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

If you’re new here, The EV North is a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers it to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America in general but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

In this issue:

• Wayve, Microsoft-Backed Self-Driving Startup, Expands to Vancouver.

• Chevy Silverado EV Pickup: Canadian Pricing Revealed at $74,699.

• Tesla Launches FSD Subscriptions in Canada After Price Cut.

• British Columbia Bans Cars with Level 3 Driving Assist.

• Tesla Announces Workforce Restructuring, Top Executives Depart.

• Google Maps Revolutionizes EV Charging Search with AI-Powered Features.

• Maserati Unveils 2025 GranCabrio Folgore: An EV Convertible Experience.

• + more!

Canada

Wayve, Microsoft-Backed Self-Driving Startup, Expands to Vancouver.

Wayve Technologies Ltd., a self-driving startup backed by Microsoft, is opening a research center in Vancouver to accelerate its growth. Learn about their innovative approach to autonomous driving and expansion plans.

British autonomous-driving startup Wayve Technologies Ltd. has announced the opening of a new research center in Vancouver, marking its second location in North America. This expansion aims to bolster its efforts in advancing self-driving technology and furthering its presence in key markets.

Wayve's expansion to Vancouver comes under the leadership of its chief scientist, Jamie Shotton, known for his contributions to Microsoft Corp.’s body-tracking tool Kinect. Shotton's relocation illustrates the company's commitment to research and development, positioning Vancouver as its third strategic location alongside London and Mountain View, California.

Distinguishing itself from competitors like Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo, Wayve employs an innovative approach to artificial intelligence, allowing its systems to autonomously learn driving rules and patterns. This enables Wayve's technology to adapt to new environments and unpredictable scenarios intuitively. The company's strategy involves collaborating with automakers to integrate its software into vehicles, facilitating widespread adoption.

Wayve's decision to expand to Vancouver further proves the city's emergence as a growing tech hub, complemented by its proximity to major tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Vancouver's supportive ecosystem, characterized by favorable immigration policies and a pro-innovation environment, makes it an attractive destination for tech companies seeking to thrive.

Founded by PhDs from the University of Cambridge in 2017, Wayve has garnered significant investment, including backing from Microsoft, Eclipse Ventures LLC, and other prominent investors. The Vancouver office is set to recruit approximately 10 researchers initially, with plans for further expansion in the near future, augmenting Wayve's existing workforce of about 240 employees.

Noteworthy individual investors in Wayve include luminaries such as Meta Platforms Inc.’s chief AI scientist Yann LeCun and OpenAI co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever. Notably, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates publicly tested the Wayve system in central London last year, alongside Wayve co-founder Alex Kendall.

Here’s the video with Alex Kendall & Bill Gates from last year:

Wayve's expansion to Vancouver signifies a pivotal moment in its journey towards revolutionizing autonomous driving technology, backed by strong partnerships and a commitment to innovation. As the company continues to expand its footprint, its pioneering approach promises to reshape the future of transportation.

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Chevy Silverado EV Pickup: Canadian Pricing Revealed at $74,699.

Excitement is mounting for Canadian drivers as Chevrolet announces pricing details for the highly anticipated 2024 Silverado EV. General Motors Canada revealed that the fleet-oriented Silverado EV 3WT (Work Truck) trim will kick off at an MSRP of $74,699, while the premium Silverado EV First Edition RST (Rally Sport Truck) pickup commands a starting price of $117,499.

It's important to note that additional freight and fee charges apply to all models, and neither trim level qualifies for the federal iZEV rebate incentive.

Chevrolet initially unveiled the 2024 Silverado EV at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2022. The Silverado EV WT model boasts an impressive range of 724km, while the First Edition RST offers a slightly reduced range of 708 km on a full charge.

Both trim levels feature a dual-motor setup, with the RST model packing over 660 horsepower and 780 pound-feet of torque, enabling a rapid zero to 100km/h acceleration of approximately 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the WT model delivers 510 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque.

Equipped with the same 24-module Ultium battery pack, both the RST and WT models boast public DC fast charging capabilities of up to 350kW, providing an estimated 160 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes.

