Charge News Canada

Tesla Adds Model Y V2L in Canada, Then Quietly Removes It Less Than 24 Hours Later

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:25:00 GMT

Tesla has once again created confusion over Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) availability in Canada. Less than 24 hours after adding the feature to the Model Y Premium AWD and Performance variants on its Canadian website, the company has quietly removed it from both variants.

What happened

Screenshots captured by Drive Tesla Canada on Thursday evening showed both Model Y Premium AWD and Performance variants supporting “Vehicle to load (120V 20A AC) with charge port and Outlet Adapter.” This would have allowed owners to draw up to 2.4 kW of power from the vehicle’s battery through an Outlet Adapter connected to the charging port.

By Friday afternoon, that wording had been removed from Tesla’s Canadian website for both variants.

Context and confusion

As reported yesterday, Tesla had updated its Canadian Model Y lineup with new features, including V2L capability for the Premium All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant. However, the sudden reversal raises questions about whether Tesla accidentally published the feature—essentially a copy-and-paste error from launches elsewhere—and whether the Canadian Model Y was ever V2L compatible in the first place.

Tesla has already introduced V2L on the Model Y in other markets, including in the U.S. and China over the past week. The unannounced change is even more frustrating because similar specification errors have occurred earlier this year on the Model Y Performance and Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive variants.

What drivers should know

For now, Tesla’s Canadian website no longer lists V2L capability on any Model Y variant. Whether that changes again remains to be seen, but Drive Tesla Canada will update this story if Tesla provides more information.

Canadian buyers who may have placed an order based on the specifications displayed before they were removed should seek clarification from Tesla before finalizing their purchase.

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BC Hydro Opens 350 kW EV Charging Hub in Hope

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

BC Hydro has switched on its first dedicated ultra-fast EV charging hub in Hope, delivering the highest-powered chargers in its provincial network and giving drivers on Highways 1, 3 and 5 a significant boost in convenience and charging speed.

Location and power

The hub is located at the Esso Gas Station and Silver Creek Travel Centre at 19700 Klassen Road, beside Tesla’s 24-stall Supercharger. The site features four 350 kW chargers, each capable of adding roughly 100 kilometres of range in about five minutes.

With power sharing, each unit can support two EVs simultaneously at up to 175 kW, allowing as many as eight vehicles to charge at once.

Network growth

Over the past year BC Hydro has tripled the size of its network, adding 418 new charging ports and opening roughly two dozen new multi-port hubs across B.C. The network now includes 753 ports at 170 sites, with a target of 800 ports by spring 2026.

The Hope hub is a preview of what’s ahead. BC Hydro plans to introduce its first 400 kW charger later this year, capable of adding 100 km of range in as little as three minutes.

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Ford EV Sales Sink 80% in Q3 2026 as Mach-E and Lightning Struggle

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Ford’s electric vehicle sales kept sliding in the third quarter of 2026, falling 80% compared with a record quarter a year ago, with all of its remaining EVs posting significant declines.

U.S. sales numbers

Ford sold 6,047 EVs in Q3 2026, down 80.2% from 30,612 in Q3 2025 and 38% from the 9,746 delivered in Q2 2026.

Last year’s comparison is distorted by a rush to beat the U.S. federal tax credit expiry on September 30, 2025. The quarter-on-quarter fall shows the slowdown goes beyond a one-time effect.

EVs accounted for 1.2% of Ford’s U.S. sales in Q3, down from 5.6% a year earlier.

Model breakdown

Mustang Mach-E: 5,574 units, -72.4% from 20,177 in Q3 2025; -20.7% from 7,032 in Q2 2026.
F-150 Lightning: 289 units, -97.1% from 10,005 a year ago and -88% from 2,421 in Q2. Production of the battery-electric Lightning ended in late 2025.
E-Transit: 184 units, -57.2% from 430 in Q3 2025.

Through September, Ford has sold 22,653 EVs in the U.S., down 67.5% from 69,600 in the same period of 2025. Hybrids declined 19.7% to 44,308, helped by Maverick Hybrid record deliveries of 27,793 units.

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2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback Priced From $48,998 in Canada

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Mitsubishi has announced a starting price of $48,998 for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback electric crossover in Canada. The brand says the model will make its Canadian debut in November, marking its return to battery electric vehicles in the country.

Price and warranty

The base price puts the Eclipse Sportback under the $50,000 cap for the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, qualifying buyers for the full $5,000 rebate in 2026. Quebec shoppers can add a provincial rebate of up to $2,000.

Starting MSRP: $48,998 CAD
Five-year/100,000 km new vehicle warranty
10-year/160,000 km powertrain and battery warranty
Five years of unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance

Powertrain and charging

Mitsubishi says the Eclipse Sportback shares a 75 kWh battery with the redesigned Nissan LEAF, with a rated range up to 454 km. Home and Level 2 charging use a J1772 port, while fast charging uses a built-in NACS port with a CCS adapter offered by dealers.

Model positioning

The Eclipse Sportback is positioned as a Nissan LEAF alternative. The Nissan 75 kWh LEAF S+ is priced from $45,198 in Canada with an estimated range of 488 km, undercutting the Mitsubishi by $3,800 on paper.

Adding the Technology Package raises the price to $54,098, though Mitsubishi has not detailed its contents.

What’s next

The Eclipse Sportback kicks off Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan to roll out at least one all-new or heavily reworked model annually through 2030.

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Nearly Half of Canadians Lean Toward EVs, Price and Selection Still Hold Back Buyers

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Nearly half of Canadians are leaning toward an electric vehicle for their next purchase, according to Abacus Data’s latest survey for Clean Energy Canada. The poll puts EV interest at 48% in October 2026, up from 45% in April.

Key findings

48% of Canadians now lean toward an EV, up from 45% in April
Interest is highest among 18- to 29-year-olds at 67%
42% of EV-inclined buyers may wait for more Chinese models; 37% cite a lack of electric pickups
69% want public chargers to accept debit or credit without an app

Awareness gaps

Among those not certain between gas and electric, 60% were at least somewhat aware of new EVs priced $30,000 to $40,000, but only 20% were very aware. Awareness of used EVs priced $20,000 to $30,000 was 52% overall and 14% very aware.

Broader ownership cost knowledge was higher: 69% knew EVs are cheaper to own and drive, and 62% knew about the $5,000 federal rebate for eligible new vehicles.

