DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
FALL 2024
A New Day Dawns For An Icon Page 46 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS t-hybrid
ROAD TESTS AND REVIEWS HONDA PROLOGUE | MERCEDES-AMG | TOYOTA CROWN SIGNIA | FUTURE EVs AND MORE
FALL 2024 | 1
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DRIVE YOUR AMBITION
At Mitsubishi Motors, we’re here to champion any adventure you choose. Whether it’s a hobby or a calling. Keep moving.
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EMOTION MAGAZINE | FEATURES
40
30 JOHN CAPPELLA
PROFILE | President And CEO Porsche Canada. BY EMILY ATKINS
40 2024 FIAT 500E
COVER STORY | The Little EV That Could. BY DAN HEYMAN 84 FUTURE ELECTRIC VEHICLES ROUNDUP | Quietly Coming Down The Pike. BY STEVEN BOCHENEK 90 EV ADVENTURE TURN ON THE AFTERBURNERS | 2024 Hummer EV. BY MERCEDES LILIENTHAL
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CONTENTS COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
COLUMNS TIPPING IN by Dan Heyman ....................................... 8 A RACING MIND by Emily Atkins .......................... 10 THE OVERRUN by Steven Bochenek ................. 114 INTEL News | Notes | Knowledge ................................... 16 GEARBOX Tech | Tools | Toys .................................................... 22 Home Charging Options . ...................................... 26 NEW METAL First Looks & First Drives 2024 Fiat 500e ......................................................... 40 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS t-hybrid ..... 46 2025 Toyota Camry and Crown Signia ......... 52 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV ........................ 60 2024 Lucid Air Pure . .............................................. 66 2024 Honda Prologue ............................................ 72
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CONTRIBUTORS
MAGAZINE TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeff Voth
MARK HACKING Mark Hacking is an award-winning editor/writer/photographer with over 25 years’ experience working with leading publications around the world. His byline has appeared in Architectural Digest, Azure, Departures, enRoute, Forza, The Globe and Mail, Intersection, Luxury Magazine, Montecristo, NUVO, Robb Report and the Toronto Star . Mark has also competed in a range of motorsports over the past 20 years. In 2013, he became the first journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge. In 2019, he was the first journalist in the world to race in the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy, the first-ever all-electric production car race series. MATTHEW NEUNDORF Ever since he can remember, Matt has been obsessed with everything motorized. He was licensed to drive within seconds of legality and his first vehicle was a custom built, small-block Chevy powered S-10 Blazer that he and his dad helped put together. From building his own Triumph cafe racer to seeking out adventures near and far, Matt is always looking to test the limits of his riding abil- ities on all sorts of terrain. And when a trip to some far off land comes on his horizon, he’s always angling to incorporate a bike, whether its his or someone else’s. EMILY ATKINS From rallycross, to roadracing to performance rally co-driving and ice racing, Emily competes whenever she can and has racked up some impressive wins in the Vintage Racing Association of Canada’s drivers’ challenge and the CASC Ontario Region Pirelli Challenge. Her ride of choice on track is her #17 1994 Eurospec M3. Her journalism career has spanned three continents and numer- ous subject areas including logistics, waste management and insurance claims, but the best parts have been writing about cars for (among others) the Toronto Star, CAA, Fleet Management magazine and Canadian Automotive Fleet magazine. KELLY TAYLOR Winner of multiple awards, including twice as Canadian Automotive Journalist of the Year and the recipient of the 2015 Gold Medallion and Best in Newspapers award from the International Automotive Media Competition, Taylor’s passion is everything automotive. Kelly took over an automotive section from an editor who didn’t drive, and hasn’t looked back since. He’s moved on from editing to writ- ing and loves the freedom unshackling from the desk provides.
jvoth@emotionmag.ca EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dan Heyman dheyman@emotionmag.ca EDITOR AT LARGE Matthew Neundorf mneundorf@emotionmag.ca EV RACING EDITOR Emily Atkins eatkins@emotionmag.ca CONTRIBUTORS Evan Williams Finn Huxley Iain Crawford Kelly Taylor
Kunal D’souza Mark Hacking Matthew Guy Matthew Keith Mercedes Lilienthal Peter Bleakney Steven Bochenek DESIGN & LAYOUT Jennifer Elia PUBLISHER TRQ Media Inc. St. Catharines, ON Canada
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising@Vicariousmag.com
EMOTIONMAG.CA EMOTION is published four times per year by TRQ Media Inc. No part of this publi- cation may be copied or reprinted with- out the expressed written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by the con- tributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors and staff.
