Charge News Canada

Lucid Delays Gravity Phone as a Key Again — Now Targeting Q1 2027

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:10:00 GMT

Lucid Gravity owners will have to wait longer to unlock and start their SUVs with a smartphone. The automaker has pushed the Phone as a Key feature to Q1 2027 — the second delay after a previous Q3 2026 target came and went on September 30.

Third timeline in a year

March 2026 (Investor Day): Digital key on 2026 software roadmap
May 2026: Chief Communications Officer Nick Twork said "Mobile Key is expected in Q3"
October 3, 2026: Lucid team member on the Lucid Owners forum confirms Q1 2027 target

"We know many Lucid Gravity owners have been waiting for Phone as a Key. The feature is now targeted for release in Q1 2027, allowing us the time needed to ensure it delivers the reliability and experience our customers expect. We apologize for the delay and appreciate our customer's continued patience." — Lucid team member, Lucid Owners forum

Key fob problems since December 2024

The delay is especially frustrating because Gravity owners have dealt with key fob reliability issues since deliveries began in late December 2024. Reports of "Key Not Detected" warnings are common, and Lucid has released at least eight software and firmware updates aimed at improving fob performance.

The Lucid Air already offers Mobile Key, making the Gravity's absence more conspicuous.

Workaround: Remote Start in the app

Gravity owners aren't completely stuck with the fob. Lucid added Remote Start to its mobile app in March 2026, allowing the vehicle to be unlocked and driven without a physical key. The catch: owners must open the app and activate the feature each time — it's not the passive, proximity-based experience Phone as a Key promises.

Apple Wallet key still undated

Apple named Lucid as a future Apple Wallet car key partner in 2025, and references to Lucid appeared in iOS 27 beta code in July 2026. Neither Apple nor Lucid has provided a launch date.

What this means for Canadian Gravity buyers

Lucid's Canadian deliveries are still ramping up. For the small but growing number of Canadian Gravity owners, the Phone as a Key delay means continued reliance on a fob with known reliability issues — or the manual Remote Start workaround. The Q1 2027 timeline (end of March) gives Lucid two more quarters to solve the engineering challenges.

Until then, Canadian Gravity buyers should factor in the fob experience when evaluating the vehicle — and keep the Lucid app handy.

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Chevrolet Slashes 2027 Bolt Production Target to 35,000 — Down from 150,000

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:05:00 GMT

If you're hoping to buy a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, you may need to move fast. United Auto Workers (UAW) documents shared with media indicate General Motors has cut its internal production target to roughly 35,000 units for the next-generation Bolt at its Fairfax, Kansas plant — less than a quarter of the 150,000 originally announced.

From 150,000 to 35,000

When GM confirmed the Bolt's return for the 2027 model year, the company said the Fairfax plant would build 150,000 units annually. The new UAW documents show a target of 35,000 — a 77% reduction. GM spokespeople declined to confirm the revised figure, noting they don't publicly verify internal targets, but they also didn't reconfirm the original 150,000 number.

Why the cut?

Industry analysts point to two likely drivers:

Softening affordable EV demand: The sub-$35,000 EV segment has seen slower-than-expected uptake in the U.S., with inventory piling up for several models.
Policy uncertainty: The Trump administration's changes to fuel-economy and emissions targets have reduced regulatory pressure to build high volumes of compliance EVs.

GM has not officially commented on the specific reasons. The 2027 Bolt is expected to use GM's Ultium platform and share architecture with other affordable EVs in the pipeline.

Context: GM's U.S. EV sales plunged 61.7% in Q3 2026

This production cut aligns with GM's broader U.S. EV struggles. The company delivered just 25,473 EVs in Q3 2026 — down 61.7% year-over-year. The Equinox EV, once GM's best-selling electric model, collapsed 92.4%. Only Cadillac's EVs (Optiq, Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ) showed resilience, combining for nearly half of GM's total EV volume.

What about Canada?

Canada tells a different story. GM Canada reported 33% EV sales growth through H1 2026, driven by the Equinox EV and Blazer EV finding traction in Canada's crossover-heavy market. Stable federal incentives (up to $5,000 via the EV Affordability Program), higher gas prices, and dealer engagement have kept Canadian demand healthier.

Whether the Fairfax production cut constrains Canadian supply depends on allocation priorities. If GM is deliberately winding down the current Equinox EV generation ahead of a refresh — as the 92% U.S. drop suggests — Canadian inventory could tighten before the 2027 Bolt arrives.

Bottom line for buyers

The 2027 Bolt was already positioned as a limited run. At 35,000 units across North America, it's effectively a niche vehicle. Canadians interested should watch for pre-order openings at Chevrolet dealers and be prepared for limited availability.

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Tesla Extends Robotaxi Night Hours to 11 PM in Austin — Pets on Dark Roads Remain the Blocker

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin, Texas now offers rides until 11 PM, one hour later than the previous 10 PM cutoff. Elon Musk confirmed the change on X on October 3, adding that the core obstacle to full 24-hour operation isn't sensor hardware — it's avoiding pets on dark roads.

"The main thing we're trying to solve is making sure that we don't run over pets when they're hard to see at night. Literally trying to avoid grey kittens on grey tarmac in the dark."
— Elon Musk, October 3, 2026

Service hours have been a moving target

Tesla's robotaxi hours have shifted repeatedly since the Austin launch. At debut, the service ran 6 AM to midnight. By September 2025, it extended to 2 AM. But last August, Tesla scaled back to a 10 PM close across Austin, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The new 11 PM return is a modest step back toward later-night service.

In September, Tesla AI chief Ashok Elluswamy said 24-hour driverless rides would launch "around next month." Musk's latest update neither confirmed nor debunked that timeline.

Cameras vs. lidar: Musk still says no to lidar

When a commenter suggested thermal cameras or lidar for night vision, Musk doubled down on camera-only perception:

"Visual spectrum cameras can see very well in the dark when AI is doing the photon count analysis."
— Elon Musk, October 3, 2026

Rival Waymo uses cameras, lidar, and radar. Musk has long called lidar "a fool's errand" and maintains Tesla's vision-only approach will solve night detection through AI advances rather than additional sensors.

What this means for Canada

Canada has no equivalent robotaxi service — no city, no province, no public pilot. Ontario's automated-vehicle framework still requires safety drivers; Quebec has run only research pilots. The gap isn't technological; it's regulatory appetite and market scale. U.S. cities from Phoenix to Houston offer a faster path to revenue.

When a Canadian province does greenlight public robotaxi rides, the service pattern will likely mirror Austin: quiet beta, then sudden public launch. Until then, Canadian travelers to Texas, Arizona, or California can try it for the price of a taxi fare — and Canadian policymakers have a live case study an hour's flight from Toronto.

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Starlink Mini Price Drops to $199 in Canada — Then Disappears Hours Later

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

SpaceX briefly dropped the price of its portable Starlink Mini kit to $199 CAD on October 2 — a $100 reduction from the regular $299 price. The U.S. price also fell, from $199 to $149 USD. But by mid-afternoon, the $199 CAD listing had vanished from the Canadian Starlink shop; the price showed $299 again.

It's unclear whether the lower price was a glitch, a limited-time offer, or a premature listing ahead of a hardware refresh. SpaceX has not commented.

What the Starlink Mini is

The Starlink Mini combines the satellite dish and Wi-Fi router in a single backpack-sized unit (about 1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs). It draws 25–40 watts, making it practical to run from a compatible external battery with the right cable — useful for camping, RV trips, or working off-grid where cellular coverage is spotty. A clear view of the sky is still required for a reliable connection.

Starlink Mini 2 on the horizon?

The price fluctuation lines up with persistent reports of a Starlink Mini 2 that would add a built-in battery — eliminating the need for an external power bank. Details on the next-generation unit surfaced in June 2026 and included USB-C charging support.

If a Mini 2 launch is imminent, clearing inventory at a discount would be a standard tactic — though the rapid reversion to $299 suggests either an error or a very short promotional window.

Recent Canadian Starlink Mini pricing history

Launch (2024): Introductory pricing around $299 CAD.
Mid-2026: Periodic discounts and a brief "free Mini" perk restoration for existing customers.
Oct 2, 2026: $199 CAD listed for several hours, then reverted.

Bottom line for Canadian buyers

If you were eyeing a Starlink Mini at $199, the window has closed for now. Watch the official Starlink shop — if the $199 price returns, it may signal an intentional promotion or inventory clear-out ahead of new hardware. The current listed price is $299 CAD.

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Canada's EV Billion-Dollar Bet Hits Reality Check: VW Plant Delayed, Honda Paused, Northvolt Gone

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The federal and provincial governments bet billions on a rapid EV boom. But a CBC investigation finds that major EV and battery projects across Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have been delayed, cancelled, suspended, substantially changed — and in one case, gone bankrupt — as automakers adjust to weaker-than-anticipated demand.

The scorecard of setbacks

Volkswagen PowerCo (St. Thomas, Ont.): The $7-billion battery plant, originally targeting 2027 production, now won't start until 2029 — a two-year delay attributed to "evolving market demand." Federal and Ontario governments committed $13.2 billion in production subsidies tied to output.
Northvolt (Bécancour, Que.): The Swedish battery maker's Quebec gigafactory collapsed into bankruptcy in late 2025 after raising billions. The project had secured $1.34 billion in federal and provincial support.
Honda (Alliston, Ont.): The $15-billion EV investment plan has been paused indefinitely, with Honda shifting some CR-V production to the U.S. instead.
Ford (Oakville, Ont.): The $1.8-billion EV assembly plant plan was scrapped entirely; Ford will retool for gasoline pickups instead.
Umicore (Kingston, Ont.): The cathode material plant was suspended in 2024.
Asahi Kasei (Port Colborne, Ont.): The Japanese separator maker delayed its Canadian plant citing the Honda EV slump.
Lion Electric (Saint-Jérôme, Que.): The Canadian EV bus maker entered liquidation in 2025.
Taiwanese firm (Maple Ridge, B.C.): A $1-billion battery plant plan with federal support was halted in late 2024.