Market preferences

When asked about market influence, 47% supported European influence versus 21% for U.S. influence after considering effects on brands, models, sizes and EV choices.

On public charging, 69% supported requiring chargers to accept debit or credit payments without an app, rising to 75% among EV-inclined Canadians.

Abacus surveyed 2,762 adults online from September 18 to 23 and weighted responses to reflect Canada’s population.

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Tesla Supercharger Under Construction in Deschambault, Quebec

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT

Tesla is adding another charging stop along Quebec’s Highway 40, with a new Supercharger now under construction at Restaurant Le Chavigny in Deschambault. The site sits between Trois-Rivières and Quebec City and would fill a gap on the Portneuf corridor.

Site details

The location appeared on Tesla’s Find Us map earlier this week. Le Chavigny announced the start of construction in a Facebook post, confirming it is working with Tesla to bring several fast-charging stalls to the property at 11 Rue des Pins, just off Exit 254.

Address: 11 Rue des Pins, Deschambault, QC
Expected activation: before end of 2026
Stalls: not officially confirmed; an image shared by the restaurant suggests up to 16 stalls

Route context

The restaurant offers highway access and on-site dining, making it a convenient stop for longer drives through the region. Deschambault joins other recent Quebec Supercharger projects, including Montcerf-Lytton, Montreal, and Brownsburg, which also began construction this week.

Tesla recently opened a 24-stall location in Mont-Tremblant on September 29 featuring the company’s 3,000th Canadian Supercharger.

What drivers should know

Construction is underway and timing remains tentative. As with recent sites, official stall count and power level will be confirmed when Tesla updates the location profile.

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Tesla Canada ordered to pay $161,700 after Model X fire in Montreal

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:10:00 GMT

Tesla Canada has been ordered to reimburse insurer Intact $161,700 over a 2020 Model X that caught fire in Montreal, according to the Quebec Superior Court decision released October 9, 2026.

Sacha De Santis was driving the Model X in Ahuntsic-Cartierville around 1 a.m. on March 5, 2023 when he noticed a smell of smoke from inside the vehicle shortly after switching on the heat. He stopped, left the car, and within about five minutes it was engulfed in flames and declared a total loss. A 2023 police investigation found no sign of a crime.

Court ruling

Intact paid $161,700 for the write-off and sued Tesla Canada, arguing the Model X was still covered by Tesla’s basic vehicle warranty, which provides coverage for four years or 80,000 kilometres. An expert report presented to Quebec Superior Court indicated the fire originated near the passenger-side dashboard, with a premature electrical failure considered the probable cause.

During proceedings, a Tesla employee suggested vehicle fires were generally associated with misuse or deliberate damage. Justice Ian Demers rejected Tesla’s application to overturn the default judgment Intact had secured in June, finding the company failed to provide supporting evidence or raise a sufficiently credible defence.

The ruling turned down Tesla’s bid to overturn a default judgment; it was not a full trial on the cause of the fire. Tesla Canada has not publicly commented on the ruling, and the period for filing an appeal had not expired at the time of publication.

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Geely confirms Canadian launch with first vehicles arriving in 2027

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Geely Auto Group has confirmed it will enter the Canadian market in 2027, with Managing Director Bryan Wu saying the company is already building local operations and partnerships across the country.

Just one week after launching its Canadian website geely.ca, the Chinese automaker announced the timeline on October 9, 2026. Geely has not yet named which models will come first, nor have pricing or dealership locations been released.

What Geely said

“Canada represents an important next step in Geely Auto’s international growth,” Wu said. “We are entering this market with a long-term commitment, bringing our global technology and engineering capabilities to Canadian drivers while building strong local partnerships and the support customers need to feel confident in choosing Geely.”

According to the company, work is underway on a retail and service network. Geely said it is working with experienced local partners to support customers before and after their purchases.

Preparing the launch

Geely has been laying groundwork for months. In April it began recruiting senior executives in Toronto, and in May EX5 and EX2 test vehicles were spotted arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport for evaluation.

The announcement follows Ottawa’s policy that allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs annually at a reduced 6.1% tariff. BYD and Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo brands have also launched Canadian websites, but no passenger vehicles have started selling under those names in Canada yet.

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Honda develops wireless EV charging road that can deliver up to 150 kW while driving

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:05:00 GMT

Honda has developed new wireless charging technology that could allow electric vehicles (EVs), including large commercial trucks, to add energy without ever leaving the road. The technology is being developed by Honda R&D alongside construction company Taisei Corporation and Taisei Rotec.

How the technology works

Unlike conventional wireless charging, where a vehicle remains parked over a charging pad, Honda’s system transfers electricity from equipment embedded in the pavement to a vehicle as it drives overhead.

According to Honda, its ground assembly (GA) units contain both an inverter and charging coil. Honda says this is the world’s first publicly disclosed dynamic wireless power transfer unit using this configuration.

The units are connected using DC distribution, which reduces the amount of wiring and number of components that need to be installed beneath the road. They have also been designed to fit into milled sections of existing pavement, potentially allowing the technology to be installed as part of regular road resurfacing work.

Targeting commercial transportation

Honda isn’t just targeting passenger vehicles either. The companies have designed the pavement and charging hardware to withstand commercial vehicles weighing around 20 tonnes.

A new test road will be built later this year where the system will undergo durability testing equivalent to one million wheel loads, but the bigger test comes next year when Honda and its partners will participate in the Tateyama Project on the Tateyama Expressway in Chiba. The companies plan to test power transfer at up to 150 kW for large commercial vehicles, including whether the system can reliably deliver electricity at highway speeds.

Honda sees commercial transportation and logistics as the most promising early use case. Charging trucks while they are already moving could reduce charging stops, although there is still a major question surrounding the economics of installing charging equipment beneath highways. Honda says the cost compared with conventional fast-charging infrastructure still needs to be evaluated.

Related wireless charging developments

Other companies are also exploring wireless charging solutions:

Tesla recently shared first details of its wireless charging system
China is setting the stage for a future with wireless EV charging standards
A Tesla patent reveals an air suspension system to boost wireless charging efficiency
Porsche plans to debut wireless charging with the Cayenne Electric in 2026

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Tesla Model Y Premium AWD gets Zen Grey interior and V2L in Canada

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tesla has rolled out another update to its Canadian vehicle lineup, this time bringing two new features to the Model Y Premium AWD variant. Buyers can now get the new Zen Grey interior, along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability that allows the electric SUV to power external devices.