COVER PHOTO 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS t-hybrid
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E DITOR’S LETTER
TIPPING IN
T HE DAWN OF THE (MORE) AFFORDABLE EV is here, and not a minute too soon. A few weeks after the time of writing, EMOTION was on-scene in Detroit – the Motor City – to put some of Chevrolet’s latest EV entries through their paces. We looked at both the Equinox EV SUV and the Silverado EV RST pickup truck. We’ll have
white interior inserts were unlike anything we’d seen before. However, when it came time to redesign the Volt for its second (and final) generation, they tailored all of that back and all of a sudden, the Volt looked like a tweaked Cruze. Seems people were put off by the original’s space-aged styling. Which is why we’re so interested in these two new
more on these vehicles soon, but we did come away feeling It could very well be that these are two of the most import- ant Chevys we’ve seen in a decade – and they couldn’t be coming at a better (or worse) time.
Chevrolet EVs (ChEVys). The Silverado RST, while definitely divergent from its ICE brethren, is unmistakably a Chevy and considering the advanced front end the Silverado already has, it’s not such a grand leap. Then, there’s the Equinox. It looks very much like the ICE vehicle and more than that, it has a name – Equinox – that adorns the flanks of one of the best-selling Chevrolets in the world, and one that does work in an incredibly competitive segment. It could be that these two vehicles, with their familiar names and looks but also their Ultium
“The way we consider mobility in the EV age has changed dramatically.”
First of all, the “worse” part: EV sales have slowed a little this year. The chal- lenge of material acquisition, high inter- est rates and the cost of bread have all had families thinking twice about spring- ing for a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Sure; they know that there will be actual savings in the long run and government rebates do help, but the bottom line is families sim- ply can’t wait that long to see the returns. Here’s the thing, though. We believe that while on the surface that may be the case, there are other factors at play. Chief among these is one we all know well – familiarity. The Hyundai Ioniq5 and 6 are very well-engineered BEVs that can make almost 600 km of range and over 440 pound-feet of torque. They also look very unique and there, as the Bard would say, lies the rub. Let’s track back to Chevy for a minute. Remember the Volt? When it first came out, it was one of the most futuristic-looking things on the market. The swoopy body, narrow headlights and Apple-esque
EV platforms, could be the next frontier in the EV world. Further to that, the Equinox will be available at a more tolerable price than BEVs have hitherto become known for, which is, ultimately, the key here. Speaking of affordable EVs: in this second issue of EMOTION, we will be driving the most afford- able BEV you can get in Canada today – the 2024 Fiat 500E. It’s a city-spec car that could very well be bringing electric power to the masses. See for your- self on page 40.
Dan Heyman, Executive Editor dheyman@vicariousmag.com
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AT E MOTION , WE DELIVER THE INSIGHT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY.
SCAN CODE AND SUBSCRIBE
VEHICLE: 2024 MCLAREN ARTURA SPIDER (ELECTRIC)
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M O T O R S P O R T
A RACING MIND BY EMILY ATKINS
A S A PERSON WHO INDULGES in the sport of racing a car powered by an internal com- bustion engine, I will admit to pangs of guilt when the subject of climate change arises. I know that my sport serves no useful purpose other than personal entertainment, and is extremely wasteful of precious resources, while polluting at the same time. It makes me consider buying carbon offsets. As part of its mandate, the Extreme E electri- fied off-road racing series is working to remediate damage done by human beings to the environments where they race. For example, in Saudi Arabia, where the kickoff race in the fourth edition of the series was held, Extreme E is working to revitalize coral reefs in the Red Sea, off the Kingdom’s coastline. The col- laborative project brings together a leader from the Extreme E Scientific Committee, and Saudi research teams. They will create what’s billed as the world’s largest coral nursery and gardening project in the world with the aim of demonstrating how reefs can be preserved. Extreme E is unique in that it came about with the objective of showcasing the effects of climate change and human activity through the medium of car racing. “As well as being a serious motor racing series, Extreme E has a strong sporting purpose to promote the adoption of electric mobility in the fight to lower global emission levels,” says series founder Alejandro Agag.
