Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s electric and autonomous vehicle report, we take a closer look at Atlantic Canada’s attitude toward EV purchasing, Tesla’s latest autopilot tease and Hyundai’s newly unveiled electric platform
Atlantic apprehension
Atlantic Canadians appear to be the least likely to purchase a new or used vehicle in the next year, and are just as skittish about making the switch to EVs, according to a new poll conducted by Logit Group and analyzed by Narrative Research.
Just 31 percent of Nova Scotians seek to purchase new or used vehicles before December 2021, while just 13 percent of Newfoundlanders seeking to purchase new or used vehicles would consider making the switch to electric.
According to Margaret Chapman, the chief operating officer for Narrative Research, electric apprehension in the Atlantic comes from the lack of infrastructure there.
“There’s still a high level of interest,” she said. “I think it’s a little lower in Atlantic Canada compared to other parts of the country probably because the infrastructure isn’t quite what it might be elsewhere. Also, it has to do with the availability of vehicles—perhaps it hasn’t quite caught on here to the extent that it might have in say, Ontario or B.C., where the highest level of interest is.”
The poll, which surveyed adult Canadians between Nov. 11 and Nov. 13, suggests that British Columbians and Ontarians are the most likely to consider an EV in their next purchase. Forty-two percent of British Columbians seek to purchase a vehicle next year, with 57 percent of those considering the switch to EVs. Meanwhile, Forty-six percent of Ontarians plan to buy a new or used vehicle next year, while 56 percent of those would consider an EV purchase.
Demographically, baby boomers are the least likely to be considering EV purchases at just 34 percent, compared with Gen Z, who are 65 percent likely to consider; Millennials 59 percent likely and Gen X Canadians 60 percent likely.
Tesla’s latest tease
Tesla drivers eager to get their hands on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system beta may have their chance in the coming weeks, according to recent comments from CEO Elon Musk.
According to Musk’s recent comments, the EV automaker feels it’s close to inviting more drivers into the FSD fold. The software was originally activated for the first round of drivers in October, and Tesla has been collecting data from drivers to make the software “more robust.”
“Probably going to a wider beta in ~two weeks,” Musk tweeted Nov. 27.
Drivers who are interested in FSD when it rolls out further will have to shell out US$10,000 for the program, which includes autonomous features like traffic light recognition and automatic lane changes.
Hyundai honing in on EVs
Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform. Revealed online today during an ‘E-GMP Digital Discovery’ event, the platform will serve as the core technology for Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation BEV line-up.
The event was broadcasted through the Group’s official YouTube channel and Channel Hyundai, an online global content platform.
“Today our front-wheel driven Hyundai and Kia BEVs are already among the most efficient ones in their segments,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division for Hyundai Motor Group.“With our rear-wheel driven based E-GMP, we are extending our technological leadership into segments where customers demand excellent driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency.”
From 2021, the E-GMP will underpin a range of dedicated new BEVs, including Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ 5; Kia Motors Corporation’s first dedicated BEV to be revealed in 2021; and a series of other models.
Designed exclusively for BEVs, E-GMP provides various advantages compared to the Group’s existing platforms, which have each been engineered predominantly to accommodate internal combustion engines. Benefits include increased development flexibility, powerful driving performance, increased driving range, strengthened safety features, and more interior space for occupants and luggage.
“E-GMP is the culmination of years of research and development and brings together our most cutting-edge technologies. Our BEV line-up will evolve and be strengthened by this innovative new platform,” said Fayez Abdul Rahman, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Architecture Development Center for Hyundai Motor Group.
