Charge News Canada

Ford Recalls 6,935 F-150 and Super Duty Trucks in Canada Over Faulty Gauge Cluster

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Ford is recalling 6,935 pickup trucks in Canada — and another 102,159 in the U.S. — because the analog speedometer or tachometer may display an incorrect reading. The recall, filed under Transport Canada number 2026-480 (manufacturer recall 26C46), covers the following Canadian-market vehicles:

2026 Ford F-150 (XL and STX)
2025–2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-350 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-450 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-550 Super Duty
2025–2026 Ford F-600

What's wrong

According to recall documents filed with NHTSA, the speedometer or tachometer needles may stick and become inoperable, jump around erratically, or provide false readings. In trucks equipped with a secondary digital speed display, the analog and digital gauges may show two different speeds simultaneously. An incorrect speed reading can cause the driver to go too fast or too slow, increasing crash risk.

The fix

Owners will be notified by mail and advised to take the vehicle to a Ford dealership for inspection. If required, the entire gauge cluster will be replaced, free of charge. Because the affected gauges are analog (not a digital display cluster), a software update — over-the-air or otherwise — cannot resolve the issue.

Canadian owners can check whether their VIN is affected at Transport Canada's recall database (search recall 2026-480). This is the largest Ford truck recall in Canada this year, and it affects both the F-150 and the Super Duty line — the two trucks that dominate Canadian fleet and work-truck segments.

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Tesla Software Update 2026.38.5.1 Breaks Third-Party V2L Devices

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Owners who use third-party vehicle-to-load (V2L) adapters to power appliances, tools, or camping gear from their Tesla's battery should hold off on software update 2026.38.5.1. Multiple owners on the Tesla Motors Club forums report that the update — and possibly later releases — has broken compatibility with devices from Elejoy and other makers.

How the workaround worked

Tesla's official V2L feature, called Powershare, was long limited to the Cybertruck and a few high-end Model Y trims. That gap led to a small industry of third-party adapters that plug into the car's CCS port, start what the firmware sees as a DC charging session, and reverse the flow to pull power from the battery. The setup even worked on vehicles as old as a 2017 Model 3 with a CCS retrofit.

Owners had to follow a specific routine to keep the car awake during discharge: turn off the AC, pause music, open the charge port, start Theater mode, and partially close the driver's door before plugging in. Forum user FalconFour, who said they'd been using a third-party V2L device almost daily for over a year and a half, described this routine in detail.

What changed in 2026.38.5.1

After installing the update, FalconFour reported the car now "throws a BMS_a076_SW_Dch_While_Charging fault and shuts down." At a 3 kW discharge rate, the system cuts out after about three minutes. Other owners reported getting 15 to 20 minutes regardless of load. The Camp Mode and Service Mode workarounds that previously kept the car awake no longer help.

Forum members suspect Tesla now checks for energy actually flowing into the battery during a charging session. One owner said Elejoy has sent out test firmware, but it hasn't fixed the problem.

Deliberate or not?

It's unclear whether Tesla blocked these devices on purpose or changed something else that broke them. The timing is notable: Tesla launched its own compact Powershare V2L adapter last fall and has since been bringing V2L to more of its lineup, including entry-level Model 3 and Model Y trims. Unauthorized devices that communicate with the car's electronics can also pose a security risk, which may be another factor.

Third-party V2L device makers are already looking for a fix, but if Tesla is now checking real energy flow, it will be difficult to work around. For owners of older vehicles without Powershare, this may mean the end of third-party V2L for now.

For Canadian owners specifically, this is a reminder that V2L remains officially unavailable in Canada — the Powershare expansion announced in the U.S. and Mexico has no Canadian timeline. The third-party workaround was the only path for Canadian Tesla owners until now.

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Tesla Model Y Earns Five-Star Green NCAP Rating With Record-Low Lifecycle Emissions

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Green NCAP has awarded the Tesla Model Y a five-star sustainability rating, following the Model 3's top efficiency result last month. The Berlin-built Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive earned an overall score of 93%, including a perfect 10/10 for greenhouse gas emissions — the lowest lifecycle carbon footprint the organization has published to date.

What Green NCAP measures

Unlike a standard crash or efficiency test, Green NCAP's assessment looks beyond energy consumption while driving. It accounts for the environmental impact of raw materials, vehicle manufacturing, distribution, and operation over the vehicle's full lifetime. Tesla provided detailed vehicle and battery manufacturing data, which Green NCAP independently verified as part of the assessment.

The numbers

Green NCAP calculated the Model Y's lifecycle carbon footprint at 95 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilometre — the lowest figure the organization has published so far. In energy efficiency testing, the Model Y earned 8.9/10, and its Clean Air score came in at 9.0/10. During testing, the electric SUV consumed 14.7 kWh/100 km in warm conditions, increasing to 21.3 kWh/100 km during highway driving.

Green NCAP also praised the Model Y's efficient heat pump and well-insulated cabin, which retained heat effectively even 30 minutes after being powered down at -7°C — a meaningful data point for Canadian winters.

Charging performance

The Model Y completed a 10% to 80% DC fast charging session in 24 minutes during testing. Green NCAP described the Model Y as "a benchmark for electric SUV efficiency," noting the assessment covered the German-built version sold in Europe.

This result adds to a string of recent safety and efficiency recognitions for the Model Y, including Euro NCAP and ANCAP top marks and the first vehicle to pass NHTSA's updated advanced driver assistance system tests. For Canadian buyers weighing sustainability alongside range and charging speed, the Model Y's Green NCAP score is the strongest lifecycle data point available for any electric SUV on sale in North America.

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BYD Q3 2026: Profit Up 28% as EV Exports More Than Double — What It Means for Canada

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

BYD reported a 28% increase in third-quarter profit on Thursday, with net profit attributable to shareholders reaching 10.02 billion yuan (C$2.11 billion), up 28.08% year over year. Revenue climbed 13.59% to 221.5 billion yuan (C$46.6 billion), and basic earnings per share rose 29.41% to 1.10 yuan, according to the company's third-quarter financial report filed with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The results fell short of analyst expectations, but the growth in BYD's overseas business stands out. According to the company's monthly sales filings, BYD exported 550,704 new energy vehicles between July and September — a 137% increase from 232,806 in the same period last year, nearly 2.4 times the prior-year level. September alone saw 463,561 NEV sales, up from 396,270 a year earlier.

The inventory build-up

Despite the export surge, BYD also reported a 60% increase in inventories since the beginning of the year, reaching 221.6 billion yuan (C$46.6 billion). The company attributed the increase primarily to growth in its overseas automobile business — a sign that BYD is stocking up for markets it expects to enter, including Canada.

Canadian entry: 20 dealerships and a possible Ontario plant

BYD is assembling a Canadian retail network of roughly 20 dealerships beginning in the Greater Toronto Area, though the company has confirmed neither a launch date nor pricing. The automaker has also been linked to discussions involving General Motors' former CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, although no Canadian production agreement has been announced.

BYD's Canadian push comes as the company's global EV strategy pivots toward export-driven growth. The 137% jump in overseas shipments signals that BYD is treating international markets — not just its domestic Chinese base — as a primary growth engine.

What this means for Canadian buyers

For Canadian EV shoppers, BYD's financial momentum and active dealer-network build-out suggest a Canadian launch is closer than it was a few months ago. The brand has already launched a Canadian website and staged test vehicles in the Toronto area. With the Chinese EV import quota now in place and BYD's export pipeline expanding, the question for Canadian buyers is no longer if BYD will arrive, but when — and at what price.

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Ford Escape Returns as an EV on the UEV Platform — 2029 Launch Confirmed

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Ford has confirmed the Escape will return as an all-electric crossover SUV based on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, following the Fathom electric pickup that launches in 2027. The last gas-powered Escape rolled off the production line at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant last year, but the company's website now says the "SUV may be taking a breather for now" rather than declaring it discontinued.

CEO Jim Farley confirmed on Ford's Q3 earnings call that the Fathom launch "remains on track for the fourth quarter of next year," calling it "a breakthrough product" that is "highly capable, innovative, and affordable." Preorders open in early 2027, starting at $28,350 for the standard-range version — under $30,000 with the $1,595 delivery fee.

What we know about the Escape EV

According to Ford Authority, the electric Escape is expected to remain close in size to the outgoing gas model: 180.1 inches long, 74.1 inches wide (without mirrors), 66.1 inches tall, with a 106.7-inch wheelbase — roughly the footprint of a Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson.

The Fathom will be the first vehicle to integrate Apple Maps into its navigation system and will be BlueCruise-capable for hands-free driving. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and bidirectional charging capabilities. The UEV platform uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to reduce costs, and the Fathom will have a NACS charge port after prototypes were spotted charging at Tesla Superchargers.

Why the UEV platform matters

The Universal Electric Vehicle platform is designed to underpin vehicles ranging from compact crossovers to pickup trucks and vans. With the Fathom set to launch next year, the Escape EV is expected to be the second UEV-based model, giving Ford a flexible foundation for its next generation of affordable electric vehicles.

For Canadian buyers, this means a compact electric SUV from Ford is on the horizon — a segment where the brand has been absent since the Mach-E's production right-sizing. The Escape's return as an EV positions it directly against the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tucson Electric, and the incoming Chinese-brand crossovers entering the Canadian market under the new quota framework.

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CCIC & Electric Mobility Canada Urge Ottawa to Triple Charger-Ready Parking in Condos

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council (CCIC) and Electric Mobility Canada (EMC) launched a national campaign at EMC's EVVE 2026 conference in Winnipeg, calling on the federal government to triple the number of EV-ready and charger-equipped parking spaces in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) across Canada.

"Canadians should not need a driveway to benefit from the affordability of driving electric," said Travis Allan, president and CEO of the CCIC, in an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney; Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature Julie Dabrusin; Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly; and Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson.

The three-part ask

The campaign letter makes three specific requests to Ottawa:

National target: Set a measurable goal to triple the number of EV-ready and charger-equipped spaces in MURBs.
Funding program: Create a coordinated federal funding program to support electrical studies, incentivise new construction, and retrofit existing buildings.
Building codes: Add EV-ready requirements to the National Model Building Code, replicating what B.C. and Quebec have done at the provincial level.

Why MURBs matter

About one-third of Canadian households live in multi-unit residential buildings, where installing a home charger is far more difficult than in a detached house. The groups cite International Energy Agency figures showing that roughly 80 per cent of EV charging in Canada happens at home — meaning that condo and apartment dwellers without charger access are effectively excluded from the cost savings that make EVs attractive.

Clean Energy Canada estimates a typical driver saves between C$23,000 and C$32,000 over 10 years with an EV versus a gasoline vehicle. A separate analysis by Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors found that wiring an entire building for charging with an energy management system costs roughly C$4,240 per parking space in net present terms, compared with C$6,290 per space when chargers are added one at a time — a 48 per cent premium for piecemeal installation.

Where the patchwork stands

British Columbia and Quebec are the only provinces with EV-ready legislation. More than 60 municipalities across Canada have their own requirements for new buildings, including 33 in B.C. and 17 in Ontario. There are no EV charger requirements for MURBs at either the provincial or municipal level in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Maritime provinces, or the three territories.

The National Building Code of Canada, issued by the National Research Council, is not enforceable legislation unless adopted by a province or territory — which is why the campaign is pushing for a federal-level standard.

The Electricity Distributors Association, which represents local utilities, backed the goal but noted that funding and planning will need to align with the grid upgrades required to serve new charging demand safely and reliably.

What it means for Canadian condo and apartment dwellers

If the federal government acts on this campaign, the practical effect would be: new MURB construction would be required to include EV-ready electrical infrastructure; existing buildings would gain access to federal retrofit funding; and the patchwork of 60+ municipal bylaws would be replaced by a consistent national baseline. For the roughly one in three Canadians who live in a condo or apartment, that difference between being able to charge at home and being forced to rely on public chargers is the difference between an EV being practical and it being a second car.