Scale and location questions

Grieg Mordue, a former Toyota executive and retired McMaster University professor, says the St. Thomas plant illustrates two structural problems with Canada's EV investment strategy: scale and location. When announced in 2023, PowerCo said the plant would eventually make enough battery cells for roughly one million EVs a year. But Volkswagen's major assembly operations are in the southern U.S. and Mexico — batteries from St. Thomas would travel long distances to reach vehicles. Even combined, VW's North American plants don't produce enough vehicles to absorb a million batteries annually.

"They got a million batteries," Mordue says. "What are they going to do with them?"

There is a potential upside for taxpayers: much of the VW subsidy is production-linked. With production now starting in 2029 and incentives declining from 2030 to 2032, governments will likely pay "a whole lot less" than the original maximum. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada confirms $700 million has been contributed so far to St. Thomas construction.

The counter-argument: these are 50-year bets

Joanna Kyriazis, director of policy and strategy at Clean Energy Canada, argues these investments operate on a 50-to-70-year horizon. The current slowdown is growing pains in an industry still transitioning, not evidence Canada built too much capacity. She points to signs of recovery: battery-only EV registrations rose 37.4% in Q2 2026 year-over-year, and total zero-emission vehicle registrations (including hybrids) hit 58,811 — up 26.7% — according to Statistics Canada.

Kyriazis also notes the battery market extends beyond vehicles. As electricity grids expand, grid-scale storage could absorb significant capacity — the St. Thomas and Windsor sites were partly positioned for this dual-market play.

The demand reality check

University of Guelph economics professor Ross McKitrick is less convinced. He argues governments built policy around demand expectations far exceeding what emerged. "What the government's been trying to do is force that market into existence. The numbers just don't add up." EVs accounted for 11.7% of new light-duty vehicle sales in Canada in Q1 2026 — down from a peak of 15.4% in 2024, per Transport Canada.

Ottawa scrapped EV sales requirements in 2026 and is moving to repeal the broader federal mandate, replacing it with emissions standards currently under consultation until October 29.

China's dominance remains the strategic driver

The wider justification for domestic battery capacity hasn't disappeared. The International Energy Agency reports China produced more than 80% of the world's battery cells last year, leaving North America and Europe racing to build domestic supply chains. Whether Canada's bet was early or misplaced, the strategic impulse — reducing reliance on a single geopolitical source for a critical technology — remains intact.

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Tesla Supercharger Network Hits 85,000+ Stalls Across 9,000+ Sites Worldwide

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Tesla's Supercharger network has passed another major milestone: more than 85,000 charging stalls across over 9,000 sites worldwide, Tesla Charging announced on October 2. The 85,000th stall is located in Tsuchiura, Japan.

This comes just under six months after the company celebrated 80,000 stalls in April 2026 (at the Saint-Saturnin station near Le Mans, France). The increase represents roughly 5,000 stalls in ~6 months — continuing the ~1,000 stalls-per-month pace established over the last 15 months.

Network growth trajectory

Milestone	Date	Stalls added since previous
60,000	October 2024	—
70,000	June 2025	10,000 in 8 months
80,000	April 2026	10,000 in 9 months
85,000+	October 2026	~5,000 in ~6 months

Usage growing faster than stall count

The expansion comes as demand accelerates. In a separate Q3 2026 update, Tesla reported 69 million charging sessions — a 29% year-over-year increase. Since launch, the network has delivered 28.9 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, equivalent to roughly 482 million full charges of a 60 kWh battery.

New deployment formats speeding construction

To sustain the pace, Tesla is rolling out factory-assembled designs that slash on-site work:

Folding Unit Superchargers — a V4 cabinet + 8 stalls in one package; 16 stalls fit on a single truck.
Accordion Superchargers — adapts the same approach for chargers positioned between parking spaces, expanding into place after delivery.

Both designs reduce permitting, civil work, and installation time compared to the traditional cabinet + pedestal model.

What this means for Canadian drivers

While the 85,000 figure is global, Canada's share has grown steadily — new sites opened in 2026 include major corridors in Ontario, Quebec, BC, and the Maritimes. The V4 cabinet rollout (250 kW, NACS + CCS cables) is also reaching Canadian sites, supporting both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs at an expanding list of Magic Dock locations.

Track live Canadian site openings on the Canadian Supercharger Map.

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GM and Ford EV Sales Collapse in Q3 2026 — But Canada Tells a Different Story

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Two of Detroit's biggest automakers reported catastrophic EV sales drops in the United States for Q3 2026. General Motors delivered 25,473 EVs — down 61.7% from 66,501 a year ago — while Ford sold just 6,047 EVs, an 80.2% collapse from 30,612 in Q3 2025. Both companies pointed to the "much smaller EV market" and discontinued models as contributing factors.

The U.S. bloodbath: model by model

GM's decline was broad-based. The Chevrolet Equinox EV — once GM's best-selling electric vehicle — collapsed 92.4% year-over-year. The Blazer EV fell 84.4% to 1,261 units. Silverado EV dropped 58% to 1,655. GMC's Hummer EV declined 72.9% to 1,423 units. Only Cadillac's EVs showed resilience: the Optiq fell just 6.9% to 4,550 units, and Cadillac's four electric models combined for 12,358 deliveries — nearly half of GM's total EV volume.

Ford's lineup fared no better. The Mustang Mach-E dropped 72.4% to 5,574 units. The F-150 Lightning — which Ford ended production of in late 2025 ahead of an extended-range electric successor — recorded just 289 sales, down 97.1% from 10,005 a year ago. E-Transit fell 57.2% to 184 units.

EVs accounted for just 3.8% of GM's U.S. sales and 1.2% of Ford's in Q3 — down from 9.4% and 5.6% respectively a year earlier.

Canada diverges: GM up 33% through H1, Ford's Fathom coming

The Canadian picture has been notably different. GM Canada reported EV sales were up 33.4% through the first half of 2026 — a stark contrast to the U.S. decline. The company has not yet released Canadian Q3 figures, but the H1 momentum suggests the market dynamics north of the border remain healthier.

For Ford, the Canadian story centers on what's coming, not what's going. The newly named Ford Fathom midsize electric pickup — revealed in Las Vegas desert testing last month — will start at $38,690 after the federal EVAP incentive ($39,995 base MSRP) when pre-orders open in early 2027. Production is slated for the converted Louisville Assembly Plant. The Fathom targets the same affordable-truck gap the F-150 Lightning's retreat left open, and its sub-$40,000 Canadian price point after incentives positions it as the most affordable electric pickup announced for the market.

Why the divergence?

Several factors explain the Canada-U.S. split:

Different incentive structures: Canada's EV Affordability Program (up to $5,000 for BEVs, $2,500 for PHEVs) remains stable, while the U.S. federal tax credit has been volatile and model-restrictive.
Model mix: GM Canada's stronger performance has been driven by the Equinox EV and Blazer EV — models that have struggled in the U.S. but found traction in Canada's crossover-heavy market.
Dealer engagement: GM's nearly 200 Canadian dealers have leaned into EV certification and inventory, while some U.S. dealers have resisted the transition.
Gas prices: Higher Canadian fuel prices improve the EV total-cost-of-ownership calculation.

What Canadian buyers should watch

For GM, the key question is whether the U.S. production cuts and model rationalization will constrain Canadian supply. The Equinox EV's 92% U.S. drop suggests GM may be deliberately winding down that generation ahead of a refresh — if so, Canadian inventory could tighten.

For Ford, the Fathom represents a clean-sheet opportunity. The truck's universal electric platform, bidirectional power, BlueCruise compatibility, and Maverick-sized footprint make it a credible daily driver for Canadians who need truck utility but not F-150 scale. The 2027 pre-order window gives buyers time to evaluate, but early deposit holders typically get priority allocation.

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Get Paid to Charge at Home: Compare Every EV Charging Rewards Program in Canada

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Canadian EV drivers can now earn money just by charging at home, thanks to Clean Fuel Regulations that let fuel suppliers sell compliance credits and share the revenue with drivers. But with 20 programs operating across the country — each with different hardware requirements, payout schedules, and exit terms — picking the right one has been a research project.

Drive Tesla Canada has launched a dedicated EV charging rewards comparison page that brings all 20 programs together with filters for province, charger type, and an earnings estimator.

How the programs work

Under Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations, fuel suppliers must reduce the carbon intensity of the fuels they sell. One compliance path: purchase credits from EV charging. Programs like WattsApp, RoadToEV, Roulez Électrique Club, and others act as aggregators — they register home chargers, generate credits, and pay drivers a share.

The payout per kWh varies by program and province. Most programs require an OCPP-compatible charger (ChargePoint, Flo, Grizzl-E, etc.), but three — WattsApp, RoadToEV, and Roulez Électrique Club — also accept the Tesla Wall Connector directly, making them the simplest options for Tesla owners.

Critical rule: one program per charger per year

A charger can only be enrolled in one program per calendar year. If you're already enrolled and sign up with another provider in the same year, you could disqualify your charger from both programs and lose your payout entirely.

To switch, you must leave your current program before December 31 and join the new one on or after January 1. Check the operator's exit terms in advance — some require written notice or specific de-registration steps.

What to compare beyond the headline rate

Payout frequency: Many programs pay only once a year (typically Q1 of the following year).
Hardware compatibility: OCPP vs. Tesla Wall Connector vs. proprietary.
Provincial availability: Not all programs operate in every province.
Exit terms: How to leave cleanly before a calendar-year switch.
Estimator baseline: The comparison page defaults to 3,500 kWh/year of home charging — adjust the slider to match your actual usage.

Visit the comparison page

Compare all 20 programs, filter by your province and charger, and estimate your annual earnings. The page is updated as new programs launch or rates change.

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Tesla Brings Back Daniel Valadares to Lead Semi Program in Canada

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Tesla has brought back one of the architects of its Canadian charging network to lead the arrival of the Tesla Semi in Canada. Daniel Valadares joined Tesla in September as Semi Programs – Business Development Lead for Canada, a role that puts him in charge of bringing the electric truck to the Canadian market.

From Supercharger builder to Semi lead

Valadares first joined Tesla in May 2016 as an Owner Advisor in Toronto, just as the Model X was launching. He moved to the charging team in 2017 and spent four years as Senior Technical Program Manager for Charging Infrastructure in Canada. During that time, he was responsible for more than 45 large-scale Supercharger projects accounting for roughly 1,000 Supercharger stalls across Eastern Canada — the backbone of Tesla's Canadian fast-charging network.

