EPISODE 73 - EV BATTERY STUDY, BMW IX3 & MINI ELECTRIC UPDATES, CANADIAN EV INCENTIVES & MORE NEWS!

EV Channels Review

This episode of the EV Revolution Show, hosted by Catholic, provides a comprehensive overview of recent EV news and studies. A significant portion is dedicated to a study on EV battery degradation, concluding that batteries generally outlast the usable life of the vehicle, with an average degradation of only 2.3% per year. The study highlights that high usage does not equate to higher degradation, and while extreme climates and frequent rapid charging can accelerate degradation, normal charging and daily use are not significant concerns. The host emphasizes that consumers should not overly worry about battery life and should use their EVs as they would any internal combustion vehicle. The show also covers Canadian federal EV incentives, including a continued $5,000 rebate for new EVs and a new 10% rebate on used EVs, alongside ambitious ZEV mandates for 2025, 2030, and 2040. Updates on the US federal EV tax credit indicate a stalled proposal to extend the credit beyond the 200,000-vehicle cap for Tesla and GM. In vehicle news, the BMW iX3 is detailed with a predicted range over 440 km (WLTP) and a 74 kWh battery, expected to launch in 2020/2021. The all-electric Mini Cooper SE is now available for pre-order in the US with a starting MSRP under $30,000, despite some range concerns. The Fiat 500e is also slated for a US return in 2020 with modest specs. Finally, the show highlights the first all-electric fire truck in Menlo Park, California, featuring a diesel backup for extended operation, at a cost comparable to traditional fire engines.