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

The holidays are upon us and you’ll most likely be traveling to visit family and friends. Over the years, whether driving an EV or not, the best thing you can do to ensure safety on the roads during the winter months is to invest in a good set of winter tires. They can be costly but black Friday deals and holiday sales help! Be sure to check further below to see Electrify Canada’s tips for EV Charging in the winter time!

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In this issue:

• Lion Electric Temporarily Lays Off 400 Employees Amid Financial Struggles.

• Tesla 2024 Holiday Update: Features Owners Have Been Waiting For.

• Winter is Coming! EV Charging Cold Waether Tips from Electrify Canada.

• Jaguar Type OO Concept: A Bold Preview of Jaguar’s Electric Future.

• Aptera Reopens Crowdfunding Campaign to Fund Solar EV Production.

• Can-Am Launches First Electric Motorcycle, the Origin, as Production Begins.

• + more!

Canada

Lion Electric Temporarily Lays Off 400 Employees Amid Financial Struggles.

Quebec-bases Lion Electric, a leader in electric bus manufacturing, is facing tough times, prompting the temporary layoff of 400 employees across the United States and Canada. These workforce reductions will impact all departments and result in a production halt at its Joliet, Illinois, facility. The company has secured a credit extension from its lenders to maintain minimum liquidity as it navigates financial challenges.

This latest round of layoffs marks the third wave for Lion Electric in recent months. The company reduced its workforce by 300 employees in August following a 50% year-over-year decline in revenue. By the end of 2023, Lion Electric had already cut 10% of its workforce. Currently, just 300 employees remain across all locations and departments.

The layoffs are described as temporary, but they highlight the company's broader financial instability. Despite efforts to secure funding and stabilize operations, Lion Electric acknowledges uncertainty regarding the success of its restructuring plans.

The workforce reductions have forced Lion Electric to suspend manufacturing at its Illinois facility. The decision reflects the company’s efforts to streamline operations while addressing immediate financial concerns.

To address liquidity needs, Lion Electric's lenders extended the grace period for a loan agreement to December 16, 2024, allowing the company access to a limited portion of its receivables. This extension provides some breathing room for the company to explore restructuring measures, but Lion Electric admits success is not guaranteed.

One potential restructuring option includes the sale of the company, a move that Lion Electric previously confirmed is under consideration. As financial pressures mount, this scenario is becoming increasingly likely.

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Tesla 2024 Holiday Update: Packed with Features Owners Have Been Waiting For.

Tesla has started the initial phase to begin release of their 2024 Holiday Update, bringing a host of new features and enhancements across safety, navigation, entertainment, and customization. Rolling out within the next week via an over-the-air (OTA) update, the release addresses long-requested features while introducing fresh innovations for Tesla owners to enjoy.

Key Features of the 2024 Tesla Holiday Update:

• Apple Watch Integration: Tesla app support for Apple Watch has arrived! Apple Watch users can now use their device as a phone key, monitor battery charge, adjust climate controls, and even open the frunk directly from their wrist. Unfortunately, support for Android smartwatches is not included at this time.

• Dashcam & Sentry Mode Phone Integration: Downloading Dashcam and Sentry Mode clips just got easier. With this update, Tesla owners can save, view, edit, and share recordings directly from their phone via the Tesla app. Additionally, Sentry Mode now sends notifications when door handles are tampered with.

• Autoshift for Stalkless Model 3: Owners of Tesla's stalkless Model 3 will gain Autoshift functionality, enabling the car to automatically toggle between Drive and Reverse for complex maneuvers. This feature is already available for the Model S and Model X.

• SiriusXM and TuneIn Enhancements: Tesla expands its entertainment options with SiriusXM support for Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. TuneIn Radio also gets improvements, though details remain vague.

• Weather Overlay: Displays precipitation along your route and weather conditions at your destination.

• Point of Interest Search: Allows users to find stops along their route and set a desired state of charge for their destination.

• Long requested by owners, Tesla now introduces Rear Cross Traffic Alert, providing visual and audible warnings for pedestrians and vehicles when reversing.