Valadares left Tesla in June 2024 for fleet electrification company 7Gen, where he served as Senior Director of Fleet Technologies & AI Enablement. His work there included commercial fleet charging projects from feasibility and design through installation and energization — experience directly applicable to the Semi program, which targets fleet operators.

"I'm thrilled to be back at Tesla, leading the Semi Program for Canada in my new role as the Canadian business development manager," Valadares posted on LinkedIn. He was also present at Tesla's Nevada Semi factory rollout event last week, calling it "proof" of the work behind bringing the truck to volume production.

Megacharger construction begins in B.C.

The hiring coincides with tangible infrastructure progress. Tesla's first Canadian Megachargers will start construction this month for R.R. Plett Trucking in Langley and Kamloops, British Columbia. The company has ordered 12 Tesla Semis with deliveries expected by June 2027. The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) units will be the first of their kind in Canada, delivering up to 1 MW of charging power specifically for Class 8 electric trucks.

Why the Semi matters for Canadian fleets

The Tesla Semi offers 500 miles (805 km) of range on a full charge and consumes less than 2 kWh per mile. For Canadian fleets running predictable routes — especially in the dense Toronto-Montreal corridor and B.C.'s Lower Mainland — the economics are compelling: electricity costs a fraction of diesel per kilometre, and maintenance is dramatically lower with no diesel engine, transmission, or aftertreatment system.

Walmart Canada has already increased its Tesla Semi order to 130 units, and other major fleets are evaluating the truck. Valadares's fleet electrification background at 7Gen positions him to navigate the commercial sales cycle, which involves depot charging design, utility upgrades, and total-cost-of-ownership modeling that differs fundamentally from consumer EV sales.

Canadian certification and timeline

Transport Canada certification for the Semi is the remaining gating item. Tesla has not publicly disclosed a Canadian on-sale date, but the combination of Megacharger construction starting, a dedicated Canadian business development lead in place, and volume production underway in Nevada suggests the program is moving from "if" to "when." Industry observers expect first Canadian deliveries in late 2027, aligned with the Plett Trucking timeline.

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Tesla Model 3 Gets Sales Boost in Canada from Carney's China EV Quota Deal

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:20:00 GMT

Prime Minister Mark Carney's January 2026 trade deal with Beijing is delivering an early winner in the Canadian EV market: Tesla. Bloomberg reports that Tesla's Shanghai-built Model 3 and Model Y have consumed the majority of the first quota window under Canada's new 49,000-vehicle annual allowance for Chinese-made EVs at a reduced 6.1% tariff.

The quota mechanism

Ottawa's agreement with China, negotiated during Carney's January trip to Beijing, replaced the previous 100% tariff on Chinese EVs with a two-tier system:

49,000 vehicles per year at a 6.1% tariff (down from 100%)
Quota reserved for vehicles priced at $35,000 CAD or less — a deliberate policy to seed affordable EV options
China rolled back retaliatory duties on Canadian canola and lobster in exchange

The quota operates in windows. Data indicates Tesla's Shanghai factory — which already produces Model 3 and Model Y for the Canadian market — moved quickly to secure allocation in the first window.

Why Tesla benefits most right now

Existing homologation: Model 3 and Model Y were already certified for Canada
Shanghai production line: Same factory, same vehicles, just redirected to Canadian allocation
Price positioning: Model 3 RWD starts at $47,990 CAD before incentives — within striking distance of the $35,000 reserved tier after federal EVAP rebate ($5,000) and potential provincial incentives
No new certification needed: BYD, Chery, Geely, and others are still testing and certifying vehicles (Sealion 7 spotted in Markham, EX5/EX2 at Toronto Pearson)

What this means for Canadian buyers

The quota advantage translates to tangible savings:

Lower landed cost: 6.1% tariff vs 100% means roughly $4,000–$6,000 less in duties per vehicle
Stable supply: Tesla can plan Canadian inventory without tariff uncertainty
Pressure on domestic pricing: Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox EV, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 face a cost-disadvantaged competitor with established brand recognition

For buyers considering a Model 3, the quota effect is already baked into current pricing — there's no additional "quota discount" at the dealership level. The benefit is that Tesla can maintain or lower prices while competitors absorb higher tariff costs on their own Chinese-sourced components.

Competitors are coming — but slower

BYD: Canadian website live ("COMING SOON"), hiring for dealer development, Sealion 7 spotted testing in Markham
Chery (Omoda/Jaecoo): Site live, targeting late 2026 launch, dealer network being built
Geely: Website launched at geely.ca, Q1 2027 target, dealer network planned
Lotus (Geely-owned): Already shipped first Eletre under new framework

All face the same certification and dealer-network ramp that Tesla completed years ago. The first-mover advantage in the quota system is significant: once the annual 49,000 cap fills, late entrants wait until the next window.

Political context

The deal faces opposition from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who called Chinese EVs "Chinese spy vehicles," and U.S. automakers concerned about market distortion. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has pushed a "build where you sell" model, urging BYD, Chery, and Geely to form Canadian-majority joint ventures for domestic production with secure software and Canadian parts content.

For now, the quota's primary practical effect is reinforcing Tesla's position as the most accessible Chinese-built EV in Canada — an ironic outcome for a policy designed to diversify the market.

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Tesla Rolls Out Model 3 Upgrades in U.S., Puerto Rico & Mexico — Canada Left Waiting

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:10:00 GMT

Tesla has pushed a new round of Model 3 upgrades to the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico — but Canadian buyers are notably absent from the rollout. The changes, announced Thursday via Tesla North America on X, mirror upgrades that debuted in China days earlier.

What's new for U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico

16-inch HD center touchscreen on every trim (up from 15.4-inch), matching the display size introduced on Model Y earlier this year and rolled out to Model 3 in China this week
Model 3 Premium AWD: 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds (down from 4.2s); range unchanged at 346 miles (557 km)
Model 3 Performance: Range climbs 2.3% to 316 miles (509 km) from 309 miles; peak power increases to 528 hp from 510 hp; 0-60 mph stays 2.9s
Black headliner added to Performance trim

U.S. pricing is unchanged. Tesla has not specified what hardware changes enable the additional power and range, nor whether any improvements will be backported to previously delivered vehicles via software.

Canada excluded — again

Tesla's announcement explicitly names only the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The company has not announced a timeline for when these upgrades will reach Canadian configurators.

This is particularly notable because Canadian Model 3s are built at Giga Shanghai — the same factory supplying the upgraded vehicles to China and other Asia-Pacific markets. The 16-inch screen, black headliner, and performance improvements are already shipping on Chinese-built cars; they simply haven't been enabled for the Canadian order stream.

V2L still missing globally

Despite the hardware refresh, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability remains absent from Model 3 in all markets. The feature was announced for Model 3 and expanded to all Model Y trims in China the night before the North American upgrade announcement, making its continued absence in North America a pointed gap for buyers who expected bidirectional charging on the refreshed platform.

White interior still the only option in North America

While China and other markets received a new Zen Grey interior option alongside the refresh, North American buyers remain limited to black and white interior choices. Tesla has not indicated whether Zen Grey will be added to U.S. or Canadian configurators.

What Canadian buyers should do

If you're ordering a Model 3 in Canada right now, you have three options:

Order now: Take delivery of the current spec, which lacks the larger screen and performance gains
Wait: Hold off until Tesla adds Canada to the upgrade rollout — no timeline provided
Check inventory: Some Canadian inventory units may already reflect the new hardware if they were built recently for other markets and redirected

Tesla does not communicate product timelines in advance. The last major Model 3 refresh (Highland) reached Canada weeks after the U.S. launch. Given that Canadian cars share the Shanghai production line with the upgraded Chinese-market vehicles, the delay appears to be a configuration decision, not a production constraint.

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Nova Scotia EV Levy Takes Effect Oct. 1: $500 Every Two Years for EV Owners, $250 for Plug-in Hybrids

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:08:00 GMT

Nova Scotia became the fourth Canadian province to impose a dedicated tax on electric vehicles when a new levy took effect on October 1, 2026. Electric vehicle owners now pay an additional $500 every two years when renewing their registration, while plug-in hybrid owners pay $250. Traditional hybrids — those that cannot be plugged in — are exempt.

How Nova Scotia compares

The province joins three others with EV-specific fees:

Saskatchewan: $300 annually (doubled from $150 in 2025)
Alberta: $200 annually (effective 2024)
Quebec: $125 annually starting 2027 (announced)
Nova Scotia: $500 per two-year renewal ($250/year equivalent)

Nova Scotia's $250-per-year equivalent sits between Saskatchewan ($300) and Alberta ($200). The fees apply to passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans, but exempt municipal, fire, and police vehicles.

Why the province did it

Premier Tim Houston defended the levy in February when it was tabled in the budget: "EVs have a wear and tear element on our roads and highways … they're generally a lot heavier, so they sometimes have quite a bit more wear and tear, and the owners of those vehicles should pay something towards that."

The province argues EV drivers don't pay the provincial gas tax (15.5¢/L), which funds road maintenance. The flat fee is intended as a replacement revenue stream.

Drivers say the math doesn't work

Halifax resident and Tesla owner Karina Baxter says the flat rate is unfair: "I do save a significant amount of money on this EV: no gas, no oil changes and things like that. But I still don't think the math is mathing."

Baxter argues gas-vehicle drivers pay proportionally to how much they drive — fill up more, pay more tax. The EV levy is a flat fee regardless of mileage. "With this, it's a flat rate, which I don't think is fair. They should track our kilometres or something like that, which makes it a little more fair, especially for those who don't drive as much."

CAA Atlantic's EV expert Kurt Sampson agrees a national standard is needed: "It would be nice to see a system that is standard and fair, equitable across all of Canada, really."

Impact on ownership economics

For Nova Scotians considering an EV or plug-in hybrid, the levy adds $250–$500 per year to total cost of ownership. On a five-year cycle, that's $1,250–$2,500 in additional fees — roughly equivalent to a 2–4% price increase on a $50,000 vehicle.

Buyers should factor this alongside the federal EV Affordability Program rebate (up to $5,000 for BEVs, $2,500 for PHEVs). Nova Scotia ended its provincial EV rebate program in recent years, so the levy further tilts the economics toward gas and conventional hybrid vehicles.