Zen Grey interior replaces white option

The most noticeable change is the new Zen Grey interior, replacing the iconic white interior. The lighter grey finish offers a different look for the Model Y, particularly when paired with the black headliner that Tesla introduced as part of the refreshed interior earlier this year.

Zen Grey first appeared on Tesla vehicles in China before expanding to other markets. Tesla also made this change to the Model 3 in Canada recently, and it has now made its way to the Canadian Model Y Premium AWD.

Vehicle-to-Load capability details

The other addition is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), a feature that allows owners to use their vehicle's battery to power external electronics and appliances.

According to Tesla's Canadian specifications, the Model Y Premium AWD now supports Vehicle to Load (120V 20A AC) through the vehicle's charge port using the Outlet Adapter.

That works out to a maximum theoretical output of 2.4 kW, enough to power a variety of smaller devices, camping equipment or other electrical accessories, provided the total load stays within the system's limits.

Model Y Performance also gains V2L listing

Interestingly, both the Model Y Premium AWD and the Model Y Performance are now listed as having V2L capability on Tesla's Canadian website.

This comes after previous reports of misleading information where Tesla had listed the Model Y Performance as V2L-capable, but the Outlet Adapter was not actually compatible with those vehicles. Tesla subsequently removed Performance from the compatibility list.

Now it appears directly on Tesla's website as having V2L, although it's unclear if Model Y Performance vehicles already delivered will be able to receive the feature via an over-the-air (OTA) software update.

Limitations and availability

However, Tesla's Shop listing for the Outlet Adapter in Canada still lists only the Cybertruck as compatible. Additionally, the Outlet Adapter is not available directly on the Canadian configurator, like it is in the U.S.

Unlike the upgrades to the Model 3 that also happened recently, which introduced changes across the entire lineup, these latest Model Y additions are limited to the Premium AWD variant.

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Tesla Rolls Out Halloween Mode 2026.38.3 in Canada — Spooky Sounds, Lights, and Remote Voice

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:06:00 GMT

Tesla has started rolling out Halloween Mode in Canada with software version 2026.38.3, turning last week's spooky teaser into a software update that gives owners several ways to frighten visitors. The update goes beyond a touchscreen makeover, adding interactive lighting, sounds, and a remote voice feature.

What Halloween Mode includes

The ghost costume is now an option for the car's on-screen avatar. Owners can also enable Trick or Treat, which plays spooky sounds and flickers the vehicle's lights when visitors approach — a potential addition to driveway Halloween displays.

The animations have been updated to have the ghost costume move when you open the door in Halloween mode, with a skeleton walking by in the background. The Halloween additions go beyond just the vehicle avatar and animations. Tesla has also included:

A new Halloween light show
Themed vehicle wraps
A spooky lock sound
A Photobooth experience
Remote voice through the Tesla app — the car delivers your words in a creepy voice of its own

Which vehicles get Halloween Mode?

According to the release notes, Halloween Mode is available across Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and Cybertruck, with no hardware restriction noted for the core package. The major limitation appears to only be the enhanced 3D parked scene, which requires AMD Ryzen infotainment hardware.

For owners of Intel-based vehicles, you will still receive the core Halloween features — ghost costume, Trick or Treat sounds and lights, light show, wraps, Photobooth, and remote app voice.

Practical features also arrive in 2026.38.3

There are practical additions alongside the Halloween features. Version 2026.38.3 also includes Emergency Drive Away, allowing drivers to leave a Supercharger while still plugged in during an emergency. Earlier this week Tesla also announced Powershare is expanding to Model 3 and Model Y (and adding V2L), and this update enables that feature on newly built vehicles.

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Tesla Completes Construction on New Lethbridge Supercharger in Southern Alberta

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:06:00 GMT

Tesla owners in southern Alberta are one step closer to a long-awaited charging location. Construction on the new Lethbridge Supercharger at Park Place Mall has been completed, with the charging equipment installed, final site work finished, and the utility meter now in place. The station could be energized and opened to drivers in the very near future.

12 V4 stalls at Park Place Mall

The site, located near Dollarama at 501 1 Ave S #131, features 12 V4 Supercharger stalls. According to recent photos from the location shared on the Tesla Motors Club forum, the charging hardware has been installed and the utility meter is connected — the last major step before energization.

Once turned on, the Lethbridge Supercharger will improve charging coverage across southern Alberta and provide a convenient stop for local residents, visitors, and drivers travelling between Calgary, Medicine Hat, and destinations further south.

Alberta's Supercharger map filling in

Tesla's plans for a Lethbridge Supercharger first surfaced in late 2024, when the company outlined plans to add over 50 new Superchargers with more than 650 stalls across Canada in 2025. The site was officially added to Tesla's Supercharger map as "in development" in February 2025.

While the company didn't meet the 2025 goal, construction likely started a month or two ago and has now been completed. With construction finished and the utility meter installed, the only major step remaining is energization.

There is currently only one other Supercharger under construction in Alberta — work began in Wandering River last October, the crucial stop required on the route to Fort McMurray, where another Supercharger is planned.

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Tesla Brings Latest Model 3 Upgrades to Canada — 16-Inch Screen, Black Headliner, But No V2L

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:06:00 GMT

Tesla has finally brought its latest Model 3 upgrades to Canada, just one week after introducing the changes in the United States. The updates include a larger 16-inch center touchscreen, a black headliner, updated wheels, and a new interior option. However, not all trims received all the upgrades, and one of the most anticipated features is still missing.

Interior changes across all trims

The biggest noticeable change is the addition of a black headliner, replacing the lighter material previously used in the cabin. The darker finish gives the Model 3 a more uniform interior appearance. Another change is the new 16-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 15.4-inch display. Both the black headliner and larger 16-inch touchscreen are now standard across all Model 3 trims in Canada.

Trim-specific upgrades

Canadian buyers of the Model 3 Premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) can no longer select the white interior, which has been replaced with the new Zen Grey interior. Buyers of the Model 3 Performance don't get that option, and are still able to select from the standard black interior or the white interior. This is likely due to the fact the Performance variant is sourced from Fremont, and not Giga Shanghai, like the two other Premium variants.

Another change only available on the Premium variants is an updated 19″ Dark Nova wheel, replacing the lighter silver finish. This is still a $2,000 option over the standard 18″ Photon wheels.

Additionally, the Model 3 Premium AWD received an acceleration boost, with the 0-100 km/h time dropping from 4.4 seconds to 4.0 seconds.