• Custom Wraps & Plates: Personalize your Cybertruck’s avatar with Tesla’s preloaded designs or upload your own via USB.

• Cybertruck Rear Camera Enhancements: Includes a larger rear camera feed with pinch-to-zoom capabilities.

• Cybetruck Rear Arcade: New games transform the backseat into an entertainment hub.

• Santa Mode: Turn your Cybertruck into Santa’s sleigh, complete with Optimus, reindeer, and elves.

• Schedule Light Shows: Control two new light shows remotely via the Tesla app.

• Passenger Seat Adjustments: Reposition unoccupied passenger seats from the Seats control panel.

• Boomerang Fu Game: A new party game joins Tesla’s library of in-car entertainment.

• Maintenance Summary: Track vehicle maintenance tasks with reminders and insights.

• Enhanced Energy Tracking: Model S, X, and Cybertruck benefit from better energy consumption tracking.

• Auto-Volume Reduction: Volume automatically lowers when reversing.

• Dynamic Navigation Updates: Avoid road closures with real-time rerouting.

• Parking Improvements: Smarter parking search functionality.

• Supercharger Notifications: Alerts for out-of-service stalls upon arrival.

I find it absolutely amazing that these enhancements can be applied via a simple OTA update FOR FREE! While some manufacturers are charging for heated seats, labour for updates that need to be done at a service center and subscriptions for features the vehicle could already provide, this is another showcase of Tesla and how they are above other manufacturers.

Winter is Coming! EV Charging Cold Waether Tips from Electrify Canada.

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Jaguar Type OO Concept: A Bold Preview of Jaguar’s Electric Future.

Jaguar has unveiled the Type OO concept at Miami Art Week, showcasing an interesting design direction for its upcoming EV lineup. The concept previews Jaguar’s first electric grand tourer (GT), set to debut in 2025, with performance and range capabilities aimed at redefining luxury EVs.

The Type OO concept is a two-door fastback coupe with angular styling, paying homage to classic Jaguar models like the E-Type while introducing a modern edge.

The Jaguar Type OO concept features a striking design with a long hood, short rear end, and slatted motifs extending across the front, rear, and roof. Its modern aesthetic is complemented by simplified Jaguar logos and 23-inch wheels. Inside, the minimalist cabin incorporates an oval steering wheel, a floating center divider, and innovative hidden digital screens that retract when not in use, creating a sleek, uncluttered look. While specific powertrain details remain undisclosed, Jaguar has set ambitious targets for its upcoming four-door GT, including up to 1,000 horsepower, an EPA-estimated range of 690km (430 miles), and fast-charging capabilities that add 320km (200 miles) of range in just 15 minutes. Built on Jaguar's advanced JEA (Jaguar Electrified Architecture) platform, this GT represents the first step in the automaker's electric future, with additional SUV and sedan models to follow.

The new GT will be built on Jaguar’s JEA (Jaguar Electrified Architecture) platform, which supports advanced EV capabilities and compatibility with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), granting access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.

The grand tourer is one of three models in Jaguar’s electric transformation, with a luxury SUV and a traditional sedan expected to follow. These vehicles mark a major shift for Jaguar as it phases out most of its current gasoline lineup, including the discontinuation of the I-Pace EV.

The production GT will carry a six-figure price tag, starting around $163,000 USD, and is scheduled to debut in 2025. It will be joined by the SUV and sedan models as part of Jaguar’s comprehensive electric reboot.

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Aptera Reopens Crowdfunding Campaign to Fund Solar EV Production.

Aptera has reopened its crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise an additional $60 million USD to finalize development and begin production of its solar-powered three-wheeler. The campaign follows a successful earlier round, which ended in May, raising $135 million USD from 19,000 investors.

Developing a car from scratch is a costly endeavor, as many EV startups, including Fisker, have learned. Despite its impressive fundraising efforts to date, Aptera still requires significant capital to deliver its two-seater solar EV to consumers. Investors can now buy shares in the company at $14.80 per share, with a minimum investment of $1,000.

