EVcharts

Author: theo

  • IVY – Canada’s Worst Charging Network

    IVY – Canada’s Worst Charging Network

    British Columbia has BC Hydro EV, Quebec has Electric Circuit, and unfortunately, Ontario has IVY. Like poison ivy, it leaves you irritated and wondering why you even went near it in the first place.

    IVY is a joint venture between Hydro One (majority-owned by the Province of Ontario) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), a provincial crown corporation. In theory, these companies should have everything they need to build a great network. Yet somehow, IVY’s charging stations manage to have almost nothing going for them.

    1. The Pricing is Ridiculous. $0.62 per kWh.
      • At $0.62 per kWh, IVY is essentially the most expensive network in Ontario, with the possible exception of Electrify Canada. However, Electrify Canada offers a subscription that reduces the price to below $0.62/kWh, and in Toronto, even without a subscription, it’s cheaper than IVY.
      • When something is expensive, it should at least deliver a good experience. But IVY manages to be expensive, unreliable, and frustrating.
    2. They Are Unreliable
      • The comments on PlugShare speak for themselves. Users frequently report issues with broken chargers, poor customer service, and failed charging sessions.:
    3. Many Chargers Are Only Rated For 50 kW
      • Many, if not most, of IVY’s chargers or dispensers max out at just 50 kW. In today’s EV market, where faster charging speeds are becoming the norm, this is unacceptably slow.
    4. Chargers Labeled 100+ kW Rarely Deliver Those Speeds
      • Even chargers labeled as 100 kW or higher often fail to deliver anywhere near their advertised speeds. For instance, on a 100 kW charger, my Tesla—one of the most popular EVs in Ontario—typically only reaches 66 kW. On one rare occasion, I managed to hit 88 kW.
      • This was with a preconditioned battery and a low state of charge, yet IVY still underperformed.

    A History of Decline

    Unfortunately, IVY doesn’t seem to be improving. In fact, it used to be cheaper to charge when they billed by the minute instead of per kWh. Back then, the network was far more affordable.

    What Needs to Change

    IVY desperately needs a management overhaul and a complete rethink of its approach to EV charging. If the Province of Ontario genuinely wants to encourage EV ownership, this is not the way to do it.

  • Ontario’s First V4 Supercharger Opens

    Ontario’s First V4 Supercharger Opens

    The first V4 Supercharger in Ontario has officially opened in Ingersoll, ON, featuring 16 dispensers. However, V3 power cabinets are being used at this site, limiting the maximum output to 250 kW per dispenser. This location stands out as one of the fastest-built and activated Supercharger sites in Ontario in recent years.

    Typically, it takes many months—sometimes over a year—for a Supercharger site to become operational. In contrast, this site was first listed as under construction on November 12, 2024, and went live just over two months later.

    Charging costs at this location are notably high: Tesla owners are charged $0.67 CAD per kWh, while non-Tesla EVs pay $0.90 CAD per kWh. As of now, the Tesla app indicates that 4 out of the 16 stalls are out of order.

    Superchargers along this stretch of highway are frequently busy, making this new location a welcome addition. It is expected to help alleviate some of the congestion at the London, ON Supercharger.

  • iZEV: Canada’s $5,000 EV Rebate Program Paused

    iZEV: Canada’s $5,000 EV Rebate Program Paused

    As of January 12, 2025, the iZEV incentive program has run out of funds. The Government of Canada has posted the following update on its website:

    The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program funds have been fully committed. Consequently, the iZEV Program has now officially paused. We encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions as they have been updated with regards to the Program’s pause. For additional questions, please write to [email protected].

    According to the updated FAQ, the program officially paused on January 12, 2025:

    The iZEV Program officially paused on January 12, 2025, as the allocated funds were fully committed.

    All authorized dealers and sellers enrolled in the Program have been formally notified of the Program’s pause.

    While the government refers to this as a “pause,” they have provided no details about when—or if—the program might restart:

    How long is the Program pause expected to last?

    Any updates to the Program will be posted on the Transport Canada website, and all authorized dealers and sellers enrolled in the Program will be notified.

