UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

 

OR

 

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report _______________

 

Commission file number 000-55859

 

ELECTRAMECCANICA VEHICLES CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant specified in its charter)

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

British Columbia, Canada

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

102 East 1st Avenue

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Bal Bhullar; (604) 428-7656; bal@electrameccanica.com

(Name, Telephone, Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of Each Class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares   SOLO   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Warrants, each to purchase one Common Share   SOLOW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

Common Shares Without Par Value

(Title of Class)

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

Common Shares Without Par Value

(Title of Class)

 

Number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of business of the period covered by the annual report.

 

89,309,563 Common Shares Without Par Value

 

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

 

Yes ¨  No x

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Yes ¨  No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes x  No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files).

 

Yes x  No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer ¨ Accelerated Filer ¨
Non Accelerated Filer x Emerging Growth Company x

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the Registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the Registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued Other ¨
  by the International Accounting Standards Board x  

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow:        Item 17 ¨  Item 18 ¨

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b 2 of the Exchange Act):

 

Yes ¨  No x

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
PART I 4
   
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS 4
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE 4
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION 4
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY 22
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS 42
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES 54
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 89
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 97
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING 97
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 98
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 108
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES 110
   
PART II 111
   
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES 111
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS 111
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 112
ITEM 16. [RESERVED] 113
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT 113
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS 113
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 113
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES 114
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS 114
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT. 114
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 114
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE. 114
   
PART III 115
   
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 115
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 115
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS 144

1

 

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements”. Any statements that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of different places in this Annual Report and, in some cases, can be identified by words such as “anticipates”, “estimates”, “projects”, “expects”, “contemplates”, “intends”, “believes”, “plans”, “may”, “will” or their negatives or other comparable words, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report may include, but are not limited to, statements and/or information related to: strategy, future operations, the size and value of the order book and the number of orders, the number and timing of building pre-production vehicles, the projection of timing and delivery of SOLOs or Tofinos in the future, projected costs, expected production capacity, expectations regarding demand and acceptance of our products, estimated costs of machinery to equip a new production facility, trends in the market in which we operate and the plans and objectives of management.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions made in light of our experience and our perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that we believe to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumption and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the Company’s ability to build pre-production SOLOs and to begin production deliveries within certain timelines; the Company’s expected production capacity; prices for machinery to equip a new production facility; labor costs and material costs remaining consistent with the Company’s current expectations; production of SOLOs and Tofinos meeting expectations and being consistent with estimates; equipment operating as anticipated; there being no material variations in the current regulatory environment; and the Company’s ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used.

 

Such risks are discussed in Item 3.D - “Risk Factors” herein. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing disclosure, the statements contained in Item 4.B. – “Business Overview”, Item 5 – “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and Item 11 – “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” herein are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to:

 

  general economic and business conditions, including changes in interest rates;

 

  prices of other electric vehicles, costs associated with manufacturing electric vehicles and other economic conditions;

 

  natural phenomena, including the current COVID-19 pandemic;

 

  actions by government authorities, including changes in government regulation;

 

  uncertainties associated with legal proceedings;

 

  changes in the electric vehicle market;

 

  future decisions by management in response to changing conditions;

 

  the Company’s ability to execute prospective business plans;

 

  misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements;

2

 

  the Company’s ability to raise sufficient funds to carry out its proposed business plan;

 

  consumers’ willingness to adopt three-wheeled single seat electric vehicles;

 

  declines in the range of the Company’s electric vehicles on a single charge over time may negatively influence potential customers’ decisions to purchase such vehicles;

 

  developments in alternative technologies or improvements in the internal combustion engine;

 

  inability to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology;

 

  inability to design, develop, market and sell new electric vehicles and services that address additional market opportunities;

 

  dependency on certain key personnel and any inability to retain and attract qualified personnel;

 

  inexperience in mass-producing electric vehicles;

 

  inability to reduce and adequately control operating costs;

 

  failure of the Company’s vehicles to perform as expected;

 

  inexperience in servicing electric vehicles;

 

  inability to succeed in establishing, maintaining and strengthening the ElectraMeccanica brand;

 

  disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials;

 

  the unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives;

 

  failure to manage future growth effectively; and

 

  labor and employment risks.

 

Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These cautionary remarks expressly qualify, in their entirety, all forward-looking statements attributable to our Company or persons acting on our Company’s behalf. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. You should carefully review the cautionary statements and risk factors contained in this Annual Report and other documents that the Company may file from time to time with the securities regulators.

3

 

PART I

 

The following discussion and analysis, prepared for the year ended December 31, 2020, is a review of our operations, current financial position and outlook and should be read in conjunction with our annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the notes thereto. Unless stated otherwise, all amounts herein are reported in U.S. dollars based upon financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. As at December 31, 2020, the Company’s functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and the presentation currency is US dollars. The change in presentation currency is discussed in Note 3 to our annual consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected financial data

 

The selected historical consolidated financial information expressed in U.S. dollars as set forth below has been derived from our financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

 

Consolidated Statement of Net Loss  

 

    Year ended
December 31,
2020
    Year ended
December 31,
2019
    Year ended
December 31,
2018
    Year ended
December 31,
2017(1)
    Year ended
December 31,
2016(1)
 
Revenues   $ 568,521     $ 585,584     $ 599,757     $ 84,203     $ -  
Gross Profit   $ (130,934 )   $ 98,041     $ 155,961     $ 34,880     $ -  
Net Loss   $ 63,046,905     $ 23,212,698     $ 7,745,313     $ 8,766,678     $ 6,775,835  
Loss per Share – Basic and Diluted   $ 1.08     $ 0.64     $ 0.29     $ 0.40     $ 0.41  

  

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  

 

    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    December 31,
2018(1)
    December 31,
2017(1)
    December 31,
2016(1)
 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624     $ 13,951,951     $ 6,839,172     $ 2,914,228  
Current Assets   $ 135,312,266     $ 14,556,890     $ 16,812,234     $ 7,948,473     $ 3,301,823  
Total Assets (2)   $ 145,754,382     $ 23,362,963     $ 21,731,661     $ 10,056,138     $ 3,562,726  
Current Liabilities(2)   $ 4,556,443     $ 2,614,657     $ 1,342,838     $ 2,664,408     $ 655,710  
Total Liabilities(2)   $ 23,075,092     $ 8,733,492     $ 4,846,410     $ 5,567,892     $ 655,710  
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)   $ 122,679,290     $ 14,629,471     $ 16,885,251     $ 4,488,246     $ 2,907,016  

  

Our audited consolidated financial statements for the two years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are attached at the end of this Annual Report.

 

(1) Restated in U.S. dollars.

(2) IFRS 16 lease standard applied to years ended Dec 31, 2020 and 2019. IAS 17 lease standard applied to years ended Dec 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.

4

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

An investment in our securities carries a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as the other information contained in this Annual Report, including our historical and pro forma financial statements and the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report, before you decide to purchase our securities. Any one of these risks and uncertainties has the potential to cause material adverse effects on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results which could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements expressed by us and a significant decrease in the value of our securities. Refer to “Forward-Looking Statements”.

 

We may not be successful in preventing the material adverse effects that any of the following risks and uncertainties may cause. These potential risks and uncertainties may not be a complete list of the risks and uncertainties facing us. There may be additional risks and uncertainties that we are presently unaware of, or presently consider immaterial, that may become material in the future and have a material adverse effect on us. You could lose all or a significant portion of your investment due to any of these risks and uncertainties.

 

Risks Related to our Business and Industry

 

We have limited cash on hand and we will require a significant amount of capital to carry out our proposed business plan to develop, manufacture, sell and service electric vehicles; there is no assurance that any amount raised through this offering will be sufficient to continue to fund operations of our Company.

 

We incurred a net loss and comprehensive loss of $63,046,905 and $58,832,999, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2020, and a net loss and comprehensive loss of $23,212,698 and $22,314,225, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2019. Although we had a cash and cash equivalents and a working capital surplus of $129,450,676 and $130,755,823, respectively, as at December 31, 2020, and of $8,560,624 and $11,942,233, respectively, at December 31, 2019, we believe that we will need significant additional equity financing to continue operations, among other things:

 

we have begun the commercial production of our flagship vehicle, the SOLO, and we expect to incur significant ramp-up in costs and expenses through the launch of the vehicle;

 

we anticipate that the gross profit generated from the sale of the SOLO will not be sufficient to cover our operating expenses, and our achieving profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to materially reduce the bill of materials and per unit manufacturing cost of our products; and

 

we do not anticipate that we will be eligible to obtain bank loans, or other forms of debt financing on terms that would be acceptable to us.

 

We anticipate generating a significant loss for the next fiscal year.

5

 

We have minimal revenue and expect significant increases in costs and expenses to forestall profits for the foreseeable future, even if we generate revenues in the near term. Even though we have recently launched the SOLO into commercial production, and even if we launch the Tofino or other intended electric vehicles (“EV”s), they might not become commercially successful. If we are to ever achieve profitability we must have a successful commercial introduction and acceptance of our vehicles, which may not occur. We expect that our operating losses will increase substantially in 2021, and thereafter, and we also expect to continue to incur operating losses and to experience negative cash flows for the next several years.

 

We have a limited operating history and have generated minimal revenues.

 

Our limited operating history makes evaluating our business and future prospects difficult. We were formed in February 2015, and we have begun production but not the commercial delivery of our first electric vehicle. To date we have no revenues from the sale of electric vehicles as any amounts received from the sale of our pre-production electric vehicles were netted off against research and development costs as cost recovery and have had minimal revenue from the sale of non-electric custom cars. We intend to derive revenues from the sales of our SOLO vehicle, our Tofino vehicle and other intended EVs. The Tofino is still in the early design development stage, and the first commercially-produced SOLOs are targeted to be delivered to our customers during 2021. Our vehicles require significant investment prior to commercial introduction and may never be successfully developed or commercially successful.

 

We have a history of operating losses and we expect our operating losses to accelerate and materially increase for the foreseeable future.

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, we generated a net loss of $63,046,905, bringing our accumulated deficit to $110,327,159.

 

We have minimal revenue and expect significant increases in costs and expenses to forestall profits for the foreseeable future, even if we generate revenues in the near term. We have begun the commercial production but not yet the delivery of our flagship vehicle, the SOLO, and we expect to incur significant additional costs and expenses through the launch of the vehicle. Even with the launch of the SOLO into commercial production, and even if we are able to launch the Tofino or other intended EVs, they might not become commercially successful. If we are to ever achieve profitability, we must have a successful commercial introduction and acceptance of our vehicles, which may not occur. We expect that our operating losses will increase substantially in 2021 and thereafter, and we also expect to continue to incur operating losses and to experience negative cash flows for the next several years.

 

We expect the rate at which we will incur losses to increase significantly in future periods from current levels as we:

 

design, develop and manufacture our vehicles and their components;

 

develop and equip our manufacturing facility;

 

build up inventories of parts and components for the SOLO, the Tofino and other intended EVs;

 

open ElectraMeccanica stores;

 

expand our design, development, maintenance and repair capabilities;

 

develop and increase our sales and marketing activities; and

 

develop and increase our general and administrative functions to support our growing operations.

6

 

Because we will incur the costs and expenses from these efforts before we receive any revenues with respect thereto, our losses in future periods will be significantly greater than the losses we would incur if we developed the business more slowly. In addition, we may find that these efforts are more expensive than we currently anticipate or that these efforts may not result in profits or even revenues, which would further increase our losses.

 

Our ability to achieve profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to materially reduce the bill of materials and per unit manufacturing cost of our products.

 

We anticipate that the gross profit generated from the sale of the SOLO will not be sufficient to cover our operating expenses for the foreseeable future. To achieve our operating and strategic goals while remaining competitive, we will, among other things, need to reduce the bill of materials and the per-unit manufacturing cost of the SOLO. We expect the primary factors to contribute to a reduced bill of materials and per unit manufacturing cost to include:

 

continued product development to make the SOLO easier and cheaper to mass produce commercially;

 

our ability to utilize less expensive suppliers and components that meet the requirements for the SOLO;

 

increasing the volume of components that we purchase in order to take advantage of volume-based pricing discounts;

 

improving assembly efficiency;

 

enhancing the automation of our strategic manufacturing partner’s facility to increase volume and reduce labour costs; and

 

increasing our volume to leverage manufacturing overhead costs.

 

Continued product development is subject to feasibility and engineering risks. Any increase in manufacturing volumes is dependent upon a corresponding increase in sales. The occurrence of one or more factors that negatively impact the manufacturing or sales of the SOLO, or reduce our manufacturing efficiency, may prevent us from achieving our desired reduction in manufacturing costs, which would negatively affect our operating results and may prevent us from attaining profitability.

 

We currently have negative operating cash flows, and if we are unable to generate positive operating cash flows in the future our viability as an operating business will be adversely affected.

 

We have made significant up-front investments in research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses to rapidly develop and expand our business. We are currently incurring expenditures related to our operations that have generated a negative operating cash flow. Operating cash flow may decline in certain circumstances, many of which are beyond our control. We might not generate sufficient revenues in the near future. Because we continue to incur such significant future expenditures for research and development, sales and marketing and general and administrative expenses, we may continue to experience negative cash flow until we reach a sufficient level of sales with positive gross margins to cover operating expenses. An inability to generate positive cash flow until we reach a sufficient level of sales with positive gross margins to cover operating expenses or raise additional capital on reasonable terms will adversely affect our viability as an operating business.

 

We may require additional capital to carry out our proposed business plan for the next 12 monthsif our cash on hand and revenues from the sale of our cars are not sufficient to cover our cash requirements.

 

If our cash on hand, revenue from the sale of our cars, if any, and cash received upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, if any are exercised, are not sufficient to cover our cash requirements, we will need to raise additional funds through the sale of our equity securities, in either private placements or registered offerings and/or shareholder loans. If we are unsuccessful in raising enough funds through such capital-raising efforts we may review other financing possibilities such as bank loans. Financing might not be available to us or, if available, may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us.

7

 

Our ability to obtain the necessary financing to carry out our business plan is subject to a number of factors, including general market conditions and investor acceptance of our business plan. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will have to significantly reduce our spending, delay or cancel our planned activities or substantially change our current corporate structure. We might not be able to obtain any funding, and we might not have sufficient resources to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations.

 

Terms of future financings may adversely impact your investment.

 

We may have to engage in common equity, debt or preferred stock financing in the future. Your rights and the value of your investment in our securities could be reduced. Interest on debt securities could increase costs and negatively impacts operating results. Preferred stock could be issued in series from time to time with such designation, rights, preferences and limitations as needed to raise capital. The terms of preferred stock could be more advantageous to those investors than to the holders of common shares. In addition, if we need to raise equity capital from the sale of common shares, institutional or other investors may negotiate terms at least as, and possibly more, favorable than the terms of your investment. Common shares which we sell could be sold into any market which develops, which could adversely affect the market price.

 

Our future growth depends upon consumers’ willingness to adopt three-wheeled single-seat electric vehicles.

 

Our growth highly depends upon the adoption by consumers of, and we are subject to an elevated risk of, any reduced demand for alternative fuel vehicles in general and electric vehicles in particular. If the market for three-wheeled single seat electric vehicles does not develop as we expect, or develops more slowly than we expect, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be negatively impacted. The market for alternative fuel vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles, and specifically electric vehicles, include:

 

 

perceptions about electric vehicle quality, safety (in particular with respect to lithium-ion battery packs), design, performance and cost, especially if adverse events or accidents occur that are linked to the quality or safety of electric vehicles;

     
 

perceptions about vehicle safety in general and, in particular, safety issues that may be attributed to the use of advanced technology, including vehicle electronics and braking systems;

     
 

the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge;

     
 

the decline of an electric vehicle’s range resulting from deterioration over time in the battery’s ability to hold a charge;

     
 

concerns about electric grid capacity and reliability, which could derail our efforts to promote electric vehicles as a practical solution to vehicles which require gasoline;

     
 

the availability of alternative fuel vehicles, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles;

     
 

improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine;

     
 

the availability of service for electric vehicles;

8

 

 

the environmental consciousness of consumers;

     
 

volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline;

     
 

government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternate forms of energy;

     
 

access to charging stations, standardization of electric vehicle charging systems and consumers’ perceptions about convenience and cost to charge an electric vehicle;

     
 

the availability of tax and other governmental incentives to purchase and operate electric vehicles or future regulation requiring increased use of nonpolluting vehicles; and

     
 

perceptions about and the actual cost of alternative fuel.

 

The influence of any of the factors described above may cause current or potential customers not to purchase our electric vehicles, which would materially adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.

 

The range of our electric vehicles on a single charge declines over time which may negatively influence potential customers’ decisions whether to purchase our vehicles.

 

The range of our electric vehicles on a single charge declines principally as a function of usage, time and charging patterns. For example, a customer’s use of their vehicle as well as the frequency with which they charge the battery of their vehicle can result in additional deterioration of the battery’s ability to hold a charge. We currently expect that our battery pack will retain approximately 85% of its ability to hold its initial charge after approximately 3,000 charge cycles and eight years, which will result in a decrease to the vehicle’s initial range. Such battery deterioration and the related decrease in range may negatively influence potential customer decisions whether to purchase our vehicles, which may harm our ability to market and sell our vehicles.

 

Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in the internal combustion engine may materially adversely affect the demand for our electric vehicles.

 

Significant developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol, fuel cells or compressed natural gas, or improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine, may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects in ways we do not currently anticipate. For example, fuel which is abundant and relatively inexpensive in North America, such as compressed natural gas, may emerge as consumers’ preferred alternative to petroleum-based propulsion. Any failure by us to develop new or enhanced technologies or processes, or to react to changes in existing technologies, could materially delay our development and introduction of new and enhanced electric vehicles, which could result in the loss of competitiveness of our vehicles, decreased revenue and a loss of market share to competitors.

 

If we are unable to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology, we may suffer a decline in our competitive position.

 

We may be unable to keep up with changes in electric vehicle technology and, as a result, may suffer a decline in our competitive position. Any failure to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology would result in a decline in our competitive position which would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. Our research and development efforts may not be sufficient to adapt to changes in electric vehicle technology. As technologies change, we plan to upgrade or adapt our vehicles and introduce new models to continue to provide vehicles with the latest technology, in particular battery cell technology. However, our vehicles may not compete effectively with alternative vehicles if we are not able to source and integrate the latest technology into our vehicles. For example, we do not manufacture battery cells which makes us depend upon other suppliers of battery cell technology for our battery packs.

9

 

If we are unable to design, develop, market and sell new electric vehicles and services that address additional market opportunities, our business, prospects and operating results will suffer.

 

We may not be able to successfully develop new electric vehicles and services, address new market segments or develop a significantly broader customer base. To date, we have focused our business on the sale of the SOLO, a three-wheeled single seat electric vehicle, and have targeted mainly urban residents of modest means and fleets. We will need to address additional markets and expand our customer demographic to further grow our business. Our failure to address additional market opportunities would harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

 

Demand in the vehicle industry is highly volatile.

 

Volatility of demand in the vehicle industry may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. The markets in which we will be competing have been subject to considerable volatility in demand in recent periods. Demand for automobile sales depends to a large extent on general, economic, political and social conditions in a given market and the introduction of new vehicles and technologies. As a new start-up manufacturer, we will have fewer financial resources than more established vehicle manufacturers to withstand changes in the market and disruptions in demand.

 

We depend on a third-party for our near-term manufacturing needs.

 

In October 2017, we entered into a manufacturing agreement with Chongqing Zongshen Automobile Co., Ltd. “Zongshen”), acting through its wholly-owned subsidiary (the “Manufacturing Agreement”). Zongshen is an affiliate of Zongshen Power Machinery Co., Ltd., a large-scale scientific and technical enterprise which designs, develops, manufactures and sells a diverse range of motorcycles and motorcycle engines in China., located in Chongqing, China. Under the Manufacturing Agreement Zongshen has contracted to produce 75,000 SOLO vehicles in the three full years from the commencement of production. The delivery of SOLO vehicles to our future customers and the revenue derived therefrom depends on Zongshen’s ability to fulfil its obligations under the Manufacturing Agreement. Zongshen’s ability to fulfil its obligations is outside of our control and depends on a variety of factors, including Zongshen’s operations, Zongshen’s financial condition and geopolitical and economic risks that could affect China. Our Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen provides that non-performance by either us or Zongshen shall be excused to the extent that such performance is rendered impossible by strike, fire, flood, earthquake or governmental acts, orders or restrictions; provided that either we or Zongshen, as applicable, use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate the impact of such non-performance. Notwithstanding any such efforts, any such non-performance by either us or Zongshen shall be cause for termination of the Manufacturing Agreement by the other party if the non-performance continues for more than six months. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or measures taken by the Chinese government relating thereto may result in non-performance by Zongshen under our Manufacturing Agreement. If Zongshen is unable to fulfil its obligations or is only able to partially fulfil its obligations under our existing Manufacturing Agreement with them, or if Zongshen either voluntarily or is forced to terminate our Manufacturing Agreement with them, either as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese government’s measures relating thereto or otherwise, we will not be able to produce or sell our SOLO vehicle in the volumes anticipated and on the timetable that we anticipate, if at all.

10

 

The impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the global economy and our operations remains uncertain, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition and on the market price of our common shares.

 

In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Although our manufacturing partner, Zongshen, reports that its operations have not been materially affected at this point, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and Zongshen’s operations (including, without limitation, staffing levels), supply chains for parts and sales channels for our products, and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant financial market volatility and uncertainty in recent weeks. A continuation or worsening of the levels of market disruption and volatility seen in the recent past could have an adverse effect on our ability to access capital, on our business, results of operations and financial condition, and on the market price of our common shares.

 

We do not currently have all arrangements in place that are required to allow us to fully execute our business plan.

 

To sell our vehicles as envisioned, we will need to enter into certain additional agreements and arrangements that are not currently in place. These include entering into agreements with distributors, arranging for the transportation of the mass-produced SOLOs to be delivered pursuant to our Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen, obtaining battery and other essential supplies in the quantities that we require. If we are unable to enter into such agreements, or are only able to do so on terms that are unfavorable to us, we may not be able to fully carry out our business plans.

 

We depend on certain key personnel, and our success will depend on our continued ability to retain and attract such qualified personnel.

 

Our success depends on the efforts, abilities and continued service of Paul Rivera, our Chief Executive Officer, Bal Bhullar, our Chief Financial Officer, Henry Reisner, our President and Chief Operating Officer, and Isaac Moss, our Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary. A number of these key employees and consultants have significant experience in the automobile manufacturing and technology industries. A loss of service from any one of these individuals may adversely affect our operations, and we may have difficulty or may not be able to locate and hire suitable replacements. We have obtained “key person” insurance on certain key personnel.

 

Since we have little experience in mass-producing electric vehicles, any delays or difficulties in transitioning from producing custom vehicles to mass-producing vehicles may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects and operating results.

 

Our management team has experience in producing custom designed vehicles and is now switching focus to mass producing electric vehicles in a rapidly evolving and competitive market. If we are unable to implement our business plans in the timeframe estimated by management and successfully transition into a mass-producing electric vehicle manufacturing business, then our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition will be negatively impacted and our ability to grow our business will be harmed.

 

We are subject to numerous environmental and health and safety laws and any breach of such laws may have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

We are subject to numerous environmental and health and safety laws, including statutes, regulations, bylaws and other legal requirements. These laws relate to the generation, use, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of regulated substances, including hazardous substances (such as batteries), dangerous goods and waste, emissions or discharges into soil, water and air, including noise and odors (which could result in remediation obligations), and occupational health and safety matters, including indoor air quality. These legal requirements vary by location and can arise under federal, provincial, state or municipal laws. Any breach of such laws and/or requirements would have a material adverse effect on our Company and its operating results.

11

 

Our vehicles are subject to motor vehicle standards and the failure to satisfy such mandated safety standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

All vehicles sold must comply with federal, state and provincial motor vehicle safety standards. In both Canada and the United States vehicles that meet or exceed all federally mandated safety standards are certified under the federal regulations. In this regard, Canadian and U.S. motor vehicle safety standards are substantially the same. Rigorous testing and the use of approved materials and equipment are among the requirements for achieving federal certification. Failure by us to have the SOLO, the Tofino or any future model EV satisfy motor vehicle standards would have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

If we are unable to reduce and adequately control the costs associated with operating our business, including our costs of manufacturing, sales and materials, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects will suffer.

 

If we are unable to reduce and/or maintain a sufficiently low level of costs for designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing and servicing our electric vehicles relative to their selling prices, our operating results, gross margins, business and prospects could be materially and adversely impacted.

 

If our vehicles fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market and sell our electric vehicles could be harmed.

 

Our vehicles may contain defects in design and manufacture that may cause them not to perform as expected or that may require repair. For example, our vehicles use a substantial amount of software code to operate. Software products are inherently complex and often contain defects and errors when first introduced. While we have performed extensive internal testing, we currently have a very limited frame of reference by which to evaluate the performance of our SOLO in the hands of our customers and currently have no frame of reference by which to evaluate the performance of our vehicles after several years of customer driving. With the Tofino we are still in early design development phase, whereby the similar evaluations are further behind.

 

We have very limited experience servicing our vehicles. If we are unable to address the service and warranty requirements of our future customers our business will be materially and adversely affected.

 

If we are unable to successfully address the service requirements of our future customers our business and prospects will be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we anticipate the level and quality of the service we will provide our customers will have a direct impact on the success of our future vehicles. If we are unable to satisfactorily service our customers, our ability to generate customer loyalty, grow our business and sell additional vehicles could be impaired.

 

We have very limited experience servicing our vehicles. We have begun production of the SOLO vehicles for targeted deliveries during 2021. The total number of production SOLOs that we have produced as at December 31, 2020 is 30. The total number of SOLOs that we have produced as pre-production as of December 31, 2020 is 124 (64 from Canada and 60 from Zongshen). Throughout its history, our subsidiary, InterMeccanica International Inc. (“InterMeccanica”), has produced approximately 2,500 cars, which include providing after sales support and servicing. We only have limited experience servicing the SOLO as a limited number of SOLOs have been produced. Servicing electric vehicles on a mass scale is different than servicing electric vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines and requires specialized skills, including high voltage training and servicing techniques on a mass scale.

 

In addition, we presently expect that our warranty covering the SOLO will cover 24 months, however, the final details on such coverage have not yet been completed. Furthermore, the SOLO battery pack is potentially a two to five year warranty period, however, the final details on the exact warranty specifications is still being determined and is being developed in conjunction with our battery pack and cell suppliers.

12

 

We may not succeed in establishing, maintaining and strengthening the ElectraMeccanica brand, which would materially and adversely affect customer acceptance of our vehicles and components and our business, revenues and prospects.

 

Our business and prospects heavily depend on our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen the ElectraMeccanica brand. Any failure to develop, maintain and strengthen our brand may materially and adversely affect our ability to sell our planned electric vehicles. If we are not able to establish, maintain and strengthen our brand, we may lose the opportunity to build a critical mass of customers. Promoting and positioning our brand will likely depend significantly on our ability to provide high quality electric cars and maintenance and repair services, and we have very limited experience in these areas. In addition, we expect that our ability to develop, maintain and strengthen the ElectraMeccanica brand will also depend heavily on the success of our marketing efforts. To date, we have limited experience with marketing activities as we have relied primarily on the internet, word of mouth and attendance at industry trade shows to promote our brand. To further promote our brand, we may be required to change our marketing practices, which could result in substantially increased advertising expenses, including the need to use traditional media such as television, radio and print. The automobile industry is intensely competitive, and we may not be successful in building, maintaining and strengthening our brand. Many of our current and potential competitors, particularly automobile manufacturers headquartered in Detroit, Japan and the European Union, have greater name recognition, broader customer relationships and substantially greater marketing resources than we do. If we do not develop and maintain a strong brand, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be materially and adversely impacted.

 

Increases in costs, disruption of supply or shortage of raw materials, in particular lithium-ion cells, could harm our business.

 

We may experience increases in the cost or a sustained interruption in the supply or shortage of raw materials. Any such increase or supply interruption could materially negatively impact our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. We use various raw materials in our business, including aluminum, steel, carbon fiber and non-ferrous metals such as copper and cobalt. The prices for these raw materials fluctuate depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials and could adversely affect our business and operating results. For instance, we are exposed to multiple risks relating to price fluctuations for lithium-ion cells. These risks include:

 

 

the inability or unwillingness of current battery manufacturers to build or operate battery cell manufacturing plants to supply the numbers of lithium-ion cells required to support the growth of the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle industry as demand for such cells increases;

     
 

disruption in the supply of cells due to quality issues or recalls by the battery cell manufacturers; and

     
 

an increase in the cost of raw materials, such as cobalt, used in lithium-ion cells.

 

Our business depends on the continued supply of battery cells for our vehicles. We do not currently have any agreements for the supply of batteries and depend upon the open market for their procurement. Any disruption in the supply of battery cells from our supplier could temporarily disrupt the planned production of our vehicles until such time as a different supplier is fully qualified. Moreover, battery cell manufacturers may choose to refuse to supply electric vehicle manufacturers to the extent they determine that the vehicles are not sufficiently safe. Furthermore, current fluctuations or shortages in petroleum and other economic conditions may cause us to experience significant increases in freight charges and raw material costs. Substantial increases in the prices for our raw materials would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased electric vehicle prices. We might not be able to recoup increasing costs of raw materials by increasing vehicle prices. We have also already announced an estimated price for the base model of our SOLO and the Tofino. However, any attempts to increase the announced or expected prices in response to increased raw material costs could be viewed negatively by our potential customers, result in cancellations of SOLO and Tofino reservations and could materially adversely affect our brand, image, business, prospects and operating results.

13

 

The unavailability, reduction or elimination of government and economic incentives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

 

Any reduction, elimination or discriminatory application of government subsidies and economic incentives that are offered to purchasers of EVs or persons installing home charging stations, the reduced need for such subsidies and incentives due to the perceived success of the electric vehicle, fiscal tightening or other reasons may result in the diminished competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry generally or our electric vehicles in particular. This could materially and adversely affect the growth of the alternative fuel automobile markets and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

 

If we fail to manage future growth effectively, we may not be able to market and sell our vehicles successfully.

 

Any failure to manage our growth effectively could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. We plan to expand our operations in the near future in connection with the planned production of our vehicles. Our future operating results depend to a large extent on our ability to manage this expansion and growth successfully. Risks that we face in undertaking this expansion include:

 

 

training new personnel;

     
 

forecasting production and revenue;

     
 

controlling expenses and investments in anticipation of expanded operations;

     
 

establishing or expanding design, manufacturing, sales and service facilities;

     
 

implementing and enhancing administrative infrastructure, systems and processes;

     
 

addressing new markets; and

     
 

establishing international operations.

 

We intend to continue to hire a number of additional personnel, including design and manufacturing personnel and service technicians, for our electric vehicles. Competition for individuals with experience in designing, manufacturing and servicing electric vehicles is intense, and we may not be able to attract, assimilate, train or retain additional highly qualified personnel in the future. The failure to attract, integrate, train, motivate and retain these additional employees could seriously harm our business and prospects.

 

Our business may be adversely affected by labor and union activities.

 

Although none of our employees are currently represented by a labor union, it is common throughout the automobile industry generally for many employees at automobile companies to belong to a union, which can result in higher employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. We have a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen to produce 75,000 SOLO vehicles in the first three full years from the commencement of production. Zongshen’s workforce is not currently unionized, though they may become so in the future or industrial stoppages could occur in the absence of a union. We also directly and indirectly depend upon other companies with unionized work forces, such as parts suppliers and trucking and freight companies, and work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or operating results. If a work stoppage occurs within our business, or that of Zongshen or our key suppliers, it could delay the manufacture and sale of our electric vehicles and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results or financial condition. Additionally, if we expand our business to include full in-house manufacturing of our vehicles, our employees might join or form a labor union and we may be required to become a union signatory.

14

 

We may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our financial condition and liquidity if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.

 

We may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. The automobile industry experiences significant product liability claims and we face inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event our vehicles do not perform as expected or malfunction resulting in personal injury or death. Our risks in this area are particularly pronounced given we have limited field experience of our vehicles. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about our vehicles and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future vehicle candidates which would have a material adverse effect on our brand, business, prospects and operating results. We plan to maintain product liability insurance for all our vehicles with annual limits of approximately $30 million on a claims-made basis, but any such insurance might not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of our coverage, or outside of our coverage, may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and financial condition. We may not be able to secure additional product liability insurance coverage on commercially acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed, particularly if we do face liability for our products and are forced to make a claim under our policy.

 

Our patent applications may not result in issued patents, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to prevent others from interfering with our commercialization of our products.

 

The registration and enforcement of patents involves complex legal and factual questions and the breadth and effectiveness of patented claims is uncertain. We cannot be certain that we are the first to file patent applications on these inventions, nor can we be certain that our pending patent applications will result in issued patents or that any of our issued patents will afford sufficient protection against someone creating competing products, or as a defensive portfolio against a competitor who claims that we are infringing its patents. In addition, patent applications filed in foreign countries are subject to laws, rules and procedures that differ from those of the United States, and thus we cannot be certain that foreign patent applications, if any, will result in issued patents in those foreign jurisdictions or that such patents can be effectively enforced, even if they relate to patents issued in the United States.

 

We may need to defend ourselves against patent or trademark infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and would cause us to incur substantial costs.

 

Companies, organizations or individuals, including our competitors, may hold or obtain patents, trademarks or other proprietary rights that would prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use, develop, sell or market our vehicles or components, which could make it more difficult for us to operate our business. From time to time, we may receive communications from third parties that allege our products are covered by their patents or trademarks or other intellectual property rights. Companies holding patents or other intellectual property rights may bring suits alleging infringement of such rights or otherwise assert their rights. If we are determined to have infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, we may be required to do things that include one or more of the following:

 

   

cease making, using, selling or offering to sell processes, goods or services that incorporate or use the third-party intellectual property;

     
   

pay substantial damages;

15

 

   

seek a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right, which license may not be available on reasonable terms or at all;

     
 

redesign our vehicles or other goods or services to avoid infringing the third-party intellectual property; or

     
  establish and maintain alternative branding for our products and services.