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Lightly Used Chinese EVs Could Save Canadian Buyers Up to 40%, Claims Go Viral

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A viral TikTok claim is making the rounds: buy a lightly used Chinese EV directly from China and save up to 40% compared to buying new through local channels, because the used vehicle avoids the tariff that applies to new imports. The claim is attracting attention from Canadian budget EV shoppers, but separating the real opportunity from the hype requires understanding where the rules actually apply.

What the claim actually is

The creator behind the claim, @molesrcool, points to a marketplace called CEVM (China EV Marketplace) as a place to browse listings. The pitch: new Chinese EVs sold in Europe and Canada are "subject to tariffs" that raise prices, but a lightly used vehicle imported directly from China can dodge that markup. Example listings were around US$10,000, with very low odometer readings — some cars described as having only about 6,000 km on them, putting them close to new rather than at the high-mileage end of used.

The creator also claimed that one marketplace had moved roughly 8,000 EVs into the European Union in 2026, about 280% more than in 2025, and framed the trend as a threat to established automakers: "For 10-20 grand, why would you buy a new VW or a new Tesla for like twice as much money?"

Where it works, and where it doesn't

The critical detail in the comments is the one the video glosses over: the rules are different country by country.

Europe: EU import rules and the used-vehicle duty treatment make this a real (if complex) option, which is likely where the 8,000-unit figure is coming from.
United States: Commenters immediately flagged that most of these vehicles "can't be registered" in the U.S. because they haven't gone through U.S. crash, safety, and regulatory certification.
Canada: This is the key question for our readers. Canada has its own certification regime (CARQ / Transport Canada) and its own tariff and quota framework for Chinese EVs. A lightly used Chinese EV doesn't automatically clear those hurdles just because it's used.

The real obstacles for Canadian buyers

Even setting aside the tariff and quota question, importing a used Chinese EV into Canada raises a long list of practical problems:

Certification: The vehicle must meet Canadian safety and emissions standards to be registered. A car sold domestically in China may never have been certified for North American roads.
Tariffs and duties: "Used" doesn't automatically mean "duty-free." Import duty, GST/HST, and any applicable tariffs still apply on the imported value.
Service and parts: A Chinese-market EV with a Chinese-market battery and software may have almost no local parts or service support in Canada.
Warranty and recourse: Cross-border purchases leave you with very little recourse if something goes wrong after the car is on Canadian soil.

Bottom line

The viral claim is half right: a price gap between new-tariffed and used imports is real, and it's large enough to be interesting. But the "just buy it" framing ignores certification, duty, and service realities that are especially unforgiving in Canada. If you're genuinely considering an import, run the specific vehicle's VIN and model through Transport Canada's import rules and get a landed-cost quote before falling in love with a listing price.

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Ford's Model e Division Posts US$1.1 Billion Q3 Loss, but Narrower Than a Year Ago

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Ford's electric vehicle division, Model e, posted an EBIT loss of US$1.1 billion (C$1.5 billion) in the third quarter of 2026, according to the company's earnings report released Wednesday. The loss is down 25% from the same period a year earlier, but the division's EBIT margin worsened to negative 86.5%, compared with negative 79.1% in the third quarter of 2025.

What drove the numbers

Model e recorded revenue of US$1.2 billion (C$1.7 billion), down 31% from US$1.8 billion a year earlier. Wholesale deliveries fell the same 31%, dropping from 50,000 vehicles to 34,000. Ford attributed the decline to the discontinuation of the F-150 Lightning and to "right-sizing" Mustang Mach-E production to match customer demand.

For the first nine months of 2026, Model e generated US$3.5 billion (C$4.9 billion) in revenue, down 35%, and recorded a cumulative EBIT loss of US$2.75 billion (C$3.9 billion).

The bigger picture

Despite the EV losses, Ford's overall business stayed profitable in the quarter. The automaker reported third-quarter revenue of US$49.5 billion (C$69.5 billion), net income of US$2.0 billion (C$2.8 billion), and adjusted EBIT of US$2.7 billion (C$3.8 billion). Ford also raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to between US$10.5 billion (C$14.7 billion) and US$11 billion (C$15.4 billion), up from its previous forecast.

The company left its full-year Model e loss forecast unchanged at approximately US$4.0 billion (C$5.6 billion), signalling that the electric division is still expected to be a drag on Ford's bottom line for the rest of the year.

What this means for Canadian buyers

The numbers matter for Canadian EV shoppers in two ways. First, the F-150 Lightning's discontinuation narrows the range of electric trucks available in Canada, pushing buyers toward other brands for a full-size EV pickup. Second, as Ford right-sizes Mach-E production, Canadian buyers should expect tighter availability of the compact SUV, which has been one of the more affordable mainstream EVs on the market. Ford says it is continuing to invest in next-generation, more affordable EVs and its Ford Energy business, so the long-term direction is still electric — even as the near-term financial picture stays difficult.

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Volvo EX30 Quebec Class Action: Owners Sue Over Battery Fire Risk and 70% Charge Limit

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A class action has been filed in Quebec against Volvo over its 2025 EX30, alleging that the manufacturer took more than nine months to fix a high-voltage battery defect that poses a fire risk. The lawsuit, led by Montreal firm ML Kaufman with Leslie Stefani as the named representative, seeks C$5,000 in punitive damages on behalf of every Canadian who owns, bought, or leased an affected EX30.

The recall and what owners are told to do

Volvo issued its first international safety recall on January 2, 2026, followed by a second in February. Transport Canada published two notices — #2026-001 and #2026-078 — covering a total of 1,631 vehicles in Canada. The defect is in the high-voltage battery cells, which can overheat and short-circuit, creating a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked and switched off.

Because of that risk, Volvo has asked owners to:

Cap the battery charge at 70%
Park outdoors, away from other vehicles and structures

According to documentation Volvo filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected EX30s use batteries supplied by Chinese manufacturer Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery, installed in the EX30 through October 25, 2025. Volvo says models built after that date are not affected. All 2025-model-year trims are covered, including the two-wheel-drive Single-Motor Extended Range and the four-wheel-drive Twin-Motor Performance versions, which have a combined rated range of 327 to 420 km. Charging to only 70% of capacity cuts that usable range by roughly 125 km.

Why owners are pushing back

The complaint centres on the wait. Stefani, a Beaconsfield resident who leased an EX30 from Volvo Laval in October 2024, says a March letter warned her battery might be affected but gave no repair date. Follow-up emails said corrective measures were being developed and, later, that replacement battery modules were unavailable. A September 30 email said parts were becoming available "in limited quantities," but as of October 2 she still had no repair date.

The plaintiffs rely on several provisions of the Quebec Consumer Protection Act, arguing that "a reasonable consumer would not have purchased or leased a luxury electric vehicle if they had known that its range was significantly reduced, that it could catch fire even while parked, and that the parking precautions would limit normal use." Alongside the punitive damages, the suit seeks compensatory damages to be determined once the defect is repaired, or cancellation of the purchase or lease agreement.

What it means for Canadian EX30 owners

Volvo's published position is that the fix is a free replacement of the battery modules containing the affected cells, and that dealers will contact customers as parts become available. Owners should keep their vehicle charged at or below 70% and parked outdoors until the repair is complete. If you own or lease a 2025 EX30 in Quebec, the lawsuit invites you to contact ML Kaufman's attorneys Jack Kermezian and Albert Greenspoon to learn about joining the class.

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Tesla Opens an 8-Post V4 Supercharger in Norwood, Ontario — $0.46/kWh for Owners

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Tesla has opened a new Supercharger station in Norwood, Ontario, at 4309 Highway 7. The site — a local Circle K — now has eight V4 posts delivering up to 325 kW. Construction was first spotted there in July; the project never appeared on Tesla's official Find Us map before crews started work, making it an unannounced addition to the network.

Pricing

According to Tesla, the station's rates are:

Tesla owners: $0.46 per kWh
Other EV drivers: $0.64 per kWh, with a NACS adapter required

Part of a wider Ontario build-out

Norwood is not the only Ontario community getting new Superchargers. When construction was first discovered in July, work was also underway on another eight-stall V4 station in Orangeville. Other Ontario stations under construction include sites in Toronto, Port Hope, Hamilton and Madoc — and a new Highway 15 Supercharger in Kingston opened just last week.

For drivers on the Highway 7 corridor, the Norwood station adds a high-power stop between the GTA and western Ontario, and — like the rest of the newer V4 sites — it is open to non-Tesla EVs via the NACS standard.

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Kia's EV3 and EV5 Orders Are Piling Up in Canada — and It Says Chinese EVs Won't Hurt It

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:25:00 GMT

Kia is betting that its new wave of affordable electric SUVs can win Canadian buyers on value, not just sticker price — and it's not worried that the flood of cheaper Chinese EVs now allowed into Canada will undercut it. At Automotive News Canada's Retail Forum this week, Kia Canada chief operating officer Elias El-Achhab said orders for the EV3 and EV5 are already backed up, and that the trade deal letting up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs enter Canada at a 6.1% tariff is, in his words, "just a bonus."

The "first affordable EV brand" pitch

Kia launched the EV3 in Canada in August at $39,744, calling it the country's lowest-priced electric vehicle. The company's stated goal is to be "the first affordable EV brand in the country" — but El-Achhab is careful to define affordability as a "value equation," not simply the lowest number on the window sticker. The EVs Kia sells at the lower end of the market still carry the tech and features buyers expect from pricier cars.

Three mass-market EVs, all under $45,000

With the EV3, EV4 and EV5 now on sale in Canada, Kia offers three distinct mass-market EVs for drivers moving away from gasoline at a lower cost:

EV3 — compact SUV, from $39,744
EV4 — midsize, from $38,995
EV5 — midsize SUV, from $43,495

For the EV3, that means Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and nearly 30 inches of total display across two 12.3-inch screens plus a 5-inch climate panel. Every variant has a native NACS charging port, so drivers can use Tesla Superchargers without an adapter. The 58.3 kWh pack charges 10–80% in about 29 minutes on a 350 kW DC charger; the 81.4 kWh pack takes roughly 31 minutes. One-pedal driving, vehicle-to-load and Smart Cruise Control are standard.

Why it thinks China's arrival helps, not hurts

When asked whether the Chinese imports could intensify pressure on Kia as a low-cost brand, El-Achhab said he "actually think[s] the opposite." His reasoning: because Kia is already more affordable and is positioning around a value equation rather than a price race, cheaper rivals don't steal its buyers so much as validate the category. He also pointed to retention — roughly 90% of EV buyers stay with electric vehicles after switching — suggesting that winning the first sale at an accessible price builds long-term loyalty rather than a one-time discount play.

The U.S. picture is more limited: Kia has postponed the EV4 there indefinitely and has no plans to bring the EV5 to that market, leaving the $29,890 2027 EV3 (58.3 kWh for up to 221 miles, or 81.4 kWh for up to 321 miles) as its main lower-cost offering across the border.

For Canadian shoppers weighing a first EV, the practical takeaway is that Kia is now competing at the price point where most buyers start, with a full lineup and NACS charging access — and it expects the Chinese arrivals to make the affordable-EV category bigger rather than to squeeze it out.

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Ford Recalls 248 Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair Hybrids in Canada Over Unexpected Gear Shifting

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 02:20:00 GMT

Transport Canada has opened a recall on 248 hybrid SUVs sold in Canada because a fault in the integrated parking module can cause the transmission to shift into neutral without the driver asking for it. The notice covers the 2027 Lincoln Corsair and the 2026 and 2027 Lincoln Nautilus, all of which are hybrid electric vehicles.

What the fault does

According to the Transport Canada notice, on certain vehicles a problem in the integrated parking module "could cause the transmission to shift into neutral unexpectedly." When the fault is present, the driver is typically warned in two ways at once:

A wrench warning light appears on the instrument cluster.
A message reading "service vehicle soon" or "shifting system error" is displayed.