Aptera is currently testing its first production-intent prototype, which features a significant design change. Initially intended to use a hub motor at the rear, the prototype now incorporates an inboard drive unit supplied by Vitesco Technologies. The shift was necessary because the original hub motor design would not have been ready in time for production.

The company estimates production will begin next year, with an initial run of approximately 7,000 units. However, this timeline hinges on Aptera’s ability to secure the necessary funding.

Aptera’s solar-powered electric vehicle (SEV) offers a unique solution for eco-conscious commuters. Covered in solar panels, the vehicle can generate up to 11,000 miles of range annually through solar energy alone—equivalent to about 30 miles per day under optimal conditions. For cloudy or less ideal weather, the batteries can still be recharged like a conventional EV.

The SEV offers a maximum range of 400 miles on a full charge, according to the manufacturer. Pricing is expected to range from $25,900 USD to $48,300 USD, depending on battery size, solar panel configuration, and powertrain options.

Aptera will debut its first production-intent solar electric vehicle (SEV) at CES 2025, running from January 7–10 in Las Vegas. Attendees can see the fully realized vehicle and meet the team behind it. Aptera also plans community events near the Las Vegas Strip during CES week, with free tickets available for early registrants.

The showcased SEV will feature a complete interior and exterior, highlighting years of innovation in solar mobility. Aptera has made significant progress, including reinforced vehicle bodies, advanced battery modules, and production-ready components. The unveiling is a major milestone for the company as it moves closer to production.

Can-Am Launches First Electric Motorcycle, the Origin, as Production Begins.

Can-Am, a subsidiary of BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), has officially entered the electric motorcycle market with the production of its first electric bike, the Can-Am Origin. The milestone event took place at the company’s assembly plant in Querétaro, Mexico, marking a new chapter in Can-Am’s 80-year powersports legacy.

The Origin and its street-focused sibling, the Can-Am Pulse, are designed to cater to both urban commuters and environmentally conscious trail riders. Both models are equipped with an 8.9 kWh battery pack, providing a city range of 100 miles (160 km) for the Pulse and 90 miles (145 km) for the Origin. The batteries support Level 2 charging, achieving a 20-80% charge in just 50 minutes. Powered by a 47 hp (35 kW) electric motor, the bikes deliver impressive acceleration, with the Pulse reaching 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and the Origin in 4.3 seconds. Both bikes use an enclosed chaincase for quieter operation compared to traditional chain-driven motorcycles.

Pricing for the Can-Am Pulse starts at $13,999 USD for the standard version and $15,999 UDS for the Pulse ’73 special edition. The Origin starts at $14,499 USDfor the standard model and $16,499 USD for the Origin ’73 special edition. These prices position Can-Am’s electric motorcycles competitively, offering premium features while undercutting flagship models from LiveWire and Zero.

Can-Am’s Chief Design Officer Denys Lapointe emphasized the brand’s focus on creating a unique riding experience. From nimble handling to ergonomic comfort, the bikes are designed to be approachable for all riders. The goal, according to Lapointe, is to “awaken the energy within every rider” while delivering a technologically advanced and fun riding experience.

The production of the Origin represents Can-Am’s return to its two-wheel roots and a bold step into the growing electric motorcycle market. “Today, we are celebrating the first Can-Am electric motorcycles coming off the assembly line,” said Can-Am CMO Josee Perreault. “This milestone is proof of our commitment to innovation and powersports excellence.” The Can-Am Origin and Pulse will officially hit the market in 2024, offering sustainable and high-performance options for riders. These models are just the beginning of Can-Am’s electric future, as the company leverages its storied legacy to redefine powersports in the electric age.

QuickEV

• GM sells stake in EV battery plant to partner LG Energy Solutions.

• Kia EV6 recall covers 2022-2024 models.

• EVs And Hybrids Helped Hyundai And Kia Reach Record Sales Last Month.

• [VIDEO] 2025 VW ID Buzz Review.

• Norway breaks another EV record, nearly completing its EV transition.

• Kia confirms the highly anticipated EV4 is arriving soon.

EV Tweet of the Week