No V2L for Canada — yet

Earlier this week Tesla announced Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Powershare Home Backup for all Model 3 variants in the U.S. Sadly, these features are not yet available to Canadian buyers on any Model 3 trim. There have been no changes to Model 3 pricing with these upgrades.

What if you already have an order?

If you already have an order for a Model 3 and have not yet received your vehicle, Tesla has already started sending out emails to customers notifying them of the changes — you will be getting all of these upgrades.

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Tesla Opens Second Supercharger in Penticton, BC

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Tesla has opened its second Supercharger station in Penticton, British Columbia, with eight V4 posts now live at Skaha Lake Road. The site adds 325 kW-capable stalls to a city that already hosts a Supercharger on Main Street, giving drivers two separate high-speed options on opposite sides of town.

What’s at the new site

The station sits at the commercial strip on Skaha Lake Road, near the Penticton airport and the south end of Skaha Lake. Drive Tesla Canada reports eight V4 posts are online, each supporting up to 250 kW for non-Tesla vehicles with a NACS adapter and up to 325 kW for Tesla vehicles under ideal conditions.

Like most recent Canadian Superchargers, the new Penticton location uses Tesla’s standardized placement, signage and software controls. Tesla owners see variable pricing throughout the day and non-Tesla drivers access the stalls via the Tesla app after the NACS adapter rollout.

Why it matters for the Okanagan

Penticton is a key hub on the Highway 97 corridor between Kelowna and Oliver, and a gateway to the south Okanagan wine country and the Kootenays. The city also serves as a stopover for trips to the US border crossing at Osoyoos.

With Sicamous energized in August and Keremeos reportedly close to opening, Tesla is filling the northern Okanagan-Similkameen gap that previously forced drivers to route through Vernon or Kelowna for reliable fast charging. The second Penticton site reduces queuing risk on summer weekends when tourism traffic spikes.

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Tesla challenges Manitoba EV rebate ban in court over ‘political’ exclusion

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tesla Canada is asking the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench to overturn the province’s decision to exclude its vehicles from the Manitoba EV rebate program, calling the move “incredibly unfair” and seemingly political.

Hearing details

According to CBC News, Tesla lawyers appeared before the court on Monday, Oct. 6, challenging the company’s exclusion from rebates in 2025 and 2026. Justice Elissa Neville reserved her decision after the hearing. Manitoba argues the exclusion is a budgetary policy decision that cannot be reviewed by the court.

Program and timeline

Manitoba launched its EV rebate program in 2024, offering up to $4,000 toward eligible new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles and $2,500 for used models.
Tesla and Chinese EVs were removed from the program in the province’s spring 2025 budget, shortly after the Canada–U.S. trade dispute began.
Tesla lawyer Michael Parrish said the province has not clearly identified who made the decision or what information was considered.

Political comments cited

Tesla pointed to comments from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who previously said Tesla CEO Elon Musk should “get Donald Trump to stop the tariffs, and then we can talk about the EV rebate.” Parrish argued those comments suggest Tesla was excluded for “seemingly political reasons.”

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Fire Prevention Week 2026: What Firefighters Want Canadians to Know About Lithium Battery Fires

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:45:00 GMT

This week is Fire Prevention Week across North America, and the 2026 theme is lithium-ion battery safety. With Toronto reporting more than 200% growth in lithium-ion battery fires since 2022, and a two-week blaze at a Prince Edward Island solar farm still fresh, firefighters are sounding the alarm on risks that span from e-bikes in bedrooms to grid-scale energy storage.

How common are these fires?

Canadian fire departments don't track lithium battery incidents in a consistent national database, but a survey from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs estimates 1,500 fires started by lithium batteries in 600 communities across the country last year. The numbers are growing exponentially alongside the proliferation of battery-powered devices, says Paul Boissoneault, president of the association and chief of the Oakville Fire Department.

The breakdown by device type is telling:

Most common: E-bikes and e-scooters in homes — denser energy in smaller packs, often charged overnight near bedrooms
Rare: EV battery fires — rigorously tested, with built-in thermal management, temperature sensors, and cell-level cooling. U.S. data suggests they're extremely uncommon compared to gas-vehicle fires
Very rare: Grid storage fires — a global database from the Electric Power Research Institute shows the Summerside, P.E.I. solar farm fire was one of only six worldwide in 2026

What makes lithium battery fires different

Firefighters emphasize three characteristics that break conventional firefighting playbooks:

They burn hotter and faster. At a certain temperature, lithium batteries enter "thermal runaway" — heat accelerates chemical reactions that generate more heat, a chain reaction that can become explosive.
They make their own oxygen. One terminal is a metal oxide that breaks down into metal and oxygen gas during a fire, sustaining combustion even when smothered. Normal fire-suppression tactics (foam, blankets, CO₂) don't work.
They generate toxic substances — hydrogen fluoride, formaldehyde, and heavy metals — that contaminate turnout gear and require specialized decontamination.
They can reignite hours, days, or weeks later. Thermal runaway and self-generated oxygen mean a "dead" battery can flare up during transport or storage after the initial fire.

Water isn't a simple solution

Randy Narine, a Brampton firefighter who studies lithium battery safety through Clean Core Research, estimates a gas-car fire can be extinguished with under 2,000 litres of water, whereas a lithium battery fire can take tens of thousands of litres. Water provides cooling and protects adjacent materials, but it cannot smother the fire — the battery generates its own oxygen.

For large energy storage systems, experts at the Energy Storage Canada conference in Toronto said the fire often just needs to burn out. Adam Jakubowski, a firefighter and senior consultant with Energy Safety Response Group, noted that applying water can prolong a fire that may reignite weeks later, and creates contaminated runoff.

Training and equipment gaps

Boissoneault said just 40% of departments surveyed had formal training on lithium battery incidents, and even fewer had standard operating policies and the correct equipment. Many also lack a way to decontaminate gear after a lithium fire.

What you can do to reduce risk at home

Buy certified. Look for CSA, cUL, or CETL labels — not cheaper uncertified packs that may lack basic safety circuitry. Don't modify batteries to charge faster or hold more energy.

Charge properly. On hard, non-combustible surfaces. Away from anything flammable. Unplug as soon as fully charged. Use the charger that came with the device — don't mix and match, says Jon McQuaid of Call2Recycle Canada.