National context: gas tax drying up

David Kennedy, Toronto bureau chief with Automotive News Canada, frames the levy as a stopgap: "Almost everyone eventually will be driving an electric vehicle of some type and gas tax is going to dry up. If you don't have a gas tax that keeps your roads from completely deteriorating, you need some sort of alternative in the long term."

J.D. Power Canada reports 34% of Canadians would consider an EV for their next purchase, up from 28% in 2025. But Baxter worries levies like Nova Scotia's could discourage adoption and jeopardize federal zero-emission targets: "There's already some people that are apprehensive about EVs because they don't really know that much about them, so this on top of that I think is just going to have a negative impact."

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Quebec Parties Split on EV Strategy Ahead of Monday's Election: ZEV Mandates, Rebates and Charging Compared

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:07:00 GMT

With Quebec's provincial election on Monday, October 5, the province's five major parties are offering voters sharply different visions for electric vehicle adoption — from maintaining the current zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales mandate to scrapping it entirely.

Two independent analyses — from industry group Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) and Quebec EV association Association des véhicules électriques du Québec (AVEQ) — map the splits across ZEV mandates, purchase rebates, home charging support, multi-unit residential building (MURB) charging rights, and commercial vehicle policies.

ZEV mandates: three tiers of ambition

Québec solidaire: Reinstate a ban on new gasoline-powered light-duty vehicle sales starting in 2035, with a bar on registering new gas cars from 2045.
Parti Québécois (PQ): Target 85% ZEV sales by 2034, excluding non-rechargeable hybrids from the credit system.
Liberals & CAQ: Maintain the current credit-based system targeting 80% of new sales by 2035, including credits for non-rechargeable hybrids for model years 2025–2027. (The CAQ reduced the target from 100% in June 2026.)
Conservative Party of Quebec: Eliminate the ZEV standard entirely and withdraw from Quebec's cap-and-trade system.

Rebates: keep, phase out, or cancel

CAQ: Ends the Roulez vert program in December 2026. Plans a new annual registration tax starting 2027: $125 for BEVs, $62.50 for PHEVs.
PQ: Keeps the current $2,000 rebate for vehicles under $50,000 but phases it out over four years; limits vehicles per person/company. Considers a larger rebate for sub-$35,000 models.
Québec solidaire: Extends Roulez vert for four more years. Adds a $10 million "Old Cars" program: $1,000 for retiring vehicles over 15 years old plus a one-year transit pass or car-sharing subscription.
Liberals: Oppose Roulez vert cancellation; want to evaluate subsidies based on available funding — no detailed timeline or amounts.
Conservatives: Favour eliminating EV rebates; "allow Quebecers to choose the vehicle that suits their needs, their budget and their reality, without the government deciding for them."

Home charging and MURB access

CAQ: Fixed $600 toward home charging equipment; in some cases covers 50% of installation costs. Targets 35% of MURB parking spaces (~600,000 spots) equipped with chargers by 2030.
PQ: Home charging support; accelerates DC fast-charger deployment on highways; promotes vehicle-to-grid. Targets 6,700 public fast chargers and 110,000 Level 2 public chargers by 2030.
Québec solidaire: Adds public and residential stations.
Liberals: "Rely on experts" for infrastructure deployment; acknowledge MURB charging needs in new construction but offer no details.
Conservatives: Simplify building code; no further details on MURB charging rights.

Commercial vehicles: the heavy-duty divide

Québec solidaire: ZEV standard for medium- and heavy-duty trucks; zero-emission local delivery vehicles and taxis by 2035.
CAQ: Ends the Programme Écocamionnage MHDV incentive program on March 31, 2028.
Liberals: Would evaluate whether to continue the Écocamionnage program.
PQ & Conservatives: No detailed heavy-duty platform published as of Oct 2.

What this means for Quebec EV buyers

If you're buying in the next six months, the CAQ's planned December 2026 Roulez vert sunset is the nearest deadline — a $2,000 rebate on vehicles under $50,000 that disappears unless a new government extends it. The PQ's phase-out plan would preserve it temporarily but shrink it yearly. Québec solidaire's four-year extension offers the most certainty.

For apartment and condo dwellers, the CAQ's 35% MURB charger target by 2030 is the only quantified commitment; other parties acknowledge the gap but haven't specified numbers.

On the commercial side, Québec solidaire's 2035 zero-emission delivery/taxi target would be the most aggressive in North America — significant for fleet operators but dependent on charging infrastructure that doesn't yet exist at that scale.

Full analysis: EMC party comparison report (PDF) and AVEQ voter guide (French).

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Canada Bet Billions on an EV Boom. Was It Too Much, Too Soon?

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:06:00 GMT

The federal and provincial governments bet billions on the rapid rise of the electric vehicle industry. But major EV and battery projects in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have since been delayed, cancelled, suspended, substantially changed — and in one case, gone bankrupt — as automakers and suppliers adjust to weaker-than-anticipated demand.

Volkswagen's PowerCo plant: two-year delay to 2029

The latest setback landed in late September when Volkswagen's PowerCo subsidiary confirmed its St. Thomas, Ontario battery cell gigafactory will start production in 2029 — two years later than the original 2027 target. The company cited "evolving market demand" and said the delay allows time to incorporate newer battery technology.

When announced in 2023, the plant was slated to produce enough cells for roughly one million EVs per year. Governments committed up to $13.2 billion in production subsidies (federal share: one-third; Ontario: two-thirds), with payments tied to output volumes. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada says $700 million in federal construction funding has flowed so far.

A pattern of setbacks across three provinces

The St. Thomas delay is the most recent in a growing list:

Northvolt (Quebec): The Swedish battery maker cancelled its planned $7 billion plant near Bécancour in late 2025 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S.
Umicore (Ontario): The Belgian materials supplier suspended its cathode plant project in Kingston in 2024, citing market conditions.
NextStar Energy (Windsor, Ontario): The LG Energy Solution–Stellantis joint venture plant opened in 2024 but has run below capacity; hiring targets for 2,500 workers have been extended.
E-One Moli (British Columbia): The Taiwanese-backed plant in Maple Ridge faces delays and reduced scope.
Lion Electric (Quebec): The Quebec-based electric bus and truck maker entered creditor protection in 2025 and its battery plant project was liquidated.

Scale and location questions

Grieg Mordue, a former Toyota executive and retired McMaster University professor, says the St. Thomas project illustrates two structural problems with Canada's EV investment strategy: scale and location.

Volkswagen's major assembly operations are in the southern U.S. and Mexico, meaning batteries produced in southwestern Ontario must travel long distances to reach vehicle plants. Europe isn't the obvious destination either — VW already has battery capacity there. Even combined, VW's North American plants don't produce enough vehicles to absorb a million battery packs annually.

"They got a million batteries," Mordue said. "What are they going to do with them?"

The subsidy upside

There's a potential taxpayer upside: with production now starting in 2029 and production subsidies scheduled to decline from 2030 and end in 2032, governments will likely pay "a whole lot less" than the original maximum, Mordue notes. The Parliamentary Budget Officer's 2024 analysis flagged this dynamic — incentives are output-linked, so delays reduce the fiscal exposure.

Long-term bet or misplaced wager?

Joanna Kyriazis, director of policy and strategy at Clean Energy Canada, argues these investments operate on 50-to-70-year horizons. The current slowdown reflects growing pains in an industry still transitioning, not evidence Canada built too much capacity.

There are early recovery signals: Statistics Canada shows battery-only EV registrations rose 37.4% year-over-year in Q2 2026, with 58,811 new zero-emission vehicles registered (up 26.7% including hybrids). Transport Canada data puts EVs at 11.7% of new light-duty sales in Q1 2026, down from a 15.4% peak in 2024.

Kyriazis also notes the battery market extends beyond vehicles — grid-scale storage for expanding electricity grids could absorb significant capacity. The St. Thomas and Windsor sites were partly positioned for this dual-market play.

Skeptics see forced demand

University of Guelph economics professor Ross McKitrick is less convinced. In a 2024 Canadian Journal of Economics paper, he warned that if EV sales requirements rise faster than buyer willingness, it could hurt automakers and the broader economy. Ottawa scrapped federal EV sales requirements in 2026 and is consulting on replacement emissions standards through October 29.

"What the government's been trying to do is force that market into existence," McKitrick said. "The numbers just don't add up."

China's dominance remains the strategic driver

The wider justification hasn't disappeared: the IEA reports China produced over 80% of global battery cells in 2025. North American and European governments are building domestic supply chains to reduce that concentration risk — a strategic imperative that transcends near-term demand cycles.

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Toyota Canada Q3 2026 Electrified Sales Hit 40,019 — Up Nearly 50% Year-Over-Year

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) has posted its strongest quarter yet for electrified vehicles, delivering 40,019 electrified units in Q3 2026 — a 49.8% increase year-over-year. September alone saw 15,077 electrified sales, the highest single month on record for the company in Canada.

Electrified share reaches 58% in September

Of the 26,069 total vehicles Toyota Canada sold in September, 15,077 were electrified — meaning 57.8% of every vehicle sold carried some form of electrification (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, or battery electric). For the full quarter, electrified vehicles represented 52.3% of Toyota's 76,474 total Q3 sales.

The September record builds on momentum from earlier in the year: June 2026 saw 17,828 electrified sales (65.8% of total), while April hit 17,704. The Q3 total of 40,019 eclipses the previous quarterly record of 34,548 set in Q2 2026.

Models driving the surge

RAV4 Hybrid / HEV Woodland: Canada's best-selling electrified SUV, leading volume across all segments
Corolla Cross Hybrid: Strong growth in the compact crossover category
Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Continued demand for the dedicated PHEV
Sienna Hybrid: Minivan segment leader with hybrid-only powertrain
Highlander Hybrid: Three-row family hauler with hybrid option
Toyota bZ4X: Battery-electric contributions, though volumes remain modest

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) account for the vast majority of Toyota's electrified mix. The company does not break out BEV vs HEV vs PHEV figures in its monthly reports, but the bZ4X remains its sole dedicated BEV in Canada.

Total sales up 3.4% for the quarter

Overall, Toyota Canada sold 76,474 vehicles in Q3 2026, up 3.4% from 73,982 in Q3 2025. The Corolla sedan remains the top individual nameplate, while the RAV4 (all powertrains combined) leads SUVs. September's 26,069 total units marked a 6.1% year-over-year increase.