A new entrant to the EV truck segment is welcome even though the F150 Lightning has solidified market share and prominence, as well as the Cybertruck being… well the Cybertruck. Price is quite high and I’d imagine we’ll see some nice dealer mark ups as well!

Tesla Launches Full Self-Driving (FSD) Subscriptions in Canada After Price Cut.

Tesla has officially adjusted their Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription option, following through on the promise made by executives last month. Rohan Patel, Tesla’s Vice President of Public Policy and Business Development, had previously announced the imminent arrival of FSD subscriptions in Canada, with CEO Elon Musk giving his approval for the rollout. Following Tesla's decision to slash the monthly price of FSD (Supervised) to $99 in the U.S., the company swiftly extended the same subscription price to Canada at $99 CAD.

The move to introduce FSD subscriptions in Canada is part of Tesla's broader strategy to expand access to its autonomous driving technology. Recently, the company initiated a one-month free trial of FSD for new buyers, marking the first time such an offer has been made. This initiative coincided with the official removal of the "Beta" label from the software with the release of version 12.

Beware of the FSD curb rash. Example #1, Example #2 & Example #3.

Also, Tesla resumed FSD transfers last month, allowing vehicle owners to switch the software to a different vehicle free of charge. Elon Musk and Tesla also announced plans to unveil the much-anticipated robotaxi platform on August 8. This announcement coincided with reports suggesting the cancellation of Tesla's affordable, mass-market platform, which Musk denied, calling out media inaccuracies. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's Chief Designer, echoed Musk's sentiments, cautioning against blindly accepting media reports.

British Columbia Bans Cars with Level 3 Driving Assist.

British Columbia via legislation prohibits vehicles featuring Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 advanced driving assistance systems, as outlined by SAE International.
Under the revised Motor Vehicle Act, operating or allowing the operation of a vehicle equipped with Level 3-capable driving assistance hardware incurs fines ranging from $368 to $2,000, alongside a maximum prison term of six months. Regardless of whether the automated driving features are utilized, drivers are held accountable if caught by law enforcement.

While there are only a few Level 3-capable vehicles available globally, the selection in North America is even more limited. Presently, only BMW's 7 Series and i7 models, with the optional Personal Pilot L3 pack, qualify as Level 3-capable, albeit exclusively in Germany.

Despite advancements in automated driving technology, the likelihood of encountering Level 3-equipped vehicles on British Columbia's roads remains minimal. The province acknowledges the inevitability of highly automated vehicles but asserts the need for extensive testing and policy development before their widespread use is deemed safe. As per the new regulations, driving a Level 3-capable or higher vehicle in British Columbia is restricted to approved pilot projects.

According to SAE International, Level 3 automation allows the vehicle to operate under limited conditions, requiring the driver to assume control when prompted. With Level 4 and Level 5, the vehicle functions autonomously without driver intervention.

The ban on automated driving vehicles in British Columbia forms part of a comprehensive update to the Motor Vehicle Act, which encompasses regulations for e-bikes, electric kick scooters, and enhanced protections for vulnerable road users.

EV Around the World 🌏

Tesla Announces Workforce Restructuring, Top Executives Depart.

Tesla, announces that it will undergo a significant workforce restructuring, resulting in the departure of top executives and impacting over ten percent of its global employees. This move is positioned as a strategic step as Tesla braces for what CEO Elon Musk describes as "the next phase of growth."

Musk further elaborated on the rationale behind the workforce restructuring in a subsequent post on X, highlighting the cyclical nature of organizational evolution. He emphasized that "about every 5 years, we need to reorganize and streamline the company for the next phase of growth," signaling a strategic imperative rather than a reactionary measure.

With Tesla recently reporting its first year-over-year decline in vehicle deliveries since 2020, the company is taking proactive measures to realign its resources and streamline operations. The decision to lay off over ten percent of its workforce translates to approximately 14,000 employees, reflecting a commitment to optimizing efficiency and positioning the company for sustainable growth.

While specific details regarding the impacted teams within Tesla remain undisclosed, the company's focus on enhancing operational efficiency and agility suggests a comprehensive approach to optimizing its organizational structure.