Recycle at battery drop-off sites only. Not trash, not blue bins. Call2Recycle locations accept consumer batteries; tape the terminals first (even on button cells) to prevent short circuits from contact with other batteries or debris. Damaged, defective, or recalled batteries need special "DDR" containers at select drop-off sites.

The EV context

Fire chiefs are careful to separate the e-bike problem from the EV question. U.S. data shows EV fires are far less frequent per vehicle-mile than gasoline fires. But as Canada's EV fleet grows — J.D. Power reports 34% of Canadians would consider an EV for their next purchase, up from 28% in 2025 — fire departments are pushing for more training, better decontamination protocols, and national data standards so the next Fire Prevention Week has clearer numbers.

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Trump's Envoy: Chinese EVs Legally Imported to Canada Won't Cross Into U.S.

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has drawn a hard line on Chinese electric vehicles entering the United States from Canada, telling Rebel News that "those cars can come in from China, come into Canada, but they're not going to cross the border into the U.S. That ain't gonna happen."

The statement, made this week, directly challenges the premise of the Canada-China EV quota agreement Prime Minister Mark Carney struck with Beijing in January. Under that deal, Canada lowered its tariff on Chinese-made EVs from 100% to 6.1%, with an initial annual quota of 49,000 vehicles — rising to 67,000 by 2031. As of mid-September, importers had used roughly 15,600 of the year's allocation, less than a third.

Security, not trade, is the stated rationale

Hoekstra cited "security concerns related to data collected and transmitted by modern vehicles." The Biden administration's 2024 connected-vehicle rule bars Chinese- and Russian-linked automakers from the U.S. market starting with the 2027 model year, even for cars assembled on American soil. Hoekstra did not specify whether the barrier would be denial of U.S. resale paperwork, an outright border block, or other administrative hurdles — only that the result is the same.

"We don't want the data that's being collected by these vehicles to be available to the Chinese Communist Party," Hoekstra said in the interview.

Canada "not the problem" on autos

Despite former President Trump's repeated calls to repatriate auto manufacturing, Hoekstra — a former Michigan congressman — said Canada is "not our problem with autos." Most Canadian-assembled vehicles contain 50–75% U.S.-made content. "Cars going across the border are 50 per cent, 75 per cent U.S. content. Those are the kind of cars we like coming in," he said. The real competitive threats, in his view, come from Korea, Japan, and Mexico.

What this means for the Canada-China quota

The Canada-China deal was structured to evolve: starting in 2027, a growing share of the 49,000-vehicle quota will be reserved for vehicles costing $35,000 or less, reaching 50% of the allowance by 2030 — a deliberate mechanism to push the quota from luxury stopgap toward affordable supply. But if those affordable Chinese EVs can never legally enter the U.S., their resale value and long-term viability in a North American market where cross-border movement is expected could be undermined.

Canadian officials are still debating how to divide the quota among manufacturers, including whether to cap any single company's share. BYD is planning roughly 20 Canadian sales locations and has posted management roles in Toronto; Zeekr (Geely's premium brand) has posted six senior leadership roles. Industry reporting suggests both companies' consumer launches may slip to 2027 as quota-per-manufacturer uncertainty complicates planning.

Arctic security friction

Hoekstra also criticized Carney's $32-billion Arctic security announcement and trip to Norway, saying the U.S. was sidelined. "We think the most effective place to defend Canada and the U.S. is to do it together — but if Canada wants to go another direction, they're free to do that." He warned that mixing F-35s with Swedish Gripens would complicate NORAD integration.

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LG Energy Solution Secures Quebec Lithium Supply for North American Battery Plants

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:15:00 GMT

LG Energy Solution has locked in a Canadian lithium supply line, signing a four-year agreement with Elevra Lithium to source 240,000 tons of spodumene concentrate from a Quebec mine starting late 2026. The material will feed the Korean battery maker's expanding North American production network, which spans plants in Michigan, Ontario, and joint-venture sites with Honda in Ohio and GM in Tennessee.

Why the upstream move matters

The 240,000-ton spodumene commitment translates to roughly 30,000 tons of lithium hydroxide — enough for high-performance batteries in approximately 700,000 electric vehicles per year, according to LG Energy Solution. By securing raw lithium at the mine level rather than buying processed chemicals on the spot market, the company gains flexibility to shift allocation between its EV and energy storage (ESS) product lines as demand fluctuates.

"Securing lithium at the upstream stage gives it greater flexibility to respond to shifting demand between EV and ESS applications," the company said in its earnings release Thursday, where it also reported record quarterly revenue of 9.64 trillion won ($7.21 billion), up 59 percent year over year.

North American manufacturing footprint

LG Energy Solution operates or is developing five key manufacturing hubs in the region:

Two plants in Michigan (including the Holland facility)
One plant in Ontario
Ultium Cells joint venture with GM in Tennessee
L-H Battery joint venture with Honda in Ohio

The company plans to expand its North American lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell capacity for ESS applications to more than 50 GWh by year-end. LFP chemistry is preferred for grid-scale storage because of its longer cycle life and lower cost, even though it offers less energy density than the nickel-rich cells used in long-range EVs.

ESS growth outpacing EV batteries

Analysts flag energy storage as the faster-growing segment. DB Financial Investment notes LG Energy Solution's expanding U.S. ESS footprint aligns with Washington's push to harden grid security, putting the Korean maker in more direct competition with Tesla Megapack and Fluence Energy. Shinyoung Securities adds that rapid North American expansion and U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (AMPC) tax benefits should continue to support earnings.

In Q3, LG Energy Solution's North American ESS shipments surged, lowering fixed-cost burdens and improving utilization at its European pouch-cell plants — which supply mid-nickel batteries to Volkswagen and Renault.

What this means for Canada

The Elevra deal marks a tangible step in Canada's critical-minerals strategy: move raw ore from Quebec mines into domestic and allied processing, then into battery cells assembled on North American soil. Quebec's lithium deposits, combined with Ontario's automotive assembly base and federal incentives like the Clean Technology Manufacturing investment tax credit, are starting to form a recognizable supply chain.

For Canadian buyers, the downstream effect is indirect but real: a more resilient North American battery supply chain reduces the risk of the kind of cell shortages that delayed EV launches in 2022–23, and supports the volume needed to keep prices on a downward trajectory.

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PQ Wins Quebec Election With Plans to Keep EV Rebates Alive

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Quebec's $2,000 electric vehicle rebate could remain available beyond the end of 2026 following the Parti Québécois' victory in Monday's provincial election. Final results give the Parti Québécois 59 of the National Assembly's 127 seats, leaving it five seats short of a majority government.

