated headlight design which is the most obvious cosmetic change of the Model 3. Instead of listing all of the changes and describing the vehicle, here are a couple of videos that can give you the visuals and explanations:

Tesla Gigafactory Shanghai produces their 2,000,000th electric vehicle!

Tesla's journey to the two millionth EV production milestone is a testament to its rapid expansion:

1. First Million: Remarkably, the factory achieved the production of its first million electric cars by August 2022, an impressive accomplishment realized within just 33 months since the commencement of production.

2. Second Million: Astonishingly, Giga Shanghai reached its second million units in a significantly shorter timeframe, requiring only 13 months.

This accelerated production highlights not only Tesla's commitment to meeting the growing global demand for electric vehicles but also the efficiency and scale of its Shanghai operations.

As Tesla continues to innovate and strengthen its presence in China and worldwide, it solidifies its position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. This significant milestone contributes significantly to the global transition toward sustainable and emissions-free transportation.

Tesla and Hilton Collaborate to Deploy 20,000 Versatile EV Chargers Across Hotels.
Tesla and Hilton are embarking on a major initiative to install up to 20,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Hilton hotels and properties, beginning in early 2024. This project, spanning 2,000 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks the largest planned EV charging network by a hospitality company. Tesla's Universal Wall Connector charger, which can power share with up to six matching chargers, will be utilized for this endeavor. These versatile chargers are compatible with all EVs, not just Teslas. This collaboration addresses the growing need for reliable EV charging options at hotels and aims to make EV charging more accessible to travelers, contributing to the broader adoption of electric mobility. FULL ARTICLE.

Tesla Raises Price for Controversial Yoke Steering Wheel to $1,000.

Tesla has increased the price of its controversial yoke steering wheel to $1,000, a departure from its previous status as a standard feature. Initially introduced with the refreshed Model S and Model X, the unique "yoke" butterfly steering wheel raised concerns regarding its shape and the absence of a drive stalk for mode selection. While Tesla originally indicated a potential nonlinear steering curve enabled by a steer-by-wire system, the reality was a conventional 14.0:1 steering ratio that proved impractical at lower speeds. Despite CEO Elon Musk's defense of the yoke's advantages in visibility, Tesla began offering a round steering wheel as an alternative, making it standard for Model S and Model X in April. The recent price increase to $1,000 for the yoke steering wheel suggests a shift from its previous inclusion as a standard feature, potentially related to Tesla's recent price reductions and an effort to bolster gross margins. FULL ARTICLE.

Tesla's Global Supercharging Network Expands to 50,000 Stalls.

Tesla's $25,000 Next-Generation Electric Car to Embrace Cybertruck Design.

Tesla is reportedly planning to develop a $25,000 electric car on its next-generation engineering platform, according to Elon Musk biographer Walter Isaacson. This affordable EV is expected to feature a futuristic design akin to the Cybertruck, with production beginning this year and scaling up by 2024. While Musk had initially favored an autonomous robotaxi concept over the $25,000 EV, Tesla engineers convinced him that both could coexist. The engineers presented designs for both the robotaxi and the affordable EV, both embodying a "Cybertruck futuristic feel" that Musk endorsed. However, the exact launch date for the $25,000 electric car remains uncertain, as Tesla continues its manufacturing efforts to reduce battery costs and bring this mass-market vehicle to reality. FULL ARTICLE.

QuickEV

• Tesla is testing a dual-motor powertrain for the Cybertruck.

• [VIDEO] KIA EV5 revealed in new video.

• This Chinese EV concept is an SUV and pickup truck all in one.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Model 3 First Drive.

• Honda is the latest automaker to adopt Tesla’s charging port for its future EVs.

• [VIDEO] Nissan Ariya video review.

• Polestar is working on a smartphone to seamlessly sync with its luxury EVs.

• BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats.

• [VIDEO] New EV World Record – from 0 to 100 km/h in 0.956 seconds.

EV Tweet of the Week

Collab of the century? 😛