The practical risk is loss of drive in a low-speed or parking situation — the car can drop out of gear at the moment the driver expects it to hold position. Transport Canada says the recall applies only to hybrid electric vehicles; conventional (non-hybrid) Corsair and Nautilus models are not affected.

What's being done

Owners are being asked to take their vehicle to a Ford/Lincoln dealer, where the module fault will be corrected — the remedy is a repair performed at the dealership, not a software nudge the driver can do at home. Transport Canada lists the affected population at 248 vehicles in Canada.

Is your vehicle affected?

Because the recall is narrow (two models, three model years, hybrids only), the fastest way to check is to enter your 17-digit VIN on Ford's recall lookup. You can find the VIN on the driver's-side doorframe, at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (visible from outside), or on your registration and insurance documents.

If your car is in the affected set and you have noticed the wrench light or a "shifting system error" message, that is the fault the recall is addressing — book the dealer appointment rather than waiting. If you see the message on a vehicle that is not a 2026–2027 Nautilus or 2027 Corsair hybrid, contact your dealer separately, since it would fall outside this specific recall.

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Tesla Falls 25 Places as Brand Value Drops 38% in Interbrand's 2026 Ranking

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:40:00 GMT

Tesla has fallen 25 places in Interbrand's Best Global Brands 2026 report, released Tuesday, after two consecutive years of declining valuations. The electric vehicle maker now ranks 50th worldwide, with its brand valued at US$18.3 billion (approximately C$25.7 billion) — a 38% drop from 2025, according to Interbrand's report.

Three years, three drops

The decline continues a steep slide for the once-crown-jewel EV brand. Tesla ranked 12th in 2024 with a US$45.4 billion valuation before falling to 25th in 2025, when its value dropped 35% to US$29.5 billion (C$41.4 billion). In just two years, Tesla has lost 38 positions, and Interbrand identified the company as one of the brands experiencing the largest valuation declines in 2026.

Year	Rank	Brand value	Change
2024	12th	US$45.4B	—
2025	25th	US$29.5B (C$41.4B)	−35%
2026	50th	US$18.3B (C$25.7B)	−38%

The whole auto sector is down

Tesla is far from alone. The automotive industry recorded the sharpest decline of any sector this year, with several major automakers losing substantial brand value:

Toyota remains the highest-ranked automotive brand at 9th overall, despite its valuation falling 20% to US$59.5 billion (C$83.5 billion)
Mercedes-Benz dropped to 20th; BMW slipped to 22nd
Honda fell 22%; Volkswagen and Nissan each fell 23%
Audi and Porsche also saw their valuations decline

What this means for Canadian buyers

Brand-value rankings track corporate perception and equity, not dealer pricing — so this report doesn't change what a Tesla costs at a Canadian store today. But it is a data point in the broader story: as EV competition intensifies (with Ford's Fathom, Chinese entrants like BYD and Chery's Omoda/Jaecoo, and sub-$40K options from Kia and GM all arriving in 2027), Tesla's once-untouchable premium is being tested on both the brand and the market. For Canadian shoppers, more competition typically means better deals and more choice — and with EVAP rebates still in play, the timing for a purchase keeps improving.

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GM Executive Calls Tesla's Camera-Only Autonomy a 'Religious Stance' — Escalade IQ Eyes-Off Coming 2028

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:35:00 GMT

GM is sticking with cameras, radar, and lidar for its upcoming eyes-off autonomous driving system, and a senior executive took a direct shot at Tesla's camera-only approach. The comments come from GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson in an interview with The Verge's Andrew J. Hawkins, reported by InsideEVs.

"Dropping it is a weird religious stance that ignores physics"

When asked whether GM might eventually follow Tesla's vision-only path, Anderson said: "If you scale back to vision-only, physics suggests you'll be in trouble in certain situations. Radar is so cheap that dropping it doesn't make sense — dropping it is a weird religious stance that ignores physics."

He elaborated: "Lidar operates on a similar wavelength to visible light and helps co-train camera systems to get better faster. Cameras can't see through dense fog or measure instantaneous velocity like radar can. Having a multisensor suite provides obvious safety advantages that physics simply demands."

A Tesla Autopilot alum goes the other way

The remarks carry extra weight given Anderson's background: before joining GM, he led Tesla's Autopilot program and later co-founded autonomous driving company Aurora. Tesla has taken the opposite approach, removing radar and relying solely on cameras for its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) system in consumer vehicles. CEO Elon Musk has been a longtime critic of lidar.

Escalade IQ eyes-off: 2028, no sudden handoffs

GM is developing an eyes-off highway driving system scheduled to debut in the Cadillac Escalade IQ in 2028, using cameras, radar, and lidar. Anderson emphasized that the system will not abruptly hand control back to the driver: "We're not handing back dynamically. This is not an exchange of 'you drive, now I'll drive, oops, I don't recognize this.' This is not Level 3."

Instead, drivers will receive a "graceful countdown" — potentially up to 10 minutes to resume control — before the vehicle safely pulls over off an exit ramp.

What this means for Canadian drivers

The Cadillac Escalade IQ is available in Canada, and the 2028 eyes-off system would make it one of the first EVs on Canadian roads with hands-off highway autonomy using a multisensor stack. For Canadian owners who live in winter and fog-prone regions, the radar + lidar redundancy GM is building in is a meaningful differentiator over a pure-vision system.

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Ford Produces 5,000 Unicastings for the Fathom Using Tesla-Style Giga Press Manufacturing

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Ford has produced more than 5,000 large aluminum unicastings for its upcoming Fathom midsize electric truck, according to a Ford From the Road article published Wednesday. The castings are being made at the Shelbyville Technical Center to support process testing and prototype assembly ahead of the truck's planned 2027 launch.

What a unicastings means

Each Fathom will use two large aluminum castings — one for the front and one for the rear — that replace 146 separate structural parts. Ford says the castings reduce overall vehicle mass and improve energy efficiency, which directly supports the truck's range and running costs. The approach mirrors the giant-casting method Tesla brought into production with its Giga Press in 2020, and which has since been adopted by a growing number of automakers.

CEO Jim Farley confirms the milestone

CEO Jim Farley confirmed the number on X on Wednesday, writing "5,000 unicastings and counting!" and adding that the technology supports Ford's new Universal Production System at its Louisville Assembly Plant. That system divides the traditional assembly line into three main branches, allowing major vehicle sections to be assembled simultaneously before being brought together — a layout designed to speed up production of the new electric platform.

What this means for Canadian buyers

The Fathom is positioned as Ford's most affordable electric pickup, with Canadian pricing starting around C$42,690 before the federal EVAP rebate (as reported by Drive Tesla Canada ahead of the truck's 2027 launch). Hitting a 5,000-casting milestone suggests the production tooling is now well past the prototyping stage and moving toward volume manufacturing — a useful signal that the 2027 launch timeline is holding, and that Canadian buyers can expect the truck to actually arrive as promised rather than slipping.

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Tesla Powershare Now Available on Every New Vehicle in the U.S. — But Still Not in Canada

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:40:00 GMT

Tesla has announced that every new vehicle can now power external devices through Powershare, per a post from the official Tesla North America account on X (October 27, 2026). The feature allows owners to use their vehicle's battery to power tools, gadgets, and other electrical equipment through the charging port.

What's available where

In a follow-up post, Tesla clarified that Powershare is currently available in the United States and Mexico using the Mobile Connector and Outlet Adapter. The announcement builds on Tesla's October 6 expansion of Powershare and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality to Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S.

U.S. / Puerto Rico — Model 3 and Model Y ordered after October 1, 2026 are Powershare-capable, along with all Cybertruck trims
Mexico — Powershare available (per Tesla's clarification)
Canada — Not available; no timeline announced

The Canada gap

Despite the announcement coming from the North America account, Canada does not yet have any Model 3 or Model Y with Vehicle-to-Load capability. Both vehicles were previously advertised — albeit briefly — as having the feature in Canadian marketing, raising expectations for a domestic rollout.

Tesla Energy also highlighted that Powershare can function as a portable battery: "In the US, it can also power your home with Powerwall 3." This whole-home backup capability is particularly relevant for Canadian winters, where ice storms have repeatedly cut power to hundreds of thousands of customers.

Why the delay?

Tesla has been silent on when V2L might arrive for the Model 3 and Model Y in Canada. It does not appear to be a regulatory issue — the Cybertruck and several other non-Tesla EVs already have V2L capability in Canada. The hold-up remains unexplained, and Canadian owners are left waiting without a timeline.

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Audi Recalls 9,048 Q4 e-tron SUVs Over Battery Fire Risk — Owners Told to Limit Charging to 80%

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:35:00 GMT

Audi has filed NHTSA safety recall 26V698 covering 9,048 vehicles — 2024–2025 Audi Q4 e-tron (7,040) and Q4 Sportback e-tron (2,008) — over a high-voltage battery fire risk. The recall was submitted on October 21, 2026 by Volkswagen Group of America, with an estimated 0.1% defect rate.

The defect

According to the NHTSA filing, the root cause is still under investigation. However, certain high-voltage batteries within the affected population may not meet required quality standards. As a result, a state of charge above 80% may trigger thermal propagation within the high-voltage battery, which could lead to a vehicle fire.

The affected battery cells were manufactured by SK Battery Manufacturing Kft. in Komárom, Hungary (part number 0Z1.915.599.*).

Timeline and discovery

September 21, 2026 — Audi's Product Safety Committee was informed of high-voltage battery thermal events in certain Volkswagen Group vehicles equipped with the same battery type. No corresponding field cases involving Audi vehicles were known at that time.
September 21 – October 14, 2026 — In-depth assessment: identification of the affected population, review of battery design, production records, statistical data, and diagnostic information.
October 14, 2026 — The Product Safety Committee confirmed the relevant battery characteristics were present in a defined Q4 e-tron population (majority produced for North America) and decided on a voluntary safety recall.

What owners should do

Until the remedy is completed, Audi advises a "Do Not Drive — Park Outside" consumer advisory. Specifically:

Limit charging to 80% state of charge
Park outside to reduce fire risk to structures
Do not drive the vehicle until the recall remedy is performed (per the filing's remedy type)

Audi states it is not aware of any claims, crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths associated with this defect in Audi vehicles specifically — the recall is described as a precautionary measure based on thermal events observed in other Volkswagen Group vehicles using the same battery type.

Canadian owners

The NHTSA filing covers U.S.-registered vehicles. Canadian owners of 2024–2025 Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron should monitor Transport Canada for a parallel recall notice (TSR), which typically follows within a few weeks of a U.S. filing. In the interim, the 80% charge limit and outdoor parking advice apply to any vehicle with the same battery cells regardless of market.

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Waymo Pushes for Alberta Robotaxi Approval as Canadian Expansion Grows

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Waymo is pushing to bring its driverless robotaxi service to Alberta, expanding its Canadian ambitions beyond its planned Toronto launch in 2028. The company confirmed it is contacting officials across Canada as part of its global expansion, according to CityNews Calgary.

The Alberta push

The City of Calgary confirmed Waymo has shown interest in running its service in the city, although several regulatory hurdles remain before passengers could book a driverless ride. Following provincial approval, Calgary said it may still need to amend its Vehicle-for-Hire bylaw to accommodate Waymo's service.

Meanwhile, Edmonton confirmed the company has not contacted its Vehicle for Hire team, suggesting Calgary is the primary Alberta target.

Where things stand

Calgary — City confirmed Waymo interest; Vehicle-for-Hire bylaw amendment may be required after provincial approval
Edmonton — No contact with the Vehicle for Hire team yet
Alberta Transportation — Declined to discuss specific proposals under review; said applications are considered individually and the province is examining how other jurisdictions regulate autonomous vehicles
Toronto — Waymo has already started testing; commercial launch planned for 2028

What this means for Canada

Waymo's expansion now spans multiple Canadian cities. The company already operates robotaxi services in several U.S. cities and has announced plans for Madrid, Spain in 2027. Canada's regulatory landscape — with provincial jurisdiction over road vehicles and municipal authority over vehicle-for-hire licensing — means approvals will proceed city by city, province by province.