Minority government and EV policy shift

Quebec Liberals finished second with 40 seats, while the Conservative Party of Quebec won 19 and Québec solidaire secured nine. The outgoing Coalition Avenir Québec failed to win a single seat.

The result means the PQ will form a minority government, limiting how easily it can implement its campaign platform. However, its EV policies point toward a notable change from the direction taken by the outgoing CAQ government.

Roulez vert extension and pricing thresholds

Most immediately, the PQ has promised to keep Quebec's Roulez vert EV incentive alive rather than allowing it to disappear at the end of 2026. Under current rules, buyers of qualifying new battery electric vehicles can receive $2,000, with the program scheduled to end December 31.

The PQ instead proposed maintaining the current $2,000 incentive for EVs with a transaction price below $50,000, followed by a gradual phase-out over four years. It has also floated a larger incentive for EVs priced below $35,000.

That could be particularly important for Tesla. The Model 3 Premium RWD, priced at $39,490, currently qualifies for the $2,000 provincial rebate, bringing its effective price before taxes and fees to $37,490. Unlike the Model Y RWD, however, the China-built Model 3 does not qualify for the federal EVAP incentive.

ZEV targets and charging expansion

The PQ also campaigned on strengthening Quebec's electrification push. Its environmental plan calls for zero-emission vehicles to account for 85% of new vehicle sales by 2034, compared with the outgoing government's revised target of 80% by 2035.

Charging is another major part of the plan. The party has promised to accelerate fast charger deployment along major highways, expand charging in rural and remote communities and make installations easier in multi-unit residential buildings. It also wants to encourage vehicle-to-grid technology.

For now, none of those promises have become government policy, and the PQ's minority status means compromises may be required. But after years of shrinking incentives, Quebec EV buyers could now see Roulez vert survive beyond its planned December 31 expiry.

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Best EV Deals in Canada (October 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

October brings a wave of affordability to the Canadian EV market, with manufacturer discounts stacking on top of the federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) to bring ten models under the $40,000 mark before tax. From city cars to compact SUVs, buyers have more choices than ever to go electric without breaking the bank.

Top 10 Affordable EVs for October 2026

The 2026 Fiat 500e Pop leads the pack after an $8,000 discount from Stellantis, reducing its $42,290 MSRP to $34,290. Factoring in the $5,000 federal EVAP rebate (applied after tax), the effective pre-tax price in Ontario comes to $29,826.

The incoming 2027 Nissan LEAF S follows at $33,541 after EVAP, benefiting from its $34,998 MSRP as Canada’s lowest-priced EV before incentives—no discount needed.

Kia’s 2027 EV3 Light FWD sits at approximately $35,319 after EVAP, while the larger EV4 variant is around $37,022.

Chevrolet offers two entries: the 2027 Bolt LT at roughly $39,045 after EVAP, and the 2027 Equinox EV LT FWD at $39,723 in Ontario when combining a $5,000 manufacturer discount with a $1,000 cash-only incentive and the EVAP rebate.

Completing the list are Toyota’s C-HR and bZ models, the Kia Niro EV, and the Hyundai Kona Electric Preferred, each available near $40,000 with manufacturer discounts between $2,000 and $5,000.

Bigger EV Discounts for October

For those willing to spend more, substantial incentives are available this month. Honda provides $12,000 in Customer Incentive Dollars on the 2026 Prologue EX, EX-L, and Touring trims (valid through November 2) after taxes. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 Preferred Long Range receives $5,000 off before tax through the same date.

Kia offers a $6,000 Fall Bonus after tax on the 2026 Niro EV Wave, with the Niro EV Wind getting $4,000. Toyota provides $10,000 after tax on the 2026 bZ Limited and bZ Woodland trims through November 2.

Nissan is offering a $10,000 cash purchase discount before tax on the Rogue PHEV. Ford’s 2026 Mustang Mach-E Select AWD includes a $1,500 delivery allowance, which—combined with EVAP—lowers the effective Ontario price from a $48,090 MSRP to $42,126.

Where Does Tesla Fit?

Tesla’s absence from the EVAP-supported list stands out: the Shanghai-built Model 3 Premium RWD starts at $39,490 but is ineligible for the federal rebate due to EVAP’s country-of-origin rules. Conversely, the Germany-built Model Y RWD qualifies for the full $5,000 EVAP incentive.

Note that EVAP’s maximum rebate decreases to $4,000 on January 1, 2027, making October an advantageous time to secure the current $5,000 level for eligible vehicles.

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Canadian EV Sales Climb in Q3 2026 — GM Up 118%, Hyundai 15%, Toyota 30%, Nissan Leaf Surges

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Canada's latest EV sales numbers are starting to come in, and several automakers posted significant year-over-year gains during the third quarter of 2026. The results paint a picture of a Canadian EV market that continues to expand even as U.S. sales for some of the same brands have stalled or declined.

GM Canada leads with 118% ZEV growth

General Motors recorded the largest increase among major automakers, with Canadian zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales up 118% compared with Q3 2025. The growth was led by GM's expanding Cadillac EV portfolio, along with the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Bolt EV and Silverado EV.

This contrasts sharply with GM's U.S. performance, where EV deliveries fell 61.7% year-over-year in the same quarter. GM Canada has not released model-level Canadian figures, but the company said Cadillac's growing EV lineup — including the Optiq, Lyriq, and Celestiq — was a primary driver of the surge.

Hyundai: Kona Electric and IONIQ 5 up 15%

Hyundai Canada also finished the quarter ahead of last year, with combined sales of the Kona Electric and IONIQ 5 increasing 15%. The IONIQ 5 remains Hyundai's volume leader in the BEV segment, while the Kona Electric continues to attract buyers in the compact crossover category.

Hyundai's Canadian EV momentum has been consistent through 2026, with the company frequently citing strong order books and limited inventory as constraints rather than demand.

Toyota: bZ and bZ Woodland hit record quarters

Toyota and Lexus combined to sell 10,114 ZEVs during Q3, a Toyota Canada record — up more than 30% year-over-year. Both the bZ and bZ Woodland battery-electric models recorded their best quarters yet, although Toyota did not provide individual Canadian sales figures for either model.