    The Uncertain Future of the iZEV Program

    The Canadian Parliament is currently prorogued, making it unlikely that iZEV program funding will be replenished before Parliament resumes. Parliament is expected to reconvene on March 24, 2025. However, until a new federal budget is passed, funding for the program remains uncertain.

    Adding to the complexity, 2025 is an election year in Canada, which could further influence the government’s ability to allocate funds for iZEV.

    Impact on EV Sales in Canada

    In the short term, the pause is expected to negatively affect both EV affordability and sales in Canada. Electric vehicle sales experienced significant growth in 2024, fueled by the introduction of new EV models like the Chevrolet Equinox EV. However, with the suspension of the $5,000 rebate, the momentum in EV adoption may slow.

    Hopefully, this pause does not become permanent. For EV adoption to continue growing, support both from government incentives and the increasing availability of affordable models is needed.

  • $5,000 Canadian EV (iZEV) rebate is running out

    $5,000 Canadian EV (iZEV) rebate is running out

    The Government of Canada has announced that the iZEV rebate will be paused before the scheduled March 31, 2025, end date. The funds allocated to the EV rebate are expected to run out earlier due to high demand.

    The program has been a significant success, with the rebate being applied to 546,000 EV sales. Canada achieved a 14.2% market share for new ZEV sales in the first three quarters of 2024, a substantial increase from 3.1% in 2019.

    With the Canadian Parliament currently prorogued, it is unlikely that the iZEV fund will receive additional funding before it is depleted. The future of this program remains uncertain, and this will unfortunately impact EV sales in Canada.

    If you want to take advantage of the $5,000 rebate, you should consider purchasing a new EV soon.

  • Enhanced autopilot returns as an option in China and Australia

    Enhanced autopilot returns as an option in China and Australia

    Enhanced autopilot has returned as an option on Tesla’s website in both China and Australia.

    At about half the price of Full Self Driving Capability (FSD) Enhanced AP works by mostly driving for you on the highways while also offering summoning and auto parking. It doesn’t respond to traffic lights, stop signs and won’t make turns on city streets.

    For over a year now it hasn’t been an option. But at the current price I don’t think it’s a good value. In Canada it costs $100/month to subscribe to FSD. at the Australia price that’s around 50 months or over 4 years of FSD. It’s great to see it as an option but for it to be a good value the price would need to be significantly dropped.

    In Canada and the US it’s not currently available. We’ll see if it makes it our way when we get the new Model Y is released here.

  • New Model Y Launches in China and Australia

    New Model Y Launches in China and Australia

    Tesla has officially unveiled the refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” in China. Deliveries are slated to begin in March 2025 in China, with a starting price of ¥263,500 (approximately $35,939 USD). In Australia deliveries begin May 2025 at a starting price of $63,400 AUD (approximately $39,285 USD).

    This marks the first major update to the Model Y since its debut in 2020. The front styling has undergone significant changes, giving it a more modern and angular appearance. A new light bar now connects the headlights and the new headlights are heavily inspired by the Cybertruck/Cybercab. Additionally, a camera appears to be integrated into the front bumper, although Tesla’s website does not yet provide details about its functionality.

    The interior has received substantial updates as well. Highlights include ventilated front seats, ambient lighting extending from the front to the rear seats, and an 8-inch rear screen for back-seat passengers. Notably, the rear seats now feature electronic raising functionality, a departure from the previous model where they could only be lowered electronically from the trunk.

    The rear of the vehicle also showcases a redesigned light bar and updated styling, complementing the refreshed look.

    Tesla has also refreshed the default wheels.

    As more details emerge about the Juniper Model Y, it’s clear this update represents a significant step forward for Tesla’s popular electric SUV.

    More details and photos are available at Tesla China or Tesla Australia websites.

  • Juniper: Tesla’s Refreshed Model Y Spotted in Cold Weather Testing

    Juniper: Tesla’s Refreshed Model Y Spotted in Cold Weather Testing

    The refreshed Model Y has been spotted undergoing cold weather testing. These latest images mark the first time the car has been seen without camouflage, offering a clear glimpse into what the updated Model Y will bring to the table.