 

In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us and our failure or inability to obtain a license to the infringed technology or other intellectual property right, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any litigation or claims, whether or not valid, could result in substantial costs, negative publicity and diversion of resources and management attention.

 

You may face difficulties in protecting your interests, and your ability to protect your rights through the U.S. federal courts may be limited because we are incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, a substantial portion of our assets are in Canada and all of our executive officers and most of our directors reside outside the United States

 

We are organized pursuant to the laws of the Province of British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Business Corporations Act”), and our executive offices are located outside of the United States in Vancouver, British Columbia. Three of our four officers, our auditor and all but four of our directors reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of their assets and our assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws. Furthermore, there is substantial doubt as to the enforceability in Canada against us or against any of our directors, officers and the expert named in this Annual Report who are not residents of the United States, in original actions or in actions for enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts, of liabilities based solely upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, shareholders in British Columbia companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in U.S. federal courts. As a result, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests through actions against us, our management, our directors or our major shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a jurisdiction in the United States.

 

Global economic conditions could materially adversely impact demand for our products and services.

 

Our operations and performance depend significantly on economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions could result in customers postponing purchases of our products and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values and other macroeconomic factors, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We are vulnerable to a growing trade dispute between the United States and China

 

A growing trade dispute between the United States and China could increase the proposed sales price of our products or decrease our profits, if any. In June 2018, the previous U.S. administration has imposed tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese exports, including a 25% duty on cars built in China and shipped to the United States. Following the imposition of these tariffs, China has imposed additional tariffs on U.S. goods manufactured in the United States and exported to China. Subsequently, the U.S. administration indicated that it may impose tariffs on up to US$500 billion of goods manufactured in China and imported into the United States. These tariffs may escalate a nascent trade war between China and the United States. This trade conflict could affect our business because we intend to mass produce the SOLO in China and our intended principal market is the west coast of North America. If a trade war were to escalate or if tariffs were imposed on any of our products, we could be forced to increase the proposed sales price of such products or reduce the margins, if any, on such products.

16

 

Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that the SOLO has a classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that applies to passenger vehicles for less than 10 people with only electric motors. The total applicable duty for this classification was recently raised to 27.5% (2.5% is a “most-favored-nation” tariff for this classification and 25% derives from this classification being on the China 301 List 1). We envision that the suggested retail purchase price for our SOLO will be US$18,500. As the landscape for tariffs involving imports to the United States from the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) has been changing over the past year and may change again, we have not determined how to adjust the purchase price in the United States in response to the recent tariff increase.

 

On January 15, 2020, the United States and the PRC signed “Phase One” of an Economic and Trade Agreement (the “Phase One Agreement”), which entered into force on February 14, 2020. Notwithstanding the coming into force of the Phase One Agreement, the United States will maintain its tariffs on cars built in China and shipped to the United States.

 

Uncertainties in the interpretation and enforcement of Chinese laws and regulations could limit the legal protections available to you and us.

 

The legal system in the PRC is based on written statutes. Unlike common law systems, it is a system in which legal cases have limited value as precedents. In the late 1970s, the PRC government began to promulgate a comprehensive system of laws and regulations governing economic matters in general. The overall effect of legislation over the past three decades has significantly increased the protections afforded to various production services in the PRC. Zongshen, our manufacturing partner, is subject to various PRC laws and regulations generally applicable to companies in China. However, since these laws and regulations are relatively new and the PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform and enforcement of these laws, regulations and rules involve uncertainties.

 

From time to time, we may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to enforce our legal rights or Zongshen may have to resort to administrative and court proceedings to fulfill its obligations under the Manufacturing Agreement. However, since PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory and contractual terms, it may be more difficult to evaluate the outcome of administrative and court proceedings and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in more developed legal systems. Furthermore, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules (some of which are not published in a timely manner or at all) that may have retroactive effect. As a result, we or Zongshen may not be aware of our violation of these policies and rules until sometime after the violation. Such uncertainties, including uncertainty over the scope and effect of our contractual, property (including intellectual property) and procedural rights, and any failure to respond to changes in the regulatory environment in China, could materially and adversely affect our business and impede our ability to continue our operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Common Shares

 

Our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 15.99% of our common shares.

 

As of March 23, 2021, our executive officers and directors beneficially own, in the aggregate,15.99% of our common shares, which includes shares that our executive officers and directors have the right to acquire pursuant to warrants and stock options which have vested. As a result, they are able to exercise a significant level of control over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors, amendments to our Articles and approval of significant corporate transactions. This control could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of our Company or changes in management and will make the approval of certain transactions difficult or impossible without the support of these shareholders.

17

 

The continued sale of our equity securities will dilute the ownership percentage of our existing shareholders and may decrease the market price for our common shares.

 

Our Notice of Articles authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of common shares and the issuance of preferred shares. Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of our capital stock to provide additional financing in the future and designate the rights of the preferred shares, which may include voting, dividend, distribution or other rights that are preferential to those held by the common shareholders. The issuance of any such common or preferred shares may result in a reduction of the book value or market price, if one exists at the time, of our outstanding common shares. Given our lack of revenues, we will likely have to issue additional equity securities to obtain working capital we require for the next 12 months. Our efforts to fund our intended business plans will therefore result in dilution to our existing shareholders. If we do issue any such additional common shares, such issuance also will cause a reduction in the proportionate ownership and voting power of all other shareholders. As a result of such dilution, if you acquire common shares your proportionate ownership interest and voting power could be decreased. Furthermore, any such issuances could result in a change of control or a reduction in the market price for our common shares.

 

Additionally, we had 12,275,863 stock options and 12,539,558 warrants outstanding as of March 23, 2021. The exercise price of some of these options and warrants is below our current market price, and you could purchase shares in the market at a price in excess of the exercise price of our outstanding warrants or options. If the holders of these options and warrants elect to exercise them, your ownership position will be diluted and the per share value of the common shares you have or acquire could be diluted as well. As a result, the market value of our common shares could significantly decrease as well.

 

Issuances of our preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common shares and reduce the value of our common shares.

 

Our Notice of Articles authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of preferred stock. Our Board of Directors has the authority to create one or more series of preferred stock and, without shareholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with rights superior to the rights of the holders of common shares. As a result, shares of preferred stock could be issued quickly and easily, adversely affecting the rights of holder of common shares and could be issued with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control or make removal of management more difficult. Although we currently have no plans to create any series of preferred stock and have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock, any creation and issuance of preferred stock in the future could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common shares and reduce the value of our common shares.

 

The market price of our common shares may be volatile and may fluctuate in a way that is disproportionate to our operating performance.

 

Our common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) in August 2018, and before that it had been trading on the OTCQB starting in September 2017. The historical volume of trading has been low (within the past year, the fewest number of our shares that were traded on Nasdaq was 28,706 shares daily), and the share price has fluctuated significantly (since trading began on Nasdaq our closing price has been as low as US$0.91 and as high as US$10.81). The share price for our common shares could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors:

 

 

sales or potential sales of substantial amounts of our common shares;

     
 

announcements about us or about our competitors;

     
 

litigation and other developments relating to our patents or other proprietary rights or those of our competitors;

18

 

 

conditions in the automobile industry;

     
 

governmental regulation and legislation;

     
 

variations in our anticipated or actual operating results;

     
 

change in securities analysts’ estimates of our performance, or our failure to meet analysts’ expectations;

     
 

change in general economic trends; and

     
 

investor perception of our industry or our prospects.

 

Many of these factors are beyond our control. The stock markets in general, and the market for automobile companies in particular, have historically experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market and industry factors could reduce the market price of our common shares regardless of our actual operating performance.

 

We do not intend to pay dividends and there will thus be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.

 

We have never paid any cash or stock dividends and we do not intend to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future. To the extent that we require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plan, our funding sources may prohibit the payment of any dividends. Because we do not intend to declare dividends, any gain on your investment will need to result from an appreciation in the price of our common shares. There will therefore be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment.

 

FINRA sales practice requirements may limit your ability to buy and sell our common shares, which could depress the price of our shares.

 

Financial Industry Regulation Authority (“FINRA”) rules require broker-dealers to have reasonable grounds for believing that an investment is suitable for a customer before recommending that investment to the customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status and investment objectives, among other things. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability such speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, FINRA requirements may make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common shares, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our common shares, have an adverse effect on the market for our common shares and, thereby, depress their market prices.

 

Our common shares have been thinly traded, and you may be unable to sell at or near ask prices or at all if you need to sell your common shares to raise money or otherwise desire to liquidate your shares.

 

From October 2017 until August 2018, our common shares were quoted on the OTCQB where they were “thinly-traded”, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near bid prices at any given time was relatively small or non-existent. Since we listed on Nasdaq in August 2018, the volume of our common shares traded has increased, but that volume could decrease until we are thinly-traded again. That could occur due to a number of factors, including that we are relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and might be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our common shares until such time as we became more seasoned. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our common shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. Broad or active public trading market for our common shares may not develop or be sustained.

19

 

Volatility in our common shares or warrant price may subject us to securities litigation.

 

The market for our common shares may have, when compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility, and we expect that our share or warrant prices may continue to be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management’s attention and resources.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies.

 

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Exchange Act. As such, we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to United States domestic public companies. For example:

 

  we are not required to provide as many Exchange Act reports, or as frequently, as a domestic public company;
     
 

for interim reporting we are permitted to comply solely with our home country requirements, which are less rigorous than the rules that apply to domestic public companies;

     
  we are not required to provide the same level of disclosure on certain issues, such as executive compensation;
     
 

we are exempt from provisions of Regulation FD aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information;

     
 

we are not required to comply with the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; and

     
 

we are not required to comply with Section 16 of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their share ownership and trading activities and establishing insider liability for profits realized from any “short-swing” trading transaction.

 

Our shareholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important and are accustomed to receive from U.S. reporting companies.

 

As an “emerging growth company” under applicable law, we will be subject to lessened disclosure requirements. Such reduced disclosure may make our common shares less attractive to investors.

 

For as long as we remain an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the JOBS Act, we will elect to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” and including, but not limited to, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Because of these lessened regulatory requirements, our shareholders would be left without information or rights available to shareholders of more mature companies. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for such securities and their market prices may be more volatile.

20

 

We incur significant costs as a result of being a public company, which costs will grow after we cease to qualify as an “emerging growth company.”

 

We incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses as a public company that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and Nasdaq, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. We are an “emerging growth company”, as defined in the JOBS Act, and will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of : (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following May 23, 2022, (b) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least US$1.07 billion or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700 million as of the prior June 30th; and (2) the date on which we have issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting and permission to delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.

 

Compliance with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs and makes some corporate activities more time-consuming and costlier. After we are no longer an emerging growth company, we expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a public company, we have been required to increase the number of independent directors and adopt policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We have incurred additional costs in obtaining director and officer liability insurance. In addition, we incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

21

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

Summary

 

We were incorporated on February 16, 2015, under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and our principal activity is the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).

 

Our head office is located at, and our principal address is, 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4.

 

Additional information related us is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.electrameccanica.com. We do not incorporate the contents of our website or of sedar.com into this Annual Report. Information on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report.

 

Our registered and records office is located at Suite 1500, 1055 West Georgia Street, P.O. Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4N7.

 

A. History and development of the Company

 

We are a development-stage electric vehicle, or EV, manufacturing company which was incorporated on February 16, 2015 under the laws of British Columbia, Canada.

 

We have four subsidiaries: InterMeccanica, a British Columbia, Canada, corporation; EMV Automotive USA Inc., a Nevada corporation; SOLO EV LLC, a Michigan corporation; and EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc., a PRC corporation.

 

We currently have 10 existing retail locations: six in Southern California; three in Scottsdale, Arizona; and one in Portland, Oregon; and we anticipate opening up three additional retail locations in each of the three foregoing states.

22

 

B. Business Overview

 

General

 

We are a development-stage electric vehicle, or EV, manufacturer company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Our initial product line targets urban commuters, commercial fleets/deliveries and shared mobility seeking to commute in an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

 

Our first flagship EV is the SOLO, a single seat vehicle, of which we have built 64 prototype vehicles in-house as of December 31, 2020 and 60 pre-production vehicles with our manufacturing partner, Zongshen. We have used some of these pre-mass production vehicles as prototypes and for certification purposes, have delivered some to customers and have used others as test drive models in our showroom. We believe our schedule to mass produce EVs, combined with our subsidiary, InterMeccanica’s, 61-year history of automotive design, manufacturing and deliveries of motor vehicles to customers, significantly differentiates us from other early and development stage EV companies.

 

We launched commercial production of our SOLO on August 26, 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we have produced 30 SOLOs. We currently have 10 existing retail locations: six in Southern California; three in Scottsdale, Arizona; and one in Portland, Oregon; and we anticipate opening up three additional retail locations in each of the three foregoing states. Deliveries will be made to key markets along the U.S. west coast as the Company continues to expand. The Company has targeted sometime in 2021 for initial deliveries to customers.

 

On September 16, 2020, we announced plans to produce an alternative “utility and fleet” version of our flagship SOLO EV..

 

To support our production, we have entered into a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen, acting through its wholly-owned subsidiary. Zongshen is an affiliate of Zongshen Power Machinery Co., Ltd., a large-scale scientific and technical enterprise which designs, develops, manufactures and sells a diverse range of motorcycles and motorcycle engines in China. Zongshen has previously purchased common shares and warrants to purchase common shares from us, and beneficially owns approximately2.4% of our common shares.

 

We have another EV candidate in early design development stage, the Tofino, an all-electric, two-seater roadster.

 

We have devoted substantial resources to create an affordable EV which brings significant performance and value to our customers. To this end, we envision the SOLO carrying a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of US$18,500, prior to any surcharge to cover tariffs (discussed below), and being powered by a high-performance electric rear drive motor which enables the SOLO to achieve:

 

  a top speed of 80 mph and an attainable cruise speed of 68 mph resulting from its lightweight aerospace composite chassis;
     
  acceleration from 0 mph to 60 mph in approximately ten seconds; and
     
  a range of up to 100 miles generated from a lithium ion battery system that requires up to four hours of charging time on a 220-volt charging station (up to eight hours from a 110-volt outlet) that utilizes approximately 8.64 kW/h.

 

In addition, the SOLO contains a number of standard features found in higher price point vehicles, including:

 

  LCD Digital Instrument Cluster;
     
  Power Windows, Power Steering and Power Brakes;

23

 

  AM/FM Stereo with Bluetooth/CD/USB;
     
  Rear view backup camera;
     
  Air conditioning;
     
  Heated seats;
     
  Heater and defogger; and
     
  Keyless remote entry.

 

Unique to Canada, the SOLO is under the three-wheeled vehicle category and is subject to the safety standards listed in Schedule III of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations. See “Government Regulation” herein.

 

For sale into the United States, we and our vehicles must meet the applicable provisions of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 —Transportation. Since the U.S. regulations do not have a specific class for three-wheeled “autocycles”, the SOLO falls under the definition of a motorcycle pursuant to Sec. 571.3 of 49 CFR Part 571. However, currently a motorcycle license is not required to drive them in all but the States of Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, New England, North Carolina, Indiana and Oklahoma. The State of New York and Massachusetts are pending legislation which would allow them to be driven with a driver’s license. Motorcycle helmets must be worn while operating in the State of Massachusetts. Helmets are also required if the driver is under 18 years old in the States of Alaska, Montana, Colorado and New Hampshire. See “Government Regulation” herein.

 

Potential Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19.

 

Our manufacturing partner, Zongshen, reports that its operations have not been materially affected at this point, and with our partner Zongshen we have begun producing the SOLO for targeted deliveries to customers during 2021. However, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and Zongshen’s operations, and on the global economy as a whole. Government-imposed restrictions on travel and other “social-distancing” measures, such as restrictions on assemblies of groups of persons, have potential to disrupt supply chains for parts and sales channels for our products, and may result in labor shortages.

 

It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, and intend to follow health and safety guidelines as they evolve.

 

Potential Impact of Tariffs

 

A growing trade dispute between the United States and China could increase the proposed sales price of our products or decrease our profits, if any. In June 2018, the previous U.S. administration imposed tariffs on $34 billion of Chinese exports, including a 25% duty on cars built in China and shipped to the United States. Following the imposition of these tariffs, China has imposed additional tariffs on U.S. goods manufactured in the United States and exported to China. Subsequently, the U.S. administration indicated that it may impose tariffs on up to US$500 billion of goods manufactured in China and imported into the United States. These tariffs may escalate a nascent trade war between China and the United States. This trade conflict could affect our business because we intend to mass produce the SOLO in China and our intended principal market is the west coast of North America. If a trade war were to escalate or if tariffs were imposed on any of our products, we could be forced to increase the proposed sales price of such products or reduce the margins, if any, on such products.

24

 

Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that the SOLO has a classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that applies to passenger vehicles for less than 10 people with only electric motors. The total applicable duty for this classification was recently raised to 27.5% (2.5% is a “most-favored-nation” tariff for this classification and 25% derives from this classification being on the China 301 List 1). As indicated above, we envision that the base purchase price for our SOLO will be approximately US$18,500. As the landscape for tariffs involving imports to the United States from the PRC has been changing over the past year and may change again, we have not determined how to adjust the base purchase price in the United States in response to the recent tariff increase.

 

On January 15, 2020, the United States and the PRC signed an Economic and Trade Agreement commonly referred to as the Phase 1 Trade Agreement, which entered into force on February 14, 2020. Notwithstanding the coming into force of the Phase 1 Trade Agreement, the United States will maintain its tariffs on cars built in China and shipped to the United States.

 

Corporate Structure and Principal Executive Offices

 

We were incorporated on February 16, 2015 under the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and have a December 31st fiscal year end. As of March 23, 2021, we had 112,908,266 common shares outstanding.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4. Our telephone number is (604) 428-7656. Our website address is www.electrameccanica.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report. Our registered and records office is located at Suite 1500, 1055 West Georgia Street, P.O. Box 11117, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4N7.

 

We have four subsidiaries: Intermeccanica, a British Columbia, Canada, corporation; EMV Automotive USA Inc., a Nevada corporation; SOLO EV LLC, a Michigan limited liability company; and EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Ltd., a PRC corporation.

 

Strategy

 

Our near-term goal is to commence and expand sales of the SOLO while continuing to develop our other EVs. We intend to achieve this goal by:

 

Beginning commercial production of the SOLO: Zongshen, our manufacturing partner, began production of the SOLO on August 26, 2020 with targeted deliveries to customers in 2021;

 

Increasing orders for our EVs: We have an online reservation system which allows a potential customer to reserve a SOLO by paying a refundable US$250 deposit, and Tofino by paying a refundable $1,000 deposit. Once reserved, the potential customer is allocated a reservation number and, although we cannot guarantee that such pre-orders will become binding and result in sales, we intend to fulfill the reservations as the respective vehicles are produced. We maintain certain refundable deposits from various individuals for SOLOs and Tofinos;

 

Having sales and services supported by local corporate stores: We will monitor all cars in real time via telematics which provides early warning of potential maintenance issues; and

 

Expanding our product offering: In parallel with the production and sale of the SOLO, we aim to continue the development of our other proposed products, including the Tofino, a two-seater sports car in the expected price range of US$50,000 to US$60,000.

25

 

We have achieved our pre-order book through an online “direct sales to customers and corporate sales” platform, as well as a showroom at our headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we have a service and distribution center in Studio City, California. We plan on expanding the corporate retail stores model and will be opening retail stores in key urban areas. We currently have 10 U.S. corporate retail stores, located in Southern California, Arizona and Oregon, and we anticipate opening up three additional retail locations in each of the three foregoing states.

 

We will continue to identify other retail targets in additional regions. The establishment of stores will depend on regional demand, available candidates and local regulations. Our vehicles will initially be available directly from us. We plan to only establish and operate corporate stores in those states in the United States that do not restrict or prohibit certain retail sales models by vehicle manufacturers.

 

Marketing Plan

 

We recognize that marketing efforts must be focused on customer education and establishing brand presence and visibility which is expected to allow our vehicles to gain traction and subsequently gain increases in orders. Our marketing and promotional efforts emphasize the SOLO’s image as an efficient, clean and attainable EV for the masses to commute on a daily basis, for commercial fleets/deliveries and for shared mobility.

 

A key point to the marketing plan is to target metropolitan areas with high population density, expensive real estate, high commuter traffic load and pollution levels which are becoming an enormous concern. Accordingly, our management has identified California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Southern Florida as areas with cities that fit the aforementioned criteria, and we have plans to seek out suitable locations for additional stores there.

 

We plan to develop a marketing strategy that will generate interest and media buzz based on the SOLO’s selling points. Key aspects of our marketing plan include:

 

Digital marketing: Organic engagement and paid digital marketing media with engaging posts aimed to educate the public about EVs and develop interest in our SOLO;

 

Earned media: We have already received press coverage from several traditional media sources and expect these features and news stories to continue as we embark on our commercial launch;

 

Investor Relations/Press Releases: Our in-house investor relations team will provide media releases/kits for updates and news on our progress;

 

Industry shows and events: We displayed the SOLO at the Vancouver International Autoshow in March 2017, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2018 and the Vancouver International Autoshow in March 2018 and 2019. Promotional merchandise giveaways are expected to enhance and further solidify our branding in consumer minds. Computer stations and payment processing software will be readily on hand at such events to accept SOLO reservations; and

 

First-hand experience: Test-drives and public viewings are available at our existing stores in the Vancouver downtown core and in Southern California, Arizona and Oregon.

 

We anticipate that our marketing strategy and tactics will evolve over time as our SOLO gains momentum and we identify appropriate channels and media that align with our long-term objectives. In all of our efforts we plan to focus on the features that differentiate our SOLO from the existing EVs on the market.

26

 

SOLO

 

 

We created the SOLO’s first prototype in September of 2016. Since the completion of the prototype, our engineers and designers have devoted significant efforts to provide the SOLO with an appealing design and have engaged in proprietary research and development leading to a high-performance electric rear drive motor.

 

The SOLO has a suggested retail purchase price of US$18,500 and features a lightweight chassis to allow for a top speed of 80/mph, an attainable cruise speed of 68/mph and is able to go from 0/mph to 60/mph in approximately 10 seconds. Our SOLO features a lithium ion battery system that requires only up to four hours of charging time on a 220-volt charging station or up to eight hours from a 110-volt outlet. The lithium battery system utilizes approximately 8.64 kW/h for up to 100 miles in range. We will be offering a warranty package for two years for the SOLO and potentially two to five years for the battery. Standard equipment in the SOLO includes, but is not limited to the following:

 

LCD Digital Instrument Cluster;

 

Power Windows, Power Steering and Power Brakes;

 

AM/FM Stereo with Bluetooth/CD/USB;

 

Rear view backup camera;

 

Air conditioning;

27

 

Heated seats;

 

Heater and defogger; and

 

Keyless remote entry.

 

SOLO Utility

 

 

In September 2020 we announced our plans to produce an alternative “utility and fleet” version of our flagship SOLO EV, however, at this time we do not know when such will become available. This modified vehicle is being developed based on direct input from potential commercial and fleet partners and will be equipped with a stylish and functional cargo “cap”, offering additional capacity and versatility to suit a variety of different, single-occupant commercial and utility fleet applications. Our engineers and designers have devoted efforts to provide the SOLO Utility with an appealing design and have engaged in proprietary research and development leading to a high-performance electric rear drive motor.

 

The SOLO Utility is expected to have the similar features as the SOLO; however, we anticipate that there will be some additional fleet technology and features that would be able to add to the SOLO Utility. In addition, the terms of any warranty for the SOLO Utility have not been determined at this time.

28

 

The Tofino

 

 

We announced on March 28, 2017, at the Vancouver International Auto Show, that we intended to build the Tofino; an all-electric, two-seater roadster representing an evolution of the Intermeccanica Roadster. We are designing the Tofino to be equipped with a high-performance, all-electric motor. The Tofino is still in early design stage development.

 

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

 

We continue to source duplicate suppliers for all of our components and, in particular, we are currently sourcing our lithium batteries from Panasonic, Samsung and LT Chem. Lithium is subject to commodity price volatility which is not under our control and could have a significant impact on the price of lithium batteries.

 

At present we are subject to the supply of our chassis from one supplier for the production of the SOLO. We are exploring additional suppliers of the chassis to mitigate the risk of depending on only one supplier.

 

Patents and Licenses

 

We have filed patent and design applications for inventions and designs that our legal counsel deems necessary to protect our products. We do not rely on any licenses from third-party vendors at this time.

 

Our success depends, at least in part, on our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property. To accomplish this we rely on a combination of patent and design applications and registrations, trade secrets, including know-how, employee and third-party non-disclosure agreements, copyright, trademarks and other contractual rights to establish and protect our proprietary rights in our technology and other intellectual property. As at March 23, 2021, we have 13 issued design registrations, one allowed design application, 17 pending invention patent applications and one granted invention patent in specific countries which we consider core to our business in a broad range of areas related to the design of the SOLO and its powertrain. Additionally, and pursuant to our Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen, legal title has been transferred for 24 pending Chinese design applications and six granted Chinese design registrations from Chongqing Zongshen Institute of Innovation and Technology Co., Ltd. to EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary. We intend to continue to file additional patent and design applications with respect to our technology and designs. Examination is proceeding with our pending patent applications, but it is not yet clear whether these applications will result in the issuance of patents or whether the examination process will require us to narrow our claims such that, even if patents are granted, they might not provide us with adequate protection.

29

 

Trademarks

 

We have recently revised our Brand Guidelines, removing the space between “ELECTRA” and “MECCANICA”, such that, with the next generation SOLO vehicle we will operate under the trademark “ELECTRAMECCANICA SOLO”. Until ELECTRAMECCANICA SOLO is used in commerce, we will continue to maintain the mark “ELECTRA MECCANICA SOLO” which is registered in Canada, China, the European Union and Japan, and which is the subject of pending applications in the United States. We have also registered the trademark “ELECTRA MECCANICA TOFINO” in Canada, Japan, the European Union and China, and we have applied to register the trademark in the United States.

 

We have additional trademark registrations and pending applications for trademarks (other than those noted above) in Canada, China, Japan, the United States and the European Union. As of March 23, 2021, there are three pending applications in Canada, three pending applications in China and six pending applications in the United States. There is also an additional registration in each of the European Union, China and Japan for the trademark “MONSTERRA”. We also own six registrations in each of the European Union and Japan and we own 41 registrations in China.

 

This Annual Report contains references to our trademarks and service marks and to those belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent possible under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.

 

Industry Overview

 

Investment in clean technology has been trending upwards for several years as nations, governments and societies overall become more aware of the damaging effects that pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have on the environment. In an attempt to prevent and/or slow-down these damaging effects and create a more sustainable environment, consumers have taken to exploring and purchasing clean technology while nations and government agencies have undertaken programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute funding into research and development in clean technology and offer incentives/rebates for clean technology investments by businesses and consumers. EVs are a growing segment of this clean technology movement.

 

EV is a broad term for vehicles that do not solely operate on gas or diesel. Within this alternative vehicle group there are sub-categories of alternative vehicles that utilize different innovative technologies such as: (i) battery electric vehicles (“BEV”s); (ii) fuel-cell electric vehicles (“FCV”s) and (iii) plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (“PHEV”s).

 

BEVs draw on power from battery management systems to power electric motors instead of from an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell or a fuel tank. The Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model S and our vehicles are BEVs.

30

 

FCVs typically utilize a hydrogen fuel cell that, along with oxygen from the air, converts chemical energy into electricity which powers the vehicle’s motor. Emissions from FCVs are water and heat, hence making FCVs true zero-emission vehicles. The Honda Clarity, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Mirai are examples of FCVs.

 

PHEVs are the hybrid vehicles that have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. A PHEV can alternate between using electricity while in its all-electric range and relying on its gas-powered engine. The Chevrolet Volt and the Toyota Prius are examples of PHEVs.

 

The popularity of EVs have also been met with difficulties in charging convenience. There are far more gas stations available than public EV charging stations. The convenience and availability of public EV charging stations may prove to be an obstacle of mass adoption of EVs.

 

Consumers may be afraid that their EVs may run out of charge while they are out on the road and this fear is recognized by the public and has been popularized with the term “range anxiety”. Despite this fear, the distance travelled by most urban commuters is a lot lower than the typical range of an EV. Data from Statistics Canada’s National Household Survey in 2011 reported the average Canadian takes 25 minutes to commute to work.

 

There currently exists different categories of charging stations depending on the voltage they provide. EV owners can often charge at home on a regular 110-volt outlet which may take between 10 hours to 20 hours depending on the model and make of the EV. This type of outlet and charging is termed level 1 charging. Level 2 charging means the voltage at the charging station is typically around 240 volts and this type of outlet is usually available at public charging stations, shopping malls and big box retailer parking lots, and even located in certain residential hi-rises. Charging at a level 2 station typically cuts down the level 1 charge time in half and may require a small fee for the service which may vary depending on the provider and the location.

 

Global EV Market

 

EVs have been around for over 100 years but have only recently gained widespread adoption and public interest due to open discussions of greenhouse gas emission levels, government and international policies on climate change and pollution, increased literature on EVs, fluctuating fuel costs and improved battery management systems and EV range. In addition, the market for electric vehicles has experienced significant growth in recent years due to consumer demand for vehicles that achieve greater fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions without sacrificing performance.

 

Traditional automotive manufacturers have entered into the EV market to capitalize on its growth. The majority of growth in the EV market has been led by the following EV models: the Nissan Leaf, the Honda Clarity (PHEV), the Toyota Prius (PHEV), the Tesla Model 3 and the Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV). Four of the five models above are made by traditional automotive manufacturers, and the fifth is made by Tesla Motors, one of several manufacturers that are solely devoted to the manufacturing of EVs.

 

Oil was the predominant energy source in the transport sector, providing 92% of final energy over the past decade, down only two percentage points from 1973. Increased demand for transport for people and goods called for more oil use, which was accompanied by increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Today, the transport sector is responsible for nearly one-quarter of global energy-related direct CO2 emissions and is a significant contributor to air pollution. Global and local objectives and commitments to improve climate and air quality underscore that the transport sector has a critical role to play.

 

Even with the ongoing dominance of oil products in transport, these drivers drove rapid change. Over the last decade momentum accelerated to deploy a range of powertrains and alternative fuels. The 2010s were ground breaking for the introduction of electric vehicles and to shape a promising nascent market. Electrification is a key technological strategy to reduce air pollution in densely populated areas and a promising option to contribute to countries’ energy diversification and greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions reduction objectives. Electric vehicle benefits include zero tailpipe emissions, better efficiency than internal combustion engine vehicles and large potential for GHG emissions reduction when coupled with a low-carbon electricity sector.

31

 

Hitting the commercial market in the first-half of the decade, the sales of electric cars have soared over the last five years. The top sellers were both fast growing emblematic companies such as Tesla as well as established automakers such as Nissan (Leaf model) and Renault (Zoe model). Notably, a rapidly developing industry in the PRC had the biggest impact on electric car sales.

 

Only about 17 000 electric cars were on the world’s roads in 2010. Just five countries could count more than 1,000 on their roads: China, Japan, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States. The electric vehicle market was in its infancy and made up of early adopters.

 

Yet by 2019 there were about 7.2 million electric cars on the world’s roads. Nine countries had more than 100,000 electric cars on the road. The global stock remains concentrated in China, Europe and the United States. At least 20 countries reached market shares above 1% in 2019.

 

 

Prospects for Electric Mobility Deployment to 2030

 

Below is an outlook for electrification of road transport to 2030. It considers deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery capacity and related materials demand as well as the implications for energy demand and GHG emissions.

32

 

The projections in this analysis rely on the gross domestic product (“GDP”) assumptions in the World Energy Outlook 2019 (IEA, 2019) as at the time of writing there was not yet an updated GDP projection. Given the economic disruption related to the Covid-19 crisis, the assumption in this outlook implies an economic recovery following the pandemic that leads to a similar level of economic activity over the next few years as was previously estimated, which means a relatively speedy global recovery. The analysis also assumes that policy targets that were in place by end-2019 for transport in general and EVs in particular remain in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions.

 

The global EV stock (excluding two/three-wheelers) expands from around 8 million in 2019 to 50 million by 2025 and close to 140 million vehicles by 2030, corresponding to an annual average growth rate close to 30%. Thanks to this continuous increase in sales share, EVs are expected to account for about 7% of the global vehicle fleet by 2030. EV sales reach almost 14 million in 2025 and 25 million vehicles in 2030, representing, respectively, 10% and 16% of all road vehicle sales.

33

 

 

North American EV Market

 

Our primary market is North America, with a focus on the west coast of the United States – especially California. As of December 2019, cumulative registrations of plug-in electric passenger cars totaled 668,827 units, making California the leading plug-in market in the U.S. While the state represents about 10% of nationwide new car sales, California has accounted for almost half of cumulative plug-in sales in the American market. Plug-in electric cars represented about 0.5% of the passenger fleet on California’s roads by September 2015.

 

Until December 2014, California not only had more plug-in electric vehicles than any other American state but also more than any other country in the world. In 2015 only two countries, Norway (22.4%) and the Netherlands (9.7%), achieved a higher plug-in market share than California. Sales of plug-in electric cars in the state passed the 200,000 unit milestone in March 2016. By November 2016, with about 250,000 plug-in cars sold in the state since 2010, China was the only country market that exceeded California in cumulative plug-in electric car sales. Cumulative plug-in car registrations achieved the 500,000 unit milestone by the end of November 2018.