And while the organization is careful to curtail, measure and offset its carbon footprint, and pub- lishes a report every year detailing how they did it, I hope they will find a way to measure the impact the series might have on public opinion and advancing electrification. I’m convinced that they are sincere in their goals. I’m convinced that they are building a sizeable audience. However, I remain dubious about how much this racing series will be able to change how people think. Maybe I’m just old-fashioned, believing that car racing – of any kind – is simply an act of indulgence reserved for the privileged. From that viewpoint, no amount of carbon-offsetting is going to convince me that this race series is necessary. But I’m trying to see it differently. As a platform from which to undertake the kind of research and remediation projects Extreme E is undertaking all over the world, the series is making an interesting gambit. Will people who like old-school racing take the conservation message on board, or will they just consume the racing without noticing the greater benefit? Or will the series attract a whole new class of race fans, people who might otherwise disapprove of racing because of its inherent ‘wastefulness’? Either way, a fan base will be needed to keep the enterprise afloat because sponsors need eyeballs to keep funding the events. To that end, please take a look at the final race of 2024, which will be held in North America at the end of November. Does it speak to you about climate change? Do you get a message about the importance of transport electrification? Please let me know what you think. eatkins@emotionmag.ca
« Extreme E is a radical off-road racing series in the most remote corners of the planet impacted by climate change.
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A FRANK STEPHENSON DESIGN One of the most renowned designers on the planet, Frank Stephenson’s pedigree is unmatched, as is the list of iconic brands he’s worked on: Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, BMW, Mini and Fiat, to name a few. Having conquered the automotive industry, Stephenson now applies his signature style to the FS COSMOS Watch Collection.
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Racing Ahead E RACING | EXTREME E A Racing Series You Will Never See In Person
B Y EMILY ATKINS
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E RACING | EXTREME E
T HE EXTREME E 2024 SEASON got off to a flying start – literally – in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in February. But don’t try to book a ticket – as part of its environ- mental commitment the series doesn’t allow specta- tors on site. Extreme E touts itself as the only racing series to be built “out of a social purpose’, which is “to minimize environmental impact while maximizing awareness, racing in places that have already been damaged or affected by climate change or human interference and taking fans deep into the heart of the most pressing issues facing our planet’s future.” The series employs a scientific committee which advises on its education and research programs, event logistics and impact, as well as suggesting leg- acy initiatives to support local communities in each race location. Extreme E moves its eight teams, 18 drivers and vehicles on a ship it owns, uses hydrogen to charge the cars, and offsets its carbon emissions. The organ- ization also minimizes the footprint of its events by not allowing spectators on site and restricts teams to a maximum of seven people – the two drivers, an engineer and four mechanics. The off-road electric racing series opened its fourth season on the sandy dunes with the Desert X Prix. The 3.2-kilometre winding course incorporated enormous jumps, extreme drops, and dust and sand hazards.
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To follow Extreme E, check out: www.extreme-e.com
should any of the teams need one. Defending champions Rosberg X Racing (RXR) secured the Saudi Desert E Prix win, fending off a nail-biting challenge by the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team. In a race where the lead changed several times, RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin- Kottulinsky took the glory, defeating the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team’s duo of Mattias Ekström and Cristina Gutiérrez by just 0.167s. E.ON Veloce Racing completed the podium. “Starting this season with a win feels incredible. Johan handed over the car in a good position, but the competition was intense – especially my battle with Cristina. I was very happy to make the overtake and take the win,” Åhlin-Kottulinsky said. In 2025, Extreme E will transition into Extreme H – the world’s first hydrogen off-road racing series – with plans to be recognized as a FIA Championship from 2026. The final round of the 2024 season will be held in Phoenix, Arizona November 23 and 24. With changes coming to the series in 2025, the future promises to be even more exciting!
