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In this issue:

• NextStar Energy Begins Large-Scale EV Battery Module Production in Canada.

• Hyundai Partners with Canadian Battery Recycler Lithion to Boost EV Sustainability.

• Tesla Cybertruck Launches in Canada: Pricing, Accessories, and Test Drives Now Available.

• NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Full Self-Driving System Following Multiple Crashes.

• XPENG debuted at the Paris Motor Show 2024.

• Record-Breaking 1.7 Million Electric Vehicles Sold Worldwide in September 2024.

• + more!

Canada

NextStar Energy Begins Large-Scale EV Battery Module Production in Canada.

NextStar Energy, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, has officially launched battery module production at Canada’s first large-scale electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility. Located in Windsor, Ontario, the NextStar Energy production facility will help strengthen Canada’s role in North American battery technology and production.

Initially, the facility will assemble battery modules using supplied cells, but by 2025, once construction is complete, NextStar Energy will also manufacture its own battery cells. The plant is expected to deliver an annual energy capacity of 49.5 gigawatt-hours, enough to power approximately 450,000 electric vehicles each year, positioning it as a major force in the EV industry.

The NextStar Energy project will not only accelerate the innovation of sustainable energy solutions but also create significant economic growth in the region. The facility is projected to generate around 2,500 jobs, with over 450 positions already filled.

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Hyundai Partners with Canadian Battery Recycler Lithion to Boost EV Sustainability.

Hyundai has entered into partnership with Canadian battery recycler Lithion, following a three-year validation project, solidifying Lithion as a key partner for Hyundai and Genesis dealerships across Canada.

Through this agreement, more than 250 Hyundai and Genesis dealers can now streamline the recycling process for electric vehicle (EV) batteries nearing the end of their life cycle. Dealers will work directly with Lithion, which will transport the batteries to its state-of-the-art recycling facility in Saint-Bruno, Quebec. This marks another milestone in the partnership, building on a 2021 agreement where Hyundai validated Lithion’s innovative extraction technology.

Lithion’s efforts have also garnered the attention of industry giants like General Motors, which invested in the company two years ago. The company aims to recover up to 98% of the valuable minerals found in EV batteries and 95% of battery components. Lithion's newly inaugurated recycling plant in Saint-Bruno is designed to process over 15,000 tonnes of lithium-ion batteries annually, sourced from both electric vehicles and production scraps.

Since opening the Saint-Bruno facility, Lithion has rapidly expanded its commercial operations, securing several multi-year contracts with major partners. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of sustainable battery recycling solutions in the global push towards electrification.

Tesla Cybertruck Launches in Canada: Pricing, Accessories, and Test Drives Now Available.

Tesla’s Cybertruck has officially launched in Canada, marking a significant milestone for the all-electric pickup. Following its initial deliveries in the U.S. last November, the Cybertruck is now available in three North American markets: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This launch aligns with previous announcements from Tesla, with the vehicle available for purchase at a starting price of $168,740 CAD for the Cyberbeast Foundation Series. The Canadian version includes advanced features such as Full Self-Driving capability and a Light Bar.

In addition to the vehicle launch, Tesla has confirmed that Cybertruck accessories will soon be available in Canada’s online shop. The announcement was made by Siddhant Awasthi, Tesla’s Cybertruck Vehicle Program Manager, who revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that accessories will be added to Tesla’s Canadian store next week. While there was no mention of specific products, Tesla’s online store in Mexico currently offers accessories such as pet seat covers, mud flaps, and a J1772 adapter door dock, though it does not yet feature highly anticipated items like the Cybertent, tailgate ramp, or Cybertruck crossbars.

In addition to the accessory rollout, Tesla has begun offering Cybertruck test drives in Canada. After debuting test drives in the U.S. earlier this year, Canadians now have the opportunity to experience the vehicle firsthand. This comes after the Cybertruck was showcased at the Canadian International Auto Show in February, where Tesla’s former VP of Public Policy, Rohan Patel, confirmed plans to bring the Cybertruck to Canada.

Tesla's Canadian Cybertruck launch was made possible thanks to a crucial exemption granted by the Canadian government in July. This exemption allowed Tesla to bypass certain steering system regulations, ensuring the Cybertruck could be sold in Canada despite its unique steer-by-wire system.

As the Cybertruck gains traction across North America, there is growing speculation about its future in other regions. CEO Elon Musk has hinted at a possible "international version" of the Cybertruck that would be more suitable for markets outside North America, including Europe and Asia. While some European buyers have already imported Cybertrucks from North America, concerns about the vehicle’s size and design have been raised by safety groups. Nevertheless, Tesla could begin certifying the Cybertruck for sale outside of North America as early as next year.