For Alberta, the key question is whether the province will create a dedicated autonomous-vehicle regulatory framework or rely on existing vehicle-for-hire rules. Either path will determine when Calgary residents could book their first driverless ride.

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U.S. Democrats Introduce Bill to Double EV Tax Credit to $15,000

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:25:00 GMT

Democratic Representative Greg Landsman of Ohio introduced H.R. 10881, the 21st Century Vehicle Choice Act, on Thursday — a bill that would not only bring back the U.S. federal new-vehicle EV tax credit that expired for most buyers after September 30, 2025, but double it to US$15,000 (approximately C$21,058), according to the bill text on Congress.gov.

Key provisions of H.R. 10881

New vehicle credit: Both components of the credit raised from US$3,750 to US$7,500 each, for a maximum of US$15,000 (C$21,058) — one-time use only
Used EV credit: Doubled from US$4,000 to US$8,000, with the eligible share of the purchase price raised from 30% to 60%
Income caps lowered: Married filing jointly from US$300,000 to US$225,000 (C$315,855); single filers from US$150,000 to US$112,500 (C$157,928)
Charging infrastructure credit: Increased from 30% to 50%
Permanence: All three incentives made permanent rather than time-limited

More than 160 House Democrats support the bill, although the Congress.gov record does not yet list cosponsors. It has been referred to the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources committees.

Internal party division

The proposal is not universally embraced within the Democratic caucus. Senator John Hickenlooper told Politico, "We've got to assess how much momentum and how much benefit we got from it," signaling that some Democrats remain skeptical of large credit programs. The bill also calls for studies examining vehicle affordability, critical minerals, and charging availability along routes used by the country's highest gasoline consumers.

What this means for Canadian buyers

Directly, the bill has no effect on Canadian EV buyers — Canada's own EV Affordability Program (EVAP) offers up to C$5,000 for eligible battery-electric vehicles, set to step down to C$4,000 on January 1, 2027. But a larger, more generous U.S. credit program would widen the effective price gap between the two markets, which could strengthen the case for Canadian buyers to look south for purchases — and put pressure on Ottawa to consider whether its rebate levels keep pace. As of now, the bill is a House introduction with no guarantee of passage.

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Tesla Semi Battery Fire Shuts Down California I-880 for Nearly 10 Hours

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:20:00 GMT

A pre-production Tesla Semi caught fire on Interstate 880 in Hayward, California on Tuesday evening, October 28, forcing a complete shutdown of both directions of the highway for nearly ten hours. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the fire involved the truck's lithium battery and that no injuries were reported.

What happened

According to the CHP, the electric truck caught fire at approximately 5:35 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-880. Within ten minutes, officers had shut down both directions of the highway due to concerns about hazardous smoke from the burning battery. The CHP warned motorists of the complete closure on X, noting the potential risks associated with the battery fire.

Footage of the incident shows the truck was a Frito-Lay vehicle and one of the pre-production test units. The driver told officers the rig had caught fire but could not identify the cause. No other vehicles were involved.

Location: Southbound I-880, Hayward, California
Timeline: Fire at ~5:35 p.m. PT; northbound reopened ~8:40 p.m.; all lanes open ~3:30 a.m. Wednesday (~10 hours total)
Cause: Not yet confirmed; lithium battery involvement confirmed by CHP
Injuries: None reported; no other vehicles involved
Vehicle: Pre-production test unit (Frito-Lay livery)

Context: a repeat incident

This is the second Tesla Semi fire on a California highway. In 2024, a Semi crash on Interstate 80 prompted an NTSB investigation into the battery fire that followed. Unlike the 2024 incident, this fire was not preceded by a crash — the truck was in normal operation when it ignited. The exact cause has not been confirmed.

What it means for Canadian fleet buyers

Tesla has been aggressively courting Canadian fleet customers, with the company opening its largest service center in North America in Vancouver and promoting the Semi's 98% uptime figure in marketing materials. Canadian logistics companies, including Bison Transport, have been testing the vehicle for cross-border routes.

For Canadian fleet decision-makers, two incidents in under two years on California highways — where the operating conditions (temperatures, road surfaces) are relatively mild compared to Canadian winters — raise questions about thermal management in cold-climate operation. The NTSB investigation into the 2024 fire has not yet published a final report with root-cause findings.

Fleet buyers in Canada should note that the pre-production status of this unit means the production fleet may incorporate design changes. Tesla has not commented on the incident. The CHP has not announced a formal investigation, though the battery involvement means Transport Canada's Transportation Safety Board could take an interest if a similar incident occurs on Canadian soil.

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Ivy Charging Expands ONroute Network with New Stations and Upgrades Across Ontario

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:15:00 GMT

Ivy Charging Network, the Hydro One–owned operator of Ontario's ONroute highway charging program, has announced two new fast-charging stations and upgrades to three existing locations. Construction is underway at ONroute Newcastle and ONroute Ingersoll, with both expected to open by early Q1 2027, according to Ivy's Network Updates page.

What's coming to the new sites

Each new ONroute location will feature three high-speed DC fast-charging units, allowing up to six electric vehicles to charge simultaneously. Both sites will support tap-to-pay, eliminating the need for a proprietary app or membership to start a session.

Two new stations — ONroute Newcastle and ONroute Ingersoll, both on the 401 corridor
Three units per site — up to six EVs charging at once
Tap payment — contactless payment without a dedicated app
Target opening — early Q1 2027

Upgrades to existing eastern Ontario stations

Alongside the new builds, Ivy is preparing to upgrade three existing ONroute locations in Bainsville, Ingleside, and Morrisburg. Construction on those upgrades is expected to begin soon, with completion also targeted for Q1 2027. The refresh will introduce next-generation fast chargers designed to increase charging capacity, improve reliability, and support compatibility with a wider range of EV models.

Building on last year's overhaul

The expansion follows a larger upgrade program Ivy completed in late 2025, which replaced charging equipment at 11 ONroute service centres across Ontario — including King City, Innisfil, Cambridge, Trenton, Port Hope, Mallorytown, Odessa, and Napanee. Those upgrades increased capacity from four to six charging ports at each site and introduced dual-port chargers with dynamic power sharing, along with CCS, NACS/Tesla, and CHAdeMO connectors.

Ivy, which has operated since 2019, now maintains more than 270 fast and destination charging points across the province. The company has also rolled out a new Help Centre, live chat assistance through its Zoe virtual assistant, and self-service troubleshooting resources to support drivers.

For Ontario drivers planning a road trip on the 401, the Newcastle and Ingersoll additions will close two of the longer gaps between existing ONroute stops in the western and central sections of the highway.

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Tesla's Canadian Model 3 Premium RWD Just Showed Fremont Specs — US-Built Return?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:25:00 GMT

Tesla Canada's website now lists the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive at 584 km of range and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.2 seconds — the exact specifications of the Fremont-built Long Range RWD that Tesla sold in Canada in 2024. The Shanghai-built car Canadians have been ordering since last year is rated at 463 km and 6.2 seconds. A Canadian owner spotted the change on X, and the numbers point to a different car from a different factory.

The specs match Fremont, not Shanghai

In October 2024, Tesla Canada listed the Model 3 Long Range RWD at 584 km and 5.2 seconds, starting at $54,990 CAD and eligible for the federal ZEV rebate. It came from Fremont. The new figures also line up with the Model 3 Premium RWD Tesla sells in the US today — 363 miles of EPA range (584 km) with 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, from $42,490 USD.

Giga Shanghai does build a Model 3 Long Range RWD for the Chinese market (78.4 kWh pack, 830 km CLTC), but it runs into the same import-quota problem that paused Canadian Model 3 orders in early October. Tesla's own website says orders will resume "if Govt of Canada issues more quota, expected March 2027." The federal tracker still showed 33,069 unused permits as of October 9 — so if Tesla wants a long-range Model 3 in Canada before March, it has to come from Fremont.

The tariff problem hasn't gone away

Canada's 25% counter-tariffs on US-made vehicles, in place since April 2025, still apply. The Department of Finance's counter-tariff page, updated October 9, says the measures against US autos "continue to apply." Those tariffs are what pushed Tesla out of US-built Model 3s in the first place: when they hit, Tesla raised the Model 3 Long Range AWD by $11,000 to $79,990 and dropped the $55,990 RWD entirely. In March, it shipped its remaining US-built inventory out of Canada ahead of the switch to Shanghai.

If Tesla applies a similar markup to a Fremont-built Premium RWD, it would land around $65,000–$67,000 CAD — well above the $50,000 transaction cap of Canada's $5,000 EV Affordability Program, even though US-built cars otherwise qualify through CUSMA (Chinese-built ones don't).

What it likely means

Tesla hasn't announced anything, and the configurator hasn't changed — the comparison page still lists the Model 3 Premium RWD at 463 km and $39,490. But Tesla doesn't usually rewrite a spec sheet for a car it isn't planning to sell. The most logical read: a stopgap. The $39,490 China-built Model 3 was a real hit, Tesla ran through its quota in about four months, and it's now stuck selling a $74,990 Performance until March. A Fremont-built Premium RWD would give buyers a long-range Model 3 at something less painful — at a price that still undercuts the Performance and keeps the long-range option on the table while the quota question plays out.

One caveat for buyers: watch the price, not just the spec sheet. A 584 km sticker that quietly lands above the $50,000 EVAP cap loses the federal rebate entirely — the same trap that made the US-built cars uncompetitive in 2025.

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Canada Freezes Fleet Emissions Standards Through 2029, Announces $2.5B Auto Investment

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:20:00 GMT

Canada's federal government and the province of Ontario have announced a joint package of measures that freezes the fleet-average greenhouse gas emissions standard for light-duty vehicles at 2026 levels (172 grams per mile, or approximately 107 grams per kilometre) through 2029. Annual tightening of the standards will resume starting with the 2030 model year, with a long-term target of 75% electric vehicle sales by 2035 — equivalent to a fleet average of 74 grams of CO₂ per mile.

The justification

"Maintaining the fleet average performance standard will provide manufacturers with near-term flexibility at a time when the industry is facing trade-related pressures," reads the joint declaration by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The announcement also allows manufacturers to accumulate greenhouse gas credits for future years while gradually improving emissions performance and fuel efficiency.

$2.5 billion for auto industry investment

Alongside the emissions timeline revision, the federal and Ontario governments plan to provide a further $2.5 billion over two years to support large-scale automotive capital projects. Up to $1.5 billion will come from the federal government and up to $1 billion from Ontario. The funds are intended to help companies adapt to changing economic conditions, strengthen competitiveness, and secure jobs along the supply chain.

The backdrop is the trade policy pressure from the United States, including the 25% tariffs introduced in March 2025 on imports of cars and auto parts from Canada. Prime Minister Carney noted that Canada's car exports to the US had declined by more than 10% since then, while US exports to Canada had fallen by more than 20%. "Your course has changed — and ours must too," Carney said.

Industry and environmental reactions

The auto industry welcomed the additional time. Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, stated that the measures "create a more predictable and competitive regulatory environment that could help protect jobs, production, and investment."

Environmental organizations were critical. Clean Energy Canada warned that the pause would "increase pressure on the remaining years and could make it harder to achieve long-term targets," and pointed to potential consequences for EV adoption, charging infrastructure investment, and household fuel costs. The Pembina Institute expressed stronger doubts, questioning whether the 75% EV sales target by 2035 remains achievable under the revised framework.

Whether Canada can still hit its 2035 EV share despite the extended pause remains uncertain. For manufacturers, the pause means more short-term flexibility — but the emission standards will need to drop significantly more steeply in subsequent years if the 2035 target is to remain viable.