The spec championship cars are a fully electric SUV, named ODYSSEY 21. The car’s peak 400 kw (550 bhp) output can fire the 1780-kilogram, 2.3-metre- wide vehicle from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, at gradients of up to 130 per cent. Built on a tube frame, they are equipped with standardized parts, including three-way adjustable twin-dampers, and hydraulic bump and rebound stop. They have 400mm suspen- sion travel, live Fox shocks, and six-pot brakes. Teams go out in groups of four for qualifying, with the top four heading to the main race and the last four in a redemption race. A driver change is required halfway through each race. Teams comprise a male and female driver, and final grid positions are decided by fan votes. “The course track markers stay the same, but the track changes every time you come to a new corner, which is amazing. There’s a lot of drivers on the grid who, unless they go out testing, don’t necessarily get the chance to gain lots of experience in the sand, whereas for other drivers… this sort of terrain can be quite common.” “My favourite part of this course has got to be the jumps. I don’t usually get a rush from these, but when you’re going over a dune and all you can see is the sky it’s totally different. It’s a rush of not being fully in control - just going flat out and hoping for the best,” said Extreme E Championship Driver Patrick O’Donovan. He acts as an advisor and back-up driver
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News | Notes | Knowledge
Well-To-Wheels Analysis Canada Is Poised For Success.
B Y KELLY TAYLOR
of geological terrain to host all those types of mineral deposits,” he said. “We have it all. We’re really lucky to have that.” As proof, Killeen said more than half of the world’s publicly traded exploration and development com- panies are listed in Canada. “The mineral industry in Canada has been more than a century in the making, and the capacity this industry has for financing, for discovering, for devel- oping new deposits and bringing those minerals to global markets, that’s a part of our DNA,” he said. The $3.9 billion Canada spent on exploration in 2023 went primarily to three provinces: Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia, but the real story may be in smaller provinces, such as Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In Manitoba, exploration spending is expected to hit $200 million in 2024, up significantly
CANADA’S MINING INDUSTRY IS SPENDING billions as it seeks to cash in on the coming electric vehicle revolution. From lithium and cobalt to manganese, nickel, copper and magnesium, Canada’s mineral supply holds the promise of creating a made-in-Canada supply chain that starts deep underground and ends when a new EV rolls off the assembly line. Jeff Killeen, policy and program director for Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, said Canada’s size and geological diversity put it in an enviable position to be a one-stop-shop for EVs, and it’s spending like no other country in the world to develop those resources. “It’s massive. If we just look at some simple facts that are unchangeable: we’re the second-largest country in the world (and) we have almost every type
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from $62 million in 2020. Saskatchewan is expected to be closer to $400 million, and it, too, has tripled the amount spent on exploration.
need to connect to drive energy from a renewable source to that EV,” he said. Exploration is largely a boots-on-the-ground,
In Manitoba, the Tanco mine near Lac du Bonnet is the oldest lithium producer in Canada, and it’s soon to be joined by two companies — New Age Metals Inc. and Snow Lake Lithium — beginning exploration work nearby. “As they often say in the mining industry, the best place to look for a mine is beside an existing one,” said Frank Wheatley, president of Snow Lake Lithium, in a Jan. 16 story in the Free Press (Winnipeg). Killeen said the impact of demand from EVs goes beyond the vehicles them- selves, to the energy industries that will have to ramp up supply to accommodate battery charging. Hydroelectric generat- ing stations will need copper, steel and gold, as will those companies that pro- duce EV charging stations. “Over the longer term, as much as we’ve seen commodity prices fluctuat- ing, it’s hard to escape the concept that there’s going to be multifold increases in demand for things like copper, for nickel, for lithium, cobalt, whether it’s directly from the EV marketplace or if it’s the EV marketplace-plus, as in all the things
labour-intensive process, with 31,900 employed as mine geologists in 2021 earning an average wage of $48 per hour, according to the latest data avail- able from Employment and Social Development Canada. For those con- sidering a career, the federal agency forecasts “very good” employment pros- pects in Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory and Ontario, with “moderate” prospects in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. In the physical sciences, the agency forecasts 10,100 available jobs, either new or to replace retirees, created between 2022 and 2031 and only 9,600 job seekers qualified to fill them. The demand for minerals spurred on by the growth of EVs also has the potential to revive interest in mines that otherwise would be at their end-of-life stages, keeping shafts open and crews employed longer, Killeen said. That these new and revived projects are in Canada, with strict workplace regulations, is also a selling point for
“Canada’s size and geological diversity put it in an enviable position to be a one-stop- shop for EVs...” — JEFF KILLEEN
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“The demand for minerals spurred on by the growth of EVs also has the potential to revive interest in mines that otherwise would be at their end- of-life stages, keeping shafts open and crews employed longer” — JEFF KILLEEN
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automakers, more of which today are placing empha- sis on ethical production and seeking to root out child labour and environmental damage from their supply chains, he said. These minerals will feed into a growing EV eco- system set to include new battery plants in Windsor and St. Thomas, Ont., as well as EV assembly lines in Brampton and Oakville. There’s even speculation new players, such as Audi — drawn by Volkswagen’s battery plant under development in St. Thomas — could enter the picture. It is often said in the race to produce lower car- bon footprints, it’s important to do a so-called well- to-wheel analysis of everything that goes into produ- cing and then driving vehicles. In Canada, it seems, we have the potential to have the wells, the wheels and everything in between.
Facing page: “Project Arrow”
The NextStar Energy battery plant is one of several investments announced since 2020 totalling more than $30 billion.
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Tech | Tools | Toys
Welcome to Gearbox. Our goal is to highlight some of the newest technology surrounding the future of mobility. There is so much new in market! As we embrace fall and the seasonal changes it brings, it is time to look at some tech that will support you while you’re on the go.
B Y MATTHEW KEITH
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MSI Vector 16 HX Laptop Built to be a powerhouse gaming rig packed in a respectable form factor, the Vector 16 HX comes ready to game. With a beautiful 16-inch 144 Hz refresh, OLED FHD+ Display, the Vector manages the tension of portability and powerhouse exceptionally well. Offering a host of fun features that every gamer on the go wants, from a SteelSeries RGB-enabled keyboard to the excellent Nahimic 3 Audio- enabled speakers, the Vector 16 HX is a delight to view content on. However, MSI didn’t stop there as the Vector 16 comes equipped with an Intel Core i9-13980HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, the perfect pairing for gamers that won’t compromise on their gaming experience. For power users who need high-end processing on the go, the Intel i9 offers an impressive 8 performance cores and 16 efficient cores, making it the ideal laptop for design, development and editing. If you need a desktop experience on the go, the Vector 16 HX won’t let you down.
LoFree EDGE Wireless Keyboard If you’re looking for a low-profile keyboard to take while travelling, the EDGE wireless from manufacturer LoFree is worth considering. Measuring only 5.4mm at its thinnest point and weighing only 485g, the full-size EDGE can easily tuck into a carry-on bag without adding much to the bag’s overall weight. Thanks to the Kailh POM mechanical switches and three-layer audio-dampening design, EDGE provides a full mechanical keyboard experience while still managing to
offer incredibly quiet keystrokes. The result is a smooth, tactile and quiet typing experience. Geared for professionals, the EDGE offers mappable key support for custom key binds and an impressive 3-device connection thanks to the keyboard’s built-in Bluetooth. Swapping between profiles on the fly can be handled right from the keyboard, alleviating the need to install additional software. With both Windows and Mac support the LoFree EDGE is a great addition for any traveller needing a premium keyboard experience.
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G E A R B O X
TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G Smart Phone A sleek-looking, 5G-enabled smartphone, the
TECNO Spark 20 Pro offers all of the conveniences of a modern Android phone at a budget-friendly price. Offering a beautiful 6.7” FHD 120 Hz display, the Spark 20 Pro makes streaming content at 1440p a delight. An impressive 5000 mAh battery also means that getting through the workday is never in question. While the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 CPU isn’t the top of the line for processing, the Spark 20 Pro still manages to handle multi- tasking and productivity tasks fairly well. This is achieved by leveraging the 8 GB + 8 GB of RAM which can be dialed up or down based on the processing load. On the note of processing: thanks to the inclusion of a 108MP camera and AI tools, the Spark does an exceptional job at capturing the most important moments. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly productivity smartphone, the Spark 20 Pro G5 delivers.
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds The Neobuds Pro 2 Wireless are the latest ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) earbuds from Edifier. Known for their Impressive bookshelf and Sudio speakers, Edifier in recent years has been expanding to include some solid headphones and earbuds. The Neobuds Pro 2 are no exception offering an exceptional listening experience at a reasonable price. With a sleek, low-profile design the Neobuds weigh only 5.6g, making them exceptionally light and comfortable to wear during long travel. On the note of comfort: the Neobuds come with 7 interchangeable ear tips to accommodate
whoever might want to wear them. The result is a perfect fit no matter the person. As for the audio experience, the Neobuds Pro 2 delivers a solid listening experience with some great EQ presets, Hi-Res wireless audio and a host of ANC options. With a crystal clear listening experience, the Pro 2’s are ideal for both music and video listening. Throw in a case that doubles as a charger and the excellent Edifier Connect App (Android and iOS support) and you have a budget-friendly, premium listening experience that anyone can enjoy this fall.
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Its unique design also means that it is incredibly portable thanks to the handle that doubles as an adjustable stand. Throw in auto keystone and levelling and the T2 Plus is a pretty solid piece of tech. However, what makes Yaber Projector T2 Plus stand out the most, perhaps, is the inclusion of a rechargeable battery that allows for 2.5 hours of content streaming on a signal charge. This makes the T2 Plus ideal for camping trips or backyard movie nights without any additional setup required. As for charging, the Nomad comes equipped with charging ports for Levels 1 (residential), 2 (residential & commercial) and 3. Level 1 leverages a standard 110V wall outlet and takes 14 hours for a full charge, while Level 2 uses the automotive standard charging port (J1772) and is rated for a 3.5-hour charge time. Level 3 on the other hand utilizes a CCS1 connector and can charge the Nomad in as little as 44 minutes. Overall, the Nomad is a unique and innovative step in electric off-road fun.
Yaber Projector T2 Plus The Yaber Projector T2 Plus is a unique piece of tech that brings big-screen movie watching to the next level. Offering dual JBL Speakers, a 450 ANSI Lumens LED bulb, 1080p resolution at 60FPS and projecting up to 120”, the T2 Plus is a beautiful and compact projector. The inclusion of an attachable Google TV adapter means that the T2 Plus is also a smart projector capable of handling content streaming without the need for additional devices.
Gunner Humboldt Sunglasses Fall wouldn’t be complete without a premium pair of sunglasses and on that front the Gunner Humboldt sunglasses deliver. Available as both regular or prescription glasses the Bumboldt Sunglasses offer a unique look that sets them apart from the pack. With an Aviator-style design, the Ebony wood finish covers a solid carbon fibre inner layer making them both stylish and durable. Inspired by the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest, the Humboldt Sunglasses look unique and sleek. Thanks to
their impressive spring flex hinges, they also, offer a premium experience for the user without fear of damaging them. Weighing 20 grams the Humboldts feel solid to hold, wear and carry. As part of the package, Gunner has included an eco-friendly case, microfiber cloth and pouch. With 100% UV protection, smudge resistance and optional prescription lenses (both regular and integrated progressives) the Gunner Humboldt Sunglasses are a great fit for anyone wanting a unique and stylish sunglasses option.
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READY KILOWATT H OM E CHARGING OPTIONS Installing A Level 2 EV Charger At Home.
B Y MATTHEW GUY
FALL 2024 | 27
H OM E CHARGING OPTIONS
I T IS GENERALLY EXCEPTED BY OUR TEAM AT the E MOTION offices that approximately eighty-two per cent of statistics are made up, half the time. That’s why we go through great lengths to research our articles and verify our testing before even one drop of digital ink makes it to our readers. But an oft-repeated stat suggesting that at least three-quarters of electric vehicle charging takes place at an EV owner’s home seems to bear weight – and not just anecdotally. Friends of this site who make their own monthly payments on an electron eater report similar behaviour, citing convenience and the unpredictable state of public charging infra- structure as key reasons for juicing an EV at home. With these observations ricocheting around this author’s brain like a hyperactive pinball, the time seemed right to install a Level 2 charger in my own home. This will have the twin benefits for our readers in informing this article with first-hand knowledge whilst also providing better reviews of electric vehi- cles in the future. With a Level 2 charger at home, we hope to mirror the experience of an EV owner more accurately during our tests, rather than carp about the sad state of public charging in most of Canada. First, a small glossary of terms for anyone who is either new to the EV game or hasn’t been paying attention. Level 1 chargers are the type which can be plugged into a standard household outlet and gen- erally take days to fully charge a modern EV. Level 2 chargers, like the one in this article, belt out far more amps and may fully juice an electric vehicle in the
overnight hours as all hands slumber in their beds. They require a special electrical outlet, like the one usually associated with a clothes dryer or kitchen stove. Finally, a Level 3 charger is a big honker found publicly in the parking lots of places like Petro Canada or Canadian Tire. Selecting a specific Level 2 charger to meet one’s needs is the obvious first step, after making sure an electrician has cleared your home’s panel box and wiring as being sufficiently robust for this installation. Look for Level 2 unit which has a suf- ficiently long charging cord (25+ feet at minimum) for reasons of convenience, though any smartphone compatibility is purely a personal preference. Some units need to be hardwired into the electrical guts of a house, while some others – like the one in this arti- cle – can simply be plugged into an appropriate out- let. An advantage of the latter is the option of being able to take it along when moving to a new house or leaving it in place as a selling point if your buyers are interested. The unit which made its way into my two-car attached garage was from a brand called Autel which offers multiple options in this sphere. Shown in these images is a 40-amp MaxiCharger AC Elite, so noted for its ability to draw up to 40A of electricity, ability to use household AC power, and brains to push mes- sages to a smartphone. If you’re wondering, a unit’s amp rating can be thought of as the speed at which electricity is pulled though the charger – a 30A will charge slower than 40A, and so on.
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Doing so also allowed notifications to be pushed to the smartphone, informing charge status and when the EV9 had its fill of electrons from the Autel charger. If one chooses, owners can input the cost of electricity in their area to estimate how much they are spending on each charge (or cumulatively over a month). This is handy for budgeting and comparison purposes. The numbers you see in these screenshots are for Nova Scotia Power during the dead of winter. Unlike many public chargers, the Autel unit never failed or unexpectedly stopped working, providing the comfort of leaving the garage each morning in an EV9 with a fully charged battery. Sure, one must invest a few bucks to install the charger and then for its electricity use but, as a muscle car gearhead, I can tell you I’d be more than happy to spend the same cheddar on a home-based gasoline pump, especially if public pumps were scarce and generally didn’t work very well. Installing a Level 2 charger at home removes, or at least mitigates, several barriers to EV owner- ship; with this useful safety blanket, the EV suddenly becomes a viable option for some Canadians. After all, it doesn’t matter if one’s vehicle is fuelled by gas- oline or electricity – chances are most drivers feel secure leaving their home in the morning on a full tank. Statistically speaking, of course.
Installation began with local certified electricians wiring a N14-50 outlet in the garage, a task simplified by the presence of existing 40A service on the other side of the wall, used to power a hot tub by pre- vious owners of this home. Your writer values speed over spas, so the decision to use this already-present wiring was easy; it also cut the wiring costs to just a couple of hundred dollars. Your installation will vary, depending on the
charger’s distance from the main electrical panel and any upgrades required. The job at my house took less than two hours. The electrician inspected exist- ing wiring for robustness since a stove or dryer tends to draw power for relatively short periods of time while a Level 2 charger is active for hours on end. In this 10-year-old house, all was up to snuff. The Autel unit itself was a breeze to activate, requiring nothing more than simply plugging it into the new wall outlet and watching for a dance of green lights on its face to indicate it was ready to heave electricity into a Kia EV9. The decision was made to pair it with a smartphone, though some tinfoil hat types will not use this feature. However, doing so opens a wide array of options, including the ability to fine tune the number of amps it is drawing, start/ stop times, and the like.
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MOTOR HEAD E MOTION PROFILE | JOHN CAPPELLA PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PORSCHE CARS CANADA B Y EMILY ATKINS
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P orsche has unveiled updated editions in five of its six model lines in the past year. This is an unprecedented rate of new releases for the manufacturer. E MOTION PROFILE | JOHN CAPPELLA
We chatted with Porsche Canada president and CEO John Cappella about the company’s direction and his role as its leader in Canada. EMOTION: Porsche CEO Oliver Blume, said at the company’s AGM that Porsche holds a trump card and now is the time to play it. What did he mean? John Cappella: The first thing is we currently have a strong financial position. So that’s a great starting point because the years ahead certainly require investment in new products. But I think even more than that it’s our exten- sively updated model range. This year in particu- lar, we’ve updated the Cayenne, just launched the E-Hybrid Cayenne. We have a new Panamera. The Electric Macan is coming out. We’ve completely updated the Taycan as well, and of course, we’ve just announced the updated 911. So, I believe it’s actually a first in the history of our brand. We’ve never come out in one year with so many new vehicles and updates to vehicles. And I think the final thing is, well, in this really interesting time of transition in the industry, we are well positioned and offering combustion engine vehi- cles, hybrid vehicles and fully electric powertrains as well. So, from that standpoint, we’re covering a lot of bases. EM: Are there plans to phase out the traditional gasoline powered sports car? JC: We’ve announced an all-electric 718 that is coming in the middle of the decade. So that’s not
too far away. We’ve also announced that an all-elec- tric Cayenne will be coming after that, and that’s in line with our ambition of getting to 80% of our new vehicles fully electrified by 2030. Of course, that’s going to depend market to market on demand from customers. And then on top of that, we’ve announced another electric SUV that will be positioned above the Cayenne. However, we have not announced an electric ver- sion of the 911, and we would love to continue to manufacture that vehicle as an internal combustion engine for as long as we can. EM: What are some of the investments Porsche is making in Canada? JC: We are continuing to invest locally in omni-channel and the customer experience. Customers are expecting, and deserve, a heightened experience when it comes to omni-channel as tech- nologies are developing, and we want to be at the forefront of that. A lot of the dealerships are updating their current buildings to our new Destination Porsche. We con- tinue to believe that the dealership is really the cen- tre for the brand in each community. So, we want that to be the hub where our custom- ers visit and get together for events. For example, a lot of our dealers over the next couple of months are having great events to launch the new Panamera. We want to continue that, but there needs to be
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E MOTION PROFILE | JOHN CAPPELLA
If Porsche doesn’t change, Porsche will not be the same. It’s a great line to just remind ourselves that we need to continue to evolve.
safari to Le Mans and then to the streets of New York. It’s also a car that has continued to really blend tradition with innovation. So, you can see the 911 DNA in every version of the 911 that’s come out. Of course, with every version, it’s been made better and better and better. But that tradition is always still there. EM: What brought you to Porsche? JC: I’ve always been a car enthusiast. I was a motorsport enthusiast, but also a car enthusiast from an early age. I can remember hand drawing sports cars when I was in classes when I should have been paying attention to the teacher. I was fortunate growing up that my father got us into it with some go-karts. We’d be go-karting on the weekends, watching motorsports on the weekends. Then, I learned early on that building a career in something that you are passionate about is more rewarding. I was fortunate, right out of school. When I looked around to see what jobs were available, I decided I wanted to go into the automotive business because I wanted to follow that passion.
a connection to the digital world as well, because everybody is wanting that extra convenience of being able to do things online, or on their phone, and marrying those two together is really important. EM: The Porsche 911 is one of a few vehicles in automobile history to earn the right to be called iconic. Why do you think it remains so popular? JC: That’s a great question because we certainly view it in that way. I view it as a car that combines performance, and absolutely track level perform- ance, with day-to-day usability. I would often drive a 911 all year round, put snow tires on it and use it for errands, for family functions, for going to work. But yet, it’s a car that can go straight from doing all of that and take it on the track. It’s really unique. There was a line from Ferry Porsche where he says the 911 is the only car you can drive from an African
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the business, and that is: If Porsche doesn’t change, Porsche will not be the same. It’s a great line to just remind ourselves that we need to continue to evolve. And I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been through a number of different roles within the organization, and I’ve met many people across North America over my career and globally, quite frankly, that I’ve been able to really learn from and learn their management styles, learn their creative thinking process and to be solution-driven. So now that I’m here in this role, I’m excited to lead as the first Canadian CEO of Porsche Cars Canada. And I could say my passion is stronger than ever before. EM: One last question, what’s your favourite Porsche? JC: The one that really fascinates me right now is the Carrera T. I just love that car. With the manual gearbox, it’s a very personal car in terms of being able to drive it in an exciting way. You can go through all the gears very quickly. It feels like you’re wearing the car.
So, I joined the automotive industry straight out of university, and then ending up here at Porsche, which was naturally what I would consider the most iconic sports car brand, was really an opportunity that was a dream come true. EM: Has your perspective and philosophy about the automotive industry changed as you’ve evolved into this the top role as CEO? JC: It certainly has. First and foremost, the environment that I’m in has changed significantly since 1999. If you look at the automotive industry, there’s been so many changes. Now, with the growth of battery electric vehicles, the industry continues to evolve. How we do busi- ness continues to evolve. How technology and digi- talization play a role now has evolved considerably since the early 2000s. So naturally, my perspective has had to change. I’m big on staying open-minded when it comes to change. We have this line at Porsche that I really love and that always reminds me of how we need to approach
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