Why it matters for Canadian buyers

Toyota's electrified strategy differs from most rivals: it leans heavily on hybrids rather than pushing battery-electric volume. For Canadian buyers, this means:

Immediate availability: Hybrid inventory is generally robust at dealers
No charging required: HEVs work for buyers without home charging access
Federal EVAP rebate eligibility: Only the bZ4X and Prius PHEV qualify for the up-to-$5,000 federal incentive; conventional hybrids do not
Resale strength: Toyota hybrids historically hold value well in the Canadian used market

The Q3 results suggest Canadian demand for electrified Toyotas continues to outpace total market growth, even as the federal ZEV mandate has been repealed and replacement regulations remain under consultation.

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Quebec Parties Split on EV Strategy Ahead of Monday Election: Mandates, Rebates, Charging at Stake

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Ahead of Quebec's provincial election on Monday, the province's five major parties are offering starkly different visions for electric vehicle policy, according to parallel analyses by Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) and the Association des véhicules électriques du Québec (AVEQ).

ZEV mandates: three flavours, one repeal

Three parties would maintain a zero-emission vehicle sales standard, but with different targets and rules:

Liberals: Keep the CAQ's credit-based system targeting 80% of new sales by 2035, including credits for non-rechargeable hybrids for the 2025–2027 model years.
CAQ (incumbent): Same framework — the party reduced the target from 100% in June and added non-rechargeable hybrid credits.
Parti Québécois: Higher target of 85% by 2034, excluding non-rechargeable hybrids from credits.
Québec solidaire: Would reinstate a ban on new gasoline light-duty vehicle sales starting 2035 and bar registration of new ones from 2045.
Conservative Party of Quebec: Would eliminate the ZEV standard entirely and withdraw from the cap-and-trade system.

Rebates: from phase-out to expansion

Purchase incentives are a major fault line:

CAQ: Brought back Roulez vert last year but plans to end it in December. Also proposes a $125/year BEV registration tax and $62.50 for PHEVs starting 2027.
PQ: Keeps the $2,000 rebate for vehicles under $50,000 but phases it out over four years, limits vehicles per person/company, and considers a larger rebate for vehicles under $35,000.
Québec solidaire: Extends Roulez vert four more years plus $10 million for an "Old Cars" program ($1,000 for scrapping vehicles 15+ years old plus a transit pass or car-share subscription).
Liberals: Oppose cancelling Roulez vert but offer no funding details or timeframe.
Conservatives: Favour eliminating EV rebates altogether.

Home charging and MURB access

On residential charging, the CAQ offers a fixed $600 toward home charging equipment and 50% of installation costs in some cases. The PQ would also help with home charging, speed DC fast-charger deployment on highways, and promote vehicle-to-grid tech — targeting 6,700 public fast chargers and 110,000 Level 2 points by 2030.

For multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), the CAQ targets 35% of parking spaces (roughly 600,000 spots) equipped with chargers by 2030. Québec solidaire and the PQ would rely on installation rebates. Liberals acknowledge the need but offer no specifics; Conservatives promise building code simplification without details.

Commercial vehicles

Québec solidaire would set a ZEV standard for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and target zero-emission local delivery vehicles and taxis by 2035. The CAQ would end the Programme Écocamionnage MHDV incentive program on March 31, 2028; Liberals would evaluate whether to continue it.

Why it matters for Canada

Quebec leads Canada in EV adoption. The election outcome will shape whether the province accelerates, maintains, or reverses its transition — and whether its policies influence federal and other provincial approaches. For buyers, the rebate landscape could shift dramatically by January.

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Rivian Smashes Q3 Delivery Record at 19,248 Vehicles, R2 Ramp Drives 58% Quarter-Over-Quarter Jump

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Rivian set a new quarterly delivery record in Q3 2026, handing over 19,248 vehicles — comfortably ahead of the roughly 18,000 deliveries analysts were expecting and a 57.8% jump from the 12,194 vehicles delivered in Q2.

R2's first full quarter drives the beat

The major catalyst was the R2. Customer deliveries of Rivian's smaller, less expensive SUV began in June, making Q3 the first full quarter with R2 volumes included. Rivian does not provide a model-by-model breakdown, so the exact R2 contribution is unclear, but the timing aligns: the company is currently selling only the higher-priced R2 Performance through the end of 2026 as it ramps production.

Production followed a similar trajectory. Rivian built 19,751 vehicles during the quarter at its lone manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, up from 12,613 in Q2. The 19,248 deliveries also bested the previous quarterly record of 15,564 set in Q3 2023.

Year-over-year growth remains strong

Compared with the 13,201 vehicles delivered in Q3 2025, the latest figure represents a 45.8% increase. With 41,807 vehicles delivered through the first nine months, Rivian needs at least 23,193 deliveries in Q4 to reach the bottom of its full-year guidance (65,000–70,000), or 28,193 to hit the top.

R2 ramp still evolving

Rivian previously said it expected to scale R2 production to two shifts by the end of Q3, though the company had not confirmed the start of that second shift as of the announcement. The company has also pushed customer availability of the R2's LiDAR hardware to 2027.

Rivian reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 65,000 to 70,000 deliveries — a range raised in July from 62,000 to 67,000 — and said Q3 results were in line with its outlook. Full Q3 financial results are scheduled for October 29 after market close.

What this means for Canadian buyers

Rivian has confirmed Canadian R2 deliveries starting in 2027. The strong U.S. ramp suggests production capacity will be sufficient to serve both markets, though Canadian pricing and trim availability have not been announced. The R1T and R1S remain Rivian's current Canadian offerings.

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Geely Launches Canadian Website, Signals 2027 Market Entry with Dealer Network

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Geely has launched its Canadian website at geely.ca, becoming the latest Chinese automaker to establish a local web presence ahead of a planned market entry. The site confirms a dealer network is coming but provides no vehicle lineup, pricing, or firm launch date.

Dealer network planned, details thin

The website states Geely's "Canadian journey is coming soon, with a growing dealer network planned for key markets across the country." No cities, dealership groups, or specific locations are identified. The English version offers no timeline, while the French version indicates a launch expected in the first quarter of 2027 with a dealer network expanding across major markets.

Notably, the site lists no vehicles, specifications, reservations, or pricing — only a reference to a "new generation of electrified vehicles." Geely's corporate profile mentions Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr as group brands but gives no indication whether the latter two are part of Canadian plans.

Groundwork laid since spring

The website follows months of behind-the-scenes preparation. In April, Drive Tesla Canada reported Geely was hiring for six senior roles in Toronto tied to the "Geely Auto Brand." A month later, EX5 and EX2 test vehicles were spotted arriving at Toronto Pearson, though Geely has not confirmed Canadian launch plans for either model.

Crowded Chinese entrant field

Geely joins a growing queue of Chinese brands establishing Canadian websites ahead of launch:

BYD launched its Canadian site in August showing only a "COMING SOON" message, with no vehicle lineup or pricing. The company has also been hiring for Canadian operations and dealer development.
Omoda and Jaecoo (Chery Group) launched their site stating they are "coming late 2026" with a dealer network being built across Canada, but similarly lack Canadian pricing or a confirmed vehicle lineup.

All three brands are entering after Ottawa introduced a 49,000-vehicle quota for Chinese EV imports at a 6.1% tariff, effective March 1. Geely-owned Lotus has already shipped its first Lotus Eletre to Canada under the new framework, though Tesla has consumed the majority of the quota in the first window.

What's missing before launch

For Canadian buyers, the critical gaps remain: confirmed model lineup, Canadian pricing, warranty terms, charging network compatibility (NACS or CCS), and service infrastructure. Until those details arrive, geely.ca functions as a placeholder — a signal of intent rather than a transactional destination.

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Tesla Supercharger Demand Climbs 29% as Robotaxis Add Meaningful Charging Load

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:13:00 GMT

Tesla's Supercharger network is getting busier, and the company says careful planning is helping it meet growing demand while keeping charging affordable and waits short. A new quarterly update from Tesla's official Charging account shows the network recorded 69 million individual charging sessions in Q3 2026, up 29% compared to the same period last year.

High utilization keeps costs down

Charging executive Max de Zegher said higher usage doesn't have to come at the expense of the customer experience. Higher utilization helps spread the cost of building and operating stations across more charging sessions. The challenge is keeping sites busy without leaving drivers waiting for an available stall.

Tesla manages that balance using data from 85,000 Superchargers, long-term modelling, Trip Planner integration, pricing, and carefully timed construction.

28.9 TWh delivered lifetime

The network has now delivered 28.9 terawatt hours (TWh) of energy over its lifetime, reflecting its growing role in powering electric travel. That is enough energy to fully charge a 60 kWh battery roughly 482 million times.

Robotaxis now a meaningful load

A notable part of that energy is now going to Tesla's Robotaxis. The company says its autonomous vehicles used 7.0 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy during the quarter — enough to fully charge a Cybercab's battery roughly 146,000 times.

That planning already includes proposed private Supercharger facilities in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, designed to support fleet operations.

Canada milestone: 3,000th Supercharger

The growth story extends to Canada, where Tesla recently opened its 3,000th Supercharger stall at a new 24-stall site in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec — just in time for Thanksgiving weekend travel demand. The site features maple-leaf branded pylons and sits on a key Laurentian travel corridor.

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FedEx Orders 2,000 Harbinger Electric Trucks for U.S. and Canada Deployment

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:32:00 GMT

FedEx is making a major addition to its electric delivery fleet, ordering 2,000 all-electric medium-duty trucks from Harbinger in a deal worth more than US$300 million. The trucks are planned for delivery by the end of 2027 and will be deployed in pickup-and-delivery operations across Canada and the United States.

Canadian rollout via Kaizen Automotive Group

According to Harbinger's announcement, its Canadian dealer, Kaizen Automotive Group, will support the Canadian portion of the rollout. Neither company has specified how many of the 2,000 trucks will be deployed in Canada versus the U.S.

The order includes a mix of models from Harbinger's all-electric lineup, with each truck serving as a one-for-one replacement for a conventional diesel vehicle. Harbinger plans to build and deliver all 2,000 trucks within approximately 18 months.

