Toronto, Ontario – In this week’s electric and autonomous vehicle report, heat pumps in Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y are under a Transport Canada investigation, the Windsor, Ont.-area has more EV chargers on the way and Chevrolet has announced the electrified edition of one of its most popular models.
Pump Dump
Transport Canada is putting the heat on Tesla as the industry-leading EV automaker is being probed for faulty heating systems in the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
The investigation stems from reports that the vehicles’ heat pumps are prone to failure in extreme cold temperatures, which Transport Canada said “may affect windshield defogging/defrosting and therefore driver visibility.”
Tesla has yet to respond to the launching of the investigation, however, back in 2020 Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted, “Model Y heat pump is some of the best engineering I’ve seen in a while.”
No reports of failing heat pumps have come from the U.S. as of yet.
Wiring up Windsor
More EV chargers are on the way to the Windsor area of Ontario, as the federal government announced a $2 million investment into the Essex Powerlines Corporation to install 300 chargers.
“This investment empowers Windsor-Essex residents and businesses to lead the transition to electric vehicles, helping our community take a giant step toward a future that is clean, green and prosperous,” said Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh.
This investment goes alongside the Charge Up project, which allows interested parties to apply to have chargers installed in public places, on-street, multi-unit residential buildings, at workplaces or for light-duty vehicle fleets.
Elevating the Equinox
The Equinox is the latest General Motors model to be given the electric treatment, as the automaker announced the Chevrolet Equinox EV, due to launch in Canada in fall 2022.
The Chevy Equinox EV will leverage GM’s new BEV3 platform as well as its Ultium battery and Ultium Drive technologies. It will be offered in both fleet and retail versions from launch, including in the entry-level LT and sporty RS trim levels.
“The Equinox has always played an important role for Chevrolet as the second-highest selling brand nameplate,” said Chevrolet’s U.S. v-p, Steve Hill. “Providing an affordable EV option in the industry’s highest volume segment proves Chevy is going to make EVs available to everyone.”
The Chevrolet Equinox EV’s pricing in Canada is expected to start around $35,000.