34

 

 

Annual registrations of plug-in electric vehicles in California increased from 6,964 units in 2011 to 20,093 in 2012, and reached 42,545 units in 2013. In 2014, California’s plug-in car market share reached 3.2% of total new car sales in the state, up from 2.5% in 2013, while the national plug-in market share in 2014 was 0.71%. The state’s plug-in market share fell to 3.1% in 2015, with the plug-in hybrid segment dropping from 1.6% in 2014 to 1.4%, while the all-electric segment increased to 1.7% from 1.6% in 2014. Still, California’s market share was 4.7 times higher than the U.S. market (0.66%), and registrations of plug-in electric cars in the state in 2015 represented 54.5% of total plug-in car sales in the U.S. that year.

 

California’s plug-in car market share rose to 3.5% of new car sales in 2016, while the U.S. take-rate was 0.90%. In 2017, California’s plug-in market share reached 4.8%, while the national share was 1.13%. Also, in 2017, the state’s plug-in segment market share surpassed the take-rate of conventional hybrids (4.6%) for the first time.

 

The plug-in market share rose to 7.8% in 2018, again ahead of conventional hybrids (4.2%), with the all-electric segment reaching for the first time a higher share than conventional hybrids. In addition, the combined market share of pure electrics and plug-in hybrids surpassed the maximum share ever achieved by conventional hybrids; 6.9% in 2013. The electrified segment attained a record 11.9% market share, passing the 10% mark for the first time. The combined take-rate of plug-in cars in California slightly declined to 7.7% in 2019, while the market share of conventional hybrids rose to 5.5% from 4.2% in 2018. While the share of all electric cars rose to 5.3%, the rate of plug-in hybrids fell to 2.4% from 3.1% in 2018.

35

 

The following table presents annual registrations and market share of new car sales for all-electric and plug-in hybrids sold in California between 2010 and 2019.

 

Annual new plug-in electric passenger car registrations and market share in California
by type of plug-in (2010 - 2019)

 

    California[1][2][74]     U.S.[7][83][79][73][84][85][86][87][88]     CA share     Ratio  
Year   All-electric  

BEV
market
share(1)

    Plug-in
hybrid
 

PHEV
market
share(1)

    Total
PEV
California
 

PEV
market
share(1)

    Total
PEV
sales
 

PEV
market
share(2)

   

of U.S.
PEV
sales(3)

    CA/US
market
shares
 
2010     300     0.0 %     97     0.0 %     397     0.0 %     397     0.003 %     100 %     -  
2011     5,302     0.4 %     1,662     0.1 %     6,964     0.5 %     17,821     0.14 %     39.1 %     3.57  
2012     5,990     0.4 %     14,103     0.9 %     20,093     1.3 %     53,392     0.37 %     37.6 %     3.51  
2013     21,912     1.3 %     20,633     1.2 %     42,545     2.5 %     96,602     0.62 %     44.0 %     4.03  
2014     29,536     1.6 %     29,949     1.6 %     59,485     3.2 %     123,347     0.71 %     48.2 %     4.27  
2015     34,477     1.7 %     27,740     1.4 %     62,217     3.1 %     114,248     0.66 %     54.5 %     4.70  
2016     40,347     1.9 %     34,727     1.7 %     75,074     3.6 %     157,181     0.90 %     47.8 %     4.00  
2017     53,500     2.6 %     45,040     2.2 %     98,540     4.8 %     194,479     1.13 %     50.7 %     4.23  
2018     94,801     4.7 %     62,847     3.1 %     157,648     7.8 %     361,307     2.10 %     43.6 %     3.71  
2019     99,704     5.3 %     46,160     2.4 %     145,864     7.7 %     329,528     1.95 %     44.3 %     3.96  
Total     385,869     n.a.       282,958     n.a.       668,827     n.a.       1,448,250     n.a.       46.2 %     n.a.  

 

Notes: (1) Market share of total new car registrations in California. (2) U.S. market share of total nationwide sales (3) California’s market share of total nationwide registrations

 

 

Data Sources: International Energy Agency, Wikipedia, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers; National Automobile Dealers Association, California Energy Commission

Chart: International Energy Agency, Wikipedia

36

 

Fleet and Urban Driving market

 

We designed the SOLO with a view to redefining SOLO mobility for fleets in terms of car share, deliveries and other mobility purposes; and for urban drivers who use a personal vehicle by cutting their commuting costs and reducing their environmental footprint. We believe that a substantial number of fleets and urban drivers will find the capacity of our EVs attractive in comparison to cars designed to carry more people. As cars designed to carry between four and eight people generally weigh substantially more than those that carry one or two people, they require more fuel or energy to operate. This significant mismatch between capacity and utilization leads to a significant excess of traffic and pollution and higher operating costs.

 

Although consumers may be afraid that their EVs may run out of charge while they are out on the road, the average U.S. one-way commute was only 27 minutes in2018. The 100-mile range of our SOLO on a full charge would more than cover such a round-trip commute. [Data Source: United States Consensus Bureau]

 

Government Support

 

There has been a growing trend for governments as a matter of public policy to favor EVs. This has taken the form of initiatives aimed at improving transit, financial incentives for the purchase of EVs and financial incentives for the manufacture of EVs.

 

Initiatives to Improve Transit

 

Many localities try to reduce or regulate traffic, and particularly in places where there is high population density, chronic congestion, narrow roads and limited urban space. While these initiatives might be onerous to owners of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, they often exempt or partially exclude EVs. These initiatives include various forms of congestion charging (which often exempt or provide discounts for EVs), priority lanes for high-occupancy vehicles and EVs, restrictions on new registrations of vehicles (excluding EVs) and subsidies for the installation of public charging stations for EVs.

 

Going further than restrictions on cars fueled by petrol or diesel, several European countries and cities are formulating programs that would actually ban them. Norway’s Minister for the Environment has expressed an indication that they expect to implement a ban on the sale of cars that are not EVs by 2025. President Macron of France has expressed an indication that they will eliminate the sale of cars with internal combustion engines in France by 2040, and city hall in Paris has expressed an indication calling for a ban on all cars with traditional combustion engines from its streets by 2030. In the United Kingdom the government has announced a strategy that calls for sales of new gas and diesel cars and vans to end by 2030.

 

Purchaser Incentives

 

To promote the purchase of EVs, many state and local governments offer financial incentives to purchasers. These incentives can take the form of rebates, tax credits or the elimination or reduction of sales tax. Financial incentives available in selected North American jurisdictions for the purchase of EVs are set out in the following table:

 

    U.S. Federal     California     New York     British Columbia     Ontario     Quebec  
Tax credit     US $7,500                                
Rebate           US $2,500       US $2,000     $ 5,000     $ 14,000     $ 8,000  

 

Although these financial incentives may not continue at this level or at all, we believe that our SOLO would currently qualify for these tax credits and rebates in the States of California and Oregon. As of March 12, 2020, we have passed the CARB test for the State of California, and we are currently waiting for the $750 rebate to be posted on the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project website and for a $2,500 rebate from the State of Oregon.

37

 

Several jurisdictions offer similar financial incentives for the purchase and installation of home charging stations for EVs.

 

Manufacturing Incentives

 

To promote the manufacture and development of EVs, many federal, state and local governments provide financial incentives to EV companies. These incentives can take the form of tax credits or grants. In 2020, we received $187,421 in a Scientific Research and Experimental Development (“SR&ED”) grant and $176,088 from the Innovation Assistance Program administered by the National Research Council. In 2019, we received $797,002 in a SR&ED grant. In 2018, we received $559,872 in a SR&ED grant and $6,659 from Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (“IRAP”) administered by the National Research Council. In 2017, we received $149,273 from the IRAP and $85,907 in a SR&ED grant. We will continue to apply for grants where we believe warranted.

 

Competitive Factors

 

The EV market is evolving and companies within it must be able to adapt without jeopardizing the timing, quality or quantity of their products. Other manufacturers have entered the electric vehicle market and we expect additional competitors to enter this market within the next several years. As they do, we expect that we will experience significant competition. With respect to the SOLO, we face strong competition from established automobile manufacturers, including manufacturers of EVs such as the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt and the Nissan Leaf.

 

We believe the primary competitive factors in our market include but are not limited to: (i) technological innovation; (ii) product quality and safety; (iii) service options; (iv) product performance; (v) design and styling; (vi) brand perception; (vii) product price; and (viii) manufacturing efficiency.

 

Most of our current and potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing and other resources than we do and may be able to devote greater resources to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of their products. Virtually all of our competitors have more extensive customer bases and broader customer and industry relationships than we do. In addition, almost all of these companies have longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do. Our competitors may be in a stronger position to respond quickly to new technologies and may be able to design, develop, market and sell their products more effectively.

 

Furthermore, certain large manufacturers offer financing and leasing options on their vehicles and also have the ability to market vehicles at a substantial discount, provided that the vehicles are financed through their affiliated financing company. We do not currently offer any form of direct financing on our vehicles. The lack of our direct financing options and the absence of customary vehicle discounts could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

 

We expect competition in our industry to intensify in the future in light of increased demand for alternative fuel vehicles, continuing globalization and consolidation in the worldwide automotive industry. Our ability to successfully compete in our industry will be fundamental to our future success in the EV market and our market share. We might not be able to compete successfully in our market. If our competitors introduce new cars or services that compete with or surpass the quality, price or performance of our vehicles or services, we may be unable to satisfy existing customers or attract new customers at the prices and levels that would allow us to generate attractive rates of return on our investment. Increased competition could result in price reductions and revenue shortfalls, loss of customers and loss of market share, which could harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.

38

 

We believe that our experience, production capability, product offering and management give us the ability to successfully operate in the EV market in a way that our competitors cannot. In particular, we believe that we have a number of competitive advantages:

 

  Extensive in-house development capabilities: Our acquisition of InterMeccanica. in 2017 enables us to leverage InterMeccanica’s extensive 61 years of experience in vehicle design, manufacture, sales and customer support. InterMeccanica was founded in Turin, Italy, in 1959, as a speed parts provider and soon began producing in-house designed, complete vehicles like the Apollo GT, Italia, Murena, Indira and the Porsche 356 replica. InterMeccanica’s former owner, Henry Reisner, is our President and Chief Operating Officer and one of our directors, and, together with his family, is the second largest shareholder in our Company. We have integrated InterMeccanica’s staff with the research and development team that we had prior to the acquisition to develop and enhance current and future model offerings;
     
  In-house production capabilities:  We have the ability to manufacture our own products on a non-commercial scale.  As at March 23, 2021, we have produced 64 prototype SOLOs at our facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia, and 60 pre-production SOLOs with our manufacturing partner, Zongshen;
     
  Commercial production of the SOLO commenced August 26, 2020: We have a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen whereby they have agreed to produce a total of 75,000 SOLOs over a three-year period once we have started full scale production. As at December 31, 2020, Zongshen has produced 60 pre-production production vehicles and 30 production vehicles;
     
  Unique product offering: The SOLO’s manufacturer suggested retail price of US$18,500, prior to any surcharge for tariffs, is far below the retail price of EVs offered by those who we consider to be our principal competitors; and we believe that the SOLO compares favorably against them; and
     
  Management expertise:  We have selected our management with an eye towards providing us with the business and technical expertise needed to be successful. They include Paul Rivera, our Chief Executive Officer, Bal Bhullar, our Chief Financial Officer, Henry Reisner, our President and Chief Operating Officer, and Isaac Moss, our Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary. A number of these key employees and consultants have significant experience in the automobile manufacturing and technology industries. We have supplemented additional expertise by adding consultants and directors with corporate, accounting, legal and other strengths.

 

Government Regulation

 

As a vehicle manufacturer we are required to ensure that all vehicle production meets applicable safety and environmental standards. Issuance of the National Safety Mark (the “NSM”) by the Minister of Transport for Canada will be our authorization to manufacture vehicles in Canada for the Canadian market. Receipt of the NSM is contingent on us demonstrating that our vehicles are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the applicable sections of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act (C.R.C. Chapter 1038) and that appropriate records are maintained. Unique to Canada, the SOLO is under the three-wheeled vehicle category and is subject to the safety standards listed in Schedule III of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (“CMVSR”), which can be found at (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,c.1038/section-sched3.html). For sales into the United States, we and our vehicles must meet the applicable parts of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”) Title 49 — Transportation. This includes providing manufacture identification information (49 CFR Part 566), VIN-deciphering information (49 CFR Part 565), and certifying that our vehicles meet or exceeds the applicable sections of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (40 CFR Part 571) and Environmental Protection Agency noise emission standards (40 CFR 205). Since the U.S. regulations do not have a specific class for three-wheeled “autocycles”, the SOLO falls under the definition of a motorcycle pursuant to Sec. 571.3 of 49 CFR Part 571.

 

We certified the SOLO for compliance with the applicable US requirements in the first quarter of 2018. Results from third party vehicle testing at a facility in Quebec, Canada, were used for this certification. We continue to use third party facilities for certification testing to ensure that any changes to the SOLO’s design continue to meet safety requirements. Compliance certification of the SOLO for Canada began in 2018.

39

 

Within the three-wheel vehicle classification in Canada, CMVSR Standard 305 sets out the regulation for prevention of injury to the occupant during and after a crash as related to the vehicle’s batteries. Under this standard, the security and integrity of electric drive system components and their isolation from the occupant are evaluated in the course of a frontal barrier crash test in accordance with Technical Standard Document No. 305. The equivalent U.S standard, FMVSS No. 305, is not applicable to the motorcycle category under the U.S. regulations.

 

We and our vehicles must meet the applicable parts of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 —Transportation. Since the U.S. regulations do not have a specific class for three-wheeled “autocycles”, the SOLO falls under the definition of a motorcycle pursuant to Sec. 571.3 of 49 CFR Part 571. However, currently a motorcycle license is not required to drive them in all but the States of Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, New England, North Carolina, Indiana and Oklahoma. The State of New York and Massachusetts have pending legislation which would allow them to be driven with a driver’s license. Motorcycle helmets must be worn while operating in the State of Massachusetts. Helmets are also required if the driver is under 18 years old in the States of Alaska, Montana, Colorado and New Hampshire.

 

Research and Development

 

We have allocated substantial resources in developing our first vehicles. We expended $7,854,866 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and $7,179,646 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, on research and development costs which include labor and materials.

 

InterMeccanica Business

 

In October 2017, we acquired InterMeccanica. In addition to the manufacturing and design experience that the acquisition provided us, we acquired a business of custom car manufacturing. InterMeccanica, throughout its operating history, has built approximately 2,500 vehicles. We intend to continue the legacy business of Intermeccanica, but we do not envision that it will be central to our operations, or represent a material portion of our revenue if we develop our business as planned, or account for a material portion of our expenses.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are not involved in, or aware of, any legal or administrative proceedings contemplated or threatened by any governmental authority or any other party that is likely to have a material adverse effect on our business. As of the date of this Annual Report, no director, officer or affiliate is a party adverse to us in any legal proceeding or has an adverse interest to us in any legal proceeding.

 

C. Organizational structure

 

We have four subsidiaries: InterMeccanica, a British Columbia, Canada, corporation; EMV Automotive USA Inc., a Nevada corporation; SOLO EV LLC, a Michigan corporation; and EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc., a PRC corporation. We own 100% of the voting and dispositive control over all of our subsidiaries.

 

Employees

 

As of March 17, 2021, we employed a total of 119 full-time and 18 part-time people. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

 

The breakdown of full-time employees by main category of activity is as follows:

 

Activity   Number of Employees    
Engineering/R&D     62  
Sales & Marketing     35  
General & Administration     18  
Executives     4  

40

 

D. Property, plant and equipment

 

We operate from our head office located in Vancouver, Canada. We do not own any real property. We have leased the following properties:

 

Location   Area
(In square feet)
    2020 Gross Monthly Rent     Lease Expiration Date   Use
Vancouver BC, Canada     7,235     $ 9,972   CAD     October 31, 2021   Head office
New Westminster, BC, Canada     10,803     $ 11,037   CAD     July 31, 2022   Development office
Studio City, CA, USA     9,600     $ 30,766   USD     August 31, 2021   Sales office
Santa Monica, CA, USA     300     $ 6,250   USD     November 30, 2021   Retail kiosk
Sherman Oaks, CA, USA     298     $ 5,443   USD     September 30, 2023   Retail kiosk
Portland, OR, USA     200     $ 9,000   USD     December 31, 2020   Retail kiosk
Scottsdale Fashion Square, AZ, USA     200     $ 9,203   USD     December 31, 2020   Retail kiosk
San Diego, CA, USA     180     $ 3,500   USD     January 31, 2022   Retail kiosk
Brea, CA, USA     200     $ 5,909   USD     April 19, 2021   Retail kiosk
Kierland Commons, Scottsdale, AZ, USA     200     $ 8,232   USD     January 31, 2021   Retail kiosk
Glendale, AZ, USA     200     $ 8,272   USD     November 14, 2021   Retail kiosk
Walnut Creek, CA, USA     200     $ 9,000   USD     March 31, 2021   Retail kiosk
Santa Clara, CA, USA     300     $ 7,500   USD     December 31, 2021   Retail kiosk

 

We believe that our current facilities are adequate to meet our ongoing needs and that, if we require additional space, we will be able to obtain additional facilities on commercially reasonable terms.

41

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

General

 

This Annual Report should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes. The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based upon the financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with these accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis we review our estimates and assumptions. The estimates were based on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates or other forward-looking statements under different assumptions or conditions, but we do not believe such differences will materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Our actual results may differ materially as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” herein.

 

Critical accounting policies, the policies we believe are most important to the presentation of our financial statements and require the most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are outlined below under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”, and have not changed significantly since our founding.

 

Overview

 

We were incorporated on February 16, 2015, under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and our principal activity is the development and manufacturing of single occupancy electric vehicles. Our head office and principal address is located at 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4.

 

Additional information related to the Company is available on www.electrameccanica.com. Information on our website does not constitute part of this Annual Report.

 

Financing

 

Our ability to continue operations will depend on our continued ability to raise capital on acceptable terms. We incurred losses of $63,046,905 in 2020, $23,212,698 in 2019, $7,745,313 in 2018 and anticipate incurring losses in our 2021 fiscal year. We had negative operating cash flows of $22,486,630 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and anticipate negative operating cash flows during 2021. Although we had working capital surplus of $130,755,823, including cash and cash equivalents of $129,450,676, at December 31, 2020, and anticipate deriving revenue 2021 from the sale of EVs and high-end custom cars, we believe that we will need additional financing to continue operations.. If we are unable to continue to access private and public capital on terms that are acceptable to us, we may be forced to curtail or cease operations.

 

Market conditions, trends or events

 

Our ability to continue operationsalso depends on market conditions outside of our control. Significant developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol, fuel cells or compressed natural gas, or improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine, may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects. Failure to keep up with advances in electric vehicle technology would result in a decline in the Company’s competitive position which may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.

42

 

A. Operating Results

 

Results of Operations for the Year ended December 31, 2020 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Revenues

 

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $568,521 (2019: $585,584). The cost of revenue was $699,455 (2019: $487,543) providing a gross loss of $130,934 (2019: gross profit $98,041) or -23.0% (2019: 16.7%).The revenue of the Company derives from sales of high-end custom build cars. The production volume is decreased under the breakeven point. The Company plans to use the resource for feasibility study to add electronical components to the current high-end custom build cars.

 

The Company operates in two reportable business segments in Canada.

 

The two reportable business segments offer different products, require different production processes and are based on how the financial information is produced internally for the purposes of making operating decisions. The following summary describes the operations of each of the Company’s reportable business segments:

 

  Electric Vehicles – development and manufacture of electric vehicles for mass markets, and

  Custom build vehicles – development and manufacture of high-end custom built vehicles.

 

Sales between segments are accounted for at prices that approximate fair value. No business segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable business segments. (Financial statement note 19 for the year ended December 31, 2020).

 

Revenue for custom build vehicles is recognized when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment. No revenue from sales of electric vehicles is recognized because the vehicle has not been commercialized. Proceeds from these sales are incidental revenue and are not being made with expectation of profit. The following table indicates the number of vehicles produced for either delivery to customers, testing or marketing purposes.

 

  Production
Twelve Months Ended
    Customer Deliveries
Twelve Months Ended
 
Vehicle Type   Dec. 31, 2020     Dec. 31, 2019     Dec. 31, 2020     Dec. 31, 2019  
Custom build vehicles – Roadster/Speedster     7       8       7       7  
Electric vehicles – Prototype made in-house     0       22       1       21  
Electric vehicles – Pre-production, made by Zongshen     10       50       0       0  
Electric vehicles – Production, made by Zongshen     30       0       0       0  

 

Operating Expenses

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company incurred a net loss of $63,046,905 compared to a net loss of $23,212,698 for the corresponding period in 2019. The increase in net loss between the two years resulted from an increase in an operating loss to $27,210,487 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $20,609,266 for the prior year, and an increase in the loss from other items; principally changes in the fair value of warrant derivative of $31,923,727 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $2,228,256 for the prior year. The largest expense items in net comprehensive loss are described below.

43

 

General and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2020, general and administrative expenses were $8,825,317 compared to $6,101,360 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following items are included in such expenses:

 

  Rent decreased to $616,968 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $320,927 for the year ended December 31, 2019.  The increase was caused by the opening of retail kiosks in the US;
  Office expenses increased to $1,331,356 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $1,192,785 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was caused by increases in insurance costs and software subscriptions, offset by a decrease in travel expenses;
  Legal and professional expenses were $2,073,022 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $1,393,004 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in legal and professional expenses was caused by the increases in legal fees related to various capital raising, governance, employment and corporate matters, as well as increase in accounting fees and recruiting fees;
  Consulting expenses were $1,323,803 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,512,126 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in fees related to the use of fewer consultants for investor relations and executive advisory services;
  Investor relations expenses, not including the consulting fees above, increased to $316,145 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $249,322 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The increase is related to expenses incurred for a myriad of registration filings conducted by the Company; and
  Salaries increased to $3,164,023 for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1,433,196 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The increase is related to the addition of new employees, performance increases to certain salaried employees and certain bonus costs.

 

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses increased to $7,854,866 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $7,179,646 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. Research and development costs relate to the electric vehicle segment as the Company continues to develop its first electric vehicle, the SOLO. All costs related to pre-production vehicles are being expensed to research and development and SR&ED funds are being booked to reduce the research and development expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received $187,421 (2019: $797,002) in SR&ED funds under the program administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. In addition, the Company received $176,088 (2019: $Nil) in government grants from the Innovation Assistance Program administered by the National Research Council.

 

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased to $2,534,731 for the year ended December 31, 2020, from $1,314,689 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2019. The Company increased its sales and marketing efforts by developing brand assets, increasing presence in social media, opening retail kiosks and rapidly growing its sales team.

 

Stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2020, stock-based compensation expense was $6,260,985 (2019: $5,147,573). The Company issued 1,790,000 stock options with exercise prices between US$3.41 and US$3.77 per share during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company also issued 507,849 restricted stock units (“RSU”s) and 44,623 deferred stock units (“DSU”s) to Company executives and directors, respectively, during the same period. In addition, the stock-based compensation charges relate to stock options issued during previous years wherein charges are recognized over the stock option vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes method of calculating the stock-based compensation expense under the graded method.

 

Share-based payment expense. For the year ended December 31, 2020, share-based payment expense was $Nil (2019: $159,833). These charges relate to shares issued to consultants as compensation for services performed and are valued at the market price of the Company’s share price at the time of issuance.

 

Other Items

 

Changes in fair values of warrant derivative. The Company incurred a loss relating to changes in the fair value of warrant derivatives of $31,923,727 (2019: $2,228,256) mainly caused the increase of our share price from $2.15 at December 31, 2019 to $6.19 at December 31, 2020, as well as the exercising of 3,460,212 warrants when our share prices were between $2.63 and $10.81. Warrants priced in US dollars are classified as derivative liabilities because the Company’s functional currency is in Canadian dollars. As a result of this difference in currencies, the proceeds that are received by the Company are not fixed and will vary based on foreign exchange rates; hence the warrants are a derivative under IFRS and are required to be recognized and measured at fair value at each reporting period. Any changes in fair value from period to period are recorded as a non-cash gain or loss in our consolidated statement of net loss and comprehensive loss.

44

 

Foreign exchange loss. The Company incurred a foreign exchange loss of $4,447,387 on net working capital in the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019: $597,464) as caused by fluctuations between the US and Canadian dollar.

 

Net Loss

 

As a result of the above factors, we reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $63,046,905, compared to a net loss of $23,212,698 for the corresponding period in 2019.

 

Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 as Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Revenues

 

Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $585,584 (2018: $599,757). The cost of revenue was $487,543 (2018: $443,796) providing a gross profit of $98,041 (2018: $155,961) or 16.7% (2018: 26%).

 

The Company operates in two reportable business segments in Canada.

 

The two reportable business segments offer different products, require different production processes and are based on how the financial information is produced internally for the purposes of making operating decisions. The following summary describes the operations of each of the Company’s reportable business segments:

 

  Electric Vehicles – development and manufacture of electric vehicles for mass markets, and
  Custom build vehicles – development and manufacture of high-end custom built vehicles.

 

Sales between segments are accounted for at prices that approximate fair value. No business segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable business segments. (Financial statement note 16 for the year ended December 31, 2019).

 

Revenue recognition for custom build vehicles is based on the percentage completion method. No revenue from sales of electric vehicles is recognized because the vehicle has not been commercialized. Proceeds from these sales are incidental revenue and are not being made with expectation of profit. The following table indicates the number of vehicles produced for either delivery to customers, testing or marketing purposes.

 

    Production
Twelve Months Ended
    Customer Deliveries
Twelve Months Ended
 
Vehicle Type   Dec. 31, 2019     Dec. 31, 2018     Dec. 31, 2019     Dec. 31, 2018  
Custom build vehicles     8       7       7       6  
Electric vehicles     22       25       21       8  

 

Operating Expenses

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred a net loss of $23,212,698 compared to a net loss of $7,745,313 for the corresponding period in 2018. The increase in net loss between the two years resulted from an increase in an operating loss to $20,609,266 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $13,007,744 for the prior year, and an increase in the loss from other items; principally changes in the fair value of warrant derivative of $2,228,256 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from a gain of $5,946,668 for the prior year. The largest expense items in net comprehensive loss are described below.

45

 

General and administrative expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2019, general and administrative expenses were $6,101,360 compared to $4,236,742 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following items are included in such expenses:

 

  Rent decreased to $320,927 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $376,746 for the year ended December 31, 2018.  The decrease was caused by some rent expense being reclassified as interest and depreciation expense under IFRS 16, offset by the increase of rent expense related to the opening of our Los Angeles showroom;
  Office expenses increased to $1,192,785 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $728,974 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was caused by increases in insurance costs for directors’ and officers’ liability and vehicle insurance, travel costs related to investor meetings, travel to the Company’s China electric vehicle production facility and additional office costs associated with the opening of our showroom in Los Angeles;
  Legal and professional expenses were $1,393,004 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $1,151,069 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in legal and professional expenses relate to the increases in accounting fees and recruiting fees;
  Consulting expenses were $1,512,126 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $919,418 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The increase in fees related to the use of additional consultants for investor relations and executive advisory services, and for directors’ fees;
  Investor relations expenses, not including the consulting fees above, decreased to $249,322 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $474,375 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease is related to a reduction in filing fees and in investor meetings and conference expenses; and
  Salaries increased to $1,433,196 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $586,160 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The increase is related to the addition of new employees, performance increases to certain salaried employees and certain  severance and bonus costs.

 

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses increased to $7,179,646 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $4,294,687 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. Research and development costs relate to the electric vehicle segment as the Company continues to develop its first electric vehicle, the SOLO. All costs related to pre-production vehicles are being expensed to research and development and SR&ED funds are being booked to reduce the research and development expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company received $797,002 (2018: $559,872) in SR&ED funds under the program administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. In addition, the Company received $Nil (2018: $6,659) in government grants due from the IRAP program administered by the National Research Council. We also accrued $187,421 (2018: $520,830) in SR&ED credits which is the estimated amount we will receive after filing 2018 SR&ED claims.

 

Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased to $1,314,689 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $1,070,116 for the corresponding year ended December 31, 2018. The Company increased its sales and marketing efforts by attending trade shows, by re-establishing its social media presence and by increasing its staff in its Los Angeles showroom.

 

Stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2019, stock-based compensation expense was $5,147,573 (2018: $2,491,078). The Company issued 8,755,000 stock options with exercise prices between $1.80 and $3.40 per share during the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, the stock-based compensation charges relate to stock options issued during previous quarters wherein charges are recognized over the stock option vesting period. The Company uses the Black-Scholes method of calculating the stock-based compensation expense under the graded method.

46

 

Share-based payment expense. For the year ended December 31, 2019, share-based payment expense was $159,833, (2018: $856,101). These charges relate to shares issued to consultants as compensation for services performed and are valued at the market price of the Company’s share price at the time of issuance.

 

Other Items

 

Share issue costs allocated to derivative liability. The Company did not incur share issue costs related to derivative liability for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018: $1,152,408).

 

Changes in fair values of warrant derivative. The Company incurred a loss relating to changes in the fair value of warrant derivatives of $2,228,256 (2018: gain of $5,946,668) caused by warrants priced in US dollars while the Company’s functional currency is in Canadian dollars. As a result of this difference in currencies, the proceeds that are received by the Company are not fixed and will vary based on foreign exchange rates; hence the warrants are a derivative under IFRS and are required to be recognized and measured at fair value at each reporting period. Any changes in fair value from period to period are recorded as a non-cash gain or loss in our consolidated statement of net loss and comprehensive loss.

 

Foreign exchange loss. This totaled $597,464 on net working capital in the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018: gain of $466,885) as caused by fluctuations between the US and Canadian dollar.

 

Net Loss

 

As a result of the above factors, we reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 of $23,212,698, compared to a net loss of $7,745,313 for the corresponding period in 2018.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

The Company’s operations consist of the designing, developing and manufacturing of electric vehicles. The Company’s financial success depends upon its ability to market and sell its electric vehicles and to raise sufficient working capital to enable the Company to execute its business plan. The Company’s historical capital needs have been met by the sale of the Company’s stock. Equity funding might not be possible at the times required by the Company. If no funds can be raised and sales of its electric vehicles do not produce sufficient net cash flow, then the Company may require a significant curtailing of operations to ensure its survival or may be required to cease operations.

 

The financial statements have been prepared on a basis which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The Company incurred a net loss of $63,046,905 during the year ended December 31, 2020, and had a cash and cash equivalents balance and a working capital surplus of $129,450,676 and $130,755,823, respectively, as at December 31, 2020. The Company’s ability to meet its obligations as they fall due and to continue to operate depends on the continued financial support of its creditors and its shareholders. In the past the Company has relied on sales of its equity securities to meet its cash requirements. Funding from this or other sources might not be sufficient in the future to continue its operations. Even if the Company is able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms or terms that are acceptable to it. Failure to obtain such financing on a timely basis could cause the Company to reduce or terminate its operations.

 

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 89,309,563 issued and outstanding shares and 117,941,282 shares on a fully-diluted basis. The Company began trading on Nasdaq on August 9, 2018.

 

The Company had $130,755,823 of working capital surplus as at December 31, 2020, compared to $11,942,233 of working capital surplus as at December 31, 2019. The increase in working capital resulted from cash generated from financing activities of $138,927,009 (2019: $13,785,934) due to the to the issuance of 46,498,936 common shares for net cash proceeds of $127,894,718 (2019: $10,965,269) and an increase in restricted cash, offsee by cash used in operations of $22,486,630 (2019: $16,929,823) and cash used in investing activities of $1,399,068 (2019: $2,807,103) related to the additions to property, plant and equipment.

47

 

Capital Resources

 

As at December 31, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $129,450,676 (2019: $8,560,624). The Company continues to pursue additional equity financing although there can be no guarantees given that the Company will be successful in such endeavors.

 

In connection with the Manufacturing Agreement, on October 16, 2017, the then CEO of the Company, Jerry Kroll (the “Pledgor”), entered into a Share Pledge Agreement (“Share Pledge”) to guarantee the payment by the Company for the cost of the prototype tooling and molds estimated to be CNY ¥9.5 million ($1.4 million) to Zongshen through the pledge of 400,000 common shares of the Company. The Company approved its obligations under the Share Pledge and had agreed to reimburse the Pledgor on a one for one basis for any pledged shares realized by Zongshen. During third quarter of 2020, the Company has paid 100% of the cost of the prototype tooling and molds and, accordingly, the Share Pledge has been terminated.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as revenue and expenses. These are based on the best information available at the time utilizing generally accepted industry standards

 

Significant estimates and assumptions

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Company’s management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted for prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised.

 

Estimates and assumptions, where there is significant risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods, include the estimated recoverable amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the useful lives of plant and equipment, the estimated amount of SR&ED tax credits, fair value measurements for financial instruments and share-based payments and the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets.

 

The COVID-19 outbreak brings significant uncertainty as to the potential impact on our operations, supply chains for parts and sales channels for our products and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. Therefore, the Company has not changed any estimates and assumptions in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Significant judgements

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgements, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant judgements in applying the Company’s financial statements include:

 

   

the classification of financial instruments; and

     
  the calculation of income taxes require judgement in interpreting tax rules and regulations.

48

 

Financial Instruments

 

The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) or at amortized cost. The Company determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of financial assets is driven by the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (“FVTOCI”). Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or if the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL.

 

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment.

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise.

 

The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the financial risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If, at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the 12 month expected credit losses. The Company will recognize in its consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, as an impairment gain or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized.

 

The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

Revenue is recognized to the extent that the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and collection is probable.

 

Part sales

 

Sales of parts are recognized when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment.

 

Services, repairs and support services

 

Services, repairs and support services are recognized in the accounting period when the services are rendered.