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BC's New Conservative Government Pledges to Scrap EV Sales Quotas

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:15:00 GMT

British Columbia's first Conservative majority government in 93 years has pledged to scrap the province's zero-emission vehicle sales quota, a hard right turn for the province that has led North America in EV adoption for over a decade. Premier-elect Lorne Doerkson's platform is unequivocal: "End the zero-emission vehicle sales quota and you choose the vehicle that works for your family and work."

What the platform proposes

Beyond the ZEV quota, the Conservative platform includes:

Repeal the CleanBC climate plan — the previous government's target to lower emissions by 40% by 2030
Double natural gas and LNG production by 2032, tripling it by 2035
Establish BC as a critical minerals hub
Support renewable technology "as long as it can be shown to be as reliable and affordable and environmentally friendly as the alternatives"

The ZEV quota in context

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Act, enacted in 2019, was accelerated in 2023 to mandate 26% of all light-duty and Class 2B vehicle sales be ZEVs by 2026, 90% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. Earlier this year, the targets were dropped to 75% by 2035. The incoming government's promise to scrap the quota entirely would be a significant reversal from the province's long-standing EV leadership.

What happens next

Doerkson is currently the interim leader and will be sworn in around mid-November. Before the platform can be executed, he needs to become the official party leader, choose his cabinet, and allocate portfolios. A "first 100 days" agenda is likely to set the pace for change in the EV and clean energy sectors.

Industry watchers are drawing parallels to Ontario, where Premier Doug Ford scrapped the $14,000 provincial EV purchase incentive within days of taking office in 2018. Whether BC follows a similar rapid rollback remains to be seen.

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Tesla Now Accepts Cybertruck Trade-Ins in Canada — But Offers Are Low

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:10:00 GMT

Tesla has reversed its policy and is now accepting Cybertruck trade-ins in Canada. However, early estimates suggest owners may want to shop around before accepting Tesla's offer.

What changed

As recently as August 2026, Tesla Canada was declining Cybertruck trade-ins entirely. A Canadian owner approaching the end of his basic warranty was told his Foundation Series AWD could not be traded toward a new Tesla. That restriction now appears to have been lifted — multiple owners in the Cybertruck Canada Facebook group and on X have shared trade-in estimates received in the past week.

The numbers don't look great for sellers

Two data points shared publicly this week:

Owner 1 (Facebook group): $86,600 for a 2024 Cybertruck Foundation Series AWD with 38,310 km
Owner 2 (@darewecan on X): $88,400 for a Foundation Series Cybertruck

For context, @darewecan also reported a competing dealership offer of $103,000 (retail listing $117,000–$119,000) and a wholesale auction win on OpenLane at $104,700. That puts Tesla's offer roughly $15,000–$18,000 below market.

Why the gap?

Tesla has never explained why it previously declined Cybertruck trade-ins. The prevailing theory: the steep U.S. tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles (and vice versa) created a pricing disconnect. New Cybertrucks in Canada currently start at $139,990 for Premium AWD and $167,990 for Cyberbeast — prices inflated by the tariff environment.

Tesla U.S. trade-in offers for Cybertrucks are reportedly "healthy," according to owners cross-referencing X posts. The discrepancy suggests Tesla Canada's valuation model may be applying tariff-adjusted depreciation differently than the open market.

Bottom line for Canadian owners

If you're looking to upgrade your Cybertruck, Tesla's new willingness to accept trade-ins is progress — but the early offers indicate you'll likely do better selling privately, to a competing dealership, or through a wholesale channel. Shop your VIN before you sign.

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Volvo and NVIDIA Expand Partnership for Eyes-Off Autonomous Driving

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:05:00 GMT

Volvo Cars has expanded its long-standing partnership with NVIDIA to develop the next generation of autonomous driving technology, targeting gradual introduction of "eyes-off" and eventually "mind-off" capabilities where drivers can disengage from monitoring the road entirely.

Hyperion, Halos, and Alpamayo

The collaboration will use NVIDIA's Hyperion sensor and computing architecture, the Halos OS safety framework, and the Alpamayo Stack driving software. Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson described the union as combining "industry-leading safety knowledge and world-class AI technology."

The system is designed to handle highway driving, busy city streets, and parking, with a stated goal of door-to-door autonomous navigation. Unlike today's driver-assistance systems that require constant supervision, Volvo is explicitly developing for eyes-off operation — where the driver need not watch the road — and mind-off operation, where attention can shift entirely to other tasks.

Model and timeline unconfirmed

Volvo has not confirmed which vehicle will debut the technology or when it will reach customers. The automaker said the system will first appear in a "next-generation Volvo vehicle," but declined to specify whether that means a 2026, 2027, or later model year.

The expanded partnership follows Volvo's decision to move away from LiDAR after its relationship with Luminar collapsed. NVIDIA's vision-first approach, supplemented by radar and ultrasonics, now anchors Volvo's sensor strategy.

Competitive landscape

Volvo isn't alone in pursuing advanced autonomy with NVIDIA. Mercedes-Benz recently expanded its own NVIDIA partnership for the CLA and future models, while General Motors has confirmed an eyes-off system targeting a 2028 debut. Hyundai and Kia have also deepened their NVIDIA collaboration for autonomous driving and robotaxi development.

For Canadian buyers, the key questions remain: which model, which market, and under what regulatory conditions. Transport Canada's Automated Vehicle Safety Assessment framework would govern any eyes-off deployment, and provincial rules vary — Ontario's pilot program is the most developed, while Quebec and British Columbia are drafting frameworks.

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Mercedes-AMG GT SUV Unveiled: 1,153 HP, 710 kW Charging, No Canadian Price Yet

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its first in-house-developed full-size electric SUV, and the spec sheet puts it among the most powerful electric SUVs on the planet. The Mercedes-AMG GT SUV delivers up to 860 kW (1,153 hp), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, and supports DC fast charging at up to 710 kW — fast enough to add roughly 450 kilometres of WLTP range in 10 minutes under ideal conditions.

Built on the dedicated AMG.EA electric platform, the GT SUV follows the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé as the second production vehicle on the architecture. Both use axial flux motors (on the GT 63 and GT 55) and battery technology developed specifically for high-performance applications.

Three power levels, two battery sizes

GT 63 (flagship): Three electric motors, 860 kW (1,153 hp), 2,000 Nm torque
GT 55: 600 kW (805 hp)
GT 53 (entry): Dual-motor setup, 400 kW (537 hp) — uses simulated six-cylinder sound with virtual gear changes

Mercedes-AMG offers two battery capacities: 106 kWh and 128 kWh. The larger pack enables the 710 kW peak charging rate; all variants use 800-volt architecture. The company says 10–80% takes as little as 12 minutes on a capable charger. WLTP range reaches up to 700 kilometres on the larger battery.

Active suspension, rear-wheel steering, and ChatGPT inside

The GT SUV debuts a new active suspension system and rear-wheel steering for agility at any speed. Inside, a 14-inch central touchscreen pairs with a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and an optional passenger display. The infotainment integrates ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Bing for voice interaction.

Production takes place in Sindelfingen, Germany. European orders for the GT 53 open October 20 at €113,050 (approximately C$179,840) in Germany, with first Swiss deliveries expected February 2027. The GT 63 and GT 55 follow in spring 2027.

Canadian pricing and availability: not yet announced

Mercedes-Benz Canada has not released pricing, trim availability, or a launch timeline for the Canadian market. For context, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC Electric — a smaller, less powerful SUV on a different platform — opened Canadian configurator orders last week at $78,400 starting MSRP ($84,491 with fees). The AMG GT SUV sits well above that tier.

With 710 kW charging capability, the GT SUV also exceeds the current 500 kW ceiling of Tesla's newly announced V4 Supercharger cabinets and the 350 kW typical of most Canadian public DC fast chargers (BC Hydro's newest 400 kW units at Abbotsford are the current domestic leaders). The charging infrastructure to exploit the GT SUV's full speed simply doesn't exist in Canada yet.

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Waymo Plans 20,000 Robotaxis by 2027, Including Canadian Cities

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Waymo is targeting a fleet of 20,000 fully autonomous vehicles by 2027, according to a new report cited by Drive Tesla Canada. The Alphabet subsidiary already runs paid robotaxi services in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Miami — logging more than 200 million autonomous miles to date.

Canadian cities on the radar

Toronto and Vancouver are among the international markets Waymo is actively evaluating for its first expansion outside the United States, people familiar with the matter told Drive Tesla Canada. Both cities offer dense urban cores, supportive regulatory environments, and existing electric-vehicle infrastructure that aligns with Waymo's all-electric Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr platforms.

Any Canadian launch would require provincial approval. Ontario's Automated Vehicle Pilot Program and British Columbia's proposed autonomous-vehicle framework would govern testing and commercial deployment. Waymo has not disclosed a timeline for a Canadian application.

Fleet composition and manufacturing

The 20,000-vehicle target includes both current Jaguar I-PACE models and the next-generation Zeekr-built platform designed specifically for autonomous ride-hailing. Zeekr, a Geely brand, will manufacture the purpose-built robotaxi at its SEA-M architecture facility in China, with final assembly and sensor integration in the United States.

Current fleet: ~700 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles across seven U.S. cities
2025–2026: Scale to ~2,500 vehicles with Zeekr platform introduction
2027 target: 20,000 vehicles across U.S. and initial international markets

Competitive context

Waymo's 200 million autonomous miles dwarf Tesla's disclosed 1.61 million unsupervised miles (as of the October 2026 Cybercab event). General Motors' Cruise, before its 2024 grounding, had accumulated roughly 5 million miles. Mercedes-Benz, in partnership with NVIDIA, is targeting an eyes-off system for 2025 model-year vehicles but has not announced a robotaxi fleet target.

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Communities Are Funding Canada's EV Destiny Through Vehicle-to-Grid Bonds

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

When Ottawa repealed the federal EV sales mandate in August, the message from government was clear: adoption would slow to market speed. But communities across Canada aren't waiting for policy to catch up — they're putting up their own money to build the charging network the country needs.

According to Statistics Canada, zero-emission vehicle sales jumped nearly 75% in March 2026 versus March 2025. If that compound rate holds, Canada reaches 100% EV sales by 2030. Even at a modest 6% annual growth, the transition completes by 2040. Corporate Knights' Climate Dollars research pegs the full electrification of Canadian road transport at $339 billion in capital investment — $46 billion for personal vehicles and charging infrastructure, plus another $35 billion to make the network vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable.

EcoCharge: Quebec grocery stores become charging hubs

The most mature Canadian example is Earth Day Canada's EcoCharge project, launched in 2020. The concept: grocery stores are community anchors, and a 20-to-30-minute fast charge aligns with a typical shopping trip. The project deployed more than 100 fast-charging stations across IGA locations in Quebec and New Brunswick.

Earth Day Canada coordinated government funding from Natural Resources Canada, institutional backing from Investissement Québec and Fondaction, plus IGA as the host retailer. Tapestry Community Capital managed a $2-million community bond campaign with a $1,000 minimum investment — offering either 4% annual interest over seven years or 3.5% over five years.

Investors contributing $10,000 or more received 10 free charging hours. A $25,000 investment guaranteed your name on a windshield-wash dispenser at a charging station. The campaign raised $1.1 million from 130 investors, including a $300,000 anchor from the Trottier Family Foundation, which donated its interest back to the community.

V2G changes the economics entirely

Vehicle-to-grid charging — where parked EVs feed energy back to the grid during peak demand — could reduce utility infrastructure costs by $310 billion compared to dedicated utility batteries, according to Corporate Knights research director Ralph Torrie. In a community setting, personal EV batteries supply power at peak hours; overnight, chargers switch back to topping up the vehicle.

Canada's first V2G pilot launched in 2023 via BC Hydro using medium-duty vehicles; a typical electric bus battery can power 24 electrically heated homes for nearly two hours. In Toronto, SWTCH Energy ran a 2022 pilot at Tridel's Bianca Condos in the Annex, using 15 chargers and bookable Nissan Leafs to eliminate more than 5,800 kilograms of CO2e. Neither pilot was community-funded, but both tested the multi-unit residential model that co-ops and affordable-housing bonds could scale.