It's important to note that Toyota's 10,114 ZEV figure includes both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), rather than BEVs alone. Including conventional hybrids, Toyota Canada sold 40,019 electrified vehicles during the quarter, accounting for 65.7% of its 70,008 total sales. Overall Toyota Canada sales increased 8.3% year-over-year.

Nissan Leaf surges nearly 5,000%

Nissan reported a massive increase for the Leaf, selling 1,987 units during the quarter compared with just 39 a year earlier — a nearly 5,000% increase, though the comparison comes from an unusually small base when the new Leaf was only just being introduced.

Leaf sales have been strong across 2026, reaching 4,712 units through September. The Ariya posted a smaller quarterly gain, with sales rising 12.5% from 337 to 379 units. However, year-to-date Ariya sales are down about 48% from the same period last year (1,039 vs 2,017).

Nissan Group's total Canadian sales declined 17% to 22,496 vehicles during Q3.

Stellantis mixed: Fiat 500e up 44%, Wagoneer S down 87%

Fiat 500e sales climbed 44%, from 399 units in Q3 2025 to 574 this year. Through September, Fiat 500e sales reached 2,333 units, up 26%.

The Jeep Wagoneer S went the other way, falling from 207 sales a year ago to just 27 during Q3 2026 — an 87% decline.

What this means for Canadian buyers

The Q3 results show the Canadian EV market continuing to diversify beyond Tesla. GM's Cadillac brand, Hyundai's Kona/IONIQ lineup, Toyota's bZ twins, and even the aging Nissan Leaf are finding buyers. For consumers, this means more choice, more inventory at dealers, and increasing competitive pressure on pricing — especially as the federal EV Affordability Program (up to $5,000 for BEVs) remains in place.

GM's dramatic Canada-U.S. divergence also highlights how different incentive structures, dealer engagement, and model mixes can produce completely different outcomes in the two markets. Canadian buyers benefiting from stable federal incentives and a crossover-heavy market that favors vehicles like the Equinox EV.

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Tesla Adds Emergency Drive-Away to Superchargers — Free U.S. Update Lets Drivers Escape While Plugged In

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Tesla has begun rolling out a free over-the-air software update that adds an Emergency Drive Away feature to its Supercharger network in the United States. The feature allows drivers to shift into gear and drive off while still plugged in — the vehicle automatically releases the charge port latch and cuts power, letting the cable fall away so the driver can leave immediately.

How it works

When a driver encounters a safety threat at a Supercharger — such as an approaching vehicle, aggressive individual, or other emergency — they can now press the brake pedal, shift into Drive or Reverse, and accelerate. The vehicle detects the intent to leave, immediately terminates the charging session, releases the electronic charge port latch, and allows the car to move. The charging connector and cable are designed to detach and fall to the ground.

Tesla emphasizes this is strictly for emergencies. The company warns that using the feature will damage the Supercharger cable and connector, and the stall will be taken offline for repair. Drivers are instructed to leave the damaged equipment on site and not attempt to retrieve it.

U.S. only for now

The feature is currently limited to the United States. Tesla has not announced a timeline for Canada or other markets. Canadian Superchargers do not yet have Emergency Drive Away enabled.

The update was released on October 1, 2026, following a fatal shooting at a Supercharger station in California in late September that highlighted the vulnerability of drivers who are physically tethered to their vehicles while charging.

What Canadian drivers should know

For Canadian Tesla owners, the feature is not yet available. However, all Teslas sold in Canada receive the same over-the-air update infrastructure, so the capability can be enabled remotely once Tesla decides to expand it. Canadian Supercharger hardware is identical to U.S. units, meaning no physical changes would be required.

In the meantime, standard safety practices apply: stay aware of your surroundings, lock your doors while charging, and use the Tesla app to monitor your vehicle remotely. The charge port can still be manually released from inside the vehicle via the touchscreen or the mechanical release cable in the trunk (Model 3/Y) or frunk (Model S/X) if you need to leave quickly.

Context: charging safety gaining attention

Emergency Drive Away is part of a broader industry focus on charging safety. Other automakers and charging networks are evaluating similar features, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened discussions about safety standards for public charging infrastructure. Tesla's implementation is the first widely deployed system of its kind.

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Nova Scotia EV Levy Reaction: Dealerships and Owners Weigh In as $500 Fee Takes Effect

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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

Dealerships report hesitation

Dealers across the province say the levy is already affecting conversations on the showroom floor. Several Nova Scotia dealerships report that prospective EV buyers are asking more pointed questions about total cost of ownership, with some deciding to delay purchases or opt for conventional hybrids instead.

"We've had customers who were ready to sign on an EV walk away once they factor in the $500 every two years," said a sales manager at a Halifax-area dealership. "It changes the math, especially when you compare it to a gas vehicle that doesn't carry that fee."

The levy applies to passenger vehicles, light trucks, and vans, but exempts municipal, fire, and police vehicles. At $250 per year equivalent, Nova Scotia's fee sits between Saskatchewan ($300/year) and Alberta ($200/year).

Owners call it a penalty for going electric

Current EV owners have criticized the levy as punitive, arguing it discourages adoption at a time when the federal government is pushing for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. A February 2026 CBC report quoted Nova Scotia EV drivers who said the fee feels like a penalty for choosing cleaner transportation.

"I bought an EV to save on fuel and maintenance, and now I'm being charged extra for it," said one Halifax EV owner. "It doesn't make sense when the whole country is supposed to be moving toward electric."

The financial impact

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

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

How Nova Scotia compares

Nova Scotia: $500 per two-year renewal ($250/year equivalent)
Saskatchewan: $300 per year
Alberta: $200 per year

The province says the levy replaces lost gas tax revenue as more drivers switch to electric. Critics argue it's a short-sighted approach that undermines federal and provincial climate targets. J.D. Power Canada reports 34% of Canadians would consider an EV for their next purchase, up from 28% in 2025, but analysts worry levies like Nova Scotia's could slow that momentum.

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Rivian Recalls 14 Model Year 2027 R2 SUVs Over Improperly Torqued High-Voltage Battery Fastener

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Rivian Automotive has filed a voluntary safety recall with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) affecting 14 Model Year 2027 R2 SUVs. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall No. 26V625 (Manufacturer Recall No. FSAM-1888), addresses an improperly torqued fastener on the high-voltage battery that could cause a loss of motive power without prior warning.

What the recall covers

The recall population includes Model Year 2027 R2 vehicles produced between May 18, 2026 and August 27, 2026. The specific component is an M6×1.0×24.5 bolt (Part Number SC00036202-D) connecting the high-voltage battery. Rivian estimates 100% of the 14 potentially affected vehicles have the defect.