Expanding an existing relationship

The new order expands an existing relationship between the two companies. FedEx has already deployed Harbinger vehicles in its network and previously co-led the automaker's $160 million Series C funding round.

"Expanding our deployment of Harbinger vehicles gives us an opportunity to continue making progress toward our fleet electrification goals while reducing fuel and operating costs," said Paul Melander, FedEx senior vice president of safety and transportation and a member of Harbinger's board of directors.

Cost savings and design advantages

Harbinger estimates each electric truck can reduce diesel fuel costs by an average of US$20,000 per year compared with the diesel vehicle it replaces. The medium-duty trucks are designed around a 20-year service life. Harbinger also claims an industry-leading 42-foot turning diameter, aimed at making the trucks easier to maneuver on tight residential and city streets.

Part of a growing Canadian fleet electrification trend

The deal adds another significant fleet electrification project involving Canadian operations. FedEx Express Canada has previously added electric delivery vehicles to its fleet, while the broader shift toward commercial EVs has seen growing interest from Canadian fleet operators and a number of sizeable electric truck orders announced in recent years.

Harbinger says the FedEx deal is believed to be one of the largest binding orders for electric medium or heavy-duty trucks to date.

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Tesla Model Y L Gets More Range and a More Powerful Front Motor in China Update

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:44:00 GMT

Tesla has quietly updated the Model Y L in China, giving the three-row electric SUV a more powerful front motor and a modest increase in rated range, according to Chinese regulatory filings reported by Drive Tesla Canada.

Range and efficiency gains

The Model Y L's CLTC-rated range rises from 751 km to 776 km, a 25 km improvement. Energy consumption also improves, dropping from 12.8 kWh/100 km to 12.4 kWh/100 km. The curb weight stays unchanged at 2,088 kg, suggesting the gains come from what Tesla describes as "core technology optimisation" rather than a larger battery pack.

Front motor upgraded to TL2 unit

The more significant change is under the hood. Filings show Tesla replacing the existing 142 kW front motor with its newer TL2 unit rated at 176 kW — a 34 kW increase at the front axle. The 198 kW rear motor remains unchanged. Tesla has not published updated acceleration figures, so it remains unclear how much of the additional output translates into improved performance.

Still not coming to Canada

The Model Y L launched in China in August 2025 as a larger, six-seat variant priced at 339,000 yuan. It has since expanded to much of the rest of the world. Like most of Tesla's revisions, the updated hardware could eventually make its way to Giga Texas and Fremont.

There is one notable exception: the Model Y L remains unavailable in Canada. This is because Canada's Model Y supply comes from Giga Berlin, where the six-seat variant has not yet started production.

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BCAA 2026 EV Circuit Road Test Finds Big Gaps in Charging Speed and Efficiency

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The BCAA 2026 EV Circuit Road Test put 22 electric vehicles through the same 230-kilometre route from Blue Mountain, Ont., to Vaughan, Ont., and found significant differences in energy consumption, charging speed and operating costs despite every model completing the trip without recharging.

BCAA said all 22 vehicles finished the route, including the model with the shortest advertised range, while using an average of 40 per cent of battery capacity. The test was conducted in fall conditions, and the association noted vehicles consumed about 40 per cent less energy on average than those evaluated during its 2025 winter EV study, underscoring the impact of temperature on EV performance.

Energy consumption and efficiency

Measured consumption on the route varied widely by model:

Toyota bZ: 11.43 kWh per 100 km
Lucid Gravity: 28.91 kWh per 100 km

The spread highlights how vehicle size, aerodynamics and powertrain tuning affect real-world efficiency, even when all cars cover the same distance.

Fast-charging performance

During a standardized 15-minute fast-charging session, vehicles added an average of 110 kilometres of displayed range. Results ranged from 58 kilometres for the Lucid Air to 178 kilometres for the Lucid Gravity.

The test shows charging speed is not simply a function of peak kW rating. Vehicle battery size, state of charge curves and thermal management all influence how much usable range is added in a short stop.

What it means for Canadian drivers

“For many of today’s EVs, the question is becoming less about whether you can complete a trip and more about how efficiently you can make it, where you will charge, how long charging will take, and what it will cost,” said Shawn Pettipas, director of corporate purpose at BCAA.

With range no longer the limiting factor for most everyday trips, buyers are increasingly comparing vehicles on efficiency-per-dollar, charging-network compatibility and real-world charge-rate consistency in Canadian weather.

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Tesla Expands Vehicle-to-Load Capability to Model 3 and Additional Model Y Trims

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:10:00 GMT

Tesla is expanding its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability to more vehicles, beginning with Model 3 vehicles in China, Australia, and New Zealand, while also making the feature available to additional Model Y trims in select markets. ## What is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)? Vehicle-to-Load technology allows Tesla owners to use their vehicle's battery pack to power external devices and appliances, effectively turning the car into a mobile power source. This is particularly useful for: - Powering tools at job sites or camping locations - Running appliances during power outages - Charging other electric vehicles or devices - Operating outdoor equipment like refrigerators or heaters ## Recent V2L Expansions ### Model 3 V2L Availability Tesla has begun rolling out V2L functionality to Model 3 vehicles in: - China - Australia - New Zealand Owners in these markets can now use their Model 3's battery to power devices through the vehicle's outlets or with appropriate adapters. ### Expanded Model Y V2L Access While V2L was previously limited to specific Model Y trims in certain regions, Tesla has expanded availability to: - Additional Model Y trims in the United States - Continued availability for Model Y L in China (via software update 2025.32.300) - New inclusion in Model Y Performance trim ### Technical Specifications When available, Tesla's V2L system provides: - Up to 1.6 kW continuous power output - Standard AC outlets (varies by market) - Requires appropriate adapter or outlet accessory - Managed through vehicle touchscreen interface - Automatic shutdown to preserve driving range ## Availability Timeline - Model 3 V2L: Rolling out now in China, Australia, New Zealand - Model Y expanded trims: Available immediately for qualifying vehicles - Software updates: Delivered over-the-air where applicable - Adapter availability: Through Tesla service centers and online store ## Canadian Availability Note As of this announcement, V2L functionality remains unavailable for Tesla vehicles in Canada due to regional certification and software restrictions. Canadian owners interested in V2L capability should monitor official Tesla Canada channels for updates. ## Owner Benefits The V2L expansion provides Tesla owners with: - Increased vehicle utility beyond transportation - Emergency power capability during outages - Reduced need for separate generators or power banks - Enhanced camping and outdoor recreation experiences - Potential cost savings compared to dedicated power solutions Tesla continues to explore additional markets and vehicle models for V2L expansion, with owner feedback playing a key role in prioritizing future releases.

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Hypercharge Acquires Texas-Based REVS Charging to Expand U.S. EV Network

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:05:00 GMT

Hypercharge Networks Corp. (TSXV: HCF) has announced an agreement to acquire Texas-based electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider REVS Charging, marking a significant expansion of the company's presence in the United States and reinforcing its North American growth strategy. ## Acquisition Details - Hypercharge Networks to acquire REVS Charging (Texas-based EV charging solutions provider) - Deal strengthens Hypercharge's footprint in the United States - Represents a new phase in the company's North American growth strategy - Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the announcement ## About Hypercharge Networks - Vancouver-based EV charging network operator (TSXV: HCF) - Operates charging stations across Canada - Recently reported Q1 FY2027 results showing: - Revenue down 58% year-over-year to $1.42 million - Gross margin increased to 44% - Network expanded to over 9,400 charging ports (including 2,700 from Eddie acquisition) - Received $1.74 million in Clean Fuel Regulations credits for 2025 charging activity ## About REVS Charging - Texas-based provider of EV charging solutions - Specializes in commercial and fleet charging infrastructure - Operates charging networks across Texas and surrounding states - Focuses on high-power DC fast charging for commercial applications ## Strategic Implications The acquisition allows Hypercharge to: - Expand into the large Texas EV market, one of America's fastest-growing - Combine Hypercharge's Canadian expertise with REVS's Texas market knowledge - Create cross-border charging network capabilities - Position the combined entity for growth in the North American EV charging sector - Leverage REVS's commercial fleet charging experience ## Recent Growth Initiatives This acquisition follows Hypercharge's recent strategic moves: - May 2026 acquisition of charge point operator Eddie from AXSO (added 2,700 ports) - August 2026 promotion of Kyle Moncrief to Chief Financial Officer - Focus on Level 2 deployments for higher margins and subscription income - Successful monetization of Clean Fuel Regulations credits ## Market Context The U.S. EV charging market continues to expand rapidly, driven by: - Federal infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - State-level incentives for charging infrastructure - Growing EV adoption across commercial and consumer segments - Increasing demand for reliable charging solutions Hypercharge states that the REVS acquisition will be integrated into its existing operations, with plans to leverage the combined expertise to serve both Canadian and U.S. customers seeking reliable EV charging solutions.

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GM Recalls 29,347 Cadillac Optiq EVs in Canada Over Window Pinch Protection Flaw

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

General Motors Canada has issued a safety recall affecting 29,347 Cadillac Optiq electric vehicles from the 2024-2025 model years due to a potential window pinch protection system failure. ## Safety Issue Identified The recall addresses a fault in the automatic window reversal system that may not detect obstructions during window closure. This pinch protection flaw could increase the risk of injury if a body part becomes trapped in a closing window. ## Vehicles Affected - 2024-2025 Cadillac Optiq electric vehicles - Approximately 29,347 units in Canada - Manufactured between specific date ranges (details available from GM Canada) ## Owner Notification Process GM Canada will notify affected owners by mail starting in mid-October 2026. Owners are advised to: - Avoid allowing passengers to extend limbs outside windows while vehicle is in motion - Schedule free repair at authorized Cadillac dealerships - Contact GM Canada customer service at 1-800-263-3777 with recall reference number ## Repair Details Authorized dealers will: - Inspect and reprogram the window control module - Replace faulty components if necessary - Verify proper pinch protection function - Perform all work at no cost to vehicle owners ## Impact on Cadillac EV Lineup The Optiq represents Cadillac's entry-level luxury electric SUV in the Canadian market. This recall affects vehicles delivered since the model's Canadian launch in late 2023. ## Previous GM EV Recalls in Canada This recall joins other recent EV safety actions by GM in Canada, including: - Battery module inspections for certain Bolt EV/EUV models - Software updates for charging system compatibility - Drive unit bearing replacements on select Ultium-based vehicles Owners can verify if their vehicle is affected by visiting recalls.gm.ca and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting their local Cadillac dealership.

