Canada to invest $644 million in Ford battery materials plant in Quebec
Canada plans to invest $644 million in a battery materials plant with Ford Motor Co. and South Korean firms in Quebec. The plant, valued at $1.2 billion, will produce materials for EV batteries, aiming to bolster Quebec’s EV supply chain and create 345 jobs. This move aligns with Canada’s push for a robust EV battery industry and supply chain diversification away from China.
Canada needs a new labour force to become a global EV superpower. Here’s how to do it.
Canada’s goal of becoming an EV superpower faces a shortage of skilled workers. To address this, the country needs to introduce EV-related content in schools, offer specialized training programs, and provide subsidies to attract EV companies. Upskilling the existing workforce is also crucial. These efforts are essential for Canada to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Zero-emission vehicles hit 10.5 per cent market share in Canada in Q2, an all-time high
In Q2 2023, Canada’s ZEV market share reached a record 10.5%, up from 9.1% in Q1. Both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) contributed to this growth. BEVs accounted for 7.8% of new registrations, and PHEVs accounted for 2.7%. BEV registrations surged by 46.3%, with nearly 35,000 vehicles registered. Quebec’s ZEV market share rose significantly to 18.4% in Q2, indicating a potential overtake of British Columbia soon.
Canada among new countries to pass crucial tipping point that triggers mass EV adoption
Canada, Australia, Spain, Thailand, and Hungary have passed the critical 5% threshold for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, joining a group of 23 countries that have reached this milestone. This signals a shift toward mass EV adoption, with these countries showing that EVs can surge from 5% to 25% of new car sales in just four years. The trend indicates that once a few challenges are overcome, such as car costs and charging infrastructure, widespread adoption follows rapidly.
Will electrifying cars and home heating break Canada's grid?
Canada’s move to electric vehicles and electric heating raises concerns about strain on the power grid. Upgrading the grid for this shift could cost over $400 billion, but experts believe gradual electrification and consistent growth make it achievable. Electric vehicles offer flexibility for the grid due to bidirectional charging capabilities. While prices might rise, savings from reduced fossil fuel use could balance it.