 

Sales of custom build vehicles

 

The Company manufactures and sells custom built vehicles typically on fixed fee arrangements with its customers. Revenue is recognized when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment.

49

 

Sales of electric vehicles

 

The Company started commercial production of electric powered one-seat vehicles, the SOLO, in August 2020. At this time no production vehicle has been delivered to customers. A few prototype vehicles were sold to ‘beta’ customers who provide real-world testing and feedback on the vehicles. Proceeds of these sales are considered to be incidental revenue and are not being made with the expectation of profit. The revenue generated from sales are recorded against research and development expenses.

 

Government grants

 

A government grant is recognized if there is reasonable assurance that it will be received and that the Company will comply with the conditions associated with the grant. If the conditions are met, the Company recognizes the grant in profit or loss on a systematic basis in line with its recognition of the expenses that the grant is intended to compensate. For grants related to income, the Company can elect to either offset the grant against the related expenditure or include it in other income. Government assistance received by the Company during the period has been accounted for as government grants related to income and have been included in other income.

 

Share-based payments

 

Share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payments to non-employees are measured at the fair value of goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The corresponding amounts are recorded to the option reserve. The fair value of options is determined using a Black–Scholes pricing model. The number of options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”s) are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its current 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2020 Stock Incentive Plan”) which was ratified by Company shareholders on July 9, 2020. RSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment transactions as the obligations under an RSU will be settled through the issuance of common shares. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss over the vesting period.

 

Deferred Stock Units

 

Deferred Stock Units (“DSU”s) are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. DSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share-based payment transactions as the terms of a DSU provide the Company with the choice of whether to settle in cash or by issuing equity instruments. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss in the period they are granted (immediate vesting)

 

Research and development expenses

 

Research costs are expensed when incurred and are stated net of government grants. Development costs, including direct material, direct labor and contract service costs, are capitalized as intangible assets when: we can demonstrate that the technical feasibility of a project has been established; when we intend to complete the asset for use or sale and have the ability to do so; when the asset can generate probable future economic benefits; when the technical and financial resources are available to complete the development; and when we can reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. After initial recognition, internally generated intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. To date the Company did not have any development costs that met the capitalization criteria.

50

 

Derivative Liability

 

The Company accounts for its warrants as either equity or liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of each instrument. Warrants classified as equity are recorded at fair value as of the date of issuance on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and no further adjustments to their valuation are made. Warrants classified as derivative liabilities that require separate accounting as liabilities are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at their fair value on the date of issuance and will be revalued on each subsequent balance sheet date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with any changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. Management estimates the fair value of these liabilities using option pricing models and assumptions that are based on the individual characteristics of the warrants or instruments on the valuation date, as well as assumptions for future financings, expected volatility, expected life, yield and risk-free interest rate.

 

Impairment of assets

 

The carrying amount of the Company’s long-lived assets with finite useful lives (which include plant and equipment and intangible assets) is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the statement of comprehensive loss.

 

The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

An impairment loss is only reversed if there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. Any reversal of impairment cannot increase the carrying value of the asset to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in previous years.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

 

Income taxes

 

Current income tax

 

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.

51

 

Tax Credits

 

The Company earns SR&ED tax credits with respect to its research and development expenses. The benefit of these SR&ED tax credits is recorded as a reduction of research and development expenses when their recoverability is reasonably expected. The SR&ED tax credits earned while the Company was a Canadian Controlled Private Corporation are refundable to the Company and are recorded as a receivable, while the tax credits earned now that the Company is a reporting/public company (as defined under Canadian tax laws) can be used to reduce future Canadian income taxes payable.

 

Deferred income tax:

 

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the asset and liability method, on temporary differences at the reporting date arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

 

Change in presentation currency

 

Effective December 31, 2020, the Company changed its presentation currency from Canadian dollars to US dollars, as significant portions of the Company’s revenues, expenses and cash flows are dominated in US dollars. The change in presentation currency is to better reflect the Company’s business activities.

 

Prior to December 31, 2020, the Company reported its annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements in Canadian dollars. In making this change in presentation currency, the Company followed the recommendations set out in IAS 21, the Effects of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates (“IAS 21”). In accordance with IAS 21, comparable financial statements to those for the year ended December 31, 2020 for years ended 2019 and 2018 have been restated retrospectively in the new presentation currency of US dollars using the current rate method.

 

The procedure under the current rate method is outlined as below:

 

Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows have been translated into US dollars using average foreign currency rates prevailing for the relevant reporting periods of years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018;

 

assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position have been translated into US dollars at the closing foreign currency rates on the relevant reporting dates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019;

 

the equity section of the Statement of Financial Position, including foreign currency translation reserve, retained earnings, share capital and the other reserves, have been translated into US dollars using historical rates; and

 

earnings per share has also been restated to US dollars to reflect the change in presentation currency.

 

All resulting exchange differences arising from the translation are included as separate component of other comprehensive income.

52

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

The following table specifies the amounts spent on research and development for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

    Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
    2020     2019     2018  
Labor   $ 5,471,136     $ 4,403,038     $ 2,763,805  
Materials   $ 2,383,730     $ 3,253,593     $ 2,618,226  
Government grants   $ -     $ (476,985 )   $ (1,087,344 )
Total   $ 7,854,866     $ 7,179,646     $ 4,294,687  

 

D. Trend Information

 

Due to our short operating history, except as noted below, we are not aware of any trends that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

 

Potential Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

In December 2019, a strain of novel coronavirus (now commonly known as COVID-19) was reported to have surfaced in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 has since spread rapidly throughout many countries, and, on March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, many countries, including the United States, Canada and China, have imposed unprecedented restrictions on travel, and there have been business closures and a substantial reduction in economic activity in countries that have had significant outbreaks of COVID-19. Our manufacturing partner, Zongshen, reports that its operations have not been materially affected at this point, and we anticipate that Zongshen remained on track and began production of the SOLOs on August 26, 2020. However, significant uncertainty remains as to the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our and Zongshen’s operations, and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. We do not yet know the full extent of any impact on our business or our operations, however, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, and intend to follow health and safety guidelines as they evolve.

 

E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any off-balance sheet debt nor did we have any transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) or other relationships with any unconsolidated entities or other persons that may have material current or future effect on financial conditions, changes in the financial conditions, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of revenue or expenses.

 

F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations

 

The Company adopted IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019, resulting in an increase of $1.60 million in total assets and total liabilities each for recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, respectively. The following table provides the contractual obligations:

 

      Within one
year
    Between one
and five years
    More than five
years
    Total  
At December 31, 2020       576,232       373,889       125,652       1,075,773  
At December 31, 2019       466,679       468,465       194,105       1,129,249  

53

 

G. Safe Harbor

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

Name, Province/State and Country of Residence     Age     Position     Director/Officer Since
Michael Paul Rivera, Arizona, U.S.     53     Chief Executive Officer and a director     August 12, 2019
Henry Reisner(1), British Columbia, Canada     57     President, Chief Operating Officer and a director     February 16, 2015
Bal Bhullar(2), British Columbia, Canada     51     Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and a director     November 19, 2018
Steven Sanders(3)(5), New York, U.S.     75     Chairman and a director     March 16, 2018
Jerry Kroll(4), British Columbia, Canada     61     Director     February 16, 2015
Luisa Ingargiola(5), Florida, U.S.     52     Director     March 16, 2018

Joanne Yan(5), British Columbia, Canada

   

62

   

Director

   

March 6, 2019

Peter Savagian(5), California, U.S.     60     Director     October 17, 2019

Isaac Moss, British Columbia, Canada

    68     Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary     May 15, 2018

 

Notes:

(1) Mr. Reisner was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of our Company on May 15, 2018.
(2) Ms. Bhullar was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of our Company on November 19, 2018, and as a director of our Company on December 6, 2019.
(3) Mr. Sanders was appointed Chairman of our Company on October 20, 2018.
(4) Mr. Kroll was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of our Company effective February 16, 2015. Mr. Kroll resigned from his position as President on May 15, 2018 and as Chairman on October 20, 2018.  Mr. Kroll resigned as Chief Executive Officer on August 12, 2019.
(5) Members of the Company’s Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Corporate Disclosure and.or the Compensation Committee.

54

 

Business Experience

 

The following summarizes the occupation and business experience during the past five years or more for our directors and executive officers as of the date of this Annual Report:

 

Michael Paul Rivera, Chief Executive Officer and a director

 

Michael Paul Rivera joined ElectraMeccanica as Chief Executive Officer in August 2019. Before joining ElectraMeccanica, Mr. Rivera most recently served as President of Ricardo, USA, a division of Ricardo, PLC (LON: RCDO), a 100-year-old global engineering, strategic and environmental consultancy business with a value chain that includes the design, engineering, testing and product launch, of vehicle systems, as well as the niche manufacture of high performance products.

 

Previous to that, as Executive VP of Hybrid & Electric Systems at Ricardo, Mr. Rivera led the company’s evolution towards an efficient and sustainable low carbon future. Ricardo’s engineering and design solutions have had a significant impact on technical developments throughout the auto sector, providing innovative solutions across engines, drivelines and hybrid systems, as well as supporting the development of emerging technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicles.

 

Mr. Rivera brings more than two decades of experience in technical consulting, engineering services, general management and global business development together with a deep understanding of engineering in the automotive, transport and energy industries to ElectraMeccanica.

 

Henry Reisner, President, Chief Operating Officer and a director

 

Henry Reisner is the current President of InterMeccanica, a subsidiary of our Company, which is an automobile manufacturer, and has held this position since 2001. He is experienced in the automotive industry and has a background in manufacturing.

 

Mr. Reisner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of British Columbia from 1989.

 

Bal Bhullar, Chief Financial Officer and a director

 

Bal Bhullar brings over 25 years of diversified business, financial and risk management experience as an executive and/or as a board member in both public and private companies, which includes such industries as technology, manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, blockchain, resource, marine, energy, transport and health/wellness.

 

Among some of the her areas of experience, Ms. Bhullar brings to our Company strong banking relationships, increasing market capitalization, raising capital, corporate governance, ESG, diversity as well as financial and strategic planning, initial public offerings, reverse take overs, operational and risk management, regulatory compliance reporting, investor relations, marketing, business expansion, start-up operations, financial modeling, program development, product development, corporate financing, internal controls, SOX compliance and ERP.

 

Previously, Ms. Bhullar has held various positions including President of BC Risk Management Association, and has held positions as a board member and Chief Financial Officer of several private and public companies. Ms. Bhullar currently holds the following positions: Chief Financial Officer/board director of ElectraMeccanica; Chief Executive Officer/Founder/board member of KISMET Nutrients/American e-Commerce Solutions LLC; Chief Executive Officer/Founder/board member of BKB Management Ltd.; and former Chief Financial Officer/board member and now an Advisory Board member of Enertopia Corp. OTCQB:ENRT.

 

Ms. Bhullar is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant and a CRM designation from Simon Fraser University and has a diploma in Financial Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

 

Steven Sanders, Chairman and a director

 

Since January 2017, Steven Sanders has been Of Counsel to the law firm of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP. From July 2007 until January 2017, Mr. Sanders was a Senior Partner of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP. From January 1, 2004 until June 30, 2007, he was Of Counsel to the law firm of Rubin, Bailin, Ortoli, LLP. From January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2003, Mr. Sanders was counsel to the law firm of Spitzer & Feldman PC. Mr. Sanders also serves as a director of Helijet International, Inc. Additionally, Mr. Sanders has been a director at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts since October 2013 and has been a director of the Bay Street Theater since February 2015. Mr. Sanders received his JD from Cornell University and his BBA from The City College of New York.

55

 

Jerry Kroll, a director

 

Jerry Kroll has an extensive background working in small businesses and start-ups. Mr. Kroll’s career began when he managed the production, strategic planning and sales operations of Kroll Greenhouses, his family’s business. From there, Mr. Kroll served in other management roles in the floral and food services industries, overseeing the import/export of floral products, managing employees, managing food franchises and establishing supplier/distributor relationships.

 

In 1996 Mr. Kroll became involved in air racing as the owner of Vancouver International Air Races and Airshow, which featured large scale events attracting over 15,000 spectators and 31 corporate sponsors. From then on Mr. Kroll became increasingly involved in air racing and motor races.

 

In 2007 Mr. Kroll founded KleenSpeed Technologies, a firm focused on stationary energy storage products. Mr. Kroll began researching and developing an EV for the everyday commuter. As an entrepreneur, Mr. Kroll also founded Ascend Sportmanagement Inc., a sports property and technology management firm.

 

Mr. Kroll’s experience and skillset in innovative technology and start-ups, coupled with his passion for clean technology developments, allows Mr. Kroll to coordinate, manage and execute strategies for our Company.

 

Mr. Kroll is also actively involved in the Vancouver venture capital community and has been a member of the Vancouver Angel Technology Network, an investing and mentoring network for new technology start-ups, since 2003. From February 2013 to February 2015, Mr. Kroll was the President and CEO of Ascend Sportsmanagement Inc.

 

Luisa Ingargiola, a director

 

Luisa Ingargiola is our Director and Audit Chair. Ms Ingargiola has significant experience previously serving as Chief Financial Officer or Audit Chair for public companies. She currently serves as Director and Audit Chair for several public companies including AgEagle (NYSE:UAVS) and Progress Acquisition Corporation (NASDAQ:PGRWU). She also currently serves as Director of Siyata Mobile (NASDAQ:SYTA) and serves as a Director of Vision Marine Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:VMAR). In addition, from 2017 to the present, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for Avalon GloboCare (NASDAQ:AVCO). From 2007 through 2016, Ms. Ingargiola served as the Chief Financial Officer and then Director at MagneGas Corporation (NASDAQ:MNGA). Prior to 2007, Ms. Ingargiola held various roles as Budget Director and Investment Analyst in several private companies. Ms. Ingargiola graduated in 1989 from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Finance. In 1996, she received her MBA in Health Administration from the University of South Florida. Ms. Ingargiola is qualified to serve as Audit Chair Officer because of her extensive knowledge in corporate governance, regulatory oversight, executive leadership and knowledge of, and experience in, financing and M&A transactions.

 

Joanne Yan, a director

 

Joanne Yan has 25 years of experience in advising and managing both publicly traded and private companies and has been active in the cross-border investment and mergers and acquisition space. Ms. Yan serves as the President of Joyco Consulting Services, which she founded in 1994 to provide consulting services in the areas of corporate structuring, business development and strategic planning initiatives.

 

Ms. Yan was a senior corporate executive and consultant to a number of public companies between 1997 and 2016. Ms. Yan has also been a director and chair of board committees with several publicly traded companies and private companies in Canada, including: (i) the Zongshen Group, our strategic manufacturing partner, and three of its subsidiaries; (ii) the Toronto Stock Exchange-listed Hanwei Energy Services Corp.; (iii) Alphanco Venture Corp; and (iv) Evermount Venture Inc which are capital pool companies and in the process of completing their qualifying transactions.

56

 

Peter Savagian, a director

 

Peter Savagian is a pioneer in automotive electrification, with a broad spectrum of expertise in the technology, development, launch and production of electric vehicles. In 1990 Mr. Savagian began work on the General Motors EV1, the first modern electric vehicle, and was named Chief Engineer of Electric Propulsion Systems in 1998. Later, as General Director of Electrified Propulsion, Mr. Savagian built and led multiple teams to innovate, engineer and execute the full range of electrified vehicle propulsion systems. Mr. Savagian’s accomplishments at General Motors include 13 electrified autos brought to production. Notably, these include the first modern electric vehicle, the GM EV1, the first plug-in hybrid, the Chevy Volt, and the industry’s first long-range value EV, the Chevy Bolt.

 

Mr. Savagian is presently Chief Technology Officer of Canoo, a EV company focused on Mobility Productivity vehicles. Prior to that, he was Senior VP of Engineering at Ampaire, an electric aircraft startup company focused on short-haul, fixed-wing electric aircraft, and Faraday Future, a luxury EV company. Mr. Savagian holds 45 patents and has authored 17 technical publications in the field of electrification. Mr. Savagian holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, an MS in Operations Research Engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Duke University.

 

Isaac Moss, Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

Isaac Moss has 27 years of international multi-jurisdictional business, investment banking and corporate finance experience ranging across diverse industry sectors from media, forests products, hospitality, telecommunications, bio technology and green energy. Mr. Moss is experienced in scaling and managing businesses from start up through operations phase. He has held senior executive positions including President of a European specialty chemical company, Chief Financial Officer of a green energy company, Chief Operating Officer of a software company and Senior Vice-President of a mining company. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration. Mr. Moss also studied music, is an accomplished pianist and serves as an ambassador for the University of British Columbia’s School of Music.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among any of our directors and executive officers.

 

Term of Office

 

Each director of our Company is to serve for a term of one year ending on the date of the subsequent annual meeting of stockholders following the annual meeting at which such director was elected. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each director is to serve until his successor is elected and qualified or until his death, resignation or removal. Our Board of Directors appoints our officers and each officer is to serve until his successor is appointed and qualified or until his or her death, resignation or removal.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

During the past ten years, none of our directors or executive officers have been the subject of the following events:

 

  1. a petition under the Federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;

57

 

  2. convicted in a criminal proceeding or is a named subject of a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses);

 

  3. the subject of any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from, or otherwise limiting, the following activities:

 

  (a) acting as a futures commission merchant, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor, commodity pool operator, floor broker, leverage transaction merchant, any other person regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or an associated person of any of the foregoing, or as an investment adviser, underwriter, broker or dealer in securities, or as an affiliated person, director or employee of any investment company, bank, savings and loan association or insurance company, or engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with such activity;

 

  (b) engaging in any type of business practice; or

 

  (c) engaging in any activity in connection with the purchase or sale of any security or commodity or in connection with any violation of Federal or State securities laws or Federal commodities laws;

 

  4. the subject of any order, judgment or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any Federal or State authority barring, suspending or otherwise limiting for more than 60 days the right of such person to engage in any activity described in paragraph 3.i in the preceding paragraph or to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity;

 

  5. was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC to have violated any Federal or State securities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the SEC has not been subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated;

 

  6. was found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated any Federal commodities law, and the judgment in such civil action or finding by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not been subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated;

 

  7. was the subject of, or a party to, any Federal or State judicial or administrative order, judgment, decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of:

 

  (a) any Federal or State securities or commodities law or regulation;

 

  (b) any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or removal or prohibition order, or

 

  (c) any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or

 

  8. was the subject of, or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(26))), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1(a)(29))), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member.

58

 

Director Independence

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that the following directors are “independent” as such directors do not have a direct or indirect material relationship with our Company. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the view of our Board of Directors, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a director’s independent judgment.

 

  Steven Sanders;

 

  Luisa Ingargiola;

 

  Joanne Yan; and

 

  Peter Savagian.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

On April 16, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which complies with the definition of a “code of ethics” set out in Section 406(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and any regulations promulgated thereunder by the SEC and also provides for an enforcement mechanism as required by Nasdaq Listing Rule 5610. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to the Company’s CEO and CFO and all other employees of the Company and the Board of Directors is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

A copy of the complete text of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics was filed as Exhibit 99.4 to the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on EDGAR on April 27, 2020, which Form 6-K was also filed on SEDAR on the same date as a “material document”, and a copy can also be viewed on the Company’s website at https://investors.electrameccanica.com/governance-docs.

 

B. Compensation

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

This section sets out the objectives of our Company’s executive compensation arrangements, our Company’s executive compensation philosophy and the application of this philosophy to our Company’s executive compensation arrangements. It also provides an analysis of the compensation design, and the decisions that the Board of Directors made in fiscal 2020 with respect to its Named Executive Officers (as herein defined). When determining the compensation arrangements for the Named Executive Officers, our Compensation Committee considers the objectives of: (i) retaining an executive critical to the success of the Company and the enhancement of shareholder value; (ii) providing fair and competitive compensation; (iii) balancing the interests of management and our Company’s shareholders; and (iv) rewarding performance, both on an individual basis and with respect to the business in general.

 

Benchmarking

 

Our Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee in March o2018. Prior to that, our Board of Directors acted as the Compensation Committee.

 

The Compensation Committee will consider a variety of factors when designing and establishing, reviewing and making recommendations for executive compensation arrangements for all our executive officers. The Compensation Committee does not intend to position executive pay to reflect a single percentile within the industry for each executive. Rather, in determining the compensation level for each executive, the Compensation Committee will look at factors such as the relative complexity of the executive’s role within the organization, the executive’s performance and potential for future advancement and pay equity considerations.

59

 

Elements of Compensation

 

The compensation paid to Named Executive Officers in any year consists of two primary components:

 

(a) base salary; and

 

(b) long-term incentives in the form of stock options (the “Options”) granted under our 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and RSU awards s.

 

The key features of these two primary components of compensation are discussed below:

 

Base Salary

 

Base salary recognizes the value of an individual to our Company based on his or her role, skill, performance, contributions, leadership and potential. It is critical in attracting and retaining executive talent in the markets in which the Company competes for talent. Base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are intended to be reviewed annually. Any change in base salary of a Named Executive Officer is generally determined by an assessment of such executive’s performance, a consideration of competitive compensation levels in companies similar to the Company (in particular, companies in the EV industry) and a review of the performance of the Company as a whole and the role such executive officer played in such corporate performance.

 

Stock Option and RSU Awards

 

The Company provides long-term incentives to Named Executive Officers in the form of Options and RSUs as part of its overall executive compensation strategy. Our Compensation Committee believes that Option grants and RSU awards serve the Company’s executive compensation philosophy in several ways: firstly, it helps attract, retain and motivate talent; secondly, it aligns the interests of the Named Executive Officers with those of the shareholders by linking a specific portion of the officer’s total pay opportunity to the share price; and finally, it provides long-term accountability for Named Executive Officers.

 

Risks Associated with Compensation Policies and Practices

 

The oversight and administration of the Company’s executive compensation program requires the Compensation Committee to consider risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices. Potential risks associated with compensation policies and compensation awards are considered at annual reviews and also throughout the year whenever it is deemed necessary by the Compensation Committee.

 

The Company’s executive compensation policies and practices are intended to align management incentives with the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders. In each case, the Company seeks an appropriate balance of risk and reward. Practices that are designed to avoid inappropriate or excessive risks include: (i) financial controls that provide limits and authorities in areas such as capital and operating expenditures to mitigate risk taking that could affect compensation; (ii) balancing base salary and variable compensation elements; and (iii) spreading compensation across short and long-term programs.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Our Compensation Committee consists of Steven Sanders, Luisa Ingargiola, Peter Savagian and Joanne Yan and is chaired by Peter Savagian. Each of the Compensation Committee members satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of Nasdaq. Our Compensation Committee will assist the Board of Directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. No officer may be present at any committee meeting during which such officer’s compensation is deliberated upon.

60

 

The Compensation Committee’s responsibility is to formulate and make recommendations to our Board of Directors in respect of compensation issues relating to our directors and executive officers. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Compensation Committee has the following duties:

 

  (a) to review the compensation philosophy and remuneration policy for our executive officers and to recommend to our directors changes to improve our ability to recruit, retain and motivate executive officers;

 

  (b) to review and recommend to the Board of Directors the retainer and fees, if any, to be paid to our directors;

 

  (c) to review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), evaluate the CEO’s performance in light of those corporate goals and objectives, and determine (or make recommendations to our directors with respect to) the CEO’s compensation level based on such evaluation;

 

  (d) to recommend to our directors with respect to non-CEO officer and director compensation including reviewing management’s recommendations for proposed Options and other incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans, if any, for non-CEO officer and director compensation, and make recommendations in respect thereof to our directors;

 

  (e) to administer the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan approved by our directors in accordance with its terms. including the recommendation to our directors of the grant of Options and RSU awards in accordance with the terms thereof; and

 

  (f) to determine and recommend for the approval of our directors’ bonuses to be paid to our executive officers and employees and to establish targets or criteria for the payment of such bonuses, if appropriate. Pursuant to the mandate and terms of reference of the Compensation Committee, meetings of the Compensation Committee are to take place at least once per year and at such other times as the Chair of the Compensation Committee may determine.

 

Appointment of GGA

 

Since March of 2020, consistent with good governance practices, our Compensation Committee has now retained an independent compensation advisor to provide advice on the structure and levels of compensation for our executive officers and directors and to undertake a comprehensive review of our incentive plans. In Fiscal 2020, the Compensation Committee retained Global Governance Advisors (“GGA”) to provide independent compensation advice to the Compensation Committee and to the Board of Directors. GGA is an internationally recognized, independent advisory firm that provides counsel to boards of directors on matters relating to executive compensation and governance. GGA is now retained to continually review the compensation levels for the Company’s executive officers and directors and short and long-term incentive plans, and to evaluate and make recommendations on the Company’s overall executive and director compensation philosophy, objectives and approach.

 

GGA’s services in Fiscal 2020 included:

 

compensation philosophy validation;

 

peer group review and development;

 

executive compensation review for our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Administrative Officer;

61

 

short-term incentive plan design and performance metric criteria review;

 

long-term incentive plan review including:

 

performance based restricted stock unit design and long-term incentive plan mix evaluation; and

 

non-employee director compensation review; and

 

review of compensation discussion and analysis in the Company’s proxy statement.

 

Fees paid for GGA’s services for the last fiscal years were CAD$30,000.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews all fees and the terms of consulting services provided by GGA.

 

Overview of Executive Compensation Program

 

In Fiscal 2020, with the recommendations put forth by GGA (the “GGA Recommendations”), the Compensation Committee maintained the following general principles in determining its executive and non-employee director total compensation plans.

 

The Company recognizes that people are our primary asset and our principal source of competitive advantage. In order to recruit, motivate and retain the most qualified individuals as senior executive officers, the Company strives to maintain an executive compensation program that is competitive in the automotive and electric car industry, which is a competitive, global labor market.

 

The Compensation Committee’s compensation objective is designed to attract and retain the best available talent while efficiently utilizing available resources. The Compensation Committee compensates executive management primarily through base compensation and variable at risk annual incentive and equity based compensation. The executive compensation plan is designed to be competitive with comparable companies, and to align management’s compensation with the long-term interests of stockholders. In determining executive management’s compensation, the Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the financial condition of the Company and discussions with the executive in each instance.

 

In order to accomplish our goals and to ensure that the Company’s executive compensation program is consistent with its direction and business strategy, the compensation program for our senior executive officers is based on the following objectives:

 

to attract, motivate, retain and reward a knowledgeable and driven management team and to encourage them to attain and exceed performance expectations within a calculated risk framework; and

 

to reward each executive based on individual and corporate performance and to incentivize such executives to drive the organization’s current growth and sustainability objectives.

 

The following key principles guide the Company’s overall compensation philosophy:

 

compensation is designed to align executives to the critical business issues facing the Company;

 

compensation should be fair and reasonable to stockholders and be set with reference to the local market and similar positions of comparable companies;

 

a substantial portion of total compensation is at-risk and linked to individual efforts, as well as divisional and corporate performance. This ensures the link between executive pay and business performance;

62

 

an appropriate portion of total compensation should be equity-based, aligning the interests of executives with stockholders; and

 

compensation should be transparent to the Board of Directors, executives and stockholders.

 

Benchmarking Compensation and Primary Peer Group

 

In Fiscal 2020 the Compensation Committee commissioned a peer group review from GGA as part of a more holistic executive and non-employee director compensation review, in order to address changes in the external market and to ensure that the Company continued to benchmark executive compensation with appropriate market comparators. The Compensation Committee considered the complexity of the Company and the range of size of several of the appropriate comparable companies and, with the GGA Recommendations provided to them, established a revised peer group to better reflect the Company’s current business. The peer group was developed using a combination of criteria including company size, industry, business practices, geography and stock exchange to qualify each organization. More specifically the peer group met some or most of the following parameters:

 

companies of similar size to ElectraMeccanica (0.25x to 4x), primarily from a R&D expenditure perspective, but also taking into account other factors such as market capitalization, total assets and revenue;

 

companies who belong to similar industry segments as ElectraMeccanica (i.e. automobile, electronic components, health care equipment or other complex engineering-related segments which integrate both software and hardware);

 

companies with a similar business strategy and scope of operations to ElectraMeccanica; and

 

publicly traded companies on major U.S. or Canadian exchanges.

 

In Fiscal 2020, with the GGA Recommendations, the resulting companies created the peer group: AgJunction Inc., Airgain Inc.; Arcimoto Inc.; Baylin Technologies Inc.; Bionano Genomics Inc.; Data I/O Corporation; electroCore Inc.; Frequency Electronics Inc.; MicroVision Inc.; PowerFleet Inc.; ReWalk Robotics Ltd.; Sensus Healthcare Inc.; Westell Technologies Inc.; Wireless Telecom Group Inc.; and Workhorse Group Inc. At the time of the peer group selection, ElectraMeccanica’s market cap was positioned at the 53rd percentile of the peer group, and the R&D expenditure was also at the 53rd percentile.

 

In Fiscal 2020, with the GGA Recommendations, our compensation philosophy aimed to align both our executive and Board of Director compensation around the median of our peer group.

 

Compensation Elements and Rationale

 

There are three basic components to the Company’s executive compensation program: base compensation; short-term incentive awards; and long-term incentive equity compensation.

 

Base Compensation

 

Base compensation is the foundation of the compensation program and is intended to compensate competitively relative to comparable companies within our industry and the marketplace where we compete for talent. Base compensation is a fixed component of the compensation program and is used as the base to determine elements of incentive compensation and benefits.

63

 

Short-Term Incentive Awards

 

Our short-term incentive plan (the “STIP”) is a variable component of compensation and has the objective of motivating the executive officers to achieve pre-determined objectives over a one-year period and to provide a means to reward the achievement of corporate milestones and fulfillment of the annual business plan.

 

Historically, the amount of the short-term incentive awards paid to the Company’s executive officers was determined by the Company’s Compensation Committee on a discretionary basis, given the Company’s stage of development and its transitional stage of growth, based on the expected benefits to the Company for meeting its performance targets, the Company’s available resources and market conditions.

 

As of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, with the GGA Recommendations, the Compensation Committee established guidelines for the amount of annual short-term incentive awards payable to the executives as a percentage of an executive’s base compensation for specific performance targets and levels achieve. GGA recommended that the Board of Directors adopt a balanced scorecard that supports a payout curve ranging from 50% of target for threshold performance, 100% of target and a 150% of target for maximum performance to eligible executives.

 

In Fiscal 2020, the Compensation Committee approved the following guidelines for the opportunity of annual incentive awards to the executives, based on a selection of financial, operating:

 

in addition to the performance metrics used to evaluate the executive officer’s annual incentive, the payment of annual incentive awards shall be subject to a determination by the Board of Directors that the Company maintains sufficient cash on hand to meet the Company’s financial obligations as determined on the date of payment; and

 

annual incentive awards shall be subject to a provision for recovery or “clawback” if a payment is subsequently determined by the Board of Directors to have been based on materially inaccurate financial statements or materially inaccurate performance criteria.

 

The Compensation Committee determined that it would continue evaluating and evolving the short-term incentive program design against best market practices as the Company experiences further growth.

 

In Fiscal 2020, short-term incentive awards were paid to the executive officers for performance meeting or exceeding target performance levels in the form of cash bonuses as more particularly described in the “Summary Compensation Table” below.

 

Long-Term Incentive (Equity)

 

The Company’s long-term incentive program provides for, among other awards, the granting of Options and RSUs to executive officers to both motivate executive performance and retention, as well as to align executive officer performance to shareholder value creation. In awarding long-term incentives, the Company compares its long-term incentive program to that of comparable companies within our industry and evaluates such factors as the number of shares available for awards under the Company’s 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, as ratified by the stockholders of the Company on July 9, 2020 (again, the “2020 Stock Incentive Plan”), and the number of awards outstanding relative to the number of shares outstanding.

 

Each long-term incentive grant is based on the level of the position held and overall market competitiveness. The Compensation Committee takes into consideration previous grants when it considers new grants of Options and RSUs. The Board of Directors administers the granting of equity awards in accordance with the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

In fiscal 2020 the Compensation Committee reviewed the market prevalence of long-term equity incentive plans within the Company’s primary peer group. The Compensation Committee determined that granting Options and RSUs were the most appropriate form of long-term equity incentive to award in fiscal 2020 due to market practice.

 

In fiscal 2020, the Compensation Committee considered the advice of GGA and the recommendations issued by leading independent proxy advisors and determined that it would implement a performance based long-term incentive award structure based on best market practice to more closely align pay with future performance.