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EV Around the World 🌏

NHTSA Investigates Tesla's Full Self-Driving System Following Multiple Crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system after four documented crashes, including one fatal accident, according to a report from Reuters. The investigation marks the first step in determining whether a recall will be required on safety grounds.

The probe covers a broad range of Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving, including 2016-2024 Tesla Model S and Model X, 2017-2024 Tesla Model 3, 2020-2024 Tesla Model Y, and the newly launched 2023-2024 Tesla Cybertruck. The crashes occurred when the system was engaged during reduced visibility conditions like sun glare, fog, or airborne dust. One of the incidents involved a 2021 Tesla Model Y that struck and killed a pedestrian in Rimrock, Arizona in November 2023. Another crash under investigation resulted in injuries.

The NHTSA’s investigation will focus on evaluating Full Self-Driving’s ability to "detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions." As part of the inquiry, the agency has requested Tesla to disclose any additional crashes involving reduced visibility and any updates made to the FSD system that might influence its performance under such conditions.

Despite its name, Tesla’s website clearly states that Full Self-Driving requires active driver supervision and does not make vehicles fully autonomous. At present, no consumer-ready self-driving cars are available on the market. In early 2023, the NHTSA had already requested Tesla to issue a recall on FSD due to "unreasonable risks to motor vehicle safety." Additionally, Tesla has faced legal scrutiny, with the U.S. Justice Department issuing subpoenas concerning its FSD and Autopilot systems.

Amid this ongoing investigation, Tesla CEO Elon Musk continues to push forward with autonomous vehicle technologies. Earlier this month, Musk unveiled a $30,000 Cybercab, a two-seat autonomous vehicle expected by 2027, along with a 20-seat autonomous shuttle concept known as Robovan. These developments signal Tesla’s growing commitment to self-driving technology, despite regulatory scrutiny.

XPENG debuted at the Paris Motor Show 2024. Here’s some highlights:

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Record-Breaking 1.7 Million Electric Vehicles Sold Worldwide in September 2024.

Global EV sales reached an all-time high in September 2024, with a record-breaking 1.7 million EVs sold, according to EV research firm Rho Motion. This surpasses the previous record set in December 2023 by 150,000 units. The surge in EV sales highlights growing global adoption, with China leading the charge.

China’s EV market continues to dominate, achieving another record with 1.1 million units sold in September 2024, an increase of 90,000 vehicles compared to August. China’s strong performance highlights its role as the largest EV market in the world, accounting for well over half of global EV sales. Chinese manufacturers are also expanding their footprint internationally, with notable exports to other Asian countries and Latin America.

Global Electric Vehicle Sales Growth by Region (Jan-Sept 2024 vs. Jan-Sept 2023):

Global: 11.5 million (+22%)
China: 7.2 million (+35%)
EU & EFTA & UK: 2.2 million (-4%)
USA & Canada: 1.3 million (+10%)
Rest of World: 0.9 million (+25%)

While the European market experienced a decline overall, with sales down 4% YTD, there were some bright spots. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales grew by 12% year-on-year in September 2024, while Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) sales dropped by 12%. September typically sees strong sales in the UK due to new registration plates, and this year was no exception, with EV sales more than tripling from the previous month. However, the German market is still down by 20% YTD despite modest growth in September.

China continues to be the world leader in EV sales, achieving another milestone by selling over 1.1 million EVs in September 2024. Despite upcoming tariffs on BEV exports to the EU, which will take effect in November 2024, Chinese manufacturers remain optimistic. Many are looking to establish EV production facilities within Europe to counter the impact, with companies like BYD leading the charge.

North American EV sales continue to grow at a steady rate, with a 10% YTD increase. In the U.S., GM sold nearly 10,000 Chevrolet Equinox EVs in Q3 2024 and produced over 40,000 units in the first eight months of the year. GM has also begun selling the Sierra EV, while Volvo started sales of its compact EX30 SUV. However, some manufacturers, including Toyota and Ford, have delayed the opening of new EV facilities in the U.S.

QuickEV

• [VIDEO] Marques: Lucid Air Pure: The Real Tesla Fighter!

• Porsche Recalls Over 27,000 Taycan EVs Because Of Battery Fire Risk.

• Dodge Will Have Charger EVs With Solid-State Batteries By 2026.

• [VIDEO] Inside the New $30,000 Tesla: More Questions than Answers!

• Hyundai unveils INSTER Cross electric city car.

• The Optimus robots at Tesla’s Cybercab event were humans in disguise.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT vs. 2RS: What Does $1,500 Extra Get You?

• Ford Asks EV Customers To Stop Using Tesla NACS Adapters.

EV Tweet of the Week

Little tip for the Rivian owners out there: