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

Welcome to The EV North - a weekly newsletter that brings together some of the biggest EV news stories and delivers them to your inbox. There is a focus on Canada & North America but you’ll also find EV news from around the world!

Also, be sure to check us out on X / Twitter and LinkedIn!

In this issue:

• GM Canada Reports Record Q3 EV Sales: Leading the Market in 2024.

• Volvo EX30 Hits Canadian Roads: Now Available at Dealerships Across Canada.

• McGill University Achieves Breakthrough in Solid-State Battery Technology.

• Tomorrow is Tesla’s Robotaxi event “We, Robot” - what can we expect?

• ChargeScape Welcomes Nissan to its EV Charging Alliance.

• Honda Unveils Cutting-Edge Technologies for the Honda 0 Series at 2024 Honda 0 Tech Meeting.

• + more!

Canada

GM Canada Reports Record Q3 EV Sales: Leading the Market in 2024.

GM Canada (has finally) reported its best-ever electric vehicle (EV) sales quarter in Q3 2024. The company delivered a total of 75,868 vehicles (ICE included), with a significant focus on its EV lineup, contributing to its leading market position for the year.

The highlight of this quarter was the successful launch of the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which sold over 5,500 units, marking the highest sales for this model in a single quarter. Additionally, the Cadillac Lyriq EV also played a crucial role in this success, reflecting strong consumer interest in luxury electric options.

Key Electric Vehicle Sales Highlights - Q3 2023 VS Q3 2024:

• Chevrolet Equinox EV sold over 5,500 Equinox EVs

• GMC Hummer EV SUV sales surged by over 1,500%

• GMC Hummer EV pickup sales increased by more than 100%

• Cadillac LYRIQ EV sales jumped by over 200%, emphasizing the appeal of premium electric vehicles.

This record performance reinforces GM Canada's commitment to electrification and the increasing consumer shift toward sustainable transportation options. With strong sales figures across its EV lineup, GM Canada is well-positioned to lead the electric vehicle market in 2024 and beyond.

Are you on Reddit? Check out our subreddit at https://reddit.com/r/evcanada 

Volvo EX30 Hits Canadian Roads: Now Available at Dealerships Across Canada.

Canadian electric vehicle enthusiasts have reason to celebrate, as the highly anticipated Volvo EX30 is now available at dealerships nationwide. This compact, Scandinavian-designed electric crossover, initially priced around $57,000 CAD, was eagerly awaited by buyers in both the United States and Canada. However, while the U.S. faced complications due to new tariffs on China-made EVs, Canadian buyers can now experience the Volvo EX30 firsthand.

The EX30 is already on dealer lots across Canada. According to Volvo Cars Canada and local dealerships in the Toronto area, the base model, Core Single Motor, starts at around $57,000 CAD, including delivery and destination fees. While the price might seem steep at first glance, it still remains competitive in today’s EV market.

The EX30’s journey to Canada is interesting. While the U.S. market remains in limbo due to new tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, Canada is in a unique position. The Canadian government is also planning a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, but Volvo sidestepped this issue. All EX30 units intended for Canada were imported before the October 1 tariff implementation, meaning they are not subject to the new fees. Additionally, Canadian buyers can still benefit from federal EV incentives for these pre-imported vehicles.

Once the current inventory is sold, however, Canada will need to wait for the EX30 units sourced from Volvo’s Belgium plant, aligning with the U.S. market.

It’s not the first time Canada has received exclusive or early vehicle access. Over the years, Canadian buyers have enjoyed one-off models like the Mercedes B-Class, Nissan X-Trail, and Nissan Micra, as well as EVs like the Kia Soul EV. The Canadian market, being smaller and more inclined towards compact vehicles, often gets specialized models that aren't available in the U.S.

For Canadians in the market for a small, stylish EV, the Volvo EX30 is a solid contender. With its luxury design and competitive pricing, it’s an attractive option for those looking to go electric. Head to your nearest Volvo dealer to see the EX30 up close—you might just find your next EV.

Key Takeaways:

• The Volvo EX30 is now available at dealerships across Canada.

• Starting at approx. $57,000 CAD, the EX30 is eligible for Canadian federal EV incentives.

• Canadian buyers avoid tariffs due to early imports, unlike the U.S.

• Future EX30 units for both Canada and the U.S. will be sourced from Belgium.

If you’re a Canadian EV enthusiast, now is the time to check out the Volvo EX30!

McGill University Achieves Breakthrough in Solid-State Battery Technology.

Researchers at McGill University in Montreal, have made significant advancement in solid-state lithium battery technology. This discovery, recently published in Cell Reports Physical Science (see published article here), could pave the way for more efficient and durable electric vehicle (EV) batteries by eliminating interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes.

Solid-state batteries are widely considered the next generation of battery technology, offering several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilize solid electrolytes, which are safer and potentially more durable. They also show promise for greater energy storage capacity and longer lifespan, making them a game-changer for high-performance applications, including automotive use.

One of the biggest challenges in solid-state battery development has been the issue of interfacial resistance. This occurs at the interface between the ceramic electrolyte and the electrodes, reducing battery efficiency and limiting its energy output. However, the McGill research team, led by George Demopoulos and Senhao Wang, has discovered a solution. By using a porous ceramic membrane infused with a small amount of polymer, they enabled lithium ions to move more freely within the battery. This innovation effectively eliminates interfacial resistance, significantly boosting battery performance.

The McGill breakthrough adds to the growing number of innovations in solid-state battery technology this year. As the automotive industry continues to seek out better battery solutions, this discovery could accelerate the development of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles. With improved efficiency, higher energy density, and longer battery life, these batteries could soon play a pivotal role in the future of EVs.

The integration of solid-state batteries into electric vehicles will bring EV technology to the next level and provide consumers with increased range, safety, and overall performance.

👋 Hello, one quick thing. If you’re enjoying this, can you do me a favour and forward it to a friend? Thank you!

EV Around the World 🌏

Tomorrow is Tesla’s Robotaxi event “We, Robot” - what can we expect?

Tesla is (hopefully) all set for their “We, Robot” event. The first of it’s kind since the Cybertruck in 2019… Whoa! 5 years ago and we’re just seeing the Cybertruck hit the streets now (still not in Canada).

If I was to learn anything from Elon Musk and Tesla’s announcements - it’s that the richest man in the world needs dance lessons.

@showstimer

Elon Musk caught dancing #elon #elonmusk #dance #elonmuskmeme

@tonydortie

Elon Musk inventing cringe

But no, in all seriousness these events are grounds for overpromising and under delivering. Why? Is it to hype up the hardcore Elon fanboys people (come on it’s 2024!) and watch as they open their wallets to preorder the next Tesla product that will be coming out next year - or is it the year after that? Or is it to help pump the Tesla stock so that Elon can get his $56-Billion bonus?

No matter the reason for these events and their surrounding hype - at least someone is doing something! Elon doesn’t play by the rules, he doesn’t care about “this is how we do it” and he certainly doesn’t care about what most people think of him (have you seen his X profile lately!?”. As much as Elon and I do not agree on many points I do need to commend him for what he has done with Tesla, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.

Rumours have been going around stating that the Robotaxi/Cybercab will be nothing more than what the Cybertruck event was. A promise on price, capabilities and availability only for all of those things to be increased, decreased and prolonged (respectively).

I agree! But I do think there will be something else to discover. I’m hoping that Tesla has taken a few ideas from Rivian’s reveal of the R2, R3 and R3X and bring something new to the table. Maybe all this time a more affordable Tesla Model 2 will make an appearance? Maybe the refreshed Model Y? Hard to say as I can’t find another letter to add to S3XY to make it make sense - any thoughts?

Only time will tell at this point - and keep your eyes peeled as I will be gathering the information that flows across X and Threads (actually do people use Threads? Okay, maybe not Threads) and compile it all together for a special issue.

ChargeScape Welcomes Nissan to its EV Charging Alliance.

Nissan is joining forces with ChargeScape, a joint venture in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. ChargeScape, originally established by BMW, Ford, and Honda, aims to optimize the integration between electric vehicles and the power grid. With Nissan’s new partnership, the automaker will become a 25% stakeholder, expanding ChargeScape’s services to Nissan EV drivers across the U.S. and Canada.

ChargeScape’s software connects electric vehicles with the power grid in real-time, allowing utilities to manage energy flow more efficiently. This integration supports both smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. With smart charging, EVs can temporarily reduce energy demand when the grid is under strain. Meanwhile, vehicle-to-grid technology enables EV owners to send energy back to the grid, helping stabilize it during peak times.

By offering a unified platform for automakers, power utilities, and EV drivers, ChargeScape simplifies the complexities of electric vehicle-grid integration, offering financial incentives and optimizing energy usage.

Through ChargeScape, EV owners who participate in managed charging programs can earn financial incentives. By pausing charging during high-demand periods or selling stored energy back to the grid, drivers not only help utilities avoid costly and environmentally harmful peak power plants but also save money on their at-home charging costs.