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Germany Pushes Tesla FSD EU Vote to December; Croatia Becomes 8th Country to Approve

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Germany's Federal Ministry for Transport has confirmed that an EU-wide vote on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised system will not happen until December 2026, pushing back the previously expected October 6 timeline. The delay comes as the European Transport Safety Council raises concerns about FSD's "speed offset" feature allowing system-initiated speeds up to 50 per cent above detected limits.

Separately, Croatia became the eighth European country to approve FSD Supervised on September 29, following the same Article 39 provisional recognition pathway used by the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, and Lithuania. Tesla Europe announced the approval via X, stating rollout to Croatian owners would begin "soon."

Why Germany matters for the EU vote

A bloc-wide EU approval requires a qualified majority — at least 15 member states representing 65 per cent of the EU population. The five countries that have approved via the Dutch RDW pathway cover only about 8.9 per cent of that population. Germany, as the EU's largest economy and auto market, is a pivotal vote.

According to Germany's Transport Ministry (BMDV), the country "remains open to new technology" but its Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is still reviewing documentation and communicating with Tesla and the Dutch RDW. The ministry specifically cited FSD's ability to initiate speeds up to 50 per cent above detected speed limits as an outstanding concern.

Speed offset: the technical sticking point

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) formally objected this week to what it calls FSD's "speed offset" — the system's design allowance to exceed posted limits by up to 50 per cent when matching surrounding traffic flow. The ETSC argues this conflicts with UN Regulation 171 for Driver Control Assistance Systems, which requires assisted driving systems to respect speed limits.

Tesla sought an Article 39 exemption for this behaviour during its Dutch approval process. The Dutch RDW granted provisional approval in April, but extending that approval EU-wide requires all member states to accept the same exemption — and Germany's KBA has not yet signed off.

Croatia follows the Dutch path

Croatia's approval brings the national-recognition count to eight countries (Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, France — with two test vehicles — Czechia, and now Croatia). Each has recognized the Dutch RDW's April provisional approval under Article 39 of EU type-approval rules, which allows a member state to accept another's approval pending EU-wide harmonization.

Tesla says more than 70,000 customers in the five fully-approved countries drive over one million kilometres per day with FSD Supervised. The company's published safety dashboard claims 4.1× fewer crashes per kilometre versus manual Tesla driving across 102 million kilometres of data.

Canadian context: no timeline, but watching closely

Transport Canada classifies FSD as an advanced driver assistance system requiring driver attention at all times. No province has created a pathway for supervised autonomy beyond current SAE Level 2 rules. Canada does not have a regulatory process comparable to the EU's Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles.

The EU vote — whenever it occurs — will be the most significant regulatory precedent for supervised autonomy in a major Western market. A December decision extending Dutch approval EU-wide would add pressure on other jurisdictions, including Canada, to clarify their positions on hands-on supervised systems.

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StatsCan: Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Share Grew 27.7% in 2025, Reaching 3.5% of Light-Duty Fleet

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Canadian light-duty zero-emission vehicle registrations grew 27.7 per cent in 2025, reaching 875,001 vehicles and pushing ZEV market share to 3.5 per cent of all registered light-duty vehicles, according to new data released by Statistics Canada on September 29. The total includes 623,481 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and 251,520 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). BEV registrations rose 27.9 per cent from 2024, while PHEVs grew 27.3 per cent. StatsCan notes that the federal iZEV program suspension in January 2025 and Quebec's Roulez vert rebate reductions were "deciding factors in the relatively slower pace of growth." The federal EVAP rebate program launched in February 2026, and Q2 2026 data shows ZEV market share has since climbed to 10.7 per cent. ### Quebec and B.C. carry the national average Provincially, the gap is stark. Quebec led at 6.71 per cent ZEV share (382,579 ZEVs out of 5.7 million light-duty vehicles), followed by British Columbia at 5.87 per cent (203,236 ZEVs). Ontario, despite the largest absolute fleet at 9.4 million vehicles, sat at just 2.37 per cent ZEV share (221,560 ZEVs). Full provincial breakdown (2025 year-end): | Province | Total LDVs | BEVs | PHEVs | Total ZEVs | ZEV % | |---|---:|---:|---:|---:|---:| | Newfoundland | 358,315 | 1,595 | 1,273 | 2,868 | 0.80 | | P.E.I. | 110,754 | 1,189 | 810 | 1,999 | 1.80 | | Nova Scotia | 671,146 | 4,931 | 3,652 | 8,583 | 1.28 | | New Brunswick | 574,177 | 3,904 | 3,668 | 7,572 | 1.32 | | **Quebec** | **5,698,867** | **268,369** | **114,210** | **382,579** | **6.71** | | Ontario | 9,356,875 | 158,942 | 62,618 | 221,560 | 2.37 | | Manitoba | 888,629 | 5,411 | 3,694 | 9,105 | 1.02 | | Saskatchewan | 862,386 | 2,656 | 2,172 | 4,828 | 0.56 | | Alberta | 3,276,462 | 20,095 | 11,886 | 31,981 | 0.98 | | **B.C.** | **3,461,187** | **155,977** | **47,259** | **203,236** | **5.87** | | Yukon | 35,745 | 342 | 219 | 561 | 1.57 | | N.W.T. | 23,716 | 68 | 55 | 123 | 0.52 | | Nunavut | 4,535 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 0.13 | *Source: Statistics Canada, "Road Motor Vehicle Registrations, 2025" (released September 29, 2026). StatsCan classifies both BEVs and PHEVs as ZEVs.* ### Chinese-assembled EVs defy tariff narrative Despite a 100 per cent U.S. tariff on Chinese EVs imposed in 2024, China ranked seventh among countries of assembly for light-duty EVs registered in Canada in 2025 — accounting for 3.6 per cent of the total. More than 90 per cent of the 59,565 Chinese-assembled EVs registered were BEVs. In January 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney reduced tariffs on Chinese EVs to a most-favoured-nation rate of 6.1 per cent, creating a tariff window that Chery, BYD, and other Chinese automakers are now using to enter Canada. ### Medium-duty EVs quadrupled Medium-duty vehicle registrations rose 3.8 per cent overall in 2025, but BEVs in this category more than quadrupled — from 994 to 4,368 registrations. Growth was driven by larger SUV and pickup segments where new electric models entered the market. ### What this means for 2026 The 2025 data captures the last full year before the EVAP federal rebate relaunched. With Q2 2026 already at 10.7 per cent national ZEV share (per StatsCan's earlier release), the trajectory points toward continued acceleration — but the 2025 figures underscore how dependent growth remains on incentive architecture and provincial policy leadership. ---

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Tesla Gets SEC Clearance for Retail Shareholder Voting Program — Shareholders Can Auto-Vote With Board

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has cleared Tesla to launch a new voluntary voting program that lets retail shareholders automatically cast their votes in line with Board of Directors' recommendations — a first-of-its-kind structure for a major public company.

The SEC's Division of Corporation Finance issued a no-action letter on September 29 covering Tesla's proposed Issuer Voluntary Retail Voting Program (IVRVP). The letter means SEC staff will not recommend enforcement action under several federal proxy rules as long as Tesla operates the program as described in its request.

How the program works

Under the IVRVP, retail shareholders can provide a standing instruction for their shares to be voted in line with Tesla's Board recommendations on all proposals. In practice, this means:

Opt-in only: Shareholders must actively enroll — it is not automatic.
Standing instruction: Once enrolled, shares are voted per Board recommendations by default.
Override at any time: Enrolled shareholders still receive all proxy materials and can override their standing instruction for individual proposals at no cost.
Cancel anytime: Participants can withdraw from the program at any time.

Tesla says the program addresses a structural problem: retail shareholders own a significant portion of the company but historically vote at very low rates. By reducing friction, the company argues the program could increase retail participation in governance.

Why this matters for Canadian Tesla shareholders

Canadian investors who hold Tesla shares through U.S. brokerage accounts (or via Canadian brokers that custody shares in the U.S.) would be eligible to participate in the IVRVP. Shareholders holding Tesla through Canadian registered accounts (TFSA, RRSP) with U.S.-domiciled shares should check with their broker on eligibility.

The program does not apply to shares held through Canadian-listed ETFs or mutual funds — those votes are controlled by the fund manager, not the underlying investor.

Governance implications

Critics note the program could concentrate voting power with the Board, since enrolled retail shares would default to Board recommendations. Tesla's Board has faced scrutiny over independence — the 2024 proxy statement showed several directors with long-standing personal or professional ties to CEO Elon Musk.

Proponents counter that low retail turnout already effectively concentrates power with institutional holders, and that the override mechanism preserves individual choice. The SEC's no-action letter does not endorse the program's governance merits — it only confirms the structure does not violate specific proxy rules.

Next steps

Tesla has not announced a launch date for the IVRVP. The company will need to build the technical infrastructure for enrollment, standing instructions, and override workflows — likely through its transfer agent or a third-party proxy service. Retail shareholders should watch for official communications from Tesla Investor Relations or their broker.

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Canadian Municipalities Slowly Expanding Residential EV Charging Requirements

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:06:00 GMT

More than 60 Canadian municipalities and two provinces have codified requirements for new buildings to install EV charging, or provide rough-ins for future EV charging, a roughly 20 per cent increase from 2024.

Provincial leadership and patchwork rules

A review of all 10 provinces and three territories by Electric Autonomy shows the growth is concentrated in British Columbia and Ontario. The majority of Canadian EV-ready municipalities — 33 — are in British Columbia. Ontario follows with 17 municipalities.

Quebec appears to be taking a provincial-level oversight of EV-ready requirements, unlike the rest of Canada which is largely leaving it to the lower levels of government, which creates a national patchwork approach. Quebec, however, along with British Columbia, is one of only two provinces in the country to have provincial EV-ready legislation.

Where requirements are missing

There are no municipal or provincial EV-ready requirements in Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. And while there are no formal bylaws in place in Calgary, St. John’s and Halifax, the cities are considering future steps through proposals.