    What’s New with Juniper?

    Codenamed “Juniper,” this revamped version of Tesla’s popular Model Y is expected to incorporate both exterior and interior upgrades. While Tesla hasn’t spilled all the details just yet, the leaked images reveal subtle design changes that align with Tesla’s streamlined aesthetic philosophy. Notable updates appear to include:

    Revised Front and Rear Fascias: The updated look gives off a sleeker vibe, with redesigned headlights and taillights that make the Model Y look more like the recently refreshed Model 3, aka “Highland.”

    Interior Refinements: No interior shots have surfaced yet, but it’s safe to bet the updates will be similar to what’s in the “Highland” Model 3, including new materials and features.

    New Wheel Designs: Updated aerodynamic wheels can be seen in the leaked images.

    More details and leaks are expected as production and release near.

  • Quebec Loves the New Chevy Equinox EV

    Chevrolet sold 3,645 Equinox EVs across Canada in November 2024. Impressively, customers in Quebec purchased 3,085 of them—accounting for 84.6% of all Equinox EV sales nationwide.

    Quebec is already the undisputed leader in EV sales in Canada, but the Equinox EV stands out as an extraordinary success. In November alone, 11,492 EVs eligible for the iZEV rebate were sold in the province. Remarkably, the Equinox EV made up just over a quarter of those sales.

    Chevrolet has been the leading EV brand in Quebec since July 2024, and its dominance in the market continues to grow. The popularity of the Equinox EV is yet another testament to Quebecers’ enthusiasm for sustainable and affordable electric vehicles.

    BrandQuebec – Nov 2024 Sales
    Chevrolet3,457
    Hyundai2,102
    Tesla1,507
    Kia1,205
    Ford802
    Nissan527

  • L3/Fast Charging costs in Toronto

    L3/Fast Charging costs in Toronto

    Understanding charging costs at various stations/brands can be a challenge, as prices depend on factors like station type, charging speed, and provider policies. Here’s a breakdown of charging costs at some of the most popular networks in Toronto:

    Superchargers

    Most Superchargers in the city cost $0.44/kWh while some locations have time of day pricing ranging from $0.26/kWh to $0.60/kWh.

    Flo

    Flo stations usually cost around $20/h and provide 50 kW. This ends up being around $0.40/kWh.

    Jule

    All their locations charge a $1 connection fee and then either charge a per minute or per kW fee. Per kWh it’s $0.50 and per minute it ranges between $0.37-$0.50 per minute.

    Green P/Chargepoint/Flo

    Green P has offers chargers through both Chargepoint and Flo at many of their locations at $15/h. Very reasonable price, but some locations are in paid parking lots.

    Petro Canada

    $0.50/minute – a great deal for fast charging cars.

    Electrify Canada

    $0.60/kWh – Expensive and few locations

    Shell

    $0.50/kWh

    IVY

    $0.62/kWh – Most expensive, unreliable, and slow.

  • Tesla Canada offering 0% APR if you option FSD (Supervised)

    For Model 3s and Ys sold and picked up until the end of the year, Tesla is offering 0% APR for FSD (Supervised) at a current price of $11,000

    This promotion follows a 1.99% APR promotion that the company offered on the Model Y for deliveries before September 30, 2024. That promotion didn’t require the purchase of FSD at $11,000 though.

    Tesla’s online calculator has already been updated to reflect the change. If FSD (Supervised) is selected, the quouted APR % shown is 0%. According to Tesla’s online calculator, promotional rates for longer term loans are also available when FSD (Supervised) is optioned:

    Term Lenght (months)APR %
    360%
    480%
    600.99%
    720.99%
    841.99%
    962.99%

    In the US, Tesla also launched a similar promotion in October but they quickly dropped the FSD (Supervised) requirement. If you’re interested in a Model Y or Model 3 with FSD (Supervised), this is a great promotion. If you aren’t interested in FSD (Supervised), there might be better promotions as we get closer to the end of the year.