Nissan's involvement is particularly impactful, given the widespread adoption of its Nissan LEAF, which was one of the first EVs with bidirectional charging capabilities. With over 650,000 LEAF models sold in the U.S., this partnership positions Nissan to further enhance the charging experience for its customers, enabling greater participation in vehicle-to-grid programs.

Nissan’s commitment to ChargeScape is part of its larger vision to invest in bidirectional charging (V2X) for its entire EV lineup globally. ChargeScape is also working on developing virtual power plants (VPPs) in key markets like California and Texas, where EV batteries can play a vital role in balancing energy demand and supply.

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Then The EV Universe if the place for you! Check it out below:

Honda Unveils Cutting-Edge Technologies for the Honda 0 Series at 2024 Honda 0 Tech Meeting.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. recently held its ‘Honda 0 Tech Meeting’ to introduce new technologies for the upcoming Honda 0 Series, a new range of electric vehicles (EVs) set to launch globally in 2026. These next-generation EVs are designed from scratch, embodying a fresh approach to electric vehicle development under the theme "Thin, Light, and Wise."

The Honda 0 Series will offer five key innovations that promise to transform the EV driving experience:

• Artistic design that connects emotionally with drivers.

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for enhanced safety and peace of mind.

• Smart, connected EV spaces, utilizing IoT for a modern driving environment.

• Joy of driving, delivering a seamless connection between driver and vehicle.

• Exceptional electric efficiency, setting new standards in the EV market.

At CES 2024, Honda introduced two concept models for the Honda 0 Series—the Saloon and the Space-Hub. The Saloon, set for production in 2026, will lead the model range as Honda’s flagship EV. Additionally, the company has revealed plans to launch seven models globally by 2030, offering small, medium, and large EV options.

Thin and Light Design: With a focus on maximizing cabin space while keeping the vehicle’s height and weight to a minimum, Honda’s "Thin" and "Light" concepts aim to provide a comfortable, sleek design that supports both sporty driving and top-tier electric efficiency.

New EV Platform: Honda’s newly developed EV platform features ultra-high strength steel (2.0 GPa grade), combined with a compact e-Axle and thin battery pack. This ensures a low center of gravity and enhanced vehicle stability, contributing to a dynamic driving experience.

Compact e-Axle and Battery Efficiency: Honda’s compact e-Axle technology, adapted from hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), delivers an optimized layout, reducing the inverter size by 40%. This, along with a thinner battery pack, improves cabin space and extends EV range.

Battery Longevity: Honda is utilizing advanced battery diagnostics and prediction technology to limit battery degradation to less than 10% after 10 years of use, enhancing long-term EV performance.

Honda 0 Series models will integrate cutting-edge ADAS and automated driving technologies. Building on its 2021 launch of Level 3 automated driving with the Honda SENSING Elite system, the Honda 0 Series will offer affordable Level 3 features, including "eyes-off" driving in traffic congestion. OTA updates will further expand the range of driving conditions where these technologies are available, ensuring continuous improvements in safety and driving ease.

Honda is also pioneering energy-saving technologies to optimize range and cabin comfort. The active aerodynamic system automatically adjusts based on vehicle speed, while a human-centric temperature system minimizes power consumption during colder months. This ensures both a comfortable interior and energy-efficient performance, with an expected range of 300 miles (EPA estimate).

Honda’s steer-by-wire system and integrated vehicle dynamics control promise a unique and exhilarating driving experience. By seamlessly integrating control over steering, suspension, and brakes, drivers will feel connected to the vehicle, enjoying a smooth and responsive drive on any terrain.

At CES 2025, Honda plans to unveil the next model in the Honda 0 Series, showcasing the culmination of these advanced technologies. This vehicle will embody Honda’s vision for the future of EVs—combining artistic design, advanced automation, and exceptional electric efficiency.

QuickEV

• People Are Abandoning Their Supercars As They Flee Hurricane Milton.

• [VIDEO] 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV Goes 441 Miles In Highway Range Test.

• Over 27,000 Porsche Taycans recalled due to batteries short circuting.

• [VIDEO] Koenigsegg, Hennessey, and Rimac CEOs Drive Each Other's Cars.

• Jeep teases the Compass EV: First look at the upcoming electric SUV.

• [VIDEO] Kia EV9 Vs Rivian R1S: Two Of The Best Three-Row EVs Out There.

• Toyota and Subaru Are Working on Another EV.

• Uber uses more than 180,000 electric cars.

EV Tweet of the Week