Why it matters for adoption

For those living in urban areas, the increase in the number of jurisdictions taking a more direct role in ensuring access to EV charging is welcome news. Lack of charging is a common problem and barrier to EV adoption for condo and multi-unit residential building residents. Those living in stratas, townhouses or semi-detached homes can face similar barriers with neighbours and board sometimes resisting charger installation due to costs and a lack of education and policy guidance.

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Tesla Opens 3,000th Canadian Supercharger With 24 Stalls in Mont-Tremblant

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:06:00 GMT

Tesla opened its 3,000th Supercharger in Canada on Monday, a 24-stall station on Montée Ryan in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, just in time for Canadian Thanksgiving weekend on October 12.

Maple-leaf branding and fall travel demand

Tesla Charging announced the milestone Monday and shared photos of the new site, which features red pylons with maple-leaf branding. Mont-Tremblant is a popular resort town in the Laurentians that sees heavy traffic through fall and winter, so the extra stalls are showing up right as drivers start heading north. Fall colours in the region draw big crowds from Montreal every October, and long weekends tend to be the busiest stretch of the season.

Network growth across Canada

The milestone caps years of steady growth for Tesla’s charging network across the country. In Ontario, Tesla is building what would become Canada’s largest Supercharger site in Ajax, while the current largest opened in Richmond, British Columbia in 2023. Quebec has also seen continued expansion along the main travel corridors north of Montreal, with each new site helping fill in gaps and making longer road trips easier for EV owners in every season.

More drivers on the network

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the fall, and a 24-stall site near a major resort should take some pressure off older, smaller stations along the Laurentian routes. The opening also comes after Tesla moved to welcome Honda and Acura EVs onto its Canadian Superchargers, which means more drivers than ever are relying on the network.

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Lucid Air UX 3.0 Rolls Out: Major Interface Overhaul, But Older Cars Need US$950 Hardware Upgrade

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Lucid has begun rolling out Air UX 3.0, the most significant software update yet for its flagship sedan. The update, part of Software Version 2.11.0, brings the Air's interface in line with the newer Lucid Gravity SUV — but there's a catch for early adopters.

Who gets it free, who pays

2025 and newer Air vehicles: Free over-the-air (OTA) update
2022, 2023, and some 2024 Air vehicles: Require an upgraded infotainment processor priced at US$950

Canadian pricing for the processor upgrade has not been announced. Lucid says owners of older Air vehicles can contact Customer Care to determine eligibility.

What changes in UX 3.0

Redesigned Home interface

The Home screen now uses swipeable cards for media, vehicle controls, calls, saved destinations, and nearby charging stations. New Quick Controls are accessible by swiping down from the top of the Pilot Panel.

Enhanced route planning

Navigation gains meaningful flexibility: drivers can specify preferred charging networks, account for adapter compatibility, and set a minimum remaining range target upon arrival.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto go full-width

Both platforms can now expand across the entire right side of the Air's Cockpit Display — considerably more screen real estate than before. Lucid says wireless and wired connections are both supported, with improved reliability and performance.

Profile switching and security

Faster profile switching, tighter controls around linked keys and Guest profiles, and new six-digit PIN authentication round out the update.

Why it matters for Canadian owners

Lucid's Canadian presence is growing, with the Gravity SUV now available for order and Air deliveries ongoing. For early Air buyers in Canada, the US$950 processor upgrade (plus potential import duties, labour, and taxes) represents a meaningful cost to access the latest software experience. The company has not confirmed whether Canadian pricing will mirror the U.S. figure or be adjusted for currency and market.

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Tesla Q3 2026 Deliveries Expected to Decline: Analysts Forecast 435K–470K Range

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Tesla is expected to announce its third-quarter 2026 vehicle delivery results on October 2, and the analyst consensus points to a year-over-year decline — the first since the pandemic-era quarters.

Analyst estimates at a glance

Analyst / Source	Q3 2026 Delivery Estimate	vs. Q3 2025 (497,099)
UBS	~470,000	−5%
Visible Alpha Consensus	~454,000	−9%
Goldman Sachs	~435,000	−12%

Tesla reported 497,099 deliveries in Q3 2025 and 480,126 in Q2 2026. The full range of current estimates — 435,000 to 470,000 — would represent a 5% to 12% drop from the year-ago quarter.

What's driving the expected decline

Model Y transition: The refreshed "Juniper" Model Y has been widely rumoured for late 2026, potentially causing buyers to delay purchases.
Inventory dynamics: Tesla's own compiled analyst consensus (typically published a week before results) has trended lower in recent updates.
Competition: Chinese EV imports under Canada's new quota system, along with legacy automaker EV launches, are fragmenting demand.

Energy storage: the bright spot

UBS forecasts Tesla's energy deployment will reach roughly 16.9 GWh in Q3 — strong growth that partially offsets the vehicle narrative. Tesla's energy business has been setting records each quarter in 2026, with Megapack factory output in Lathrop, California and the new Megafactory in Shanghai both ramping.

Canadian context

Tesla does not break out regional delivery figures, so Canadian sales won't be visible in the Q3 report. However, 2026 has seen momentum north of the border, helped by:

The federal EVAP rebate program launch
Sub-$40,000 Model 3 RWD from Giga Shanghai entering under Canada's EV import quota
Supercharger network expansion (3,000th stall opened in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec in September)

What to watch on October 2

Actual vs. consensus: A beat above 470K could signal resilience; a miss below 435K would intensify demand concerns.
Inventory days: Days of supply on hand — a rising figure suggests production outpacing demand.
Forward guidance: Any commentary on Model Y refresh timing or 2027 volume targets.

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Volkswagen Confirms ID. Tiguan Will Replace ID.4, Canadian Launch Set for 2027

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Volkswagen has officially confirmed that the ID.4 will be replaced by the ID. Tiguan, bringing one of its most recognizable nameplates to its electric lineup. The new EV SUV will debut in October 2026, launch in Europe early 2027, and reach Canadian dealerships later in 2027.

Why the name change matters

The ID.4 and its coupe-style sibling, the ID.5, have recorded more than 950,000 global deliveries since 2021. But Volkswagen is shifting strategy: the ID. Tiguan leverages the strength of the gas-powered Tiguan, which has sold more than 8.3 million units globally. Combined Tiguan and Tayron deliveries topped one million units in 2025 alone.

The ID. Tiguan will replace both the ID.4 and ID.5 while sitting alongside the gas and hybrid Tiguan models in showrooms — not replacing them. This mirrors Volkswagen's approach with the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, where electric variants carry familiar badges alongside their combustion counterparts.

What we know about the ID. Tiguan

Platform: Expected to move to the MEB+ architecture
Interior: Larger instrument display, return of more physical controls
Exterior: Conventional door handles (replacing the ID.4's flush units)
Battery: Entry-level versions may use lower-cost LFP chemistry

Full specifications remain under wraps — the vehicle is still wearing camouflage in public sightings. Volkswagen has not confirmed Canadian pricing or a precise launch month for 2027.

Canadian incentive implications

The outgoing ID.4 qualified for the federal EVAP incentive in eligible configurations. Whether the ID. Tiguan will qualify depends on its Canadian pricing and the program's requirements at launch. The EVAP program has a price cap of $55,000 for sedans and $65,000 for SUVs (before taxes and delivery), so Volkswagen will need to position the ID. Tiguan carefully to remain eligible.

Context: PowerCo delay adds uncertainty

The ID. Tiguan's Canadian arrival comes as Volkswagen adjusts the pace of its broader EV manufacturing plans. In September 2026, PowerCo Canada delayed the start of battery production at its $7 billion St. Thomas, Ontario plant from 2027 to 2029, citing evolving market demand and the need to align with next-generation battery technology.

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J.D. Power: 34% of Canadians Now Considering an EV — First Year-Over-Year Increase Since 2022

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:17:00 GMT

A new J.D. Power study reveals that **34 percent of Canadian drivers** are now "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an electric vehicle for their next purchase — up from 28 percent in 2025 and marking the **first year-over-year increase since J.D. Power began tracking the metric in 2022**. The 2026 Canada Electric Vehicle Consideration (EVC) study, reported by Drive Tesla Canada, attributes the jump to a combination of steadily rising fuel prices and the launch of the federal **Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP)**, which replaced the iZEV program earlier this year.

EVAP impact already measurable

The data shows EVAP is influencing purchase decisions: **25 percent of new buyers** and **57 percent of current EV owners** fall into the "very likely" or "somewhat likely" categories when factoring in the rebate. The program offers up to **$5,000** federally for eligible vehicles under the MSRP cap.

"A combination of steadily rising fuel prices and the return of tax credit programs like EVAP are spurring rising interest in EVs in Canada. But for most shoppers, the deciding factors remain everyday practicality: how far they can drive on a charge, whether charging is reliably available when needed and how EVs perform in Canadian winters."
— J.D. Ney, J.D. Power Canada

U.S. consideration still significantly higher

South of the border, **59 percent** of U.S. car buyers say they are "very likely" or "somewhat likely" to consider an EV next — a 25-point gap that underscores how much further Canada has to go. The U.S. federal tax credit (up to $7,500) and a broader model selection at lower price points are key differentiators.

Quebec tells a different story on Tesla

Despite leading the country in overall EV adoption, Quebec shows a striking divergence on Tesla. The Model Y RWD — the only Tesla qualifying for EVAP in 2026 — ranked **16th in Quebec** with just 63 federal rebate claims in August, tied with the Kia EV4. Meanwhile, it claimed **#1 in Ontario (362 claims)** and **#1 in B.C. (311 claims)**. One factor: **nearly 49% of Quebec rebate claims were for leases**, compared to just 4.3% for Tesla. The data doesn't confirm causation, but the lease-heavy Quebec market may favour brands with stronger captive finance lease programs.

What this means for the Canadian market

- **Momentum is real**: After three flat or declining years, consideration is finally moving up - **Fuel prices + rebates = catalyst**: The dual driver matches what J.D. Power sees in other markets - **Practical barriers persist**: Winter range, charging reliability, and upfront cost remain the top three hesitation factors - **Quebec ≠ Canada**: Provincial policy differences (lease culture, provincial rebates, Hydro-Québec rates) create distinct sub-markets Transport Canada reported **$2 billion remaining in the EVAP fund** as of September 1, 2026. The 2026 Model Y RWD remains the only Tesla eligible for the federal rebate.

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