In Williamsfield, Illinois, the Bus2Grid project deployed electric school buses with solar infrastructure, funded by several small school districts. The district reported a 94% reduction in fuel costs, driven largely by bidirectional V2G charging that sells energy back to the grid at peak rates.

Indigenous communities keep 100% of charging revenue

Charge Up, an Indigenous Clean Energy initiative, used community equity and local debt to cover the remaining 25% of a "national Indigenous electric highway" for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities. Natural Resources Canada's Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) provided the 75% anchor investment. The investment opportunity targeted Indigenous governments, Friendship Centres, and registered Indigenous businesses — not individuals. Under Charge Up's terms, participating Indigenous communities retain 100% of charging revenues.

The supply-side bottleneck

Community finance is proven — the holdup is vehicle and charger availability. Until recently, only the Nissan Leaf and Ford F-150 Lightning supported V2G in Canada. Adding V2G capability to a national network carries a $35 billion price tag over 25 years. Fluctuating electricity commodity prices also threaten thin margins on community charging projects, as Hepburn Energy in Victoria, Australia discovered when negative pricing forced it to pay to supply excess energy to the grid.

More pilots mean more reliable supply chains, intermediaries, and finance models. The network effect is inevitable — but only if communities can access the hardware to prove the model works.

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Tesla Model X wins first Canadian Black Book retained value award

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Tesla earned its first category win in the Canadian Black Book Best Retained Value Awards, with the Model X taking top honours among premium electric SUVs for 2026.

Announced October 19, the awards measure how much of a vehicle’s original manufacturer’s suggested retail price it retains after four years. This year’s results are based on 2023 model year vehicles and show an overall decline in used vehicle values across the Canadian market.

According to Canadian Black Book, vehicles retained an average of just 57% of their original selling price this year, down from 67.5% in the previous awards.

Model X tops premium electric SUV segment

The Model X finished ahead of the BMW iX and Audi Q4 e-tron in the premium electric SUV category. The Model X was discontinued earlier this summer, and its limited availability may have helped support resale values.

The Model 3 also performed well, placing third among premium electric cars behind the Porsche Taycan and BMW i4.

Other EV winners

Kia moved from second place last year to claim the overall electric brand award, ahead of Chevrolet and Tesla. The Kia EV6 topped the mainstream electric SUV category, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV led mainstream electric cars.

The results highlight the continuing resale value gap between EVs and their gasoline and hybrid counterparts, though Tesla’s first category win suggests certain EV models are becoming more competitive in the Canadian used vehicle market.

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Porsche adds Plug & Charge access to Tesla Superchargers in Canada

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:07:55 GMT

Porsche has enabled Plug & Charge functionality for Tesla Supercharger access in Canada, allowing select Porsche electric vehicles to automatically authenticate and pay when connecting to Superchargers across North America.

Announced October 19, the feature works through the Porsche Charging Service. Owners of the Macan Electric and model year 2026 Taycan can now access more than 27,500 Tesla Superchargers with Plug & Charge. Once enabled, the vehicle authenticates and processes billing the moment the charging cable is connected, removing the need for apps, cards or manual activation.

What Plug & Charge changes for Canadian drivers

Canadian drivers previously needed to use the Tesla app or a charging card to start sessions at Superchargers. With Plug & Charge enabled via Porsche’s service, charging sessions begin automatically as long as the driver is an active member of the Porsche Charging Service.

Trevor Arthur, President and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada, said: “Increasing Plug & Charge access makes charging simpler and more user-friendly, moving us closer to a seamless electric vehicle experience.”

Vehicles and future coverage

The rollout covers Macan Electric and 2026 Taycan today. Porsche confirmed the upcoming Cayenne Electric, expected to launch in Canada later this year, will also support Plug & Charge on the Tesla network when it arrives.

Porsche has also expanded its charging ecosystem over the past year, with Plug & Charge already supported at Electrify Canada locations and OTA software updates ensuring compatibility across compatible models.

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Stellantis Considers Importing China-Built Jeep EVs to Canada as Brampton Plant Sits Idle

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Stellantis could soon be importing Chinese-built Jeep electric vehicles to Canada, even as its Brampton Assembly Plant remains shuttered and more than 2,000 Canadian auto workers face an uncertain future.

China-built Jeep EVs targeted for Canada

According to Automotive News Canada, a Stellantis joint venture with Chinese automaker Dongfeng plans to begin producing two electrified Jeep models in 2027, with Canada among the potential export markets. The United States is notably absent from those plans.

The move comes as the Brampton Assembly Plant, which produced the Jeep Cherokee until its closure earlier this year, remains idle. Stellantis has not confirmed a restart timeline for the facility.

Policy pressure in Ontario

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has signaled opposition to importing knockdown kits for assembly in the province. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has said any new auto investments will prioritize Canada's supply chain, including Canadian labour and parts suppliers.

Unifor has raised serious concerns about the impact on workers if imported vehicles bypass domestic production.

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Tesla FSD and Autopilot Canada Guide 2026

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving and Autopilot features are widely discussed in Canada. This guide explains what is available on Canadian roads, pricing, hardware requirements and limitations.

Autopilot vs Full Self-Driving in Canada

Autopilot is included on all new Tesla vehicles in Canada. It provides Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer on mapped highways. Full Self-Driving is a paid package that adds Navigate on Autopilot, Autopark and Smart Summon.

Autopilot: included
Full Self-Driving: subscription or one-time purchase

Hardware requirements

All Tesla vehicles sold in Canada since 2016 include the required cameras and sensors for Autopilot. Full Self-Driving capability requires the latest hardware version. Tesla has completed retrofits for eligible vehicles in Canada.

Canadian availability and mapping

Features are enabled through over-the-air updates. Tesla limits certain capabilities where regulatory requirements differ. Drivers remain responsible for monitoring the vehicle at all times.

Pricing in Canada

Canadian pricing is set by Tesla Canada and may differ from US pricing. Refer to the Tesla Canada shop for current subscription rates.

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Tesla Roadster to Perform Stunts Autonomously with Texas Test Track Tease

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Tesla’s next-generation Roadster could perform its most extreme maneuvers without anyone behind the wheel. CEO Elon Musk said owners will be able to command the car to perform its stunts autonomously.

The comments came two days after Tesla’s October 15 unveiling at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas facility. At the event Tesla showed the Roadster driving upside down with a fan suction system, briefly flying with SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters, and accelerating from 0-60 mph in about 0.8 seconds.

Autonomous tricks and a Hot Wheels-style track

Musk responded to technology commentator Robert Scoble on X, saying the Roadster’s computer-controlled systems will allow it to perform its tricks without direct driver input. He wrote: “You will be able to ask the Roadster to perform any of the tricks shown autonomously, as it will be sentient.”

Musk also teased a dedicated facility. He added: “Also, we will have a wild looping track (crazier even than Hot Wheels) at our Texas HQ where you can test out your Roadster.”

The Roadster features steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire and throttle-by-wire systems, alongside a sophisticated array of fans and thrusters. Production is still targeting 2028, nearly nine years after the car was first announced in 2017.

Canada context

Tesla has confirmed the most extreme Rocket configuration will not be approved for public roads. Canadian buyers interested in the Roadster can follow updates through Tesla Canada. Reservations reopened in Canada earlier this year.

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Guide to Tesla Winter Driving in Canada for 2026

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Canadian winters can have a significant impact on a Tesla’s range, charging speed and driving performance. This guide covers battery preconditioning, winter tires, Supercharging in freezing temperatures and planning longer road trips.

How much range does a Tesla lose in a Canadian winter?

The battery requires energy to maintain its operating temperature, and heating the cabin and driving through snow can further reduce efficiency.

In February 2025, the Canadian Automobile Association tested 14 electric vehicles in temperatures from -7°C to -15°C. The Tesla Model 3 travelled 410 km against an official Natural Resources Canada range of 584 km, a 30% reduction.

Model 3: 584 km official, 410 km winter, 30% reduction
Ford Mustang Mach-E: 483 km official, 334 km winter, 31% reduction
Polestar 2: 444 km official, 384 km winter, 14% reduction

Preconditioning and scheduled departure

Preconditioning warms the battery and cabin before departure, reducing the energy required after you start driving. When the vehicle is plugged in, it can use electricity from your home charger.

Tesla recommends activating climate controls at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Use Controls > Schedule to set departure times and preconditioning.

It is best to precondition while plugged in and schedule charging to finish close to departure time.

Winter tires in Canada

Tesla recommends winter tires when driving in cold temperatures or where snow and ice may be present. Transport Canada notes summer and all-season compounds begin losing elasticity below about 7°C.

Provincial requirements as of October 2026:

Quebec: mandatory December 1 to March 15 for Quebec-registered vehicles
British Columbia: required on designated highways October 1 to April 30
Ontario: not mandatory; insurers must offer a winter tire discount
Manitoba: financing available through MPI up to $2,000 per vehicle

Charging and Supercharging in cold weather

Cold batteries cannot accept energy as quickly as warm batteries. Tesla automatically heats the battery when you navigate to a Supercharger. It is recommended to navigate to the charger at least 30 to 45 minutes before arrival.

If your charge port freezes, use the Defrost Car function in the Tesla app or the Inlet Heater setting under Controls > Service where available.

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Quebec leads Canada EVAP rebates in Q3 as total claims fall 14%

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Canada’s Electric Vehicle Affordability Program Q3 results are in from Transport Canada, and Quebec again dominates the rebate landscape while national issuance falls.

Q3 2026 EVAP numbers

Overall rebates fell by 14.3% in Q3 compared to Q2. Nationwide, Transport Canada reported 34,486 total rebate issues worth $151,673,012. Battery electric vehicles accounted for the largest share, with 28,542 rebates issued.

Quebec led the nation with 18,115 rebates, representing 52.5% of the total number of rebates in Q3. Ontario followed with 7,356 and British Columbia with 6,022. Outside the big three, the rest of the country accounted for 8.7% of EVAP rebates, with only Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia breaking the one per cent mark.

Top models

Battery electric vehicles continue to dominate, especially in the larger provinces. The top five provinces all had close to or over 70% of the overall total being battery electric vehicle rebates.

Chevrolet Bolt — 5,637 rebates
Tesla Model Y — 3,336 rebates
Chevrolet Equinox EV — 3,311 rebates
Ford Mustang Mach-E — 2,942 rebates
Toyota bZ4X — 2,574 rebates

For plug-in hybrids, the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid led PHEVs with 1,799 rebates, and the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid placed ninth with 1,714 rebates issued.

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Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales in Canada Jump 55% in August 2026

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Canada’s zero-emission vehicle market continued its recovery in August 2026 with sales climbing 55.1% compared to August 2025, according to figures released by Statistics Canada on October 15, 2026.

A total of 22,716 new ZEVs were sold during the month, accounting for 13.0% of all new vehicle sales nationwide. That’s a substantial improvement from August 2025, when zero-emission vehicles represented just 8.8% of the market.

Market share climbs

Overall new vehicle sales reached 174,611 units in August, an increase of 4.9% year-over-year. Sales revenue grew even faster, rising 8.8% compared to August 2025.

ZEV sales: 22,716 units
ZEV market share: 13.0% (up from 8.8% in August 2025)
Year-over-year ZEV growth: +55.1%
Passenger car sales: +14.2%
Truck sales: +3.5%

The increase comes as Canada’s EV market adjusts to changing government incentives. Earlier this year, the federal government introduced its new Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP), offering rebates of up to $5,000 on eligible electric vehicles. The program has helped bring several models back within reach of buyers, particularly when combined with manufacturer discounts.

Statistics Canada notes its ZEV figures include both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, meaning the 22,716 total doesn’t represent battery-electric sales alone.