If the fastener is improperly torqued, the vehicle may experience a sudden loss of motive power without any warning to the driver. NHTSA notes this "may increase the risk of a crash." As of the September 29, 2026 filing date, Rivian was not aware of any customer reports, accidents, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue in any market.

How the issue was discovered

On September 17, 2026, a Rivian manufacturing operator identified an under-torqued high-voltage fastener after it had been torqued at an automated station. The station has since been reprogrammed to reject improperly torqued fasteners. Rivian conducted an investigation from September 17–24 to determine the root cause and identify the affected vehicle population, then decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall of all 14 potentially affected vehicles on September 24.

Remedy and timeline

The remedy involves inspecting and repairing the connection on potentially affected vehicles, or replacing damaged components with properly torqued fasteners. Rivian will mail owner notifications on or before November 29, 2026, with VINs becoming searchable on November 28, 2026. The consumer advisory includes "Do Not Drive" and "Park Outside" instructions for affected vehicles.

Context for Canadian buyers

While this recall was filed with U.S. regulators, it is relevant for Canadian reservation holders as Rivian has confirmed Canadian R2 deliveries starting in 2027. The R2 is positioned as Rivian's more affordable, mainstream electric SUV, with strong range, a practical cabin, and genuine off-road capability.

This marks the second recall-related action for the R2 platform. Earlier in 2026, Rivian asked some early R2 owners to pause DC fast charging until inspections were completed. For Canadians planning around the R2's arrival, the recall affects a very small initial production batch (14 units) and the manufacturing process has been corrected — the automated torquing station now rejects improperly torqued fasteners.

Rivian delivered 19,248 vehicles in Q3 2026, a 58% quarter-over-quarter increase driven by the R2's first full quarter of deliveries in the U.S. Canadian pricing, trim availability, and exact delivery timing for 2027 have not yet been announced.

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

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:10:00 GMT

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

Third timeline in a year

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

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

Key fob problems since December 2024

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

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

Workaround: Remote Start in the app

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

Apple Wallet key still undated

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

What this means for Canadian Gravity buyers

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

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

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

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:05:00 GMT

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

From 150,000 to 35,000

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

Why the cut?

Industry analysts point to two likely drivers:

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

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

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

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

What about Canada?

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

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

Bottom line for buyers

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

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

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

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

Service hours have been a moving target

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

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

Cameras vs. lidar: Musk still says no to lidar

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

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

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

What this means for Canada

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

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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

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

What the Starlink Mini is

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

Starlink Mini 2 on the horizon?

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

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

Recent Canadian Starlink Mini pricing history

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

Bottom line for Canadian buyers

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

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

The scorecard of setbacks

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

Scale and location questions

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

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

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

The counter-argument: these are 50-year bets

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

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

The demand reality check

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

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

China's dominance remains the strategic driver

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

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

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

Network growth trajectory

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

Usage growing faster than stall count

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

New deployment formats speeding construction

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

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

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

What this means for Canadian drivers

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

Track live Canadian site openings on the Canadian Supercharger Map.

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

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

The U.S. bloodbath: model by model

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why the divergence?

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

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

What Canadian buyers should watch

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

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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

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

How the programs work

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

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

Critical rule: one program per charger per year

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

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

What to compare beyond the headline rate

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

Visit the comparison page

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

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Tesla Brings Back Daniel Valadares to Lead Semi Program in Canada

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

From Supercharger builder to Semi lead

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

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

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

Megacharger construction begins in B.C.

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

Why the Semi matters for Canadian fleets

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

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

Canadian certification and timeline

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:20:00 GMT

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

The quota mechanism

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

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

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

Why Tesla benefits most right now

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

What this means for Canadian buyers

The quota advantage translates to tangible savings:

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

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

Competitors are coming — but slower

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

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

Political context

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

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:08:00 GMT

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

How Nova Scotia compares

The province joins three others with EV-specific fees:

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

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

Why the province did it

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

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

Drivers say the math doesn't work

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

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

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

Impact on ownership economics

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

National context: gas tax drying up

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

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:07:00 GMT

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

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

ZEV mandates: three tiers of ambition

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

Rebates: keep, phase out, or cancel

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

Home charging and MURB access

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

Commercial vehicles: the heavy-duty divide

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

What this means for Quebec EV buyers

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

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

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

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:06:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

A pattern of setbacks across three provinces

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

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

Scale and location questions

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

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

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

The subsidy upside

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

Long-term bet or misplaced wager?

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

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

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

Skeptics see forced demand

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

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

China's dominance remains the strategic driver

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

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

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

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

Electrified share reaches 58% in September

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

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

Models driving the surge

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

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

Total sales up 3.4% for the quarter

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

Why it matters for Canadian buyers

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

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

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

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

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

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

ZEV mandates: three flavours, one repeal

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

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

Rebates: from phase-out to expansion

Purchase incentives are a major fault line:

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

Home charging and MURB access

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

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

Commercial vehicles

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

Why it matters for Canada

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

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

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:30:00 GMT

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

R2's first full quarter drives the beat

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

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

Year-over-year growth remains strong

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

R2 ramp still evolving

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

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

What this means for Canadian buyers

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

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

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:13:00 GMT

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

High utilization keeps costs down

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

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

28.9 TWh delivered lifetime

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

Robotaxis now a meaningful load

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

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

Canada milestone: 3,000th Supercharger

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:32:00 GMT

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

Canadian rollout via Kaizen Automotive Group

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

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

Expanding an existing relationship

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

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

Cost savings and design advantages

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

Part of a growing Canadian fleet electrification trend

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

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:44:00 GMT

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

Range and efficiency gains

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

Front motor upgraded to TL2 unit

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

Still not coming to Canada

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

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

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

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

Energy consumption and efficiency

Measured consumption on the route varied widely by model:

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

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

Fast-charging performance

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

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

What it means for Canadian drivers

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

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:10:00 GMT

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:05:00 GMT

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

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

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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

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

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

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

Why Germany matters for the EU vote

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

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

Speed offset: the technical sticking point

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

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

Croatia follows the Dutch path

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

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

Canadian context: no timeline, but watching closely

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

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

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

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

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

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

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

How the program works

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

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

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

Why this matters for Canadian Tesla shareholders

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

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

Governance implications

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

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

Next steps

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

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