64

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth all annual and long-term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company during the fiscal periods indicated in respect of the executive officers set out below (the “Named Executive Officers”) and includes amounts paid to affiliates of the Named Executive Officers for services provided by the Named Executive Officers:

 

Named Executive Officer and Principal Position   Year  

Salary

($)

 

Share-based

Awards

($)

 

Equity

Incentive

Awards

($)(1)

 

Annual

Incentive

Plan

($)

 

Long-term

Incentive

Plan

($)

 

Pension

Value

($)

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

Compensation

($)

 
Michael Paul Rivera(2),   2020     331,597     Nil     719,999     277,500   Nil     11,400     Nil     1,340,496  
Chief Executive Officer   2019     117,688     Nil     2,821,276     38,904   Nil     Nil     Nil     2,977,868  
    2018     n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a  
Bal Bhullar(3),   2020     238,935     Nil     351,000     108,000   Nil     Nil     2,704     700,639  
Chief Financial Officer   2019     148,350     Nil     1,726,814     27,156   Nil     Nil     2,716     1,905,036  
    2018     15,432     Nil     Nil     Nil   Nil     Nil     347     15,779  
Isaac Moss(4),   2020     223,101     Nil     338,001     104,000   Nil     Nil     Nil     665,102  
Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary   2019     176,011     Nil     1,049,567     18,858   Nil     Nil     Nil     1,244,436  
  2018     73,043     Nil     159,760     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     232,803  
Henry Reisner(5),   2020     209,605     Nil     338,001     141,559   Nil     Nil     Nil     689,165  
President and Chief Operating Officer   2019     135,778     Nil     Nil     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     135,778  
  2018     97,762     Nil     30,424     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     128,186  
Jerry Kroll(6),   2020     131,457     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     131,457  
former President and Chief Executive Officer   2019     226,297     Nil     Nil     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     226,297  
  2018     108,024     Nil     95,467     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     203,491  
Iain Ball(7),   2020     n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a  
former Vice-President, Finance   2019     67,889     Nil     287,034     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     354,923  
  2018     54,012     Nil     23,099     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     77,111  
Ed Theobald (8),   2020     n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a  
former General Manager Sales and Dealerships   2019     24,138     Nil     Nil     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     24,138  
  2018     74,074     Nil     23,099     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     97,173  
Lorenzo Caprilli(9),   2020     n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a  
former Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing   2019     66,054     Nil     Nil     Nil   Nil     Nil     Nil     66,054  
  2018     n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a   n/a     n/a     n/a     n/a  

 

Notes:

(1) Option-based awards represent the fair value of Stock Options and RSUs granted and awarded in the year under our 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. The fair value of Stock Options granted is calculated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the RSUs is calculated based on the market price of the Company’s common shares on the grant date. For discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation, refer to Note 13 to our financial statements.
(2) Mr. Rivera was appointed CEO and a director of our Company on August 12, 2019.
(3) Ms. Bhullar was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of our Company on November 19, 2018 and as a director on December 6, 2019.  In July 2020, Ms. Bhullar stepped down as Secretary.
(4) Mr. Moss was appointed Chief Administrative Officer of our Company on May 15, 2018, and in July 2020, Mr. Moss was appointed Corporate Secretary.
(5) Mr. Reisner was appointed Chief Operating Officer of our Company on February 16, 2015, and on May 15, 2018 he was appointed as President of our Company
(6) Mr. Kroll was appointed the President and CEO of our Company on February 16, 2015 and served as the Secretary of our Company from June 11, 2015 to August 8, 2016. On May 15, 2018, Mr. Kroll resigned from his position as President of our Company and on August 12, 2019 he resigned as CEO.
(7) Mr. Ball was appointed Vice-President, Finance of our Company on June 27, 2016 and resigned effective on June 30, 2019.
(8) Mr. Theobald was appointed General Manager of our Company on February 16, 2015 and resigned effective on June 30, 2019.
(9) Lorenzo Caprilli was appointed Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing of our Company on May 1, 2019 and resigned effective on November 30, 2019.

65

 

Executive Compensation Agreements

 

Michael Paul Rivera

 

On May 17, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Michael Paul Rivera (the “Rivera Agreement”), which is dated for reference effective August 12, 2019. Effective on January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date” therein), with an execution date of February 26, 2020, Mr. Rivera and the Company entered into an amending agreement to the Rivera Agreement (the “Amended Rivera Agreement”).

 

In accordance with the Amended Rivera Agreement, the Rivera Agreement commenced on the Effective Date and continues until the third anniversary of the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier, provided that upon the third anniversary date the Rivera Agreement shall be deemed to be automatically extended upon the same terms and conditions. Either party may provide 60 days prior written notice of its intention not to extend the term. Pursuant to the terms of the Rivera Agreement, Mr. Rivera will be employed as the Chief Executive Officer and report to the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”), and shall have the duties, authority and responsibilities as shall be determined by the Board of Directors from time to time. Mr. Rivera will devote substantially all of his business time and attention to the performance of his duties under the Rivera Agreement and will not engage in any business, profession or occupation for compensation or otherwise which would conflict or interfere with the performance of such services either directly or indirectly without consent of the majority of the Board of Directors. During the term of his employment Mr. Rivera will not engage in any Prohibited Activity (as defined in the Rivera Agreement), provided, however, that Mr. Rivera shall be permitted to purchase and own less than 5% of the publicly traded securities of any corporation if such ownership represents a passive investment and Mr. Rivera is not a controlling person of, or a member of a group that controls, such corporation.

 

Under the Rivera Agreement the Company will pay Mr. Rivera an annual base salary of $300,000.00 (the “Base Salary”) in periodic installments in accordance with the Company’s customary payroll practices. Mr. Rivera’s Base Salary is subject to increase based on periodic reviews at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Mr. Rivera shall be eligible to receive an annual bonus of not less than $150,000 for fiscal 2020, which will paid by at the sole and absolute discretion of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Rivera will be entitled to participate in all benefit plans, practices and programs maintained by the Company, as in effect from time to time, and including, but not limited to, the following: (a) reimbursements for payments to participate in one U.S. health insurance plan and one U.S. dental plan; and (b) no less than 25 paid vacation during each full fiscal year of Mr. Rivera’s employment (pro-rated for any partial year of employment).

 

The Rivera Agreement may be terminated upon either party’s failure to renew the Rivera Agreement, by the Company for Cause (as defined therein) or by the Employee without Good Reason (as defined therein). Following any such termination, the Company will have no further obligations under the Rivera Agreement other than the Company’s obligations to, within two weeks following a termination date, provide Mr. Rivera with: (a) any accrued but unpaid Base Salary and accrued but unused vacation; (b) reimbursements for unreimbursed business expenses that are reimbursable in accordance with the Company’s expense reimbursement policy; and (c) employee benefits, if any, to which Mr. Rivera may be entitled to under the Company’s employee benefit plans as of the date of termination.

 

The Company also has the right to terminate the Rivera Agreement without Cause and Mr. Rivera has the right to terminate the Rivera Agreement for Good Reason. In the event of such termination, Mr. Rivera shall be entitled to receive: (a) all Accrued Amounts (as defined therein); (b) severance pay in equal installments, which are in the aggregate equal to the sum of Mr. Rivera’s Base Salary and Target Bonus (as defined therein) for two years from the date of termination of the Rivera Agreement; (c) the Company shall reimburse Mr. Rivera for up to $1,800.00 of the monthly U.S. health insurance premium paid by Mr. Rivera; and (d) the Company shall pay Mr. Rivera an amount equal to the greater of (i) the average STIP (as defined therein) paid to Mr. Rivera for the previous two years and (ii) 80% of Mr. Rivera’s target annual STIP for the current fiscal year of the Company if Mr. Rivera has been employed by the Company for less than two years at the date of termination.

66

 

The Rivera Agreement will automatically terminate upon the death of Mr. Rivera and the Company may terminate the Rivera Agreement on account of Mr. Rivera’s Disability (as therein defined). In the event of such termination, Mr. Rivera (or his estate or beneficiaries, as the case may be) shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts. Notwithstanding any provision of the Rivera Agreement, all payments made in connection with Mr. Rivera’s Disability will be provided in a manner consistent with state and federal law.

 

Effective on January 1, 2020, Mr. Rivera and the Company agreed to amend the Rivera Agreement and entered into the Amended Rivera Agreement. Pursuant to the Amended Rivera Agreement, Mr. Rivera will be eligible to participate in any STIP or LTIP (each as defined therein) introduced by the Company from time to time and the terms of such participation shall be determined by the Board of Directors. Mr. Rivera will also be entitled to five weeks’ paid vacation per calendar year (pro-rated for partial years) in accordance with the Company’s vacation policies as in effect from time to time.

 

The Amended Rivera Agreement also provides that Mr. Rivera may provide notice to the Company of any Change In Control of the Company (as defined therein) by providing not less than 45 calendar days’ notice in writing to the Company after the Change In Control has been effected; provided, however, that the Company will be entitled to carefully review and object to any said Change In Control designation by the Executive within 15 calendar days of said notice; the final determination of which, upon dispute, if any, to be determined by arbitration under California law in Los Angeles, California. Unless otherwise determined by mutual agreement of the parties or by arbitration as provided for therein, within 60 days of the completion of the Change In Control the Company shall be obligated to pay Mr. Rivera a one-time fee in cash in the amount of $3,000,000 whether the Rivera Agreement is otherwise terminated or otherwise at the time of the completion of the Change In Control.

 

In January 2020, Mr. Rivera received a $38,904 bonus payment for fiscal 2019. Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Rivera Agreement annual Base Salary was amended to $370,000 and Mr. Rivera was awarded 209,302 RSUs which vest as to on- third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus to Mr. Rivera of $277,500 for fiscal 2020.

 

Henry Reisner

 

On January 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of an executive employment agreement with Henry Reisner, which is dated for reference effective on January 1, 2019, and which then superseded our Company’s prior agreement with Mr. Reisner, dated July 1, 2016, which had been amended in August of 2018. On January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date” therein), the Company entered into a new executive employment agreement with Henry Reisner (the “Reisner Agreement”) which superseded the January 15, 2019 executive employment agreement with Mr. Reisner.

 

The Reisner Agreement commenced as of its Effective Date and will continue for a period of three years unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Company may notify Mr. Reisner in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to the end of the term of its intent to renew the Reisner Agreement, any such renewal being on the same terms and conditions as provided in the Reisner Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the Reisner Agreement, Mr. Reisner will continue to be employed as our Chief Operating Officer and President and will: (a) devote reasonable efforts and attentions to the business and affairs of the Company; (b) perform the Services (as defined in the Reisner Agreement) in a competent and efficient manner and in manner consistent with his obligations to the Company and in compliance with all the Company policies; and (c) promote the interests and goodwill of the Company. Mr. Reisner will not, directly or indirectly, anywhere in Canada or the United States, either individually or in partnership, jointly or in conjunction with any person, firm, association, syndicate, company, whether as agent, shareholder, employee, consultant, or in any manner whatsoever, engage in any business the same or similar to or in competition with that of the Company’s Business (as defined therein). However, Mr. Reisner may hold or become beneficially interest in up to 1% of any class of securities in any company provided that such class of securities are listed on a recognized stock exchange in Canada or the United States.

67

 

The Company will pay Mr. Reisner a monthly base salary from the Effective Date of CAD$18,333.34 (the “Monthly Salary”). The Monthly Salary is subject to increase based on periodic reviews at the discretion of the Company. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may consider the payment of a reasonable industry standard bonus to Mr. Reisner based upon the performance of the Company and upon the achievement by Mr. Reisner of reasonable management objectives. Mr. Reisner will be eligible to receive a one-time lump sum payment of CAD$25,000.00 by delivering on the Company’s objective of having the Generation 3 SOLO begin production by May 15, 2020. Mr. Reisner will be eligible to participate in benefits, perquisites and allowances, as such plans and policies may be amended from time to time, and including, but not limited to: (a) group insurance coverage for dental, health, and life insurance; and (b) no less than five weeks paid vacation per calendar year (the “Vacation”), such Vacation to extend for such periods and to be taken at such intervals as shall be appropriate and consistent with the proper performance of Mr. Reisner’s duties.

 

The Company may grant Mr. Reisner stock options under its Stock Option Plan (as defined therein) from time to time in its absolute discretion. Any stock options granted will be in accordance with provisions, and including, but not limited to, the following: (a) the exercise of stock options shall be subject to, at all times, to such vesting and resale provisions as may then be contained in the Company’s Stock Option Plan as may be finally determined by the Board of Directors acting reasonably; (b) Mr. Reisner in no event make any disposition of all or any portion of stock options unless the requirements as provided in the Reisner Agreement have been satisfied; and (c) the Company shall have an independent committee of the Board approve each grant of stock options and, if required, by the applicable regulatory authorities and the shareholders of the Company.

 

The Company has the right to and may terminate the Reisner Agreement at any time for Just Cause (as defined therein). Following any such termination, the Company shall pay to Mr. Reisner an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Mr. Reisner up to the date of termination, and Mr. Reisner shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

 

The Company also has the right to terminate the Reisner Agreement without Just Cause and for any reason or no reason whatsoever by providing written notice to Mr. Reisner specifying the effective date of termination. Mr. Reisner may terminate the Reisner Agreement at any time in connection with a Change of Control (as defined therein) of the Company by providing not less than 90 calendar days’ notice in writing of said date of termination to the Company after the Change of Control has been effected. In the event that the Reisner Agreement is terminated by the Company without Just Cause, or by Mr. Reisner as a result of a Change of Control, the Company will have the obligation to: (a) pay Mr. Reisner an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Reisner up to the date of termination, together with any Vacation pay required to comply with applicable employment standards legislation; (b) pay Mr. Reisner his annual performance Bonus entitlements (as defined therein) calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) pay severance equal to 12 months’ Monthly Salary plus an additional one month’s Monthly Salary for each completed full year of employment with the Company; and (d) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Reisner to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during three months from the date of termination.

 

Mr. Reisner may terminate the Reisner Agreement at any time by providing written notice of resignation to the Board of Directors specifying the date of termination (such date being not less than three months after the date of notice). In the event the Reisner Agreement is terminated by Mr. Reisner’s resignation, the Company shall pay to Mr. Reisner an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Mr. Reisner up to the date of termination, and Mr. Reisner shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

68

 

The Reisner Agreement will automatically terminate upon the death of Mr. Reisner and, upon such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Reisner Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to: (a) pay Mr. Reisner’s estate an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Reisner up to the date of termination; (b) pay Mr. Reisner’s estate his annual performance Bonus (entitlements) calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; and (c) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Reisner’s estate to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during three months from the date of termination.

 

The Company may terminate the Reisner Agreement at any time as a result of Total Disability (as defined therein) by providing 30 calendar days’ written notice. In the event of such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Reisner Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to (a) pay Mr. Reisner’s an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Reisner up to the date of termination; (b) pay Mr. Reisner his annual performance Bonus entitlements calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) subject to provisions of any Company plans and arrangements under which Benefits (as defined therein) are being provided to Mr. Reisner, continue each of Mr. Reisner’s Benefits in full force and effect for a period of six months from the date of termination; and (d) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Reisner to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during three months from the date of termination.

 

In the summer of 2020, Mr. Reisner received a CAD$50,000 bonus payment for fiscal 2019. Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee from GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Reisner Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $260,000 and Mr. Reisner was awarded 98,256 RSUs which vest as to one-third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus to Mr. Reisner of $104,000 for fiscal 2020.

 

Bal Bhullar

 

On January 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of a consulting agreement with BKB Management Ltd., a company under the control and direction of Bal Bhullar, our Chief Executive Officer (the “Consulting Agreement”), which is dated for reference effective on January 1, 2019, and which superseded our Company’s prior offer letter with Ms. Bhullar, dated October 19, 2018. On December 19, 2019, the Company entered into a new executive employment agreement with Ms. Bhullar (the “Bhullar Agreement”) which is effective January 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date” therein), and which superseded the Consulting Agreement.

 

The Bhullar Agreement commenced as of its Effective Date and will continue for a period of three years unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Bhullar Agreement shall renew automatically if not specifically terminated by the Company notifying Ms. Bhullar in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the end of the term of its intent to not renew the Bhullar Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Bhullar Agreement, Ms. Bhullar will continue to be employed as our Chief Financial Officer and will: (a) devote reasonable efforts and attentions to the business and affairs of the Company; (b) perform the Services (as defined in the Bhullar Agreement) in a competent and efficient manner and in manner consistent with her obligations to the Company and in compliance with all the Company policies; and (c) promote the interests and goodwill of the Company. Ms. Bhullar will not, directly or indirectly, anywhere in North America, either individually or in partnership, jointly or in conjunction with any person, firm, association, syndicate, company, whether as agent, shareholder, employee, consultant, or in any manner whatsoever, engage in any business the same or similar to or in competition with that of the Company’s Business (as defined therein). However, Ms. Bhullar may hold or become beneficially interest in up to 1% of any class of securities in any company provided that such class of securities are listed on a recognized stock exchange in Canada or the United States.

69

 

The Company will pay Ms. Bhullar a monthly base salary from the Effective Date of CAD$23,333.33 (the “Monthly Salary”). The Monthly Salary is subject to increase based on periodic reviews at the discretion of the Company. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may consider the payment of a reasonable industry standard bonus to Ms. Bhullar based upon the performance of the Company and upon the achievement by Ms. Bhullar of reasonable management objectives. Ms. Bhullar will be eligible to participate in benefits, perquisites and allowances, as such plans and policies may be amended from time to time, and including, but not limited to: (a) group insurance coverage for dental, health and life insurance; (b) an automobile expense allowance of CAD$300.00 per month; (c) professional dues necessary to maintain Ms. Bhullar’s professional designation; and (d) no less than five weeks paid vacation per calendar year (the “Vacation”), such Vacation to extend for such periods and to be taken at such intervals as shall be appropriate and consistent with the proper performance of Ms. Bhullar’s duties.

 

The Company may grant Ms. Bhullar stock options under its Stock Option Plan (as defined therein) from time to time in its absolute discretion. Any stock options granted will be in accordance with provisions, and including, but not limited to, the following: (a) the exercise of stock options shall be subject to, at all times, to such vesting and resale provisions as may then be contained in the Company’s Stock Option Plan as may be finally determined by the Board of Directors acting reasonably; (b) Ms. Bhullar in no event make any disposition of all or any portion of stock options unless the requirements as provided in the Bhullar Agreement have been satisfied; and (c) the Company shall have an independent committee of the Board of Directors approve each grant of stock options and, if required, by the applicable regulatory authorities and the shareholders of the Company.

 

The Company has the right to and may terminate the Bhullar Agreement at any time for Just Cause (as defined therein). Following any such termination, the Company shall pay to Ms. Bhullar an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Ms. Bhullar up to the date of termination, and Ms. Bhullar shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

 

The Company also has the right to terminate the Bhullar Agreement without Just Cause and for any reason or no reason whatsoever by providing written notice to Ms. Bhullar specifying the effective date of termination. Ms. Bhullar may terminate the Bhullar Agreement at any time in connection with a Change of Control (as defined therein) of the Company by providing not less than 90 calendar days’ notice in writing of said date of termination to the Company after the Change of Control has been effected. In the event that the Bhullar Agreement is terminated by the Company without Just Cause, or by Ms. Bhullar as a result of a Change of Control, the Company will have the obligation to: (a) pay Ms. Bhullar an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Ms. Bhullar up to the date of termination, together with any Vacation pay required to comply with applicable employment standards legislation; (b) pay Ms. Bhullar her annual performance Bonus entitlements (as defined therein) calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) severance equal to 24 months’ Monthly Salary for each completed year of employment with the Company; (d) subject to provisions of any Company plans and arrangements under which Benefits (as defined therein) are being provided to Ms. Bhullar, continue each of Ms. Bhullar’s Benefits in full force and effect for a period of 12 months from the date of termination; (e) the Company shall pay Ms. Bhullar an amount equal to the greater of (i) the average STIP (as defined therein) paid to Ms. Bhullar for the previous two years and (ii) 80% of Ms. Bhullar’s target annual STIP for the current fiscal year of the Company if Ms. Bhullar has been employed by the Company for less than two years at the date of termination; and (f) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Ms. Bhullar to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period (as defined therein).

 

The Company may terminate the Bhullar Agreement by notifying Ms. Bhullar in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the end of the term of its intent to not renew the Bhullar Agreement. In the event of such termination, the Company will be obligated to provide Ms. Bhullar with (a) through (f) noted immediately above, however, the Company will only pay Ms. Bhullar severance equal to four months of Monthly Salary for each completed full year of employment with the Company.

70

 

Ms. Bhullar may terminate the Bhullar Agreement at any time by providing written notice of resignation to the Board of Directors specifying the date of termination (such date being not less than three months after the date of notice). In the event the Bhullar Agreement is terminated by Ms. Bhullar’s resignation, the Company shall pay to Ms. Bhullar an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Ms. Bhullar up to the date of termination, and Ms. Bhullar shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

 

The Bhullar Agreement will automatically terminate upon the death of Ms. Bhullar and, upon such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Bhullar Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to: (a) pay Ms. Bhullar’s estate an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Ms. Bhullar up to the date of termination; (b) pay Ms. Bhullar’s estate her annual performance Bonus entitlements calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; and (c) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Ms. Bhullar’s estate to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period from the date of termination.

 

The Company may terminate the Bhullar Agreement at any time because of Total Disability (as defined therein) by providing 30 calendar days’ written notice. In the event of such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Bhullar Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to (a) pay Ms. Bhullar an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Ms. Bhullar up to the date of termination; (b) pay Ms. Bhullar her annual performance Bonus entitlements calculated pro rata for the period up to the Date of Termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) subject to provisions of any Company plans and arrangements under which Benefits are being provided to Ms. Bhullar, continue each of Ms. Bhullar’s Benefits in full force and effect for a period of 12 months from the date of termination; and (d) subject to the Company’s Stock Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Ms. Bhullar to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period from the date of termination.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Bhullar Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $270,000 and Ms. Bhullar was awarded 102,035 RSUs which vest as to one-third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus of$108,000 to Ms. Bhullar for fiscal 2020.

 

Jerry Kroll

 

On January 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of an executive employment agreement with Jerry Kroll (the “Kroll Agreement”), which is dated for reference effective on January 1, 2019, and which superseded the Company’s prior agreement with Mr. Kroll, dated July 1, 2016, which had been amended in August of 2018. On August 16, 2019 the Company entered into a continuing relationship agreement with Jerry Kroll (the “Continuing Relationship Agreement”), which superseded the Kroll Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Continuing Relationship Agreement, the Company has no further obligations under the Kroll Agreement other than to: (a) pay Mr. Kroll’s Executive Base Salary (as defined in the Kroll Agreement) accrued to August 16, 2019; (b) pay Mr. Kroll any accrued and unused vacation; (c) reimburse Mr. Kroll for expenses incurred up to August 16, 2019 that are reimbursable pursuant to the Kroll Agreement; and (d) pay Mr. Kroll an amount equal to the Base Salary (as defined in the Kroll Agreement) for a one year period payable in 12 installments.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Continuing Relationship Agreement, Mr. Kroll will continue to conceptualize new concepts for products and business with the consent, and under the direction of, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and/or the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Kroll will not have the authority to bind the Company nor will Mr. Kroll make any agreements or representations on behalf of the Company without the Company’s prior written consent. Mr. Kroll may be engaged or employed in any other business, trade, profession, or activity, which does not (i) involve electric vehicles or their components, including their manufacturing, distribution, marketing, or sale, or (ii) place him in a conflict of interest with the Company. During the term of the Continuing Relationship Agreement and for a period of 12 months following expiration or termination, Mr. Kroll will not make any solicitation to employ the personnel of the Company (including its subsidiaries) without prior written consent of the Company.

71

 

Mr. Kroll will not be eligible to participate in any vacation, group medical or life insurance, disability, profit sharing, or retirement benefits, or any other fringe benefits or benefit plans offered by the Company to its employees. Though Mr. Kroll will not be an employee of the Company, Mr. Kroll will agree to adhere to the Company’s policies governing media and social media activities and the Company’s Code of Ethics.

 

Pursuant to the Continuing Relationship Agreement, the Company will grant Mr. Kroll 1,250,000 stock options to acquire common shares of the Company which shall (i) be exercisable at a price of $2.45 per option and (ii) vest in 12 equal installments. The 18,966 stock options previously granted to Mr. Kroll that had not vested as of August 16, 2019, will be deemed to be fully vested and remain exercisable by Mr. Kroll.

 

The Continuing Relationship Agreement will terminate upon its one-year anniversary unless terminated earlier. The Continuing Relationship Agreement may be extended with the mutual consent of the Company and Mr. Kroll. The Continuing Relationship Agreement may be terminated by the Company and Mr. Kroll, effective immediately upon 60 days’ written notice, if the other party breaches the Continuing Relationship Agreement. Upon expiration or termination of the Continuing Relationship Agreement, Mr. Kroll will have five calendar days following expiration or termination to: (a) deliver to the Company all hardware, software, tools, equipment, or other materials provided by the Company; (b) deliver to the Company all tangible documents and materials containing, reflecting, incorporating or based on Confidential Information (as defined in the Continuing Relationship Agreement); (c) permanently erase all Confidential Information (as defined therein) from his computer systems; and (d) certify to the Company that he has complied with the requirements noted above.

 

After the expiration of the Continuation Relation Agreement on August 16, 2020, Mr. Kroll is being paid annual directors’ fees of $70,000 which are paid quarterly.

 

Isaac Moss

 

On January 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of an independent contractor agreement with Isaac (the “Prior Moss Agreement”), which is dated for reference effective on January 1, 2019, and which superseded our Company’s prior agreement with Mr. Moss, dated December 1, 2017 (the “Commencement Date”), which had been amended in August of 2018. On July 1, 2020, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of a new executive employment agreement with Mr. Moss (the “Moss Agreement”) which is effective July 1, 2020 (the “Effective Date” therein), and which superseded the Prior Moss Agreement.

 

The Moss Agreement commenced as of its Effective Date and will continue for a period of two years unless terminated in accordance with its terms. The Moss Agreement shall renew automatically if not specifically terminated by the Company notifying Mr. Moss in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the end of the term of its intent to not renew the Moss Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Moss Agreement, Mr. Moss will continue to be employed as our Chief Administrative Officer and will: (a) devote reasonable efforts and attentions to the business and affairs of the Company; (b) perform the Services (as defined in the Moss Agreement) in a competent and efficient manner and in manner consistent with his obligations to the Company and in compliance with all the Company policies; and (c) promote the interests and goodwill of the Company. Mr. Moss will not, directly or indirectly, anywhere in North America, either individually or in partnership, jointly or in conjunction with any person, firm, association, syndicate, company, whether as agent, shareholder, employee, consultant, or in any manner whatsoever, engage in any business the same or similar to or in competition with that of the Company’s Business (as defined therein). However, Mr. Moss may hold or become beneficially interest in up to 1% of any class of securities in any company provided that such class of securities are listed on a recognized stock exchange in Canada or the United States.

72

 

The Company will pay Mr. Moss a monthly base salary from the Effective Date of CAD$23,333.33 (the “Monthly Salary”). The Monthly Salary is subject to increase based on periodic reviews at the discretion of the Company. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may consider the payment of a reasonable industry standard bonus to Mr. Moss based upon the performance of the Company and upon the achievement by Mr. Moss of reasonable management objectives. Mr. Moss will be eligible to participate in benefits, perquisites and allowances, as such plans and policies may be amended from time to time, and including, but not limited to: (a) group insurance coverage for dental, health and life insurance; (b) the use of a smartphone for Business purposes; and (c) no less than five weeks paid vacation per calendar year (the “Vacation”), such Vacation to extend for such periods and to be taken at such intervals as shall be appropriate and consistent with the proper performance of Mr. Moss’s duties.

 

The Company may grant Mr. Moss stock options under its Option Plan (as defined therein) from time to time in its absolute discretion. Any stock options granted will be in accordance with provisions, and including, but not limited to, the following: (a) the exercise of stock options shall be subject to, at all times, to such vesting and resale provisions as may then be contained in the Company’s Option Plan as may be finally determined by the Board of Directors acting reasonably; (b) Mr. Moss in no event make any disposition of all or any portion of stock options unless the requirements as provided in the Moss Agreement have been satisfied; and (c) the Company shall have an independent committee of the Board of Directors approve each grant of stock options and, if required, by the applicable regulatory authorities and the shareholders of the Company.

 

The Company has the right to and may terminate the Moss Agreement at any time for Just Cause (as defined therein). Following any such termination, the Company shall pay to Mr. Moss an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Mr. Moss up to the date of termination, and Mr. Moss shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

 

The Company also has the right to terminate the Moss Agreement without Just Cause and for any reason or no reason whatsoever by providing written notice to Mr. Moss specifying the effective date of termination. Mr. Moss may terminate the Moss Agreement at any time in connection with a Change of Control (as defined therein) of the Company by providing not less than 90 calendar days’ notice in writing of said date of termination to the Company after the Change of Control has been effected. In the event that the Moss Agreement is terminated by the Company without Just Cause, or by Mr. Moss as a result of a Change of Control, the Company will have the obligation to: (a) pay Mr. Moss an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Moss up to the date of termination, together with any Vacation pay required to comply with applicable employment standards legislation; (b) pay Mr. Moss his annual performance Bonus entitlements (as defined therein) calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) severance equal to 24 months’ Monthly Salary for each completed year of employment with the Company from the Commencement Date; (d) subject to provisions of any Company plans and arrangements under which Benefits (as defined therein) are being provided to Mr. Moss, continue each of Mr. Moss’s Benefits in full force and effect for a period of 12 months from the date of termination; (e) the Company shall pay Mr. Moss an amount equal to the greater of (i) the average STIP (as defined therein) paid to Mr. Moss for the previous two years and (ii) 80% of Mr. Moss’s target annual STIP for the current fiscal year of the Company if Mr. Moss has been employed by the Company for less than two years at the date of termination; and (f) subject to the Company’s Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Moss to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period (as defined therein).

 

The Company may terminate the Moss Agreement by notifying Mr. Moss in writing at least 90 calendar days prior to the end of the term of its intent to not renew the Moss Agreement. In the event of such termination, the Company will be obligated to provide Mr. Moss with (a) through (f) noted immediately above, however, the Company will only pay Mr. Moss severance equal to four months of Monthly Salary for each completed full year of employment with the Company commencing from the date of the Prior Moss Agreement.

73

 

Mr. Moss may terminate the Moss Agreement at any time by providing written notice of resignation to the Board of Directors specifying the date of termination (such date being not less than three months after the date of notice). In the event the Moss Agreement is terminated by Mr. Moss’s resignation, the Company shall pay to Mr. Moss an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation pay earned and payable to Mr. Moss up to the date of termination, and Mr. Moss shall have no entitlement to any further notice of termination, payment in lieu of notice of termination, severance, continuation of benefits or any damages whatsoever.

 

The Moss Agreement will automatically terminate upon the death of Mr. Moss and, upon such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Moss Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to: (a) pay Mr. Moss’s estate an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Moss up to the date of termination; (b) pay Mr. Moss’s estate his annual performance Bonus entitlements calculated pro rata for the period up to the date of termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; and (c) subject to the Company’s Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Moss’s estate to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period from the date of termination.

 

The Company may terminate the Moss Agreement at any time because of Total Disability (as defined therein) by providing 30 calendar days’ written notice. In the event of such termination, the Company’s obligations under the Moss Agreement will immediately terminate other than the Company’s obligations to (a) pay Mr. Moss an amount equal to the Monthly Salary and Vacation payable to Mr. Moss up to the date of termination; (b) pay Mr. Moss his annual performance Bonus entitlements calculated pro rata for the period up to the Date of Termination based on the achievement of the objectives to such date; (c) subject to provisions of any Company plans and arrangements under which Benefits are being provided to Mr. Moss, continue each of Mr. Moss’s Benefits in full force and effect for a period of 12 months from the date of termination; and (d) subject to the Company’s Option Plan and policies of any regulatory authority and stock exchange having jurisdiction over the Company, allow for Mr. Moss to exercise any unexercised and fully vested stock options at any time during the Termination Option Exercise Period from the date of termination.

 

Based on the independent report produced by Global Governance Advisors, on July 20, 2020, the Moss Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $260,000 and he was awarded 98,256 RSUs which vest, as to one-third, at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus to Mr. Moss of $104,000 for fiscal 2020.

 

Stock Option Plans and Options

 

The following table sets forth, as at December 31, 2020, the equity compensation plans pursuant to which equity securities of the Company may be issued:

 

Plan Category   Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options
(a)
    Weighted-
average
exercise price
of outstanding
options ($) (b)
    Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column (a)) (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders   -     -     -  
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders     12,908,315     $ 2.03       17,091,685  
Total     12,908,315     $ 2.03       17,091,685  

74

 

2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

On June 11, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted our 2015 Stock Option Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) under which an aggregate of 30,000,000 common shares may be issued, subject to adjustment as described in the Stock Option Plan.

 

On May 29, 2020, with the prior recommendations from GGA, the Board of Directors passed a resolution to adopt our 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, subject to, and effective upon, the approval of shareholders. The 2020 Stock Incentive Plan provides flexibility to the Company to grant equity-based incentive awards (each, an “Award”) in the form of Options, RSUs, preferred shared units (“PSUs”) and deferred share units (“DSUs”), as described in further detail below. The 2020 Stock Incentive Plan was approved by Company shareholders on July 9, 2020 and, accordingly, all future grants of equity-based Awards will be made pursuant to, or as otherwise permitted by, the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, and no further equity-based awards will be made pursuant to the Company’s prior Stock Option Plan.

 

The purpose of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan is to, among other things, provide the Company with a share-related mechanism to attract, retain and motivate qualified directors, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, to reward such of those directors, employees and consultants as may be granted awards under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan by the Board of Directors from time to time for their contributions toward the long-term goals and success of the Company, and to enable and encourage such directors, employees and consultants to acquire Common Shares as long-term investments and proprietary interests in the Company.

 

A summary of the key terms of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan is set out below, which is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Key Terms of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

Shares Subject to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The 2020 Stock Incentive Plan is a fixed number share plan which provides that the aggregate maximum number of common shares (each, a “Common Share”) that may be issued upon the exercise or settlement of Awards granted under it shall not exceed 30,000,000 Common Shares, subject to the adjustment provisions provided for therein (including those that apply in the event of a subdivision or consolidation of Common Shares). Such maximum number of Common Shares consists of (i) 12,850,917 Common Shares issuable pursuant to Awards previously granted and that remain outstanding under the Company’s Stock Option Plan, which Awards will be covered by the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan upon its ratification by the shareholders, and (ii) 17,149,083 additional Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards to be granted under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Administration of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The 2020 Stock Incentive Plan designates the Board of Directors as the initial Plan Administrator (as defined in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan), subject to the ability of the Board of Directors to delegate from time to time all or any of the powers conferred on the Plan Administrator to a committee of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has resolved to delegate all powers of administration of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan to the Compensation Committee.