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Ontario EV Charging Costs Drop with New OEB Rates

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has announced updates to its Regulated Price Plan that will significantly lower home charging costs for electric vehicle owners across the province, effective November 1, 2026.

The most notable change for EV drivers is the introduction of an updated Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rate of just 3.7 cents per kWh between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This represents a substantial reduction from previous overnight rates and makes home charging remarkably affordable.

The new pricing structure also includes revised Time-of-Use and Tiered plans, creating multiple options for Ontario residents to optimize their charging costs based on when they plug in.

Updated Rate Structures

Under the new Ultra-Low Overnight plan:

Ultra-Low Overnight (23:00 to 07:00): 3.7¢/kWh
Weekend Off Peak (07:00 to 23:00): 9.1¢/kWh
Mid-Peak (07:00 to 16:00 and 21:00 to 23:00): 14.6¢/kWh
On-Peak (16:00 to 21:00): 37.7¢/kWh

The updated Time-of-Use plan offers:

Off-Peak (19:00 to 07:00 and all day weekends/holidays): 9.1¢/kWh
Mid-Peak (11:00 to 17:00): 14.6¢/kWh
On-Peak (07:00-11:00 and 17:00 to 19:00): 18.9¢/kWh

For those on Tiered plans, the rate is 11.2¢/kWh for the first 1,000 kWh monthly, increasing to 13.2¢/kWh for additional consumption.

With these rates, fully charging an electric vehicle at home can cost between $3 and $10 depending on the plan and time of day, assuming overnight charging on the ULO plan.

Rewards Programs Add Further Savings

Several Ontario utilities now offer financial incentives for allowing managed home charging:

Hydro One myEnergy Rewards (EV stream): $50 sign-up bonus plus $50 annually if participating in more than half of managed charging sessions, for up to $100 in the first year. Available via the Optiwatt app, Tesla vehicles are eligible, and sessions begin in November 2026 on an invitation-only basis.
Hydro Ottawa GridFlex: $75 enrollment fee plus $20 per year for eligible EVs (including Tesla Model 3, Y, S, X and Cybertruck). Limited to parts of Kanata and Stittsville, the program runs until September 30, 2028.
Enova Power, Essex Powerlines and Oakville Hydro: Customers can earn points toward gift cards through the EV Everywhere managed-charging app, though no specific dollar value has been published.

Importantly, these utility rewards cannot be stacked, as each home receives service from only one provider. The province's Save on Energy Peak Perks program, which covers smart thermostats, does not extend to electric vehicles.

Tesla-Specific Options Can Exceed Charging Costs

Tesla owners have additional opportunities through third-party apps that pay for home charging electricity by selling credits under federal Clean Fuel Regulations:

WattsApp: Offers 21 points per kWh, with 100 points equaling $1, for owners with a Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3 or Universal Wall Connector.
Telemiq: Provides 5 to 14.5 points per kWh depending on annual charging volume, and works with any Tesla vehicle, even when using the Mobile Connector.
RoadToEV: Pays 10 cents per kWh for Tesla Wall Connector owners, with annual payouts each July.

These apps pay out the following year once credits are verified, and users can only select one app per charger annually.

To illustrate the potential savings, consider a 2026 Model Y RWD driven 20,000 km annually. Natural Resources Canada rates this vehicle at 15.4 kWh/100 km, resulting in approximately 3,080 kWh of yearly charging needs.

At the new 3.7¢/kWh overnight rate, the electricity cost alone is about $114 per year. Hydro One's first-year $100 reward covers nearly 90% of this expense. Meanwhile, WattsApp would generate approximately $647 on the same 3,080 kWh, RoadToEV about $308, and Telemiq around $156—meaning many Tesla owners on the ultra-low overnight plan could actually receive more in rewards than they spend to charge at home.

As Ontario continues to refine its electricity pricing to support EV adoption, these combined rate reductions and incentive programs make home charging not only affordable but potentially profitable for electric vehicle owners.

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Canada’s EV Market Is Bouncing Back — But Not Everywhere at Once

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Canada’s electric vehicle market shows signs of recovery in 2026, but the rebound is highly uneven across provinces, according to Electric Autonomy Canada’s latest analysis of registration data and charging infrastructure rollout.

Quebec and BC Lead the Charge

Quebec continues to outperform other provinces with EV registrations growing at 18% year-over-year, driven by strong provincial rebates and charging infrastructure investments. British Columbia follows closely with 15% growth, supported by its CEVforBC program and expanding DC fast-charging network along major corridors.

Prairies and Atlantic Lag Behind

Alberta and Saskatchewan show minimal growth at just 2-3%, despite federal incentives, due to limited provincial support and charging deserts outside major cities. Atlantic Canada sees mixed results, with Nova Scotia leading the region at 8% growth while New Brunswick and Newfoundland lag at under 4%.

Charging Infrastructure Disparities

The charging gap mirrors adoption patterns: Quebec leads with 1 public charger per 24 EVs, followed by BC at 1:28. Alberta struggles with 1:67 ratio, and Atlantic provinces average 1:52. Urban centers like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto show healthy ratios, but rural areas remain severely underserved.

Ontario’s Mixed Performance

Ontario presents a complex picture: the GTA shows strong 12% growth, but northern and eastern regions lag at 4-5%. Recent provincial policy shifts, including the scrapping of the EV sales mandate, have created uncertainty that may be slowing fleet and commercial adoption despite strong consumer interest.

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Canada’s Public Fast-Charging Network Sees More Usage But Slower Expansion

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:32:51 GMT

Canada’s public EV fast-charging network is seeing more activity, but the pace of expansion is slowing.

According to Paren’s third-quarter 2026 State of the EV Charging Industry report, the country recorded 3.84 million public fast-charging sessions, up 37 per cent from 2.8 million a year earlier.

However, the number of ports tracked during the quarter grew 51 per cent, outpacing charging activity. Average sessions per port consequently declined to 436 from 481, suggesting infrastructure is expanding faster than demand.

Canada added 103 fast-charging stations and 391 ports during the quarter, bringing the national network to 2,740 stations and 9,615 ports. New station openings were roughly unchanged from the second quarter but approximately one-third below the third quarter of 2025.

Provincial Breakdown

Quebec led provincial expansion with 49 new stations, followed by Ontario with 22 and British Columbia with 18.

Despite slower expansion, national charger utilization increased to 10.4 per cent from 9.6 per cent in the previous quarter. British Columbia recorded the highest provincial utilization at 13.1 per cent, followed by Ontario at 11.5 per cent.

Reliability and Pricing

Reliability remained a concern in some markets. Canada’s average reliability score slipped to 91.1 from 91.4 in the second quarter, with Nova Scotia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories recording scores below 90.

Meanwhile, public fast-charging prices eased slightly. The national average declined to approximately 49 cents per kilowatt-hour from 50 cents in the previous quarter. Prices ranged from 41 cents in British Columbia to 67 cents in Alberta.

The findings suggest Canada’s charging network continues to expand, although regional differences in availability, performance and cost remain significant.

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Tesla Roadster Finally Revealed with Rocket Thrusters and Flight Capability

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 02:32:51 GMT

Tesla has finally unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, and it is unlike anything the company has built before. Revealed at SpaceX’s McGregor facility in Texas, the electric sports car features rocket-inspired thrusters, extreme acceleration, and, in its most advanced configuration, the ability to actually fly.

The unveiling included something we never thought we’d say about a car – two flight demonstrations.

Following the event, Tesla confirmed three Roadster configurations will be available, with acceleration times as quick as 0-60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and production scheduled to begin in 2028 – for real this time according to CEO Elon Musk.

Three versions, including one that flies

The next-generation Roadster will come in three variants – if you can afford it.

The “base” entry-level Performance version seats two and uses active aerodynamics and a suction system to generate additional downforce. Tesla claims it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 1.6 seconds.

The Thrust configuration adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, reducing that time to under 0.9 seconds.

At the top of the lineup is the single-seat Rocket, featuring additional thrusters capable of lifting the vehicle off the ground and controlling its movement in flight. Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time under 0.59 seconds and a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h), while all versions are rated for more than 300 miles (480 km) of range.

HOLY SHIT! That was not real….but it was….![Image 4: 🤯](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f92f.svg) Roadster really can fly! https://t.co/Su4VzF5XXR

— Drive Tesla ![Image 5: 🇨🇦](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f1e8-1f1e6.svg)(@DriveTeslaca) [October 16, 2026](https://x.com/DriveTeslaca/status/2110900915326877940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

After the car lifted off during the demonstration, Musk declared, “Flying cars are real.” He also teased an even bigger stunt to come, an attempt at Evel Knievel’s famous Snake River Canyon jump.

The technology relies on compressed air stored in carbon fibre pressure vessels, rather than conventional rocket fuel.

If that wasn’t enough, the @Tesla Roadster just did a ‘kickflip’ over the entire Tesla lineup, including the Semi! https://t.co/xUUsDVBNao

— Drive Tesla ![Image 6: 🇨🇦](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/svg/1f1e8-1f1e6.svg)(@DriveTeslaca) [October 16, 2026](https://x.com/DriveTeslaca/status/2110902451910082893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

How much will the Roadster cost?

Canadian [reservation payments](https://www.tesla.com/en_CA/roadster) are now listed at $70,000 for Performance and $350,000 for Thrust. Interested buyers in the U.S. will have to put down US$50,000 and US$250,000 for those configurations respectively. These are reservation amounts, and not the final price, which is still to be announced.

The Rocket is invitation-only with no deposit amount listed and is not approved for public road use.

Nearly a decade in the making

Tesla originally unveiled the second-generation Roadster in 2017, promising a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and a 620-mile range. However, the project experienced [repeated delays](https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/tesla-pushes-roadster-unveil-and-demo-to-april-2026-production-now-slated-for-2027/) as Tesla focused on higher-volume vehicles, including the Model Y and Cybertruck.

The new Roadster takes a dramatically different approach, combining traditional electric performance with technology developed alongside SpaceX.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Opens for Order in Canada Starting at $78,400

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Mercedes-Benz has opened its Canadian configurator for the all-new 2027 GLC Electric. The electric SUV arrives with a starting price of $78,400 for the GLC 400 4MATIC Electric, rising to $84,491 with fees and levies.

Canadian pricing and specs

The GLC 400 4MATIC Electric is the only model available at launch. Mercedes-Benz lists a combined 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, with 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, according to the Canadian configurator.

Starting MSRP: $78,400
With fees: $84,491
Battery: 94 kWh usable
Estimated range: 568 km to 715 km
DC fast charging: up to 330 kW, 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes

Charging and interior options

The 800-volt architecture supports 330 kW DC fast charging, with 100 kW on 400-volt stations. Cargo space reaches up to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded, and towing capacity is rated at 2,400 kg.

Buyers can add the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen for $1,800 with the $2,300 Exclusive Trim, plus AMG styling, massaging front seats and Burmester audio.

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Quebec Leads Canada in EV Rebates Despite National Drop

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Quebec continues to dominate Canada’s EV Affordability Program (EVAP) rebates, claiming more than half of all incentives distributed nationwide in the third quarter of 2026, even as the total number of rebates across the country declined compared to the previous quarter.

According to Electric Autonomy Canada, which analyzed the latest government data released October 16, 2026, Canada issued 34,486 EVAP rebates in Q3 worth $151,673,012. Of those, 25,763 were for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). This represents a 14.3% drop in rebate volume from Q2, when 40,239 rebates worth $173,044,347 were awarded, including 28,305 for BEVs.

Quebec’s share of the rebates increased slightly year-over-quarter, accounting for 52.9% of the total rebate value in Q3, up from 51.5% in Q2. In absolute terms, Quebec residents received 18,115 rebates valued at $80,288,881, a 9.61% decrease from the 20,040 rebates the province received in Q2.

The province’s dominance was reflected across all categories: Quebec claimed 53.3% of the total BEV rebate value and led in every other EV category. Ontario followed with 21.1% of the rebate value, while British Columbia accounted for 17.8%. The remaining provinces and territories collectively made up the rest.

At the vehicle level, the Chevrolet Bolt remained the most popular EV for incentives, capturing 16.3% of all rebates issued nationwide. The Tesla Model Y came in second with 9.7%, followed closely by the Chevrolet Equinox EV at 9.6%. The Ford Mustang Mach-E and Toyota bZ4X rounded out the top five.

EVAP eligibility rules remain in effect: vehicles must have a final transactional price of $50,000 or less to qualify, unless the vehicle is assembled in Canada, in which case there is no price cap. Imported vehicles must originate from a country with which Canada has a free-trade agreement, effectively excluding Chinese-built EVs from the program.

Looking ahead, the federal government has scheduled step-downs in rebate amounts. Starting next year, BEV rebates will decrease to $4,000 and PHEV rebates to $2,000. These values will further reduce to $3,000 and $1,500 for 2028 and 2029, and finally to $2,000 and $1,000 for the program’s final year in 2030.

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Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service in Toronto by 2028

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Waymo is bringing its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to Toronto, with plans to welcome the first riders in 2028. The Alphabet-owned company announced on October 16, 2026 that it will begin testing vehicles on Toronto streets in the coming days to map local roads before progressing to autonomous testing with trained safety specialists.

Waymo’s expansion into Canada marks its first foray into the Canadian market, and the company is partnering with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management to provide end-to-end fleet management services, including maintenance, charging infrastructure, vehicle cleaning, and other daily operations needed to keep the robotaxis running.

According to Waymo, its autonomous vehicles have travelled more than 400 million kilometres without a human driver, with 95% fewer crashes involving serious injuries or worse compared to human drivers in its operating markets. This safety record is a key part of Waymo’s mission to be the world’s most trusted driver.

As part of the launch, Waymo is establishing local facilities in Toronto and expects to create hundreds of jobs over time spanning fleet maintenance, validation driving, customer service, and other operations functions. The partnership builds on Waymo’s existing ties to Canada, which include a long-term investor relationship with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and manufacturing partner Magna International.

Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said: “Expanding into Canada marks an important milestone in Waymo’s global journey. Toronto is one of the world’s great cities — innovative, diverse, and forward-looking. We’re proud to bring the Waymo Driver to Canada’s largest city and to collaborate with the vibrant business, arts and cultural communities that share our commitment to safer streets and more accessible mobility.”

Laura Dottori-Attanasio, CEO of Element Fleet Management, added: “As a Canadian company, we are proud to be expanding our partnership with Waymo to help bring autonomous ride-hailing to Toronto. Together, Element and Waymo will help create employment opportunities by putting to work Element’s expertise in fleet management, operational capabilities, and intelligent mobility solutions needed to support autonomous fleets reliably and at scale.”

Waymo says it is collaborating with leading accessibility and mobility advocacy organizations, including BALANCE for Blind Adults, CNIB, Community Living Toronto, Connected Canadians, and Epilepsy Ontario, to ensure the service is accessible to all.

The service will complement Toronto’s existing transportation ecosystem, which includes bike lanes, public transit, and other mobility options. Waymo’s all-weather Driver, designed to operate in all conditions, could provide an additional option for residents and visitors.

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EV Sales Gather Momentum as More Affordable Options Hit Canadian Market

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Electric vehicle sales in Canada are gaining traction, with EVs making up 13% of all new vehicles sold in August 2026—a 47% increase over the same month last year—according to the latest data from Statistics Canada cited by Clean Energy Canada.

Provincial breakthroughs

British Columbia leads the charge, where more than a quarter of new vehicles sold in August were electric. Ontario also reached a significant milestone, hitting a 10% market share for EVs, its highest level since 2024.

Affordable options drive growth

The rebound follows a sluggish 2025 and is powered by the reinstated federal EV rebate and a surge in affordable models. As of October 2026, 11 electric vehicles are available for under $40,000 in Canada (including the rebate discount), up from just one model in September 2025. These include the Chevrolet Bolt, Fiat 500e, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona, Kia EV3, Kia EV4, Kia EV5, Nissan Leaf, Subaru Uncharted, Tesla Model 3 (currently paused), and Toyota C-HR.

Consumer awareness lags

Despite the expanding options, many Canadian buyers remain uninformed. Recent polling by Clean Energy Canada found that while 60% of potential EV buyers are somewhat aware of new models in the $30,000 to $40,000 range, only 20% are very aware of them. Additionally, 42% of likely EV buyers say they might wait for more Chinese EVs to become available, and 37% cite insufficient electric pickup options as a barrier.

Looking ahead

With Chinese automakers like Geely preparing to enter the Canadian market in 2027 and the Ford Fathom electric pickup set for release, the slate of affordable options is poised to grow further. Clean Energy Canada suggests this could be a pivotal moment for Canada’s EV market if awareness keeps pace with availability.

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Wallbox and EDP Électrique Deploy 168 EV Chargers at Montreal Metropolitan Airport

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:05:37 GMT

Wallbox and EDP Électrique have partnered to deploy public EV charging infrastructure at Montreal Metropolitan Airport, the companies announced Oct. 15. Located at the airport’s YHU terminal, the project has installed 120 Wallbox Pulsar Pro charging stations. Once the airport’s new building is complete, the two firms will install an additional 48 charging stations, bringing total deployment to 168 chargers around the airport campus. “Transport hubs such as airports are an important part of the next phase of EV charging infrastructure, where scale, reliability and intelligent energy management become increasingly important,” says Ignasi Alastuey, chief business officer of Wallbox. “Together with edp électrique and the broader project team, we are helping YHU build charging infrastructure that addresses current needs while providing the flexibility to continue expanding as EV adoption grows.” Wallbox, EDP, Foresta, EG Électrique, and Westburne developed the EV charging project in collaboration, bringing together expertise across EV charging technology, infrastructure management, electrical installation, and distribution. The companies chose Wallbox’s Pulsar Pro for its power sharing capabilities, which will play a key role in allowing power to move between multiple charging points for more efficiency. The new deployment is part of the Montreal Metropolitan Airport’s wider efforts toward supporting both EV transition efforts and wider sustainability practices. As demand for EV charging ports increase throughout Canada, the new charging infrastructure will support a wide range of airport users and operations. “This project is a strong example of what can be achieved through close collaboration between all stakeholders,” says Sabryna Barabé-Favreau, sales representative of electrical products at EDP Electrique. “By working closely with the airport, Wallbox and the wider project team, we were able to bring together the different components required to deliver a scalable charging infrastructure that meets the customer’s high standards and can continue growing alongside future demand.” The project also aims to provide a fully scalable model for future EV charging deployments, the company says. By combining smart power solutions and management with sustainable and scalable infrastructure, the airport’s charging stations will be able to grow alongside that demand.

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Oakville Halts Municipal EV Charging Expansion After Council Vote

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 02:05:37 GMT

Oakville has paused the expansion of its municipally owned electric vehicle charging network following a council vote that directed staff to halt further development of the public charging infrastructure. The decision, reported by Inside Halton on October 15, 2026, comes despite the town's previous commitments to growing its EV charging footprint as part of broader sustainability initiatives. Municipal staff will now focus on maintaining existing charging assets rather than pursuing new installations or network expansion. Oakville's charging network had been positioned as a key component of the town's climate action plan, providing public access charging at municipal facilities, parks, and community centres. The halt raises questions about how municipalities will meet growing EV charging demand without public investment, particularly as private sector deployment may not adequately serve all neighbourhoods or user demographics. Industry analysts note that municipal charging networks often fill gaps in private deployment by offering standardized pricing, universal access, and integration with local transit systems. Oakville's reversal could influence neighboring municipalities evaluating similar public charging investments. The town did not specify whether existing charging stations will be decommissioned or if the pause applies only to planned expansions. Current stations remain operational for public use. For EV owners in Oakville and surrounding areas, the decision underscores the increasing importance of workplace, residential, and destination charging solutions as public infrastructure development faces municipal budget and policy constraints.

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Ford Opens Fathom Pre-Order Invite List in Canada Ahead of 2027 Launch

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Ford has moved one step closer to launching its most affordable electric pickup for Canada, opening a preorder invite list for the upcoming Fathom today, October 15, 2026. Reservations will open early next year ahead of a 2027 launch.

Canadian pricing and preorder details

Interested buyers can register on Ford’s website to receive updates and an invitation to preorder when reservations officially open early next year. The Fathom is expected to start at C$42,690 in Canada before available incentives. The U.S. starting price is US$28,350, or US$29,945 including destination fees.

Ford describes the Fathom as a midsize pickup built on the new Universal Electric Vehicle platform designed to reduce manufacturing costs. Prototypes seen testing suggest a footprint closer to the compact Maverick, with Ford claiming more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4.

What is confirmed so far

Lithium iron phosphate batteries with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available.
Large touchscreen with Apple Maps navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, digital key and bidirectional charging.
Hardware for Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system on every Fathom.
Production planned for the converted Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, with three parallel production lines assembling major sections before final assembly.

Key specifications such as driving range, battery capacity and towing capability remain unconfirmed. Production is expected to begin in 2027 with customer deliveries later that year.

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2027 Kia EV3 Range Confirmed in Canada with 517 km Top Trim

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:20:00 GMT

Kia’s 2027 EV3 compact SUV has its Canadian range figures published in Natural Resources Canada’s fuel consumption guide, with the base 58.3 kWh battery rated at 356 km and the 81.4 kWh trims rated at 517 km.

NRCan ratings ahead of launch

According to the July 30, 2026 Drive Tesla Canada report based on NRCan data, the entry-level EV3 Light with the 58.3 kWh pack is rated for 356 km (221 miles) on a full charge. The Wind, Land, GT-Line and GT-Line Limited trims all use the larger 81.4 kWh battery and are rated at 517 km (321 miles) of range.

The figures use NRCan’s standardized test cycle, which mirrors the U.S. EPA methodology but is applied to Canadian market vehicles. Kia says the EV3 will be one of its most affordable EVs in Canada, targeting a price a little over $30,000 in Canada.

Charging and platform

The EV3 rides on Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform, supports DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in as little as 29 to 31 minutes depending on the battery pack, and now features a native NACS charging port in North America. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, nearly 30 inches of combined dashboard displays, and an available all-wheel drive configuration are also listed for larger battery models.

Kia Canada has not yet announced final pricing for the 2027 EV3, with official pricing expected soon ahead of a fall debut.

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Rivian Expands Redwood Materials Partnership for Battery Recycling

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 17:23:53 GMT

Rivian is expanding its partnership with Redwood Materials, giving the battery recycler a larger role in managing batteries from manufacturing scrap to retired packs that can be reused for energy storage.

Rivian factory to use retired EV batteries for peak shaving

The expanded agreement announced October 15, 2026 will see Redwood handle battery scrap from Rivian’s manufacturing operations while continuing to collect used packs through its service network.

Redwood will first evaluate whether packs still have enough capacity for stationary energy storage. Packs that qualify could be deployed at Rivian facilities or other locations, while the remainder will be recycled to recover materials.

The announcement builds on an April partnership when Rivian and Redwood outlined plans to install 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage at Rivian’s Normal, Illinois manufacturing plant. The system will use repurposed Rivian battery packs to store electricity when demand is low and discharge during peak periods.

Recycling critical materials for the R2 ramp

Once batteries can no longer be reused, Redwood says its process can recover more than 95% of critical materials, including lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper. Recovered materials can return to the battery supply chain, reducing dependence on newly mined resources.

The expanded agreement comes as Rivian prepares to scale production of its more affordable R2 SUV, making battery supply, manufacturing efficiency and cost management increasingly important.

Rivian recently hired Jody Kerns, formerly Tesla Cybercab production manager at Giga Texas, to lead R2 general assembly in Normal. The company has added a second shift at its Normal factory with a third planned for 2027.

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