Toronto, Ontario — In this week’s electric and autonomous vehicle report, Elon Musk teases some features on the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck, the Manitoba government is building an AV testing framework based on public feedback and Victoria, B.C’s Camosun College welcomes its first EV Maintenance Training students.
Features of the Future
The Tesla Cybertruck is quickly becoming the most impressive vehicle to never exist, as CEO Elon Musk tweeted “Initial production will be four motor variant, with independent, ultra-fast response torque control of each wheel.”
Musk called the truck an “insane technology bandwagon”, with front and rear-wheel steering that would “not just (turn) like a tank—it can drive diagonally like a crab.”
This puts the Cybertruck in direct competition with the Riviain R1T which also boasts four individual wheel motors and the GMC Hummer which can also drive diagonally.
Living Among AVs
The Manitoba public has voiced their support for autonomous vehicle testing in the province, following a public outreach campaign launched in the summer.
More than 270 Manitobans responded to a survey gauging their level of comfort with the testing AVs on public streets, with a combined 57 percent reporting a general level of comfort and safety in the idea. However, 28 percent did report that the idea does not make them feel safe at all.
Manitoba’s Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said “Our government recognizes the importance of public communication and engagement related to new technology and road safety.
“Increasing awareness about vehicle technology testing on Manitoba roads in advance of future development of emerging technology will help us develop testing regulations and permitting systems with the input from Manitobans.”
Building a Foundation
The EV Maintenance Training pilot program is officially underway at Camosun College in Victoria, B.C., as the college takes its turn in welcoming future EV technicians to campus for two one-week training sessions.
In March, the B.C. government invested $440,000 into the expansion of EV Maintenance Training program through the CleanBC Go Electric program to three additional B.C. colleges in partnership with Trades Training BC.
“With more than 60,000 electric vehicles on the road, British Columbia is leading the country in the transition to EVs,” said Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Bruce Ralston.
“We’re supporting this transition by helping auto technicians develop the skills they need to work on EVs throughout the province. This will give British Columbians the confidence to go electric knowing their EVs can be serviced by a professional.”