 

The Plan Administrator determines which directors, officers, consultants and employees are eligible to receive Awards under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, the time or times at which Awards may be granted, the conditions under which awards may be granted or forfeited to the Company, the number of Common Shares to be covered by any Award, the exercise price of any Award, whether restrictions or limitations are to be imposed on the Common Shares issuable pursuant to grants of any Award, and the nature of any such restrictions or limitations, any acceleration of exercisability or vesting, or waiver of termination regarding any Award, based on such factors as the Plan Administrator may determine.

75

 

In addition, the Plan Administrator interprets the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and may adopt guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, and make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Eligibility

 

All directors, employees and consultants are eligible to participate in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. The extent to which any such individual is entitled to receive a grant of an Award pursuant to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan will be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Plan Administrator.

 

Types of Awards

 

Awards of Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs may be made under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. All of the Awards described below are subject to the conditions, limitations, restrictions, exercise price, vesting, settlement and forfeiture provisions determined by the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, subject to such limitations provided in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, and will generally be evidenced by an Award agreement. In addition, subject to the limitations provided in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and in accordance with applicable law, the Plan Administrator may accelerate or defer the vesting or payment of Awards, cancel or modify outstanding Awards and waive any condition imposed with respect to Awards or Common Shares issued pursuant to Awards.

 

Options

 

An Option entitles a holder thereof to purchase a prescribed number of treasury Common Shares at an exercise price set at the time of the grant. The Plan Administrator will establish the exercise price at the time each Option is granted, which exercise price must in all cases be not less than the volume weighted average closing price of the Common Shares on Nasdaq for the five trading days immediately preceding the date of grant (the “Market Price”) on the date of grant. Subject to any accelerated termination as set forth in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, each Option expires on its respective expiry date. The Plan Administrator will have the authority to determine the vesting terms applicable to grants of Options. Once an Option becomes vested, it shall remain vested and shall be exercisable until expiration or termination of the Option, unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator, or as otherwise set forth in any written employment agreement, Award agreement or other written agreement between the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and the participant. The Plan Administrator has the right to accelerate the date upon which any Option becomes exercisable. The Plan Administrator may provide at the time of granting an Option that the exercise of that Option is subject to restrictions, in addition to those specified in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, such as vesting conditions relating to the attainment of specified performance goals.

 

Unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator at the time of granting an Option and set forth in the particular Award agreement, an exercise notice must be accompanied by payment of the exercise price. A participant may, in lieu of exercising an Option pursuant to an exercise notice, elect to surrender such Option to the Company (a “Cashless Exercise”) in consideration for an amount from the Company equal to (i) the Market Price of the Common Shares issuable on the exercise of such Option (or portion thereof) as of the date such Option (or portion thereof) is exercised, less (ü) the aggregate exercise price of the Option (or portion thereof) surrendered relating to such Common Shares (the “In-the-Money Amount”) by written notice to the Company indicating the number of Options such participant wishes to exercise using the Cashless Exercise, and such other information that the Company may require. Subject to the provisions of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company will satisfy payment of the In-the-Money Amount by delivering to the participant such number of Common Shares having a fair market value equal to the In-the-Money Amount.

76

 

Restricted Share Units

 

A RSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Common Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company which entitles the holder to receive one Common Share (or the value thereof) for each RSU after a specified vesting period. The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant RSUs to any participant in respect of a bonus or similar payment in respect of services rendered by the applicable participant in a taxation year.

 

The number of RSUs (including fractional RSUs) granted at any particular time under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan will be calculated by dividing: (a) the amount that is to be paid in RSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator; by (b) the greater of (i) the Market Price of a Common Share on the date of grant and (ii) such amount as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion.

 

The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine the settlement and any vesting terms applicable to the grant of RSUs, provided that the terms applicable to RSUs granted to U.S. taxpayers comply with Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to the extent applicable.

 

Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested RSU for one fully paid and non-assessable Common Share in respect of each vested RSU.

 

Performance Share Units

 

A PSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Common Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company which entitles the holder to receive one Common Share for each PSU after specific performance-based vesting criteria determined by the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, have been satisfied. The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant PSUs to any participant in respect of services rendered by the applicable participant in a taxation year. The performance goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any PSUs granted, the effect of termination of a participant’s service and the settlement terms pursuant to any PSU will be determined by the Plan Administrator and by the other terms and conditions of any PSU, all as set forth in the applicable Award agreement.

 

The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine the settlement and any vesting terms applicable to the grant of PSUs, provided that the terms applicable to PSUs granted to U.S. taxpayers comply with Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested PSU for one fully paid and non-assessable Common Share in respect of each vested PSU.

 

Deferred Share Units

 

A DSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Common Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company which entitles the holder to receive one Common Share (or, at the election of the holder and subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator, the cash value thereof) for each DSU on a future date. The Board of Directors may fix from time to time a portion of the total compensation (including annual retainer) paid by the Company to a director in a calendar year for service on the Board of Directors (the “Director Fees”) that are to be payable in the form of DSUs. In addition, each director is given, subject to the provisions of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, the right to elect to receive a portion of the cash Director Fees owing to them in the form of DSUs.

 

Except as otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in the particular Award agreement, DSUs shall vest immediately upon grant. The number of DSUs (including fractional DSUs) granted at any particular time will be calculated by dividing: (a) the amount of Director Fees that are to be paid in DSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator; by (b) the Market Price of a Common Share on the date of grant. Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested DSU for: (a) one fully paid and non-assessable Common Share issued from treasury in respect of each vested DSU, or (b) at the election of the holder and subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator, a cash payment on the date of settlement. Any cash payments made under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan by the Company to a participant in respect of DSUs to be redeemed for cash shall be calculated by multiplying the number of DSUs to be redeemed for cash by the Market Price per Common Share as at the settlement date.

77

 

Dividend Equivalents

 

Except as otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in the particular Award agreement, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs shall be credited with dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, as applicable, as of each dividend payment date in respect of which normal cash dividends are paid on Common Shares. Dividend equivalents shall vest in proportion to, and settle in the same manner as, the Awards to which they relate. Such dividend equivalents shall be computed by dividing: (a) the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of the dividend declared and paid per Common Share by the number of RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, as applicable, held by the participant on the record date for the payment of such dividend; by (b) the Market Price at the close of the first business day immediately following the dividend record date, with fractions computed to three decimal places.

 

Black-out Periods

 

In the event an Award expires, at a time when a scheduled blackout is in place or an undisclosed material change or material fact in the affairs of the Company exists, the expiry of such Award will be the date that is ten business days after which such scheduled blackout terminates or there is no longer such undisclosed material change or material fact.

 

Term

 

While the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan does not stipulate a specific term for Awards granted thereunder, as discussed below, Awards may not expire beyond 10 years from its date of grant, except where shareholder approval is received or where an expiry date would have fallen within a blackout period of the Company. All Awards must vest and settle in accordance with the provisions of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan and any applicable Award agreement, and which Award agreement may include an expiry date for a specific Award.

 

Termination of Employment or Services

 

The following describes the impact of certain events upon the participants under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, including termination for cause, resignation, termination without cause, disability, death or retirement, subject, in each case, to the terms of a participant’s applicable employment agreement, Award agreement or other written agreement:

 

(a) Termination for Cause or upon Termination: Any Option or other Award held by the participant that has not been exercised, surrendered or settled as of the Termination Date (as defined in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan) shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date.

 

(b) Termination without Cause: A portion of any unvested Options or other Awards shall immediately vest, such portion to be equal to the number of unvested Options or other Awards held by the participant as of the Termination Date multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the date any unvested Options or other Awards were originally scheduled to vest. Any vested Options may be exercised by the participant at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (a) the expiry date of such Option; and (b) the date that is 90 days after the Termination Date. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (a) or (b), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option, such Award will be settled within 90 days after the Termination Date.

 

(c) Disability: A portion of any unvested Options or other Awards shall immediately vest, such portion to be equal to the number of unvested Options or other Awards held by the participant as of the Termination Date multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the date any unvested Options or other Awards were originally scheduled to vest. Any vested Option may be exercised by the participant at any time until the Expiry Date of such Option. Any vested Option may be exercised by the participant at any time until the expiry date of such Option. Any vested Award other than an Option will be settled within 90 days after the Termination Date.

78

 

(d) Death: A portion of any unvested Options or other Awards shall immediately vest, such portion to be equal to the number of unvested Options or other Awards held by the participant as of the Termination Date multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the date any unvested Options or other Awards were originally scheduled to vest. Any vested Option may be exercised by the participant’s beneficiary or legal representative (as applicable) at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (a) the expiry date of such Option; and (b) the first anniversary of the date of the death of such participant. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (a) or (b), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option, such Award will be settled with the participant’s beneficiary or legal representative (as applicable) within 90 days after the date of the Participant’s death.

 

(e) Retirement: A portion of any unvested Options or other Awards shall immediately vest, such portion to be equal to the number of unvested Options or other Awards held by the participant as of the Termination Date multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the Termination Date and the denominator of which is the number of days between the date of grant and the date any unvested Options or other Awards were originally scheduled to vest. Any vested Option may be exercised by the participant at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (a) the expiry date of such Option; and (b) the third anniversary of the participant’s date of retirement. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (a) or (b), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option, such Award will be settled within 90 days after the participant’s retirement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, following his or her retirement, the participant commences on the Commencement Date (as defined in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan) employment, consulting or acting as a director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or in an analogous capacity) or otherwise as a service provider to any person that carries on or proposes to carry on a business competitive with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, any Option or other Award held by the participant that has not been exercised or settled as of the Commencement Date shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Commencement Date.

 

Change in Control

 

Under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, except as may be set forth in an employment agreement, Award agreement or other written agreement between the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and a participant:

 

(a) the Plan Administrator may, without the consent of any participant, take such steps as it deems necessary or desirable, including to cause: (i) the conversion or exchange of any outstanding Awards into or for rights or other securities of substantially equivalent value, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its discretion, in any entity participating in or resulting from a Change in Control (as defined below); (ii) outstanding Awards to vest and become exercisable, realizable or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award to lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of a Change in Control, and, to the extent the Plan Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Change in Control; (iii) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise or settlement of such Award or realization of the participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction; (iv) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion where such replacement would not adversely affect the holder; or (v) any combination of the foregoing; provided that: (A) in taking any of the foregoing actions), the Plan Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction; and (B) in the case of Options, RSUs and PSUs held by a Canadian taxpayer, the Plan Administrator may not cause the Canadian taxpayer to receive any property in connection with a Change in Control other than rights to acquire shares of a corporation or units of a “mutual fund trust” (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)(the “Tax Act”) of the Company or a “qualifying person” (as defined in the Tax Act) that does not deal at arm’s length (for purposes of the Tax Act) with the Company, as applicable, at the time such rights are issued or granted;

79

 

(b) if within 12 months following the completion of a transaction resulting in a Change in Control (as defined below), a participant’s employment, consultancy or directorship is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without Cause (as defined in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan), without any action by the Plan Administrator:

 

(i) any unvested Awards held by the participant at the Termination Date shall immediately vest; and

 

(ii) any vested Awards may be exercised, surrendered to the Company, or settled by the participant at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (i) the expiry date of such Award; and (ii) the date that is 90 days after the Termination Date. Any Award that has not been exercised, surrendered or settled at the end of such period being immediately forfeited and cancelled; and

 

(c) unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, if, as a result of a Change in Control, the Common Shares will cease trading on Nasdaq, the Company may terminate all of the Awards (other than an Option, RSU or PSU held by a participant that is a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Tax Act) at the time of and subject to the completion of the Change in Control transaction by paying to each holder at or within a reasonable period of time following completion of such Change in Control transaction an amount for each Award equal to the fair market value of the Award held by such participant as determined by the Plan Administrator, acting reasonably, provided that any vested Awards granted to U.S. taxpayers will be settled within 90 days of the Change in Control.

 

Subject to certain exceptions, a “Change in Control” includes: (i) any transaction pursuant to which a person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding Common Shares; (ii) the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (iii) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company; (iv) the acquisition of the Company via consolidation, merger, exchange of securities, purchase of assets, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise; (v) individuals who comprise the Board of Directors at the last annual meeting of shareholders (the “Incumbent Board”) cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board of Directors, unless the election, or nomination for election by the shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, in which case such new director shall be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; or (vi) any other event which the Board of Directors determines to constitute a change in control of the Company.

 

Non-Transferability of Awards

 

Except as permitted by the Plan Administrator and to the extent that certain rights may pass to a beneficiary or legal representative upon death of a participant, by will or as required by law, no assignment or transfer of Awards, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, vests any interest or right in such Awards whatsoever in any assignee or transferee and immediately upon any assignment or transfer, or any attempt to make the same, such Awards will terminate and be of no further force or effect. To the extent that certain rights to exercise any portion of an outstanding Award pass to a beneficiary or legal representative upon the death of a participant, the period in which such Award can be exercised by such beneficiary or legal representative shall not exceed one year from the participant’s death.

 

Amendments to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The Plan Administrator may also from time to time, without notice and without approval of the holders of voting Common Shares, amend, modify, change, suspend or terminate the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan or any Awards granted pursuant thereto as it, in its discretion, determines appropriate, provided that: (a) no such amendment, modification, change, suspension or termination of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan or any Award granted pursuant thereto may materially impair any rights of a participant or materially increase any obligations of a participant under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan without the consent of such participant, unless the Plan Administrator determines such adjustment is required or desirable in order to comply with any applicable securities laws or stock exchange requirements; and (b) any amendment that would cause an Award held by a U.S. Taxpayer to be subject to the income inclusion under Section 409A of the Code shall be null and void ab initio.

80

 

Notwithstanding the above, and subject to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the approval of shareholders is required to effect any of the following amendments to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan:

 

(a) increasing the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, except pursuant to the provisions in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Company or its capital;

 

(b) reducing the exercise price of an option Award (for this purpose, a cancellation or termination of an Award of a participant prior to its expiry date for the purpose of reissuing an Award to the same participant with a lower exercise price shall be treated as an amendment to reduce the exercise price of an Award) except pursuant to the provisions in the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Company or its capital;

 

(c) extending the term of an Option Award beyond the original expiry date (except where an expiry date would have fallen within a blackout period applicable to the participant or within ten business days following the expiry of such a blackout period);

 

(d) permitting an Option Award to be exercisable beyond ten years from its date of grant (except where an expiry date would have fallen within a blackout period);

 

(e) increasing or removing the limits on the participation of directors;

 

(f) permitting Awards to be transferred to a person;

 

(g) changing the eligible participants; and

 

(h) deleting or reducing the range of amendments which require approval of the shareholders.

 

Except for the items listed above, amendments to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan will not require shareholder approval. Such amendments include (but are not limited to): (a) amending the general vesting provisions of an Award; (b) amending the provisions for early termination of Awards in connection with a termination of employment or service; (c) adding covenants of the Company for the protection of the participants; (d) amendments that are desirable as a result of changes in law in any jurisdiction where a participant resides; and (e) curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error.

 

The foregoing summary of the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan, which was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to to the Company’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on October 5, 2020, and a copy can also be viewed on the Company’s website at https://investors.electrameccanica.com/governance-docs.

81

 

Incentive Plan Awards

 

The following table sets out information on the incentive plan awards held by Named Executive Officers and/or directors as at December 31, 2020.

 

Named Executive Officer

or Director

 

Number of securities underlying

unexercised options & units (#)

 

Exercise

price

 

Expiration

date

Michael Paul Rivera, Chief Executive Officer and a director   Options     700,000   $ 2.62 USD     25-Jun-22
    Options     2,300,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    RSUs     209,302   $ Nil     20-Jul-30
Bal Bhullar, Chief Financial Officer, and a director   Options     400,000   $ 3.40 USD     19-Mar-26
    Options     1,100,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    RSUs     102,035   $ Nil     20-Jul-30
Isaac Moss, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary   Options     250,000   $ 3.40 USD     19-Mar-26
    Options     750,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    RSUs     98,256   $ Nil     20-Jul-30
Henry Reisner, Chief Operating Officer, President and a director   Options     56,818   $ 0.30 CAD     13-Aug-22
    Options     56,818   $ 0.80 CAD     9-Dec-22
    Options     5,000   $ 2.00 CAD     17-Feb-24
    Options     5,000   $ 9.60 USD     5-Jan-25
    RSUs     98,256   $ Nil     20-Jul-30
Steven Sanders, Chairman and a director   Options     120,000   $ 3.40 USD     19-Mar-26
    Options     225,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    DSUs     12,952   $ Nil     22-Jul-30
Jerry Kroll, a director   Options     2,045,455   $ 0.30 CAD     11-Jun-22
    Options     227,273   $ 0.80 CAD     9-Dec-22
    Options     5,000   $ 2.00 CAD     17-Feb-24
    Options     5,000   $ 9.60 USD     5-Jan-25
    Options     1,250,000   $ 2.45 USD     4-Aug-26
Luisa Ingargiola, a director   Options     120,000   $ 3.40 USD     19-Mar-26
    Options     225,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    DSUs     8,797   $ Nil     22-Jul-30
Joanne Yan, a director   Options     2,500   $ 2.00 CAD     17-Feb-24
    Options     2,500   $ 9.60 USD     5-Jan-25
    Options     120,000   $ 3.40 USD     19-Mar-26
    Options     225,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    DSUs     11,364   $ Nil     22-Jul-30
Peter Savagian, a director   Options     120,000   $ 1.80 USD     17-Oct-26
    Options     225,000   $ 1.91 USD     6-Dec-26
    DSUs     11,510   $ Nil     22-Jul-30

82

 

The following table provides information concerning the incentive award grants of the Company with respect to each Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The only incentive award grants of the Company during such fiscal year was under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan:

 

Named Executive Officer
and Director

 

Equity Incentive Plan

Compensation

Value Vested During the Year ($)(*)

   

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

Compensation
Value Vested During the Year ($)

 

Michael Paul Rivera, Chief Executive Officer   $ 1,163,682       Nil  
Bal Bhullar, Chief Financial Officer   $ 395,083       Nil  
Isaac Moss, Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary   $ 745,964       Nil  
Henry Reisner, Chief Operating Officer and President   $ 1,858       Nil  
Steven Sanders, Chairman and a director   $ 363,104       Nil  
Jerry Kroll, a director   $ 72,691       Nil  
Joanne Yan, a director   $ 358,618       Nil  
Luisa Ingargiola, a director   $ 348,935       Nil  
Peter Savagian, a director   $ 414,787       Nil  

 

Note:

(*) The amount represents the aggregate dollar value that would have been realized if the Options had been exercised on the vesting date, based on the difference between the closing price of our shares on the Nasdaq on vesting date, and the exercise price of the Options, multiplied by the number of Options that have vested.

 

Director Compensation for Fiscal 2020

 

The following table sets forth all compensation for services as a director to the Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 in respect of the directors set out below, which for those directors who are Named Executive Officers excludes compensation for services provided as a Named Executive Officer.

 

Director   Year     Salary ($)    

Share-based

Awards

($)

   

Equity Incentive

Awards

($) (*)

   

All Other

Compensation

($)

 

Total

Compensation

($)

 
Michael Paul Rivera   2020       Nil       Nil       Nil     Nil     Nil  
Jerry Kroll   2020       Nil       Nil       Nil     Nil     Nil  
Bal Bhullar   2020       Nil       Nil       Nil     Nil     Nil  
Henry Reisner   2020       Nil       Nil       Nil     Nil     Nil  
Steven Sanders   2020       106,667       Nil       44,167     Nil     150,834  
Jerry Kroll   2020       26,250       Nil       Nil     Nil     26,250  
Joanne Yan   2020       41,356       Nil       38,750     Nil     80,106  
Luisa Ingargiola   2020       70,002       Nil       29,997     Nil     99,999  
Peter Savagian   2020       49,625       Nil       39,250     Nil     88,875  
Jack Austin   2020       13,533       Nil       Nil     Nil     13,533  

 

Note:

(*) Option-based awards represent the fair value of Options granted in the year under the 2020 Stock Incentive Plan. The fair value of Options granted is calculated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation, refer to Note 11 to our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

 

We reimburse out-of-pocket costs that are incurred by the directors.

83

 

Pension Benefits

 

We do not have any defined benefit pension plans or any other plans providing for retirement payments or benefits.

 

Termination of Employment and Change of Control Benefits

 

Details with respect to termination of employment and change of control benefits for our directors and executive officers is reported above under the section titled “Executive Compensation Agreements”.

 

C. Board Practices

 

Board of Directors

 

Our Notice of Articles and Articles were filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1 as filed with the SEC on October 12, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference. The Articles of the Company provide that the number of directors is set at:

 

  (a) subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of our first directors;

 

  (b) if we are a public company, the greater of three and the number most recently elected by ordinary resolution (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and

 

  (c) if we are not a public company, the number most recently elected by ordinary resolution (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given).

 

Our Board of Directors currently consists of eight directors. Our directors are elected annually at each annual meeting of our Company’s shareholders. The Board of Directors assesses potential Board candidates to fill perceived needs on the Board of Directors for required skills, expertise, independence and other factors.

 

Management is delegated the responsibility for meeting defined corporate objectives, implementing approved strategic and operating plans, carrying on the Company’s business in the ordinary course, managing cash flow, evaluating new business opportunities, recruiting staff and complying with applicable regulatory requirements. The Board of Directors facilitates its independent supervision over management by reviewing and approving long-term strategic, business and capital plans, material contracts and business transactions, and all debt and equity financing transactions. Through its Audit Committee, the Board of Directors examines the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control processes and management information systems. The Compensation Committee reviews executive compensation and recommends Option grants. Members of the Company’s Audit Committee are Luisa Ingargiola (Chair), Steven Sanders, Joanne Yan and Peter Savagian.

 

The independent members of the Board of Directors are Ms. Ingargiola, Ms. Yan and Messrs. Sanders and Savagian. Ms. Bhullar and Messrs. Rivera and Reisner are not independent as they are officers of the Company and Mr. Kroll is not independent as he is a significant security holder of the Company and was the former Chief Executive Officer of the Company until August 12, 2019.

84

 

Directors are considered to be independent if they have no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. A “material relationship” is a relationship which could, in the Board of Directors’ opinion, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a director’s independent judgment. The Board of Directors facilitates its independent supervision over management of the Company through frequent meetings of the Board of Directors at which members of management or non-independent directors are not in attendance and by retaining independent consultants where it deems necessary.

 

On April 16, 2020, the Board of Directors adopted a new Board Mandate among other new corporate governance materials. Pursuant to the Board Mandate, the Board of Directors is specifically charged with responsibility for:

 

(a) to the extent feasible, satisfying itself as to the integrity of the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers and that the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Company;

 

(b) adopting a strategic planning process and approving, on at least an annual basis, a strategic plan which takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the business;

 

(c) the identification of the principal risks of the Company’s business, and ensuring the implementation of appropriate systems to manage these risks;

 

(d) succession planning (including appointing, training and monitoring senior management);

 

(e) adopting a communication policy for the Company;

 

(f) the Company’s internal control and management information systems; and

 

(g) developing the Company’s approach to corporate governance, including developing a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines that are specifically applicable to the Company.

 

A copy of the complete text of the Board Mandate was filed as Exhibit 99.5 to the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2020, and a copy can also be viewed on the Company’s website at https://investors.electrameccanica.com/governance-docs.

 

Our Board of Directors is responsible for appointing our Company’s officers. On April 16, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted written position descriptions for the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Chair of each committee of the Board of Directors. In addition, our Board of Directors and the CEO have adopted a written position description for the CEO.

 

When new directors are appointed, they receive orientation, commensurate with their previous experience, on the Company’s assets, business, technology and industry and on the responsibilities of directors.

 

Board of Directors’ meetings may also include presentations by the Company’s management and employees to give the directors additional insight into the Company’s business.

 

Board of Director Committees

 

Our Board of Directors currently has four committees, the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Disclosure Committee.

85

 

Audit Committee

 

Our Audit Committee consists of Luisa Ingargiola, Steven Sanders, Joanne Yan and Peter Savagian and is chaired by Luisa Ingargiola. Each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our Audit Committee consists solely of independent directors that satisfy the Nasdaq and SEC requirements. Our Board of Directors believes that Louisa Ingargiola qualifies as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to Items 16A(b) and (c) of Form 20-F. The Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of the financial statements of our Company. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things:

 

  selecting our independent registered public accounting firm and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

  reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response and approving all proposed related party transactions, as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K;

 

  discussing the annual audited financial statements with management and our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

  annually reviewing and reassessing the adequacy of our Audit Committee Charter;

 

  meeting separately and periodically with the management and our internal auditor and our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

  reporting regularly to the full Board of Directors;

 

  reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our accounting and internal control policies and procedures and any steps taken to monitor and control major financial risk exposure; and

 

  such other matters that are specifically delegated to our Audit Committee by our Board of Directors from time to time.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

On April 16, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted a new Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter that complies with the requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(e)(2), and has established a nominating and corporate governance committee (the “N&CG Committee”) which operates under its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter. The N&CG Committee is currently comprised of Steven Sanders (Chair), Luisa Ingargiola, Joanne Yan and Peter Savagian. The N&CG Committee is responsible for corporate governance generally, reviewing the composition and size of the Board of Directors, evaluating the Board of Directors as a whole, identifying, considering and recommending candidates to fill new positions or vacancies on the Board of Directors, evaluating individual members of the Board of Directors, reviewing composition of each committee of the Board of Directors, recommending persons to be members of various committees and dealing with conflicts of interest.

 

The N&CG Committee is responsible for: making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding an appropriate organization and structure for the Board of Directors; evaluating the size, composition, membership qualifications, scope of authority, responsibilities, reporting obligations and charters of each committee of the Board of Directors; periodically reviewing and assessing the adequacy of the Company’s corporate governance principles as contained in the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter and, should it deem it appropriate, it may develop and recommend to the Board of Directors for adoption of additional corporate governance principles; periodically reviewing the Company’s Articles and Bylaws in light of existing corporate governance trends, and shall recommend any proposed changes for adoption by the Board of Directors or submission by the Board of Directors to the Company’s shareholders; making recommendations on the structure and logistics of Board of Directors’ meetings and may recommend matters for consideration by the Board of Directors; considering, adopting and overseeing all processes for evaluating the performance of the Board of Directors, each committee and individual directors; and annually reviewing and assessing its own performance.

86

 

Compensation Committee

 

On April 16, 2020, our Board of Directors adopted a new Compensation Committee Charter which complies with the requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(d)(1) and the Board of Directors has established a Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”). The Compensation Committee is comprised of Luisa Ingargiola (Chair), Steven Sanders, Joanne Yan and Peter Savagian.

 

The Compensation Committee determines compensation for the directors and officers of the Company, as well as the procedures for this determination, as are described under “Overview of Executive Compensation Program” herein.

 

Our Compensation Committee also reviews any “red flags” or issues that may arise out of the Compensation Committee compensation and award recommendations and report them to the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee and the N&CG Committee, at times, may be collaborative but will not coordinate as the process is intended to be a “checks and balance” approach. It is set up as an internal control mechanism that would safeguard against fraud and errors due to omission.

 

Each of the Compensation Committee members satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of Nasdaq. Our Compensation Committee will assist the Board of Directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure, including all forms of compensation, relating to our directors and executive officers. No officer may be present at any committee meeting during which such officer’s compensation is deliberated upon. The Compensation Committee will be responsible for, among other things:

 

  reviewing and recommending to the Board of Directors for approval with respect to the total compensation package for our most senior executive officers;

 

  approving and overseeing the total compensation package for our executives other than the most senior executive officers;

 

  reviewing and recommending to the Board of Directors with respect to the compensation of our directors;

 

  reviewing periodically and approving any long-term incentive compensation or equity plans;

 

  selecting compensation consultants, legal counsel or other advisors after taking into consideration all factors relevant to that person’s independence from management; and

 

  programs or similar arrangements, annual bonuses, employee pension and welfare benefit plans.

 

Corporate Disclosure Committee

 

Our Corporate Disclosure Committee consists of Steven Sanders, Luisa Ingargiola, Joanne Yan and Peter Savagian and is chaired by Steven Sanders. The Corporate Disclosure Committee oversees the effectiveness of risk management policies, procedures and practices implemented by management of the Company with respect to strategic, operational, environmental, health and safety, human resources, legal and compliance and other risks faced by the Company. The Corporate Disclosure Committee:

 

  reviews executive management’s assessment of our material risk exposures and our actions to identify, monitor and mitigate such exposures,

87

 

  reviews executive management’s implementation of systems and controls designed to promote compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and

 

  Reports to the Board of Directors on an annual basis with respect to the committee’s review of our material risks and measures in place to mitigate them, and at least annually in respect of the committee’s other activities.

 

  provides compliant Regulation FD strategic leadership for social media through the alignment of social media strategies and activities with enterprise strategic objectives and processes;

 

  establishes and maintains corporate policies with respect to use of social media for both process-driven social engagements, as well as for use of social media by employees for participating in social conversations (e.g., blogging and Tweeting by subject matter experts);

 

  prioritizes social media initiatives and deliver final approvals and recommendations on proceeding with proposed social media projects, including process, technology and organizational projects; and

 

  ensures open communication between the social media department and our other functional units so as to promote collaborative strategies, planning, and implementation.

 

D. Employees

 

As of March 17, 2021, we employed a total of 119 full-time and 18 part-time people. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

 

The breakdown of full-time employees by main category of activity is as follows:

 

Activity   Number of
Employees
 
Engineering/R&D     62  
Sales & Marketing     35  
General & Administration     18  
Executives     4  

 

E. Share Ownership

 

Shares

 

The shareholdings of our officers and directors are set out in Item 7 below.

 

Options

 

The Options, exercisable into common shares of the Company, held by our officers and directors are set out in Item 6 B above.

 

Warrants

 

Warrants, exercisable into common shares of the Company, held by our officers and directors are set forth below as of March 23, 2021.

 

Name   Position     Allotment date   Expiration date   Exercise price     Total  
Joanne Yan     Director     Nov. 21, 2016   Nov. 21, 2021   $  4.00 CAD       50,000  

88

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common share as of March 23, 2021 by: (a) each stockholder who is known to us to own beneficially 5% or more of our outstanding common share; (b) all directors; (c) our executive officers; and (d) all executive officers and directors as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, all persons listed below have (i) sole voting power and investment power with respect to their common shares, except to the extent that authority is shared by spouses under applicable law, and (ii) record and beneficial ownership with respect to their common shares.

 

Name   Common
Shares of the
Company
Beneficially
Owned (1)
    Percentage of
Common
Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)
 
Directors and Executive Officers:                
                 
Michael Paul Rivera(3), Chief Executive Officer and a director     1,670,171       1.5 %
                 
Henry Reisner(4), Chief Operating Officer, President and a director     2,497,904       2.2 %
                 
Bal Bhullar(5), Chief Financial Officer and a director     953,901       *  
                 
Steven Sanders(6), Chairman and a director     351,476       *  
                 
Jerry Kroll(7), a director     10,779,820       9.3 %
                 
Joanne Yan(8), a director     430,315       *  
                 
Luisa Ingargiola(9), a director     321,623       *  
                 
Peter Savagian(10), a director     350,755       *  
                 
Isaac Moss(11), Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary     1,000,000       *  
                 
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (Eleven Persons)     18,355,965       15.99 %
                 

Other 5% or more Shareholders:

               
                 
Megan Martin(12)     2,700,000       2.4 %
                 
Shang Wen Yang(13)     3,762,972       3.3 %
                 
Unison International Holdings Ltd.(14)     3,200,000       2.8 %
                 
Zongshen (Canada) Environtech Ltd.(15)     2,800,000       2.4 %

89

 

Notes:

 

* Less than 1%.
(1) Under Rule 13d-3, a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise has or common shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the voting of common shares; and (ii) investment power, which includes the power to dispose or direct the disposition of common shares. Certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, persons share the power to vote or the power to dispose of the common shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of common shares actually outstanding on March 23, 2021.
(2) The percentage is calculated based on 112,908,266 common shares that were outstanding as of March 23, 2021.
(3) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) an Option to purchase 1,487,027 of our common shares which have vested and (ii) 183,144 shares of our common stock which will vest within 60 days of March 23, 2021.

(4)

Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 2,375,000 common shares registered directly to Henry Reisner, (ii)an Option to purchase 122,695 shares of our common stock which have vested and (iii) an Option to purchase 209 shares of our common stock which will vest within 60 days of March 23, 2021.

(5) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 3,900 common shares registered directly to Bal Bhullar, (ii) an Option to purchase 888,890 shares of our common stock which have vested and (iii) an Option to purchase 61,111 shares of our common stock which will vest within 60 days of March 23, 2021.
(6) Shares beneficially owned consists of an Option to purchase 345,000 shares of our common share which have vested and 6,476 vested DSUs
(7) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 4,475,000 common shares held by Jerry Kroll, (ii) 3,572,092 common shares registered to Ascend Sportmanagement Inc. (over which Mr. Kroll has discretionary voting and investment authority), (iii) Options to purchase 2,732,728 shares of our common stock which have vested.
(8) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 25,000 common shares registered directly to Joanne Yan, (ii) 50,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Ms. Yan, (iii) an Option to purchase 349,529 shares of our common stock which have vested (iv) an Option to purchase 104 shares of our common stock which will vest within 60 days of March 23, 2021 and (v) 5,682 vested DSUs.
(9) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 92,224 common shares registered directly to Luisa Ingargiola, (ii) an Option to purchase 225,000 shares of our common share which have vested and (iii) 4,399 vested DSUs.
(10) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) an Option to purchase 345,000 shares of our common stock which have vested and (ii) 5,755 vested DSUs.
(11) Shares beneficially owned consists of an Option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock which have vested..
(12) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 1,250,000 common shares held by to Megan Martin, (ii) 1,250,000 common shares held by Ms. Martin’s husband, Yuan Sheng Zhang, (iii) 200,000 common shares held by Ms. Martin’s son, Bo Hong Zhang,
(13) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 1,029,688 common shares registered directly to Shang Wen Yang (ii) 500,017 common shares held by Mr. Yang’s mother, Cheng Quan Sang, (iii) 320,080 common shares held by Canada Jia-Qiao Group Investment Ltd. (over which Mr. Yang’s mother has discretionary voting and investment authority), (iv) stock options held by Shang Wen Yang to purchase 57,090 shares of our common stock which have vested, (v) 1,000,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Shang Wen Yang, (vi) 500,017 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Mr. Yang’s mother and (vii) 320,080 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Canada Jia-Qiao Group Investment Ltd.
(14) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 1,710,000 common shares registered directly to Unison International Holdings Ltd. and (ii) 1,490,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Unison International Holdings Ltd. (over which Mr. Ping Hui Lu has discretionary voting and investment authority).
(15) Shares beneficially owned consists of (i) 1,400,000 common shares registered directly to Zongshen (Canada) Environtech Ltd. and (ii) 1,400,000 common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants registered directly to Zongshen (Canada) Environtech Ltd. (over which Mr. Daxue Zhang has discretionary voting and investment authority).

