Honda to set up $11 bln electric vehicle, battery plants in Canada
Honda is investing $11 billion in Ontario, Canada, to build electric vehicle and battery plants, its largest investment in the country. This move aims to meet growing North American demand for EVs. Honda plans to start operations by 2028 with an annual production capacity of 240,000 EVs and 36 gigawatt-hours for batteries. The project receives significant financial support from the Canadian government and Ontario. This investment underscores Honda’s commitment to Canada and its transition to electric mobility.
EV sales in Canada rose in recent years despite higher interest rates. Why?
Despite rising interest rates, Canadians have been buying more electric vehicles (EVs), with registrations increasing more than threefold since 2019. This trend suggests a growing demand for EVs, even though they are typically more expensive than gas-powered cars. However, challenges remain for the federal government’s goal of transitioning to zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, including fluctuations in EV market stability and infrastructure development.
Tesla is already pulling back Supercharger plans after firing team
Tesla has reportedly scaled back plans for Supercharger stations following Elon Musk’s decision to fire the entire charging team. This move comes despite the previous success of Tesla’s Supercharger network and the growing demand for electric vehicles. The reduction in planned Supercharger locations, including in New York, raises concerns about the impact on Tesla’s charging infrastructure and its ability to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Do Canadians have an appetite for electric vehicles? Experts are divided
A recent announcement about an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Ontario has raised questions about Canadian consumers’ interest in electric cars. While the country aims for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, surveys show declining interest in EVs due to concerns about range, charging station availability, and cost. Despite this, EV purchases have been increasing, with nearly 11% of new vehicle registrations being zero-emission cars last year. Infrastructure improvements and government incentives may play a role in encouraging more Canadians to adopt EVs in the future.
