This week’s EV/AV Report shows Canada’s electrification push is gaining traction as investments are made in charging infrastructure, battery storage, EV sales and much more!
Charge Point
A U.S.-based EV charging technology company has launched in Canada.
Xeal Energy provides EV charging technology for multi-family, commercial and institutional properties. Its system is designed to operate without relying on live cellular, Wi-Fi or central server connections.
“Xeal Energy is entering the Canadian market at exactly the right moment,” stated Catherine McKenna, chief executive officer of Climate and Nature Solutions and Canada’s former minister of environment and climate change. “As the energy transition accelerates, Canadians are looking for practical, affordable ways to make the shift to electric vehicles.”
The launch is aimed at property owners adding EV charging at apartments, workplaces and institutional sites.
Grid Signal
A Canadian charging infrastructure group has put a $21-billion figure on the country’s charging build-out.
The Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council, a national EV charging infrastructure industry group, released analysis July 7 saying stronger federal greenhouse gas standards for light-duty vehicles could help attract more than $20 billion in charging infrastructure investment by 2035.
“Private investors and property owners are ready to fund this $21 billion dollar build-out — but financing the deployments Canada needs requires a reliable, long-term demand signal on ZEV adoption,” stated Travis Allan, president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council.
The analysis estimated the investment could include about $10 billion for public charging and $11 billion for residential charging.
Van Count
Mercedes-Benz Canada has reported higher electric van sales in the second quarter.
Mercedes-Benz Canada, an Ontario-based vehicle distributor, reported July 8 that Mercedes-Benz Vans Canada retailed 1,388 units in the second quarter. The total included 155 eSprinter electric vans, up 18.3% from the same period last year.
“We saw a softer second quarter overall compared to 2025, but demand for our core products remains solid,” stated Susann Mayhead, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “At the same time, we’re making steady progress with electrified vehicles, which represent a meaningful share of our total volume.”
Electrified vehicles represented 15.7% of Mercedes-Benz Canada passenger vehicle sales in the quarter, with 237 all-electric vehicles and 934 plug-in hybrids.
Storage Site
An Ontario auto parts plant has added battery storage and workplace EV charging.
Peak Power, an Ontario-based battery energy storage development and software company, announced July 7 that a 3.6 MW/7.2 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system is now in commercial operation at Vuteq Canada’s Ontario manufacturing facility. Vuteq Canada is an Ontario-based automotive manufacturing company that supplies interior products and assemblies.
“As industrial facilities electrify, automate, and scale, energy flexibility is becoming a competitive advantage for large industrial operators,” stated Derek Lim Soo, chief executive officer of Peak Power. “This project shows how large manufacturers can reduce exposure to peak-driven electricity costs while contributing to a more reliable and resilient grid.”
The project also included six Level 2 EV chargers through Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
Nickel Link
A Canadian nickel developer has signed a commercial memorandum of understanding tied to low-carbon steel and battery supply chains.
Canada Nickel Company Inc., an Ontario-based mining company developing nickel-cobalt sulfide projects, announced July 6 that it had signed an agreement with RWE Supply & Trading, a Germany-based energy and commodities trading business.
“I am very excited to work with this global leader whose strategic focus on the energy transition aligns directly with what we are building at Net Zero Metals,” stated Mark Selby, chief executive officer and director of Canada Nickel Company.
The agreement is tied to low-carbon stainless and alloy steel products expected from Canada Nickel’s Net Zero Metals subsidiary. RWE Supply & Trading is expected to support European and U.S. market access, carbon border adjustment work and carbon trading.
Graphite Path
A Canadian battery materials company has released new economic data for a graphite project in Ontario.
Global Battery Materials Corp., an Ontario-based critical minerals and battery materials company, announced July 7 that a preliminary economic assessment had been completed for its Kearney Graphite Project in northeastern Ontario.
“The Kearney Graphite Project represents a rare opportunity to establish domestic graphite production quickly and with capital efficiency,” stated Eric Miller, chief executive officer of Global Battery Materials Corp.
The assessment reported a post-tax net present value of US$183 million, a 67% internal rate of return and a 1.3-year payback period. The project is based on restarting a prior-producing graphite mine.
Anode Boost
An Australian battery technology project has received new funding for EV battery materials.
Sicona Battery Technologies, an Australia-based battery technology company, has secured up to $45 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to build and operate a commercial-scale silicon-carbon battery anode material production facility in the Illawarra region.
“Improving battery performance will help to further accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and lowering emissions,” stated Darren Miller, chief executive officer of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
The material is designed to increase battery density by 20% and enable charging speeds up to 40% faster than conventional graphite.