As the company navigates the complexities of scaling production, expanding its product portfolio, and driving innovation, strategic initiatives like workforce restructuring play a crucial role in shaping its trajectory for long-term success.

Google Maps Revolutionizes EV Charging Search with AI-Powered Features.

Google Maps is introducing updates to streamline the process of locating EV charging stations, utilizing the power of AI to enhance user experience and alleviate the stress of finding charging points.

Utilizing AI algorithms, Google Maps will now provide summarized directions to EV chargers based on customer reviews, offering specific guidance to chargers situated in parking garages or less conspicuous locations. Moreover, the platform will prompt users to share feedback on their charging experiences, enriching the algorithm with valuable insights for future users.

EV owners using Google Maps will be prompted to provide essential details such as charging session success and plug type used, enabling the platform to furnish accurate descriptions of chargers for prospective customers.

This latest initiative builds upon Google's commitment to leveraging AI for enhancing EV owner experience, with previous endeavors focusing on route planning and plug location assistance.

Furthermore, real-time plug availability and charging speeds will now be accessible to EV owners via native versions of Google Maps integrated into select vehicle models, such as Volvo and Polestar. These vehicles will also benefit from Google Maps' native integration, suggesting optimal charging breaks during multi-stop journeys.

Additionally, Google Maps will cater to EV travelers by incorporating EV charger filters into its travel search tool, facilitating the discovery of overnight stops with charging facilities.

Image Source: Blog.Google

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Maserati Unveils 2025 GranCabrio Folgore: Electric Convertible Experience.

Maserati unveils the 2025 GranCabrio Folgore, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the brand's premier electric convertible. Nestled in the picturesque seaside town of Rimini, Italy, this electrifying machine combines performance, elegance, and sustainability with the unmistakable flair of Maserati.

Designed with advanced 800-volt technology and insights borrowed from Formula E, the GranCabrio Folgore delivers quick acceleration (0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds), and a sleek design that embodies Maserati's commitment to electrification. With a pledge to electrify its entire lineup by 2028, Maserati accelerates its transition to a sustainable future, aligning with evolving market demands.

Sharing the attributes of its hardtop counterpart, the GranTurismo Folgore, the convertible version boasts seamless engineering and remarkable performance. Despite its open-air design, the GranCabrio Folgore maintains exceptional agility, weighing only 176 pounds more than its coupe sibling. Maserati's meticulous attention to detail extends from the exterior design to the interior, ensuring a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality.

Renowned for his visionary design philosophy, Klaus Busse spearheaded the GranCabrio Folgore's transformation, infusing it with distinctive features that elevate its electric identity while preserving Maserati's iconic aesthetic. The inverted grille design, a hallmark of Maserati's EV lineup, optimizes airflow for enhanced performance while retaining the brand's signature elegance.

Innovating beyond the traditional engine roar, Maserati introduces a pioneering 3D sound system that replicates the visceral experience of its iconic V8 engine. Trident engineers meticulously calibrated the system to emulate the exhilarating rumble of the internal combustion engine, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts transitioning to electric power. The GranCabrio Folgore offers a seamless blend of performance and convenience, with four distinct drive modes catering to diverse driving preferences. From the energy-efficient Max Range mode to the exhilarating Corsa mode, Maserati ensures optimal performance tailored to every journey.

From sustainable materials to cutting-edge design elements, every detail reflects Maserati's unwavering commitment to luxury and sustainability. The price is estimated to be around ~$200,000 USD but more details will be available development progresses.

QuickEV

• Cybertruck owners say deliveries halted over bad accelerator pedal.

• The Affordable Kia EV3 Will Be Released This Year.

• [VIDEO] Tesla Drag Race: Performance Version Of Model S And X.

• Tesla unveils new Sport Seats to absorb Model S Plaid’s power.

• Partner drives a Tesla? You get $10k off a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E lease.

• [VIDEO] Tesla's NACS To CCS1 Adapter Works Great, But Has One Flaw.

• Honda's Cool New EVs Are Only for China.

• [VIDEO] Couple Loves Tesla's Cybertruck, But Not The Basecamp Tent.

EV Tweet of the Week

From our Friend Jaan from The EV Universe: