ULI-TSX-V Archives - Ultra Lithium Inc. ULI

Volkswagen EV Sales Exceed Expectations

May 17, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Volkswagen EV Sales Test Company’s Manufacturing Limits

It seems Tesla isn’t the only automaker to keep customers waiting. Indeed, this trend is expected to continue as the world’s largest car manufacturers enter the clean transportation game. Unfortunately, Germany’s largest automaker has found this out the hard way. Ever since the company made its line available for preorder, Volkswagen EV sales have surpassed expectations. The company struggles to satisfy demand.

READ: VW Secures Lithium Supply for 10+ Years

Granted, this is good news for a number of parties. Firstly, such demand for plug-in vehicles is music to the ears of clean energy advocates. Currently, electric vehicles are on the precipice of serious market penetration. News such as this will encourage VW competitors to ready their fleets.

Additionally, VW’s experience provides a great case study to prepare for fleet rollouts.

Free Battery Charging for 1 Year

Secondly, most of the world’s largest automakers have already announced plans for plug-in fleets. This is especially true in China, where nearly 500 electric car automakers compete. This has formed a bubble in China’s auto sector.

Volkswagen EV sales numbers suggest these investments will pay off. Granted, not all players will survive. Nevertheless, this trend goes far beyond China. Everyone from Harley-Davidson to GM has overhauled their operation. Soon, gas-powered services will play second fiddle to electric. Lastly, this news favours the consumer. There aren’t many affordable EV options out there. Developments like this will change that.

Competition Heats Up EV Sector, with Government Help

After all, nothing breeds innovation like competition. With the Volkswagen EV line being so popular, Tesla is forced to up its game.

Furthermore, national and regional governments help competitors stay afloat. The United States may pass legislation reviving the expired EV tax credit.

Now that Norway sells more electric than gas-powered vehicles, both democrats and republicans recognize the incentive to go green. Currently, Volkswagen is having trouble satisfying its 10,000 EV orders. All things considered, it’s a nice problem to have.

Volkswagen Goes Green to Stay in the Green

EV Adoption Influenced by Social Groups

Lithium-Ion Battery Breakthrough at Penn State

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of clean energy experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, ULI is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V: ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Europe EV Sales Steadily Climb

May 16, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Europe EV Sales Experience Year-on-Year Growth of 67%

No, the electric vehicle industry hasn’t exploded in Europe. However, both governments and automakers invest heavily in research. Most notably, in lithium-ion battery production and charging station infrastructure. As a result, public confidence in plug-in cars steadily climbs. Evidently, Europe EV sales reflect that.

READ: European Lithium-Ion Plants Get Billions In Funding

Compared to this time last year, Europe EV sales have increased by 67%. Granted, that accounts for just 1.7% of all vehicles sold. Nevertheless, progress is progress. Analysts say increased consumer knowledge on the subject of vehicle emissions helped the jump.

Further Adoption Hinges on Government Support

Ultimately, environmental watchdogs endorse the production of fully-electric vehicles. Hybrids offer a sustainable alternative to gas-powered engines but only marginally reduce emissions.

Luckily, the automotive industry’s shift will cover the gap. Currently, most of the world’s largest producers have announced ambitious EV plans.

Furthermore, Audi has the first carbon-neutral vehicle production facility. Located in Belgium, the Volkswagen subsidiary is a sustainable tech leader.

Nevertheless, further change relies on increased governmental action. Granted, most European countries offer a progressive legislative framework to support EVs.

Global EV Adoption to Grow Exponentially

Moreover, Europe EV adoption is supported by government investments in battery production facilities. Incidentally, Li-Ion batteries are highly sought after to support changing energy needs.

For now, only high-earning Europeans can afford to go green. However, it’s likely this will change – sooner rather than later.

The transportation industry shifts rapidly toward sustainability. Moreover, an electric car’s interface is better equipped to handle driverless software.

Consequently, it’s not a matter of if year-over-year Europe EV sales will surpass 67%. It’s a matter of by how much? Exponential growth is on the horizon.

Ultra Lithium Closes Private Placement

May 15, 2019/in News Releases /by Ullrich Schade

Vancouver, BC – Ultra Lithium Inc. (TSX-V:ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB) is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of 22,883,413 units at $0.06 per unit for total gross proceeds of $1,373,005. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half non-transferable common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.12 per share for a period of two years from closing of the private placement provided that if the closing price of the common shares of the Company on any stock exchange or quotation system on which the common shares are then listed or quoted is equal to or greater than Cdn $0.20 for a period of ten (10) consecutive trading days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry of the warrants by giving notice to the holders of the warrants that the warrants will expire at 4:30 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a date that is not less than ten (10) business days from the date notice is given. The Company paid finders fees 2,205,833 units for this placement.

The proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund the exploration of the Company’s Argentine properties and for general working capital purposes.

All securities issued under the private placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. The private placement is subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange..

Qualified Person
The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101 who works as Vice President Exploration of Ultra Lithium Inc.

About Ultra Lithium Inc.
Ultra Lithium is an exploration and development company with a focus on the acquisition and development of lithium assets. The Company currently holds brine exploration properties in Catamarca, Argentina and Nevada, USA and two hard rock spodumene type lithium properties in Ontario, Canada.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
Kiki Smith, CFO

For further information, please contact:
Kiki Smith, CFO
T: +1-778-968-1176
F: +1-604-909-4682
E: kiki@ultralithium.com
W: www.ultralithium.com
Or view the Company’s filings at www.sedar.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding “Forward-Looking” Information
Some of the statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “is expected”, “potential”, “suggests” or variations of such words or phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties beyond the Company’s control. Actual results and developments are likely to differ and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Battery Capacity Worldwide Doubles in 1 Year

May 15, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Global Battery Capacity Doubles Year-Over-Year

Yes, electric vehicles are on the rise. However, global sales only increased by 25% year-over-year. Meanwhile, global battery capacity rose by 94%. Reported by a prominent battery metals tracker, this surge is remarkable – no pun intended.

READ: Auto Savings: Are EVs Worth It?

Overall, 9.76 GWh of passenger EV battery capacity was deployed globally. There are a number of reasons for this stark increase. However, major growth in the Chinese sector helps this along.

China Leads the Global Push

Currently, nearly 500 electric vehicle manufacturers compete for dominance in China. The world’s second-largest economy will hit 1.6 million EV sales by year’s end.

Consequently, the prospect of more global sales has encouraged li-ion producers to improve their product. Additionally, most of the world’s largest automakers have invested heavily in the technology. Everyone from VW to Harley-Davidson has a vested interest in improving Li-Ion battery capacity.

Similarly, government policy overwhelmingly favours EV adoption. Even the United States plans to revive its expired EV tax credit.

Goodbye, Range Anxiety: Serious R&D Money Backs Li-Ion Battery Tech

Moreover, fully electric vehicles take market share from hybrids. Consequently, lithium demand grows.

As a result, the world’s largest companies put more resources and energy than ever into Li-Ion battery technology. Therefore, lithium and cobalt earn more attention than ever.

These minerals are central to the development of electric vehicle batteries. Currently, China owns over half the global supply.

Chinese ambition produces a cheaper, more effective battery. Competition among Chinese producers benefits EV owners.

Evidently, being stranded without a charge is no longer likely.

European Lithium-Ion Plants Get Billions In Funding

EV Adoption Influenced by Social Groups

EVs Outsell Gas-Powered Cars in Norway

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of clean energy experts with a finger on the pulse of clean energy news, ULI is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V: ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).

Rising Fuel Costs Drive Vancouverites to EVs

May 14, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Vancouver Commuters Look to EVs in Wake of Rising Fuel Costs

Drive by a gas station and most Vancouverites gasp. Evidently, there’s no end in site to province-wide rising fuel costs. Granted, inhabitants of Canada’s west coast are used to high prices. Not only for fuel – for everything.

READ: Harbour Air Electric Plane Coming Soon

Evidently, BC is one of North America’s most expensive regions. Specifically, Vancouver is the country’s hardest city to buy a house in.

But $1.70 a liter seems extortionate. Consequently, the price hike is the result of a number of issues. However, leaders can’t agree on which to blame.

Families Struggle to Financially Cope

As a result, the premier has called for a private investigation into the matter. The incumbent NDP government considers climate change a priority. Consequently, BC is North America’s first region to set a zero-emission target. No gas-powered cars will be sold in BC post-2040.

Evidently, such legislation pushes automakers towards electric cars. Additionally, it pushes consumers toward the same fate.

Nevertheless, electric cars aren’t cheap. What’s more, families have few affordable options to choose from. The Tesla Model X isn’t exactly an option for household incomes under $100,000 a year.

Rapid Industry Shift Hits BC

Nevertheless, several rebates exist to help new owners. Granted, a combined $16,000 rebate for an $80,000 vehicle doesn’t really cut it.

Obviously, more needs to be done to make electric cars more affordable for the average British Columbian. Luckily, the province is at the forefront of such change.

The world’s largest automakers overwhelmingly shift away from combustible-engines. Simultaneously, provincial legislation favours electric vehicle production and consumption.

These two events could coincide to benefit BC’s economy. With global EV adoption rates on the rise, BC could become a hub of clean transportation.

Hopefully, this happens sooner rather than later to offset rising fuel costs. Summer road trippers sure hope so.

Self-Driving Teslas to Compete with Uber, Lyft

May 13, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Musk: Self-Driving Teslas will Disrupt Rideshare Industry

Technology is changing the world. Indeed, few sectors change as quickly as automotive. Firstly, electric vehicles break ground in the developed world. Today, over 3% of US car sales are electric. Secondly, the rideshare industry has been overhauled by the likes of Uber. Hailing a taxi is old fashioned in most major cities. Lastly, automated driving tech develops at a steady pace. Now, Elon Musk says that self-driving Teslas will make ordering an Uber a thing of the past.

READ: GM Hires 1,000 to Self-Driving Venture ‘Cruise’

Furthermore, the billionaire says self-driving Teslas will make taxi/Uber drivers obsolete. Vehicles can taxi people around town while their owners are at work.

Consequently, a Tesla could pay itself off within a year of purchase.

Uber, Lyft Drivers on Strike

Granted, self-driving technology has a way to go. However, auto giants like GM and Amazon have entered the game. With increased competition, it won’t take long for a champion to emerge.

Musk believes this could solve many of the problems facing Uber and Lyft drivers. Currently, rideshare titans take 20-25% of driver’s earnings. In protest, drivers went on strike in early May. Employees feel exploited.

Meanwhile, the Tesla figurehead claims the solution isn’t a pipe dream. He tweeted that it’s “…just a matter of finishing the software & going through regulatory approval.”

Electric Vehicles Best Suited to Self-Driving Tech

Granted, Musk is famous for making outrageous claims. In 2018 he was forced to step down as Tesla Chairman for false investment claims.

Nevertheless, self-driving technology does have the potential to accelerate economic growth everywhere it’s successfully introduced. Plus, Musk has ample incentive to promote its value. After all, an EVs digital interface is perfectly suited to self-driving programming. Tesla happens to be the world’s most successful EV manufacturer.

Lithium-Ion batteries are already disrupting the automotive industry. However, their greatest impact could be on the rideshare sector.

Be it 5 or 10 years in the future, your car could be making you money while you’re at the office.

Electric Car Pollution – Get the Facts

May 10, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Gas-Powered vs Electric Car Pollution – Get your Story Straight

The era of misinformation continues. Evidently, the auto industry isn’t immune to its charm. The rise of the electric vehicle has brought a rise in anti-clean energy propaganda. Most notably, online articles claiming that gas and electric car pollution are equal. Moreover, some claim that engines powered by lithium-ion batteries pollute more than combustible alternatives.

READ: Fake News War Against Electric Cars Plagues Australia

Obviously, things need to be straightened out. Firstly, the auto industry is in a massive state of flux. This affects everyone from stakeholders to parts manufacturers.

Indeed, the shift to electric cars will cost jobs. In particular, German auto is set to see rampant unemployment. After all, the industry accounts for nearly 20% of annual national exports.

Private Interests Muddle the Truth

However, major producers like Volkswagen are prepared to adjust. The company even stated that failing to enter the EV game would be financially disastrous. Evidently, new jobs will replace outdated jobs.

Secondly, the gas vs electric car pollution debacle centers on lithium-ion batteries. Most notably, sourcing.

Granted, hard rock lithium mining in Australia isn’t exactly eco-friendly. However, most of the world gets its lithium from brine mining. Specifically, this is found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. This process involves waiting for lithium to emerge out of large pools called salars.

Lithium-Ion Batteries Improve on Efficiency, Safety

There is a negligible impact on the environment. Additionally, potassium and cobalt (another central mineral for EVs) can also be extracted in this sustainable way.

Moreover, the technology underlying the batteries themselves improves at a quick pace. Both startups and technical institutes produce safer and more efficient Li-Ion tech seemingly every month.

Lastly, sources question how sustainable the EV manufacturing process is. Granted, the production of one EV currently emits more than one conventional vehicle.

However, the first carbon-neutral plant is here. In Belgium, Audi’s E-Tron facility is the first to emit no carbon footprint.

So stop worrying, that Nissan Leaf will pollute a fraction of any car you have to fill at the pump.

Kinetic Energy Used to Fast-Charge Electric Cars

May 9, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Chakratec Charges Cars with Kinetic Energy

Admittedly, it takes a long time to charge an electric car. Consequently, automakers have spent billions on charging stations. They’ve also spent just as much on the technology behind lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, the problem persists. However, an eMobility company in Tel Aviv might have a solution. Chakratec has developed a way to charge cars using kinetic energy.

READ: Li-Ion Battery Leads Clean Energy Charge

Ultimately, the firm’s raised nearly $10 billion in funding. Today, its systems are deployed in several European countries.

Based on kinetic storage technology, Chakratec’s method uses the science behind a toilet’s flush. However, it replaces water with electricity.

Dealing with Range Anxiety, a Lack of Charging Stations

The system offers 2 major advantages over modern charging stations. Firstly, it offers unlimited charge cycles. Using kinetic energy costs 1/10th the price of today’s best electric charging solutions. Secondly, the installations can last for 20 years. This kind of lifespan is unrivaled.

As a result, the benefits are endless. To start, motorists can spend minimal time at charging stations. Additionally, electricity consumption goes down. This cuts cost and is less of an environmental drain.

Evidently, a potential solution to range anxiety has been tabled. This fear is a major hindrance to EV adoption. Ultimately, it’s the worry of being stranded with a dead battery and no charging solution in sight.

Billions Go Into EV R&D

Charging station access is another major hurdle to overcome. Tesla’s superchargers can take up to 60 minutes to fill a battery.

Granted, Chakratec’s innovation will take time to reach widespread adoption. However, they are just one of countless players vying to accelerate EV growth. Indeed, most of the world’s largest automakers have announced EV plans. Volkswagen has even suggested that not doing so brings financial ruin.

Similarly, both national and local governments overwhelmingly table legislation supporting EV sector growth. Even the US plans to revive its expired EV tax credit. It’s geared towards both producers and consumers.

Ultimately, kinetic energy storage for electric cars is yet another solution to a nagging problem: the combustible-engine.

Slow Charging Favoured by EV Drivers

May 8, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Drop that Gas Station Mentality, EV Owners use Slow Charging to Power-up

Old habits die hard. Evidently, this is the case with new electric vehicle owners. Since the auto industry’s beginning, fueling has been the same. We push a few buttons and hold a funny-looking hose into a hole on the side of our car. However, the electric vehicle’s rise has changed this. As a result, seasoned EV owners prefer slow charging to much faster alternatives.

READ: Wireless EV Charging on the Horizon

How could this happen? Evidently, we have to return to our discussion around habits. Despite adoption rates exceeding 3% in the US, electric car owners haven’t changed their fueling habits.

Two primary reasons explain this. Firstly, we’ve long had to leave our house to get fuel. Although slow charging takes longer, plugging in your battery overnight will set you up for the next few days.

Rethinking Fuel

Granted, this depends on where you live. In the city, you’re good for a while. In rural areas, you may find yourself on long trips. Nevertheless, this is the first time auto consumers have access to at-home fueling.

Secondly, consider the demographics of most EV owners. Yes, we’re talking middle to upper-class individuals. Moreover, we’re talking folks that typically exceed middle-age. It takes money to own an electric car. Similarly, most high-earners usually strike it big later in life.

Furthermore, habits solidify with time. It’s tougher for someone who’s 55 to break a habit than it is for their son or daughter.

Global EV Adoption Supported by Automakers, Governments

Nevertheless, most EV owners are breaking this habit. Granted, it takes time. Today, just 3% of UK charging is done on roadside rapid chargers.

Indeed, habits can be broken – it just takes time. Just don’t expect to be a changed person when you drive that Tesla Model 3 off the lot.

The same can be said for the world’s largest automakers. Every name from Volkswagen to Harley-Davidson is releasing a line of electric vehicles.

Similarly, government incentives overwhelmingly support clean energy transportation. Even the US plans to revive its expired EV tax credit.

Apparently, leaving the house to fuel-up is a habit you’ll soon get to break.

Gupta Family to Make Niche Electric Cars

May 7, 2019/in In the News /by Gray Leigh

Gupta Family Works with F1 Designer to Bring EVs to Market by 2020

It seems everyone’s hopping on the bandwagon. Indeed, lithium-ion batteries power this particular carriage. Evidently, the trend has transformed beyond pipe dream into a full-blown reality. Consequently, billionaires and millionaires the world over have taken notice. Even India’s Gupta family has put their gold-plated hat in the ring. They’re working to bring their own line of EVs to market.

READ: Electric Aston Martin Unveiled

Granted, these things take time. After all, executing a project of this scale takes years.

What’s that? They’re planning on making the fleet available to consumers by next year? Apparently, anything’s possible when money isn’t an object. Additionally, having former F1 designer Gordon Murray in your corner doesn’t hurt.

Cost of EV Ownership Dropping

The Gupta family has made its fortune in several arenas. These include mining, railways, media and armaments. Evidently, their foray into the EV game is a first for the famous clan.

Nevertheless, they have ample experience starting and actualizing massive projects. This is a challenge they’re prepared for.

Furthermore, their timing is perfect. Several reports suggest the total cost of EV ownership will be less than gas-powered vehicles very soon.

Automakers Electrify at Startling Pace

With a focus on Australia, the Gupta family hopes to launch a vehicle with significant battery range. However, they don’t face this challenge alone. Globally, billions are poured into lithium-ion battery R&D projects.

As a result, range anxiety will soon be a buzz word of the past. Furthermore, the problems around charge station access are being solved. In the US and UK, Google Maps can tell users which stations are occupied.

Granted, a glut of EV manufacturers flood the market. While Tesla is still top dog, it’s market share is under threat.

High-rollers like the Gupta family should push Elon Musk & Co. to innovate at a quicker pace.

Posts

Volkswagen EV Sales Test Company’s Manufacturing Limits

READ: VW Secures Lithium Supply for 10+ Years

Free Battery Charging for 1 Year

Competition Heats Up EV Sector, with Government Help

Related Articles

Europe EV Sales Experience Year-on-Year Growth of 67%

READ: European Lithium-Ion Plants Get Billions In Funding

Further Adoption Hinges on Government Support

Global EV Adoption to Grow Exponentially

Related Articles

Global Battery Capacity Doubles Year-Over-Year

READ: Auto Savings: Are EVs Worth It?

China Leads the Global Push

Goodbye, Range Anxiety: Serious R&D Money Backs Li-Ion Battery Tech

Related Articles

Vancouver Commuters Look to EVs in Wake of Rising Fuel Costs

READ: Harbour Air Electric Plane Coming Soon

Families Struggle to Financially Cope

Rapid Industry Shift Hits BC

Related Articles

Musk: Self-Driving Teslas will Disrupt Rideshare Industry

READ: GM Hires 1,000 to Self-Driving Venture ‘Cruise’

Uber, Lyft Drivers on Strike

Electric Vehicles Best Suited to Self-Driving Tech

Related Articles

Gas-Powered vs Electric Car Pollution – Get your Story Straight

READ: Fake News War Against Electric Cars Plagues Australia

Private Interests Muddle the Truth

Lithium-Ion Batteries Improve on Efficiency, Safety

Related Articles

Chakratec Charges Cars with Kinetic Energy

READ: Li-Ion Battery Leads Clean Energy Charge

Dealing with Range Anxiety, a Lack of Charging Stations

Billions Go Into EV R&D

Related Articles

Drop that Gas Station Mentality, EV Owners use Slow Charging to Power-up

READ: Wireless EV Charging on the Horizon

Rethinking Fuel

Global EV Adoption Supported by Automakers, Governments

Related Articles

Gupta Family Works with F1 Designer to Bring EVs to Market by 2020

READ: Electric Aston Martin Unveiled

Cost of EV Ownership Dropping

Automakers Electrify at Startling Pace

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