90

 

The information as to shares beneficially owned, not being within our knowledge, has been furnished by the officers and directors.

 

As at March 23, 2021, there were 37 holders of record of our common shares.

 

Transfer Agent

 

Our shares of common stock are recorded in registered form on the books of our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, located 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, New York 11598.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Michael Paul Rivera

 

On June 24, 2019, we granted an Option for 700,000 common shares to Mr. Rivera having an exercise price of US$2.62 per common share and being exercisable until June 24, 2022. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option for 2,300,000 common shares to Mr. Rivera having an exercise price of US$1.91 per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2022.

 

On May 17, 2019, the Company entered into the Rivera Agreement with Mr Rivera. Effective on January 1, 2020, Mr. Rivera and the Company entered into the Amended Rivera Agreement to the Rivera Agreement. Mr. Rivera has a base salary annual salary of US$300,000 with a guaranteed bonus of US$150,000.

 

In January 2020, Mr. Rivera received a US$38,904 bonus payment for fiscal 2019. Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Rivera Agreement annual Base Salary was amended to US$370,000 and Mr. Rivera was awarded 209,302 RSUs which vest as to on- third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus to Mr. Rivera of US$277,500 for fiscal 2020.

 

Henry Reisner

 

On October 18, 2017, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”) to acquire Intermeccanica with Mr. Reisner and two members of his family, which replaced a prior Joint Operating Agreement, dated July 15, 2015, as amended on September 19, 2016, which was comprised of three underlying agreements. Under the SPA, we agreed to purchase all the shares of Intermeccanica for CAD$2,500,000; CAD$300,000 of which had been previously paid under the Joint Operating Agreement. At closing we paid the sellers CAD$700,000 and issued a promissory note (the “Note”) for the balance of CAD$1,500,000. On January 28, 2018, we paid off all of the principal and interest due on the Note for CAD$1,520,548.

 

On February 16, 2015, Mr. Reisner acquired 2,375,000 common shares at a deemed price of CAD$0.0004 per common share pursuant to a private share acquisition. Mr. Reisner’s wife and daughter acquired 525,000 common shares and 125,000 common shares, respectively, at a deemed price of CAD$0.0004 per common share pursuant to a private share acquisition.

 

On August 13, 2015, we granted an Option for 625,000 common shares to Mr. Reisner having an exercise price of CAD $0.30 per common share and being exercisable until August 13, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Reisner agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 568,182 of that Option. As of the date hereof, Mr. Reisner holds 56,818 of that Option. In addition, on December 9, 2015, we granted an Option for 625,000 common shares to Mr. Reisner having an exercise price of CAD$0.80 per common share and being exercisable until December 9, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Reisner agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 568,182 of that Option. As of the date hereof, Mr. Reisner holds 56,818 of that Option. On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option for 5,000 common shares to Mr. Reisner having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. Furthermore, on January 5, 2018, we granted an Option for 5,000 common shares to Mr. Reisner having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025.

91

 

On January 15, 2019, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Mr. Reisner pursuant to which he receives a base salary in the amount of CAD$180,000 per year. On January 15, 2020, we replaced that agreement with the Reisner Agreement pursuant to which Mr. Reisner receives a base salary in the amount of CAD$225,000 per year and subject to an additional CAD$25,000 bonus.

 

In the summer of 2020, Mr. Reisner received a CAD$50,000 bonus payment for fiscal 2019. Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee from GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Reisner Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $260,000 and Mr. Reisner was awarded 98,256 RSUs which vest as to one-third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus to Mr. Reisner of $104,000 for fiscal 2020.

 

Bal Bhullar

 

On February 19, 2019, Ms. Bhullar bought 3,800 common shares at price of $4.59 and 100 shares at a price of $4.57. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option for 400,000 common shares to Ms. Bhullar having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option for 1,100,000 common shares to Ms. Bhullar having an exercise price of $1.91 per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026.

 

On January 15, 2019, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with BKB Management Ltd., a company under the control and direction of Ms. Bhullar, and which superseded our Company’s prior offer letter with Ms. Bhullar, dated October 19, 2018. A bonus of CAD$36,000 was paid at the end of 2019. On January 1, 2020, we entered into the Bhullar Agreement with Ms. Bhullar, and which superseded the Consulting Agreement, and pursuant to which Ms. Bhullar receives CAD$280,000 per year.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Bhullar Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $270,000 and Ms. Bhullar was awarded 102,035 RSUs which vest as to one-third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus of $108,000 to Ms. Bhullar for fiscal 2020.

 

Steven Sanders

 

On May 5, 2018, we issued an Option to purchase 75,000 of our common shares at $9.00 to Steven Sanders in exchange for his services as a director of our Company. The Option vested in equal quarters every three months with the first quarter vesting on the date the Option was granted, and it has now been cancelled. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 120,000 common shares to Mr. Sanders having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 225,000 common shares to Mr. Sanders having an exercise price of $1.91per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026. Mr. Sanders now receives directors’ fees of $125,000 annually.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 22, 2020, Mr. Sanders’ annual directors’ fees were amended to $132,500, whereby $88,333 will be paid in quarterly installments with the balance being payable in 12,952 DSUs.

92

 

Jerry Kroll

 

On October 16, 2017, Jerry Kroll, our then CEO, as Pledgor, entered into a Share Pledge to guarantee the payment by the Company for the cost of the prototype tooling and molds estimated to be CNY ¥9.5 million (CAD$1.4 million) to Zongshen through the pledge of 400,000 common shares of the Company. The Company approved its obligations under the Share Pledge and had agreed to reimburse the Pledgor on a one for one basis for any pledged shares realized by Zongshen. During third quarter of 2020, the Company has paid 100% of the cost of the prototype tooling and molds and, accordingly, the Share Pledge has been terminated.

 

From February 16, 2015 to November 13, 2015, Mr. Kroll provided us with loans in the aggregate amount of CAD$185,000. These loans were unsecured, non-interest bearing and due on demand. No formal written agreements regarding these loans were signed, however, they are documented in our accounting records. On January 20, 2016, we repaid CAD$135,000 of these loans and CAD$50,000 was repaid through the issuance of 62,500 post-subdivision units of our Company at a price of CAD$0.80 per unit.

 

On February 16, 2015, Mr. Kroll acquired 3,500,000 common shares of our Company and Ascend Sportmanagement Inc., a corporation under the control and direction of Mr. Kroll, acquired 5,000,000 common shares at a price of CAD$0.0004 per common share pursuant to a private placement. In addition, on June 15, 2015, Mr. Kroll acquired 25,000 units of our Company at a price of CAD $0.40 per unit pursuant to a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for one additional common share at a price of CAD$0.80 per common share and is exercisable until June 15, 2020. Furthermore, on January 22, 2016, Mr. Kroll acquired 62,500 units of our Company at a price of CAD$0.80 per unit pursuant to a private placement. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for one additional common share at a price of CAD$2.00 per common share and is exercisable until January 22, 2021.

 

On June 11, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 22,500,000 of our common shares to Mr. Kroll having an exercise price of CAD$0.30 per common share and being exercisable until June 11, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Kroll agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 20,454,545 of that Option. As of the date hereof, Mr. Kroll holds 2,045,455 of that Option. In addition, on December 9, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 2,500,000 of our common shares to Mr. Kroll having an exercise price of CAD $0.80 per common share and being exercisable until December 9, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Kroll agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 2,272,777 of that Option. As of the date hereof, Mr. Kroll holds 227,273 of that Option. On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Kroll having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. Furthermore, on January 5, 2018 we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Kroll having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025. On August 4, 2019, Mr. Kroll was granted an Option to purchase 1,250,000 of our common shares an exercise price of $2.45 per common share and is exercisable until August 4, 2026.

 

On January 15, 2019, we entered into the Kroll Agreement with Mr. Kroll, which superseded our Company’s prior agreement with Mr. Kroll, dated July 1, 2016, which had been amended in August of 2018. On August 16, 2019, we entered into the Continuing Relationship Agreement with Mr. Kroll, which superseded the Kroll Agreement, and pursuant to which Mr. Kroll received a fee of CAD$300,000 over a period of 12 months. As a result of the expiration of the Continuation Relationship Agreement on August 16, 2020, Mr. Kroll now receives annual directors’ fees of US$70,000 which are paid quarterly.

 

Luisa Ingargiola

 

On May 5, 2018, we issued an Option to purchase 75,000 of our common shares at $9.00 to Luisa Ingargiola in exchange for her services as a director of our Company. That Option vested in equal quarters every three months with the first quarter vesting on the date the Option was granted and it has now been cancelled. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 120,000 of our common shares to Ms. Ingargiola having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 225,000 of our common shares to Ms. Ingargiola having an exercise price of $1.91per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026. Ms. Ingargiola receives directors’ fees of $80,000 annually.

93

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 22, 2020, Ms. Ingargiola’s annual directors’ fees were amended to $90,000, whereby $60,003 will be paid in quarterly installments and the balance will be paid in 8,797 DSUs.

 

Jack Austin

 

On November 20, 2018 we appointed the Honorable Jack Austin to our Board of Directors. In conjunction with such appointment Mr. Austin was granted an Option to purchase 120,000 of our common shares, at an exercise price of $1.53 and being exercisable until November 20, 2023, and directors’ fees of CAD$60,000 annually. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 225,000 of our common shares to Mr. Austin having an exercise price of $1.91per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026.

 

Mr. Austin resigned as a director on April 20, 2020; such that his Options are now terminated.

 

Joanne Yan

 

On November 7, 2016, Joanne Yan acquired 50,000 units of our Company at a price of CAD$0.3634 per unit. Ms. Yan has only 25,000 of those common shares left. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each warrant is exercisable for one additional common share at a price of CAD$4.00 per common share and is exercisable until November 7, 2021.

 

On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option to purchase 2,500 common shares to Ms. Yan having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. On January 5, 2018, we granted an Option to purchase 2,500 of our common shares to Ms. Yan having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 120,000 of our common shares to Ms. Yan having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 225,000 of our common shares to Ms. Yan having an exercise price of $1.91per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026. Ms. Yan receives directors’ fees of $60,000 annually.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 22, 2020, Ms. Yan’s annual directors’ fees were amended to US$77,500, whereby USD$38,750 will be paid in quarterly installments and the balance will be paid in 11,364 DSUs.

 

Peter Savagian

 

On October 16, 2019 we appointed Peter Savagian to our Board of Directors. In conjunction with such appointment Mr. Savagian was granted an Option to purchase 120,000 of our common shares, with an exercise price of $1.80 per common share and being exercisable until October 16, 2026, and directors’ fees of $60,000 annually. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 225,000 of our common shares to Mr. Savagian having an exercise price of $1.91 per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 22, 2020, Mr. Savagian’s annual directors’ fees were amended to $78,500, whereby $39,250 will be paid in quarterly installments and the balance will be paid in 11,510 DSUs.

 

Shaun Greffard

 

On August 13, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 25,000 of our common shares to Shaun Greffard having an exercise price of CAD$0.30 per common share and being exercisable until August 13, 2022. In addition, on December 9, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase12,500 of our common shares to Mr. Greffard having an exercise price of CAD$0.80 per common share and being exercisable until December 9, 2022. On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option to purchase 125,000 of our common shares to Mr. Greffard having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. Furthermore, on January 5, 2018, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Greffard having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025. Mr. Greffard was paid directors’ fee of CAD$60,000 for fiscal 2019 and resigned on December 6, 2019.

94

 

Isaac Moss

 

On January 5, 2018 we granted an Option to purchase 125,000 of our common shares to Isaac Moss having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025, and that Option has now been cancelled. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 250,000 of our common shares to Mr. Moss having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. On December 6, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 750,000 of our common shares to Mr. Moss having an exercise price of $1.91 per common share and being exercisable until December 6, 2026.

 

On January 15, 2019, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of the Prior Moss Agreement which superseded our Company’s prior agreement with Mr. Moss which had been amended in August of 2018. On July 1, 2020, our Board of Directors approved the entering into of the new Moss Agreement which superseded the Prior Moss Agreement.

 

Based on certain recommendations provided to the Compensation Committee by GGA, on July 20, 2020, the Moss Agreement annual Monthly Salary was amended to $260,000 and Mr. Moss was awarded 98,256 RSUs which vest as to one-third at the end of each year during the RSU vesting period. On November 26, 2020, the Compensation Committee approved a cash bonus of $104,000 to Mr. Moss for fiscal 2020.

 

Iain Ball

 

On August 13, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 250,000 of our common shares to Iain Ball having an exercise price of CAD$0.30 per common share and being exercisable until August 13, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Ball agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 227,273 of that Option. As of the date hereof, Mr. Ball exercised all stock options granted. In addition, on December 9, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 375,000 of our common shares to Mr. Ball having an exercise price of CAD$0.80 per common share and being exercisable until December 9, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Ball agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 340,909 of that Option. On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Ball having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. Furthermore, on January 5, 2018, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Ball having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025. On March 19, 2019, we granted an Option to purchase 183,182 of our common shares to Mr. Ball having an exercise price of $3.40 per common share and being exercisable until March 19, 2026. Mr. Ball resigned as an executive officer of our Company on June 30, 2019.

 

On August 19, 2015, Mr. Iain Ball acquired 31,250 units of our Company at a price of CAD$0.80 per unit. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, and each warrant is exercisable for one additional common share at a price of CAD$2.00 per common share and was exercisable until August 19, 2020.

 

Ed Theobald

 

On February 16, 2015, Ed Theobald acquired 250,000 common shares of our Company at a price of CAD$0.0004 per common share pursuant to a private placement.

95

 

On August 13, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 250,000 of our common shares to Ed. Theobald having an exercise price of CAD$0.30 per common share and being exercisable until August 13, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Theobald agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 227,273 of that Option. In addition, on December 9, 2015, we granted an Option to purchase 375,000 of our common shares to Mr. Theobald having an exercise price of CAD$0.80 per common share until December 9, 2022. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Theobald agreed to forfeit an aggregate of 340,909 of that Option. On February 17, 2017, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Theobald having an exercise price of CAD$2.00 per common share and being exercisable until February 17, 2024. Furthermore, on January 5, 2018, we granted an Option to purchase 5,000 of our common shares to Mr. Theobald having an exercise price of $9.60 per common share and being exercisable until January 5, 2025. Mr. Theobald resigned as an executive officer of our Company on June 30, 2019.

 

Zongshen (Canada) Environtech Ltd.

 

On October 2, 2017, we announced a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen to produce 75,000 SOLO all-electric vehicles, which we expect to occur in the three full years from the commencement of production. Zongshen is an entity under common control with Zongshen (Canada) Environtech Ltd., which is the beneficial owner of approximately 2.4% of our common shares. The production plan in the Manufacturing Agreement is 75,000 SOLOs over a period of three years once mass scale production has begun. We commenced production on August 26, 2020. Under the Manufacturing Agreement we agreed to reimburse Zongshen for the estimated cost of the prototype tooling and molds in amount of $1.4million and of the mass production tooling and molds in amount of $4.3 million, which shall be payable 50% when Zongshen commences manufacturing the tooling and molds. At December 31, 2020, Zongshen completed prototype tooling and molds with actual cost of $1.7 million and the mass production tooling and molds with actual cost of $6.2 million. The Company inspected the completed prototype and mass production tooling and molds. The Company paid 100% of the prototype tooling and molds cost and 80% of the mass production tolling and molds cost. The unpaid amount of mass production tooling and molds is included in accrued liabilities as at December 31, 2020.

 

The prototype and mass production tooling and molds are estimated to be used for three years to produce the Generation 3 SOLO EVs. The existing production tooling and molds will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over a 3 year period as the assets were custom built for the production of the SOLO EVs and will be retired at the end of the production run. The Company estimates that the residual value of the assets will be minimal at the end of the 3 year period.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

96

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

Financial Statements

 

The financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or IASB, and are included under Item 18 of this Annual Report. The financial statements including related notes are accompanied by the report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

As of the date of this Annual Report, in the opinion of our management, we are not currently a party to any litigation or legal proceedings which are material, either individually or in the aggregate, and, to our knowledge, no legal proceedings of a material nature involving us currently are contemplated by any individuals, entities or governmental authorities.

 

Dividends

 

We have not paid any dividends on our common shares since incorporation. Our management anticipates that we will retain all future earnings and other cash resources for the future operation and development of our business. We do not intend to declare or pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of any future dividends will be at the Board of Directors’ discretion, subject to applicable law, after taking into account many factors including our operating results, financial condition and current and anticipated cash needs.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

We have not experienced any significant changes since the date of the financial statements included with this Annual Report except as disclosed in this Annual Report.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A. Offer and Listing

 

Our common shares are traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “SOLO”.

 

B. Plan of Distribution

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Markets

 

Please see Item 9.A above.

 

D. Selling Shareholders

 

Not applicable.

97

 

E. Dilution

 

Not applicable.

 

F. Expenses of the Issue

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

The following is a summary of our Notice of Articles and Articles. You should read those documents for a complete understanding of the rights and limitations set out therein. Our corporation number, as assigned by the British Columbia Registry Services, is BC1027632.

 

Remuneration of Directors

 

Our directors are entitled to the remuneration, if any, for acting as directors as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors will be determined by the shareholders. That remuneration may be in addition to any salary or other remuneration paid to a director in such director’s capacity as an officer or employee of ours.

 

Number of Directors

 

According to Article 11.1 of our Articles, the number of directors, excluding additional directors appointed under Article 12.7 is set at:

 

  (a) subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of our first directors;

 

  (b) if we are a public company, the greater of three and the number most recently elected by ordinary resolution (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and

 

  (c) if we are not a public company, the number most recently elected by ordinary resolution (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given).

 

Directors

 

Our directors are elected annually at each annual meeting of our Company’s shareholders. Our Articles provide that the Board of Directors may, between annual meetings, appoint one or more additional directors to serve until the next annual meeting, but the number of additional directors must not at any time exceed:

 

  (a) one-third of the number of first directors, if, at the time of the appointments, one or more of the first directors have not yet completed their first term of office; or

 

  (b) in any other case, one-third of the number of the current directors who were elected or appointed as directors at the expiration of the last annual meeting of our Company’s shareholders.

98

 

Our Articles provide that our directors may from time to time, on behalf of our Company, without shareholder approval:

 

  create one or more classes or series of shares or, if none of the shares of a class or series of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class or series of shares;

 

  increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that we are authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that we are authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares for which no maximum is established;

 

  if we are authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value;

 

  decrease the par value of those shares;

 

  if none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the par value of those shares;

 

  subdivide all or any of its unissued or fully paid issued shares with par value into shares of smaller par value;

 

  consolidate all or any of its unissued or fully paid issued shares with par value into share of larger par value;

 

  subdivide all or any of its unissued or fully paid issued shares without par value;

 

  change all or any of its unissued or fully paid issued shares with par value into shares without par value or all or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;

 

  alter the identifying name of any of its shares;

 

  consolidate all or any of its unissued or fully paid issued shares without par value;

 

  otherwise alter it shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Business Corporations Act;

 

  borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;

 

  issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person, and at any discount or premium and on such terms as they consider appropriate;

 

  guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and

 

  mortgage or charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, or give other security on the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.

 

Our Articles also provide that we may by resolution of the directors authorize an alteration to our Notice of Articles to change our name or adopt or change any translation of that name.

99

 

Our Articles provide that the directors may meet together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the Board of Directors held at regular intervals may be held at the place and at the time that the Board of Directors may by resolution from time to time determine. Questions arising at any meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote. A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors in person, or by telephone or other communications medium, if all directors participating in the meeting are able to communicate with each other. A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors by a communication medium other than telephone if all directors participating in the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium, are able to communicate with each other and if all directors who wish to participate in the meeting agree to such participation. A director who participates in a meeting in a manner contemplated by such provisions of our Articles is deemed for all purposes of the Business Corporations Act and our Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that manner.

 

Our Articles provide that the quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors and, if not so set, is a majority of the directors.

 

Our Articles do not restrict: (i) a director’s power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is materially interested (although the Business Corporations Act generally requires a director who is materially interested in a material contract or material transaction to disclose his or her interest to the Board of Directors and to abstain from voting on any resolution to approve the contract or transaction, failing which the British Columbia Supreme Court may, on application of our Company or any of our shareholders, set aside the material contract or material transaction on any terms that it thinks fit, or require the director to account to us for any profit or gain realized on it, or both); or (ii) our directors’ power, in the absence of an independent quorum, to vote compensation to themselves or any members of their body.

 

Our Articles do not set out a mandatory retirement age for our directors. Our directors are not required to own securities of our Company to serve as directors.

 

Authorized Capital

 

Our Notice of Articles provide that our authorized capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares, without par value, and an unlimited number of preferred shares, without par value, which have special rights or restrictions.

 

Rights, Preferences and Restrictions Attaching to Our Shares

 

The Business Corporations Act provides the following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to our common shares:

 

  to vote at meetings of shareholders, except meetings at which only holders of a specified class of shares are entitled to vote;

 

  subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to any other class of shares of our company, to share equally in the remaining property of our company on liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company; and

 

  subject to the rights of the preferred shares, the common shares are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the Board of Directors.

 

Our preferred shares may include one or more series and, subject to the Business Corporations Act, the directors may, by resolution, if none of the shares of that particular series are issued, alter our Articles and authorize the alteration of our Notice of Articles, as the case may be, to do one or more of the following:

 

  (a) determine the maximum number of shares of that series that we are authorized to issue and determine that there is no such maximum number or alter any such determination;

 

  (b) create an identifying name for the shares of that series, or alter any such identifying name; and

 

  (c) attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of that series, or alter any such special rights or restrictions.

100

 

The provisions in our Articles attaching to our common shares and our preferred shares may be altered, amended, repealed, suspended or changed by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding common shares and two-thirds of the preferred shares, as applicable.

 

With the exception of special resolutions (i.e., resolutions in respect of fundamental changes to our Company, including the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, a merger or other arrangement or an alteration to our authorized capital that is not allowed by resolution of the directors) that require the approval of holders of two-thirds of the outstanding common shares entitled to vote at a meeting, either in person or by proxy, resolutions to approve matters brought before a meeting of our shareholders require approval by a simple majority of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting, either in person or by proxy.

 

Shareholder Meetings

 

The Business Corporations Act provides that: (i) a general meetings of shareholders must be held in British Columbia, or may be held at a location outside British Columbia since our Articles do not restrict our Company from approving a location outside of British Columbia for the holding of the general meeting and the location for the meeting is approved by ordinary resolution, or the location for the meeting is approving in writing by the British Columbia Registrar of Companies before the meeting is held; (ii) directors must call an annual meeting of shareholders not later than 15 months after the last preceding annual meeting; (iii) for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of or vote at meetings of shareholders, the directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for that determination, provided that such date shall not precede by more than two months or by less than 21 days the date on which the meeting is to be held; (iv) the holders of not less than 5% of the issued shares entitled to vote at a meeting may requisition the directors to call a meeting of shareholders for the purposes stated in the requisition; (v) only shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, our directors and our auditor are entitled to be present at a meeting of shareholders; and (vi) upon the application of a director or shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting, the British Columbia Supreme Court may order a meeting to be called, held and conducted in a manner that the Court directs.

 

Pursuant to Article 8.20 of our Articles, a shareholder or proxy holder who is entitled to participate in a meeting of shareholders may do so in person, or by telephone or other communications medium, if all shareholders and proxy holders participating in the meeting are able to communicate with each other; provided, however, that nothing in Article 8.20 of our Articles shall obligate us to take any action or provide any facility to permit or facilitate the use of any communications medium at a meeting of shareholders. If one or more shareholders or proxy holders participate in a meeting of shareholders in a matter contemplated by Article 8.20 of our Articles:

 

  (a) each such shareholder or proxy holder shall be deemed to be present at the meeting; and

 

  (b) the meeting shall be deemed to be help at the location specified in the notice of the meeting.

 

Pursuant to our Articles, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of our shareholders is one or more persons, present in person or by proxy.

 

Limitations on Rights of Non-Canadians

 

Our Company is incorporated pursuant to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. There is no law or governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of common shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however, no such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See “Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations For United States Residents” below.

101

 

There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by our Articles or other constituent documents of our Company on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote common shares of our Company. However, the Investment Canada Act (Canada) (the “Investment Act”) has rules regarding certain acquisitions of shares by non-Canadians, along with other requirements under that legislation.

 

The following discussion summarizes the principal features of the Investment Act for a “non-Canadian” (as defined under the Investment Act) who proposes to acquire common shares of our Company. The discussion is general only; it is not a substitute for independent legal advice from an investor’s own advisor; and it does not anticipate statutory or regulatory amendments.

 

The Investment Act is a federal statute of broad application regulating the establishment and acquisition of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians, including individuals, governments or agencies thereof, corporations, partnerships, trusts or joint ventures (each an “entity”). Investments by non-Canadians to acquire control over existing Canadian businesses or to establish new ones are either reviewable or notifiable under the Investment Act. If an investment by a non-Canadian to acquire control over an existing Canadian business is reviewable under the Investment Act, the Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of the investment unless, after review, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (the “Minister”) is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada.

 

A non-Canadian would acquire control of our Company for the purposes of the Investment Act through the acquisition of common shares if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the common shares of our Company.

 

Further, the acquisition of less than a majority but one-third or more of the common shares of our Company by a non-Canadian would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of our Company unless it could be established that, on the acquisition, our Company was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of common shares.

 

For a direct acquisition that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company, subject to the exception for “WTO-investors” that are controlled by persons who are nationals or permanent residents of World Trade Organization (“WTO”) member nations, a proposed investment generally would be reviewable where the value of the acquired assets is $5 million or more.

 

For a proposed indirect acquisition by an investor other than a so-called WTO investor that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company through the acquisition of a non-Canadian parent entity, the investment generally would be reviewable where the value of the assets of the entity carrying on the Canadian business, and of all other entities in Canada, the control of which is acquired, directly or indirectly, is $50 million or more.

 

In the case of a direct acquisition by a WTO investor, the threshold is significantly higher. An investment in common shares of our Company by a WTO investor that is not a state-owned enterprise would be reviewable only if it was an investment to acquire control of the Company and the enterprise value of the assets of the Company was equal to or greater than a specified amount, which is published by the Minister after its determination for any particular year. For 2021, this amount is $1.043 billion (unless the investor is controlled by persons who are nationals or permanent residents of countries that are party to one of a list of certain free trade agreements, in which case the amount is $1.565 billion for 2021); each January 1 both thresholds are adjusted by a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) based index.

 

The higher WTO threshold for direct investments and the exemption for indirect investments do not apply where the relevant Canadian business is carrying on a “cultural business”. The acquisition of a Canadian business that is a cultural business is subject to lower review thresholds under the Investment Act because of the perceived sensitivity of the cultural sector.

 

In 2009, amendments were enacted to the Investment Act concerning investments that may be considered injurious to national security. If the Minister of Industry has reasonable grounds to believe that an investment by a non-Canadian “could be injurious to national security”, the Minister may send the non-Canadian a notice indicating that an order for review of the investment may be made. The review of an investment on the grounds of national security may occur whether or not an investment is otherwise subject to review on the basis of net benefit to Canada or otherwise subject to notification under the Investment Act.

102

 

Certain transactions, except those to which the national security provisions of the Investment Act may apply, relating to common shares of our Company are exempt from the Investment Act, including:

 

  (a) the acquisition of our common shares by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities;

 

  (b) the acquisition of control of our Company in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions on the Investment Act, if the acquisition is subject to approval under the Bank Act, the Cooperative Credit Association Act, the Insurance Companies Act or the Trust and Loan Companies Act;; and

 

  (c) the acquisition of control of our Company by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of our Company, through the ownership of common shares, remained unchanged.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

The following summary of our material agreements, all of which have been previously filed with the SEC, does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of those agreements. There are no material contracts, other than those contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, currently in place or to which we or any member of our group is a party, from the two years immediately preceding the publication of this Annual Report, except as follows:

 

SOLO Manufacturing Agreement

 

On October 2, 2017, we announced a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen to produce 75,000 SOLO all-electric vehicles. The production commenced on August 26, 2020, but deliveries to customers will be in 2021. The 75,000 SOLOs under the Manufacturing Agreement will be completed in the three years from the commencement of production. Under the Manufacturing Agreement we agreed to reimburse Zongshen for: (i) the cost of the prototype tooling and molds estimated to be $1.4 million, which was due on or before March 18, 2018 and which had been postponed to complete until the second quarter of 2019 due to Zongshen not then completing the prototype of the tooling and molds; and (ii) the mass production tooling and molds estimated to be $4.3 million, which shall be payable 50% when Zongshen commences manufacturing the tooling and molds, 40% when Zongshen completes manufacturing the tooling and molds and 10% upon delivery to the Company of the first production vehicle. At December 31, 2020, the Company had completed the prototype tooling and molds with an actual cost of $1.7 million, as inspected and assessed by the Company, most of the prototype tooling and molds will be used for the mass production and the Company has completed the mass production tooling and molds with an actual cost of $6.2 million. The Company had paid 100% of prototype tooling and molds and 80% of the mass production tooling and molds.

 

Share Pledge Agreement

 

In connection with the Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen, on October 16, 2017, Jerry Kroll, our then CEO, entered into a Share Pledge Agreement to guarantee the payment by us for the cost of the prototype tooling and molds estimated to be $1.4 million to Zongshen through the pledge of 400,000 of our common shares at a deemed price of USD$4.00 per share. We had agreed to reimburse Mr. Kroll on a one-for-one basis for any pledged shares realized by Zongshen under the Share Pledge Agreement. The Share Pledge Agreement has now been terminated.

103

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

We are incorporated pursuant to the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada. There is no law or governmental decree or regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or affects the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder of common shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however no such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See “Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Information For United States Residents” below.

 

There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by the charter or other constituent documents of our Company on the right of a non-resident to hold or vote common shares of our Company. However, the Investment Act has rules regarding certain acquisitions of shares by non-residents, along with other requirements under that legislation.

 

The following discussion summarizes the principal features of the Investment Act for a nonresident who proposes to acquire common shares of our Company. The discussion is general only; it is not a substitute for independent legal advice from an investor’s own advisor; and it does not anticipate statutory or regulatory amendments.

 

The Investment Act is a federal statute of broad application regulating the establishment and acquisition of Canadian businesses by non-Canadians, including individuals, governments or agencies thereof, corporations, partnerships, trusts or joint ventures (each an “entity”). Investments by non-Canadians to acquire control over existing Canadian businesses or to establish new ones are either reviewable or notifiable under the Investment Act. If an investment by a non-Canadian to acquire control over an existing Canadian business is reviewable under the Investment Act, the Investment Act generally prohibits implementation of the investment unless, after review, the Minister of Industry, is satisfied that the investment is likely to be of net benefit to Canada.

 

A non-Canadian would acquire control of our Company for the purposes of the Investment Act through the acquisition of common shares if the non-Canadian acquired a majority of the common shares of our Company.

 

Further, the acquisition of less than a majority but one-third or more of the common shares of our Company would be presumed to be an acquisition of control of our Company unless it could be established that, on the acquisition, our Company was not controlled in fact by the acquirer through the ownership of common shares.

 

For a direct acquisition that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company, subject to the exception for “WTO-investors” that are controlled by persons who are resident in World Trade Organization (“WTO”) member nations, a proposed investment would be reviewable where the value of the acquired assets is $5 million or more, or if an order for review was made by the federal cabinet on the grounds that the investment related to Canada’s cultural heritage or national identity, where the value of the acquired assets is less than $5 million.

 

For a proposed indirect acquisition that is not a so-called WTO transaction and that would result in an acquisition of control of our Company through the acquisition of a non-Canadian parent entity, the investment would be reviewable where (a) the value of the Canadian assets acquired in the transaction is $50 million or more, or (b) the value of the Canadian assets is greater than 50% of the value of all of the assets acquired in the transaction and the value of the Canadian assets is $5 million or more.

 

In the case of a direct acquisition by or from a “WTO investor”, the threshold is significantly higher. The 2016 threshold is $600 million, which threshold will be increased to $800 million in April 2017 for a two-year period. Other than the exception noted below, an indirect acquisition involving a WTO investor is not reviewable under the Investment Act.

 

The higher WTO threshold for direct investments and the exemption for indirect investments do not apply where the relevant Canadian business is carrying on a “cultural business”. The acquisition of a Canadian business that is a “cultural business” is subject to lower review thresholds under the Investment Act because of the perceived sensitivity of the cultural sector.

104

 

In 2009, amendments were enacted to the Investment Act concerning investments that may be considered injurious to national security. If the Industry Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that an investment by a non-Canadian “could be injurious to national security,” the Industry Minister may send the non-Canadian a notice indicating that an order for review of the investment may be made. The review of an investment on the grounds of national security may occur whether or not an investment is otherwise subject to review on the basis of net benefit to Canada or otherwise subject to notification under the Investment Canada Act. To date, there is neither legislation nor guidelines published, or anticipated to be published, on the meaning of “injurious to national security.” Discussions with government officials suggest that very few investment proposals will cause a review under these new sections.

 

Certain transactions, except those to which the national security provisions of the Investment Act may apply, relating to common shares of our Company are exempt from the Investment Act, including:

 

  (a) acquisition of common shares of the Company by a person in the ordinary course of that person’s business as a trader or dealer in securities,

 

  (b) acquisition of control of our Company in connection with the realization of security granted for a loan or other financial assistance and not for a purpose related to the provisions on the Investment Act, and

 

  (c) acquisition of control of our Company by reason of an amalgamation, merger, consolidation or corporate reorganization following which the ultimate direct or indirect control in fact of our Company, through the ownership of common shares, remained unchanged.

 

E. Taxation

 

Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Residents

 

The following is a summary of certain Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the holding and disposition of our common shares acquired by a holder who, at all relevant times, (a) for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”) (i) is not resident, or deemed to be resident, in Canada, (ii) deals at arm’s length with us and the Agents, and is not affiliated with us or the Agents, (iii) holds our common shares as capital property, (iv) does not use or hold the common shares in the course of carrying on a business in Canada, or otherwise in connection with a business carried on or deemed to be carried on in Canada, and (v) is not a “registered non-resident insurer”, an “authorized foreign bank” (each as defined in the Tax Act), or other holder of special status or in special circumstances, and (b) for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (the “Tax Treaty”), is a resident of the United States, has never been a resident of Canada, does not have and has not had, at any time, a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada, and who qualifies in all respects for the full benefits of the Tax Treaty. Holders who meet all of the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above are referred to herein as “U.S. Holders”, and this summary only addresses such U.S. Holders.

 

This summary does not deal with special situations, such as the particular circumstances of traders or dealers, tax exempt entities, partnerships, insurers or financial institutions, or other holders of special status or in special circumstances. Such holders, and all other holders who do not meet the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above, should consult their own tax advisors.

 

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act, the regulations thereunder in force at the date hereof (“Regulations”), the current provisions of the Tax Treaty, and our understanding of the administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Tax Act and Regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Proposed Amendments”) and assumes that such Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, such Proposed Amendments might not be enacted in the form proposed, or at all, and no assurance in this regard can be given. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative or assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account tax laws of any province or territory of Canada or of any other jurisdiction outside Canada, any or all of which may differ significantly from those discussed in this summary.

105

 

For the purposes of the Tax Act, all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of our common shares must be expressed in Canadian dollars. Amounts denominated in United States currency generally must be converted into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange that is acceptable to the Canada Revenue Agency.

 

This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder, and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any particular U.S. Holder or prospective U.S. Holder is made. This summary is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, all prospective purchasers (including U.S. Holders as defined above) should consult with their own tax advisors for advice with respect to their own particular circumstances. 

 

Withholding Tax on Dividends

 

Amounts paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends on our common shares to a U.S. Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Tax Treaty, the rate of Canadian withholding tax on dividends paid or credited by us to a U.S. Holder that beneficially owns such dividends and substantiates eligibility for the benefits of the Tax Treaty is generally 15% (unless the beneficial owner is a company that owns at least 10% of our voting stock at that time, in which case the rate of Canadian withholding tax is generally reduced to 5%).

 

Disposition of Common Shares

 

A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Tax Act on a capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of our common shares, unless the common shares are “taxable Canadian property” to the U.S. Holder for purposes of the Tax Act and the U.S. Holder is not entitled to relief under the Tax Treaty.

 

Provided the common shares are listed on a “designated stock exchange” as defined in the Tax Act (which currently includes Nasdaq) at the time of disposition, the common shares generally will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” of a U.S. Holder at that time unless, at any time during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition, the following two conditions are met: (i) the U.S. Holder, persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm’s length, partnerships in which the U.S. Holder or such non-arm’s length person holds a membership interest (either directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships), or the U.S. Holder together with all such persons, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of our company; and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of the shares of the company was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Tax Act), timber resource properties (as defined in the Tax Act) or options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of the foregoing (whether or not the property exists). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain other circumstances set out in the Tax Act, common shares could also be deemed to be “taxable Canadian property”.

 

U.S. Holders who may hold common shares as “taxable Canadian property” should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application of Canadian capital gains taxation, any potential relief under the Tax Treaty, and compliance procedures under the Tax Act, none of which is described in this summary.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statements by Experts

 

Not applicable.

106

 

H. Documents on Display

 

The documents concerning us which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at our offices located at 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4.

 

In addition, we have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-1 under the Securities Act and the documents referred to in this Annual Report have been filed as exhibits to such Form F-1 with the SEC and may be inspected and copied at the public reference facility maintained by the SEC at 100F. Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains copies of documents that we have filed with the SEC using its EDGAR system.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

We have four subsidiaries: InterMeccanica, a British Columbia, Canada, corporation; EMV Automotive USA Inc., a Nevada corporation; SOLO EV LLC, a Michigan corporation; and EMV Automotive (Chongqing) Technology Inc., a PRC corporation. We own 100% of the voting and dispositive control over all subsidiaries.

107

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board of Directors approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows:

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. Our primary exposure to credit risk is on our cash held in bank accounts. The majority of cash is deposited in bank accounts held with major banks in Canada. As most of our cash is held by one bank there is a concentration of credit risk. This risk is managed by using major banks that are high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating agencies. Our secondary exposure to risk is on its other receivables. This risk is minimal as receivables consist primarily of refundable government value added taxes and interest receivable from the major financial institution with high credit rating.

 

Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that we will not be able to meet our financial obligations as they fall due. We have a planning and budgeting process in place to help determine the funds required to support our normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis. We ensure that there are sufficient funds to meet our short-term business requirements, taking into account our anticipated cash flows from operations and our holdings of cash and cash equivalents.

 

Historically, our source of funding has been shareholder loans and the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements and registered offerings. Our access to financing is always uncertain. There can be no assurance of continued access to significant equity funding

 

The following is an analysis of the contractual maturities of our non-derivative financial liabilities as at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts payable to related parties is included with trade payables in the tables below). We have excluded derivative liabilities from the table because they are settled by shares.

 

At December 31, 2020   Within one year    

Between one 

and five years 

   

More than five 

years 

 
Trade payables   $ 1,001,773       -       -  
Accrued liabilities     2,179,134       -          
Due to related parties     280,432       -       -  
Lease liabilities     576,232       373,889       125,652  
    $ 4,037,571     $ 373,889     $ 125,652  

 

At December 31, 2019   Within one year     Between one
and five years
    More than five
years
 
Trade payables   $ 535,048       -       -  
Accrued liabilities     894,350       -          
Due to related parties     212,562       -       -  
Shareholder loans     1,602       -       -  
Lease liabilities     466,679       468,465       194,105  
    $ 2,110,241     $ 468,465     $ 194,105  

108

 

At December 31, 2018   Within one year     Between one
and five years
    More than five
years
 
Trade payables   $ 468,548       -       -  
Accrued liabilities     400,940       -          
Due to related parties     61,427       -       -  
Shareholder loans     4,592       -       -  
    $ 935,507     $ -     $ -  

 

Foreign Exchange Risk

 

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair values of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because they are denominated in currencies that differ from the respective functional currency. We are exposed to currency risk as we incur expenditures that are denominated in US dollars while our functional currency is the Canadian dollar. We do not hedge our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

 

The following is an analysis of financial assets and liabilities that are denominated in US dollars:

  

    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
 2019
    December 31,
 2018
 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 127,126,440     $ 8,143,357     $ 13,304,246  
Restricted cash   $ 63,250     $ 63,250     $ 40,250  
Receivables   $ 162,315     $ 148,901     $ 37,715  
Lease liabilities   $ (646,616 )   $ (557,713 )   $ -  
Trade payables and accrued liabilities   $ (1,921,536 )   $ (81,700 )   $ (281,655 )
    $ 124,783,853     $ 7,716,095     $ 13,100,556  

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our cash equivalents as these instruments have original maturities of three months or less and are therefore exposed to interest rate fluctuations on renewal. A 1% change in market interest rates would have an impact on the Company’s net loss of $121,504 for the year ended December 31, 2018. A 1% change in market interest rates would have an impact on the Company’s net loss of $65,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. A 1% change in market interest rates would have an impact on the Company’s net loss of $710,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

Classification of Financial Instruments

 

Financial assets included in the statement of financial position are as follows:

 

    December 31,
 2020
    December 31,
 2019
    December 31,
 2018
 
Cash and receivables:                        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624     $ 13,951,951  
Restricted cash   $ 143,800     $ 142,201     $ 81,608  
Receivables   $ 159,664     $ 111,400     $ 175,077  
    $ 129,754,140     $ 8,814,225     $ 14,208,636  

109

 

Financial liabilities included in the statement of financial position are as follows:

 

    December 31,
 2020
    December 31,
 2019
    December 31,
 2018
 
Non-derivative financial liabilities:                        
Trade payable and accrued liabilities   $ 3,461,339     $ 1,641,960     $ 930,915  
Shareholder loan   $       $ 1,602     $ 4,592  
Lease liabilities     1,075,773       1,129,249       -  
Derivative liability   $ 17,899,855     $ 5,456,265     $ 3,503,572  
    $ 22,436,967     $ 8,299,076     $ 4,439,079  

 

Fair Value

 

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, other than the derivative liability which is measured at fair value, approximates the carrying amount.

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and

 

Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2020 consisted of the derivative liability, which includes transferrable warrants and non-transferrable warrants. Transferrable warrants are measured using level 1 inputs and non-transferrable warrants are measured using level 2 inputs. There have been no reclassifications between the Levels in the periods presented.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability relating to the transferrable warrants was calculated using the quoted market price on the NASDAQ exchange.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability relating to the non-transferrable warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model using historical volatility of comparable companies as an estimate of future volatility

 

The following is an analysis of derivative liabilities as at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

 

    December 31,
 2020
    December 31,
 2019
    December 31,
 2018
 
Level 1   $ 14,308,914     $ 1,217,221     $ Nil  
Level 2   $ 3,590,941     $ 4,239,044     $ 3,503,572  
Level 3   $ Nil     $ Nil     $ Nil  

  

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

110

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

There have not been any defaults with respect to dividends, arrearages or delinquencies since incorporation on February 16, 2015.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

There have been no material modifications to the rights of our security holders since incorporation on February 16, 2015.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

From March 30, 2020 to September 24, 2020, we completed an offering of 28,978,936 common shares. These common shares were offered and sold by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act (the “ATM Offering”). We received approximately $58 million in net proceeds from the ATM Offering. We have not yet fully used the net proceeds from this ATM Offering. The proceeds from the ATM Offering that we have used were used to advance the development and mass production of the SOLO and for general corporate and working capital purposes. We anticipate that the remainder of the net proceeds from the ATM Offering will be used for sales and marketing expenditures, capital expenditures, further product development, operational expenditures and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

 

On June 12, 2020, we completed a registered direct public offering of 10,000,000 common shares with institutional investors (the “Registered Offering”). We received approximately $19 million in net proceeds from the Registered Offering. We have not yet used the net proceeds from this Registered Offering. We anticipate that the net proceeds from the Registered Offering will be used for sales and marketing expenditures, capital expenditures, further product development, operational expenditures and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

 

From December 22 to December 30, 2020, we completed a further ATM Offering of 7,520,000 common shares. We received approximately $52 million in net proceeds from this ATM Offering. We have not yet used the net proceeds from this ATM offering. We anticipate that the net proceeds from this ATM Offering will be used for sales and marketing expenditures, capital expenditures, further product development, operational expenditures and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

 

From January 1 to March 23, 2021, we completed ATM offerings of 20,365,495 common shares. We received approximately $143 million in net procees from ATM offerings. We have not yet used the net proceeds from this ATM offering. We anticipate that the net proceeds from this ATM Offering will be used for sales and marketing expenditures, capital expenditures, further product development, operational expenditures and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

111

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act to mean controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and includes, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, that being as at December 31, 2020. This evaluation was carried out by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f ) and 15d-15(f ) define this as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

   • pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

   • provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

   • provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that may have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria, established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based upon this assessment, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as at December 31, 2020.

 

Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report is not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

 

Changes In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Except as noted above, during the period ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

112

 

ITEM 16.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

As disclosed above, as of the date hereof, our Audit Committee is comprised of Luisa Ingargiola, Steven Sanders, Joanne Yan and Jack Austin, each of whom is independent under the listing standards regarding “independence” within the meaning of the Listing Rules of Nasdaq.

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that Louisa Ingargiola qualifies as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to Items 16A(b) and (c) of Form 20-F. In addition, we believe that each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the “independence” requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Listing Rules of Nasdaq, meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and is financially literate under applicable Canadian laws.

 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

 

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that applies to all of our employee and officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics meets the requirements for a “code of ethics” within the meaning of that term in Item 16B of Form 20-F. A copy of our Code of Ethics will be provided to any person without charge, upon request. All requests for a copy of our Code of Ethics should be directed in writing to the attention of Bal Bhullar, CFO, at 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4, or by email at bal@electrameccanica.com.

 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the amount billed and accrued to us by KPMG for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

    Year Ended December 31  
    2020     2019  
Audit Fees:   $ 159,265     $ 115,349  
Audit Related Fees:   $ -     $ -  
Tax Fees:   $ 61,163     $ 28,000  
Total:   $ 220,428     $ 143,349  

 

Audit Fees

 

This category includes the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditor for the audit of our annual financial statements, reviews of interim financial statements that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.

113

 

Audit Related Fees

 

This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by our independent auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the audits or reviews of the financial statements and are not reported above under “Audit Fees”, and generally consist of fees for other engagements under professional auditing standards, accounting and reporting consultations.

 

Tax Fees

 

This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by our independent auditor for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.

 

Policy on Pre-Approval by Audit Committee of Services Performed by Independent Auditors

 

The policy of our Audit Committee is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditors during the fiscal year.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Company is a foreign private issuer and our common shares are listed on Nasdaq. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a)(3) permits a foreign private issuer to follow its home country practices in lieu of most of the requirements of the 5600 Series of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. In order to claim such an exemption, the Company must disclose the significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those required to be followed by U.S. domestic issuers under Nasdaq’s corporate governance requirements. Set forth below is a brief summary of such differences.

 

Shareholder Approval Requirements

 

Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635 requires each issuer to obtain shareholder approval prior to certain dilutive events, including a transaction other than a public offering involving the sale of 20% or more of the issuer’s common shares outstanding prior to the transaction for less than the greater of book or market value of the stock. The Company does not follow this Nasdaq Marketplace Rule. Instead, and in accordance with the Nasdaq exemption, the Company complies with British Columbia corporate and securities laws, which do not require shareholder approval for dilutive events unless the Company were to dispose of all or substantially all of its undertaking.

 

In addition, Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5635 requires shareholder approval of most equity compensation plans and material revisions to such plans, as well as with respect to the sale of our securities at a discount to their market value to an officer, director, employee or consultant. We do not follow this Nasdaq Marketplace Rule. Instead, and in accordance with the Nasdaq exemption, we comply with British Columbia corporate and securities laws, which do not require shareholder approval of equity compensation plans or most discount to market offerings of securities unless otherwise indicated in the Articles of the Company.

 

Quorum Requirement

 

NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5620(c) requires that each company that is not a limited partnership shall provide for a quorum as specified in its by-laws for any meeting of holders of common stock; provided, however, that in no case shall such quorum be less than 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of the company’s common voting stock. The Company does not presently follow this NASDAQ Marketplace Rule. Instead, and in accordance with the NASDAQ exemption, the Company complies with British Columbia corporate and securities laws and its Articles which do not require a quorum of no less than 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common voting stock and provides that the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is the quorum established by the Company’s Articles, which is one or more persons, present in person or by proxy.

 

Executive Sessions

 

NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(b)(2) requires that the independent board members of a company have Executive Sessions which are regularly scheduled and at which only independent directors are present. Although we have previously followed this NASDAQ Marketplace Rule we may not do so in the future or on a consistent or regularly scheduled basis. Instead, and in accordance with the NASDAQ exemption, we may determine to comply with British Columbia corporate and securities laws which do not require Executive Sessions of independent board members unless otherwise indicated in the Articles of the company which is not the case for the Company.

 

ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

114

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Our financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS, as issued by the IASB, and are presented in US dollars.

 

Financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report:

 

[To be included upon finalization of financial statements]

115

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Year Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

 

Expressed in United States Dollars

116

 

 

 

KPMG LLP

PO Box 10426 777 Dunsmuir Street

Vancouver BC V7Y 1K3

Canada

Telephone (604) 691-3000

Fax (604) 691-3031

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Electrameccanica Vehicles Corp.:

  

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Electrameccanica Vehicles Corp. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

Change in presentation currency

 

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its presentation currency from Canadian dollars to US Dollars as of December 31, 2020, and has applied this change retrospectively for all periods presented.

 

Change in accounting principle

 

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its accounting policies for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of IFRS 16 – Leases.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ KPMG LLP

 

Chartered Professional Accountants

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2018.

 

Vancouver, Canada

March 22, 2021

 

117 

 

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

 

    Note     December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019 Restated  
ASSETS                        
Current assets                        
Cash and cash equivalents     4     $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624  
Receivables     5       213,346       340,185  
Prepaid expenses             5,039,150       5,077,328  
Inventory             609,094       578,753  
              135,312,266       14,556,890  
Non-current assets                        
Restricted cash             143,800       142,201  
Plant and equipment     6       9,290,308       7,707,863  
Net investment in sublease     7       38,541       -  
Goodwill and other intangible assets     8       969,467       956,009  
TOTAL ASSETS           $ 145,754,382     $ 23,362,963  
LIABILITIES                        
Current liabilities                        
Trade payables and accrued liabilities     9       3,461,339       1,641,960  
Customer deposits             329,221       317,463  
Construction contract liability             189,651       153,890  
Shareholder loan             -       1,602  
Deferred income tax     11       -       33,063  
Current portion of lease liabilities     10       576,232       466,679  
              4,556,443       2,614,657  
Non-current liabilities                        
Derivative liability1     12       17,899,855       5,456,265  
Lease liabilities     10       499,541       662,570  
Deferred revenue             119,253       -  
TOTAL LIABILITIES             23,075,092       8,733,492  
EQUITY                        
Share capital     13       212,058,836       50,616,051  
Deficit             (110,327,159 )     (47,280,254 )
Reserves             20,947,613       11,293,674  
TOTAL EQUITY             122,679,290       14,629,471  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY           $ 145,754,382     $ 23,362,963  

 

Nature and continuance of operations (Note 1) 

Lease commitments (Note 23)

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors

 

/s/ Michael Paul Rivera

 

/s/ Bal Bhullar

 
Director   Director  

 

1 Footnote: The warrant derivative liability is valued at fair value in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). There are no circumstances in which the Company would be required to pay cash upon exercise or expiry of the warrants. See Note 12.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

118

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss 

(Expressed in United States dollars)

 

          Year ended  
    Note     December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019 Restated
    December 31,
2018 Restated
 
Revenue           $ 568,521     $ 585,584     $ 599,757  
Cost of revenue             699,455       487,543       443,796  
Gross profit / (loss)             (130,934 )     98,041       155,961  
Operating expenses                                
Amortization     6       1,603,654       804,206       214,981  
General and administrative expenses     15       8,825,317       6,101,360       4,236,742  
Research and development expenses     16       7,854,866       7,179,646       4,294,687  
Sales and marketing expenses     17       2,534,731       1,314,689       1,070,116  
Stock-based compensation expense     13       6,260,985       5,147,573       2,491,078  
Share-based payment expense             -       159,833       856,101  
              27,079,553       20,707,307       13,163,705  
Operating loss             (27,210,487 )     (20,609,266 )     (13,007,744 )
Other items                                
Interest expense/(income)             (169,707 )     (75,753 )     -  
Changes in fair value of warrant derivative     12       31,923,727       2,228,256       (5,946,668 )
Lease modification loss     7       62,935       -       -  
Issue costs allocated to derivative liability             -       -       1,152,408  
Other Income     18       (395,372 )     (67,410 )     -  
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss             4,447,387       597,464       (466,885 )
                                 
Loss before taxes             (63,079,457 )     (23,291,823 )     (7,746,599 )
Current income tax expense/(recovery)             (404 )     1,600       (1,286 )
Income tax recovery             (32,148 )     (80,725 )     -  
                                 
Net  loss             (63,046,905 )     (23,212,698 )     (7,745,313 )
                                 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)             4,213,906       898,473       (763,708 )
                                 
Comprehensive Loss           $ (58,832,999 )   $ (22,314,225 )   $ (8,509,021 )
Loss per share – basic and fully diluted           $ (1.08 )   $ (0.64 )   $ (0.29 )
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and fully diluted     58,352,766       35,998,152       26,582,664  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

119

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 

(Expressed in United States dollars)

 

          Share capital                 Foreign               
    Note     Number
of shares
    Amount net
 of share
 issue cost
    Share
subscription
    Share-based
payment
reserve
    Currency
Translation
Reserve
    Deficit     Total  
Balance at December 31, 2017 Restated             23,794,106     $ 17,371,609     $ 595,678     $ 2,690,660     $ 152,542     $ (16,322,243 )   $ 4,488,246  
Shares issued for cash             8,322,753       17,464,331       -       719,470       -       -       18,183,801  
Shares issued for finder’s fee             2,286       19,160       -       -       -       -       19,160  
Shares issued pursuant to exercise of options             6,198       24,800       -       (14,947 )     -       -       9,853  
Shares issued for services             207,000       797,812       -       -       -       -       797,812  
Stock-based compensation             -       -       -       2,491,078       -       -       2,491,078  
Share subscription             -       -       (595,678 )     -       -       -       (595,678 )
Net loss for the year             -       -       -       -       -       (7,745,313 )     (7,745,313 )
Foreign currency translation reserve             -       -       -       -       (763,708 )     -       (763,708 )
Balance at December 31, 2018 Restated             32,332,343       35,677,712       -       5,886,261       (611,166 )     (24,067,556 )     16,885,251  
Shares issued for cash             3,333,334       10,965,269       -       -       -       -       10,965,269  
Shares issued pursuant to exercise of warrants             1,116,323       3,634,734       -       -       -       -       3,634,734  
Shares issued pursuant to exercise of options             137,304       83,382       -       (27,467 )     -       -       55,915  
Shares issued for services             140,070       292,661       -       -       -       -       292,661  
Shares cancelled             (10,000 )     (37,707 )     -       -       -       -       (37,707 )
Stock-based compensation             -       -       -       5,147,573       -       -       5,147,573  
Net loss for the year             -       -       -       -       -       (23,212,698 )     (23,212,698 )
Foreign currency translation reserve             -       -       -       -       898,473       -       898,473  
Balance at December 31, 2019 Restated             37,049,374       50,616,051       -       11,006,367       287,307       (47,280,254 )     14,629,471  
Shares issued for cash             46,498,936       132,941,001       -       -       -       -       132,941,001  
Shares issued pursuant to exercise of warrants             5,242,389       32,597,096       -       (272,600 )     -       -       32,324,496  
Shares issued pursuant to exercise of options             518,864       950,971       -       (548,352 )                     402,619  
Shares issued cost             -       (5,046,283 )     -       -       -       -       (5,046,283 )
Stock-based compensation     13       -       -       -       6,260,985       -       -       6,260,985  
Net loss for the year             -       -       -       -       -       (63,046,905 )     (63,046,905 )
Foreign currency translation reserve             -       -       -       -       4,213,906       -       4,213,906  
Balance at December 31, 2020             89,309,563     $ 212,058,836     $ -     $ 16,446,400     $ 4,501,213     $ (110,327,159 )   $ 122,679,290  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

120

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

  

    Year ended  
    December 31,
2020
    December 31,
2019 Restated
    December 31,
2018 Restated
 
Operating activities                        
Loss for the year   $ (63,046,905 )   $ (23,212,698 )   $ (7,745,313 )
Adjustments for:                        
Amortization     1,603,654       804,206       214,981  
Stock-based compensation expense     6,260,985       5,147,573       2,491,078  
Share-based payment expense     -       159,833       856,101  
Interest expense/(income)     (169,707 )     (75,753 )     -  
Lease modification loss     62,935       -       -  
Changes in fair value of warrant derivative     31,923,727       2,228,256       (5,946,668 )
Deferred income tax recovery     (32,148 )     (80,725 )     -  
Changes in non-cash working capital items:                        
Receivables     183,863       660,621       (730,348 )
Prepaid expenses     292,146       (3,228,192 )     (1,036,818 )
Inventory     6,875       (245,301 )     (141,543 )
Trade payables and accrued liabilities     392,539       755,098       48,591  
Customer deposits and construction contract liability     35,406       157,259       (34,172 )
Net cash flows used in operating activities     (22,486,630 )     (16,929,823 )     (12,024,111 )
Investing activities                        
Investments in restricted cash     964       (55,775 )     (85,420 )
Expenditures on plant and equipment     (1,400,032 )     (2,747,495 )     (3,219,605 )
Acquisition of intangible assets     -       (3,833 )     (6,205 )
Net cash flows used in investing activities     (1,399,068 )     (2,807,103 )     (3,311,230 )
Financing activities                        
Interest received     178,925       92,550       -  
Interest from net investment in sublease     11,420       -       -  
Interest paid     (300 )     (364 )     -  
Interest on lease payments     (79,655 )     (103,946 )     -  
Repayment of bank loans     -       -       (95,397 )
Repayment of promissory note     -       -       (1,157,382 )
Repayment of shareholder loans     (1,521 )     (3,131 )     (3,204 )
Repayment of leases     (486,136 )     (469,113 )     -  
Payment received for net investment in sublease     73,586       -       -  
Proceeds on issuance of common shares – net of issue costs     126,392,128       11,058,573       24,571,559  
Proceeds from issuance of common shares for options exercised     405,305       55,791       -  
Proceeds from issuance of common shares for warrants exercised     12,433,257       3,155,574       -  
Net cash flows from financing activities     138,927,009.00       13,785,934       23,315,576  
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     115,041,311       (5,950,992 )     7,980,235  
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash     5,848,741       559,665       (867,456 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning     8,560,624       13,951,951       6,839,172  
Cash and cash equivalents, ending   $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624     $ 13,951,951  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

121

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

  

1. Nature and continuance of operations

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp (the “Company”) was incorporated on February 16, 2015, under the laws of the province of British Columbia, Canada, and its principal activity is the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles (“EV”s). The Company acquired Intermeccanica International Inc. (“Intermeccanica”) on October 18, 2017, and whose principal activity is the development and manufacturing of high-end custom-built vehicles. On January 22, 2018, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, EMV Automotive USA Inc., in Nevada, USA. On October 15, 2019, the Company incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc., in Chongqing, China. On November 22, 2019, the Company incorporated SOLO EV, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMV Automotive USA Inc., in Michigan, USA.

 

The head office and principal address of the Company are located at 102 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5T 1A4.

 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the assumption that the Company will continue in operation for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the ordinary course of operations. The Company’s principal activity is the development and manufacture of EVs. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has commenced commercial production of the SOLO single seat EV and is not able to finance day-to-day activities through operations. The Company’s continuation is dependent upon the successful results from its electric vehicle manufacturing activities and its ability to attain profitable operations and generate funds there from and/or raise equity capital or borrowings sufficient to meet current and future obligations.

 

The Company has begun production but has not had commercial delivery of its first electric vehicle. As at December 31, 2020, there have been no revenues from the sale of electric vehicles as any amounts received from the sale of pre-production electric vehicles were netted off against research and development costs as cost recovery.

 

It is anticipated that significant additional funding will be required. Management primarily intends to finance its operations over the next 12 months through sales of the SOLO, private placements and/or public offerings of equity capital.

 

2. Significant accounting policies and basis of preparation

 

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue on March 22, 2021 by the directors of the Company.

 

Statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and including interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”) as applicable to the preparation of annual financial statements.

 

These consolidated financial statements were prepared using the same accounting policies and methods as those used in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019, with the exception of a change in presentation currency from Canadian dollars (“CAD”) to United States dollars (“USD”) as discussed in Note 3.

 

Basis of preparation 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on an accrual basis and are based on historical costs except for derivative liabilities which are measured at fair value. As at December 31, 2020, the Company’s functional currency is CAD and its presentation currency is USD. The change in presentation currency is discussed in Note 3.

 

Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, EMV Automotive USA Inc., from the date of incorporation of January 22, 2018, Intermeccanica, from the date of its acquisition on October 18, 2017, EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc., from the date of its incorporation on October 15, 2019, and SOLO EV, LLC, from the date of its incorporation on November 22, 2019. Inter-company balances and transactions, including unrealized income and expenses arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated on consolidation.

122

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Significant estimates and assumptions 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The Company’s management reviews these estimates and underlying assumptions on an ongoing basis, based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Revisions to estimates are adjusted for prospectively in the period in which the estimates are revised.

 

Estimates and assumptions where there is significant risk of material adjustments to assets and liabilities in future accounting periods include the estimated recoverable amount of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the useful lives of plant and equipment, fair value measurements for financial instruments and share-based payments, and the recoverability and measurement of deferred tax assets.

 

The Covid-19 outbreak brings significant uncertainty as to the potential impact on our operations, supply chains for parts and sales channels for our products, and on the global economy as a whole. It is currently not possible to predict how long the pandemic will last or the time that it will take for economic activity to return to prior levels. Therefore, the Company has not changed any estimates and assumptions in the preparation of the financial statements.

 

Significant judgments 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the Company to make judgments, apart from those involving estimates, in applying accounting policies. The most significant areas that require judgment from the Company in completing its consolidated financial statements include: 

- the assessment of the Company’s ability to continueoperations and whether there are events or conditions that may give rise to significant uncertainty;

- the classification of financial instruments; and

- the calculation of income taxes require judgement in interpreting tax rules and regulations.

 

Foreign currency translation 

The Company’s functional currency is CAD. The functional currency of Intermeccanica is CAD, the functional currency of EMV Automotive USA Inc. is USD, and the functional currency of EMV Automotive Technology (Chongqing) Inc. is the Chinese RMB. The Company changed its presentation currency from CAD to USD as at December 31, 2020, and the change in presentation currency is discussed in Note 3.

 

Transactions in foreign currency 

Each entity within the consolidated group records transactions using its functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates. Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective functional currency of each entity using the foreign currency rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Period-end balances of monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency are translated to the respective functional currencies using period-end foreign currency rates. Foreign currency gains and losses arising from the settlement of foreign currency transactions are recognized in profit or loss.

 

Foreign operations translation  

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into CAD at period-end foreign currency rates. Revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into CAD at average rates for the period. Foreign currency translation gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive loss.

 

Presentation currency translation 

Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows have been translated into USD using average foreign currency rates prevailing for the relevant reporting periods of years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position have been translated into USD at the closing foreign currency rates on the relevant reporting dates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. The equity section of the Statement of Financial Position, including foreign currency translation reserve, retained earnings, share capital and the other reserves, have been translated into USD using historical rates; and earnings per share has also been restated to USD to reflect the change in presentation currency.

 

Segment reporting  

The Company’s operations currently consist of two operating segments, which are its reportable segments.

123

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

  

Financial Instruments 

The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”); or at amortized cost. The Company determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of financial assets is driven by the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified as FVTPL. For other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Company can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at fair value through other comprehensive income (loss) (“ FVTOCI”). Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost, unless they are required to be measured at FVTPL (such as instruments held for trading or derivatives) or if the Company has opted to measure them at FVTPL.

 

The following table shows the classification of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets/liabilities    
Cash and cash equivalents   Amortized cost
Restricted cash   Amortized cost
Receivables   Amortized cost
Trade payables and accrued liabilities   Amortized cost
Shareholder loan   Amortized cost
Derivative liability   FVTPL

  

Financial assets and liabilities at amortized cost are initially recognized at fair value plus or minus transaction costs, respectively, and subsequently carried at amortized cost less any impairment.

 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at FVTPL are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Realized and unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at FVTPL are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss in the period in which they arise.

 

The Company recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets that are measured at amortized cost. At each reporting date, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the financial risk on the financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition. If, at the reporting date, the financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Company measures the loss allowance for the financial asset at an amount equal to the 12 month expected credit losses. The Company will recognize in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, as an impairment gain or loss, the amount of expected credit losses (or reversal) that is required to adjust the loss allowance at the reporting date to the amount that is required to be recognized.

 

The Company derecognizes financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all of the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains and losses on derecognition are generally recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

 

Revenue from contracts with customers 

Revenue is recognized to the extent that the amount of revenue can be measured reliably and collection is probable.

 

Part sales 

Sales of parts are recognized when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment.

 

Services, repairs and support services 

Services, repairs and support services are recognized in the accounting period when the services are rendered.

 

Sales of custom build vehicles 

The Company manufactures and sells custom built vehicles typically on fixed fee arrangements with its customers. Revenue is recognized when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment.

124

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Sales of electric vehicles 

The Company will be manufacturing and selling electric powered one-seater vehicles (the SOLO), which has not yet been commercialized. At this time proceeds of these sales are considered to be incidental revenue and are not being made with the expectation of profit. These are sold to ‘beta’ customers who provide real-world testing and feedback on the vehicles. The revenue generated from sales are recorded against research and development expenses.When the Company start delivering production vehicles to customers, revenue will be recognized when the Company has transferred title of the vehicle to the customer.

 

Government grants 

A government grant is recognized if there is reasonable assurance that it will be received and that the Company will comply with the conditions associated with the grant. If the conditions are met, the Company recognizes the grant in profit or loss on a systematic basis in line with its recognition of the expenses that the grant is intended to compensate. For grants related to income, a company can elect to either offset the grant against the related expenditure or include it in other income. Government assistance received by the Company during the period have been accounted for as government grants related to income and have been included in other income.

 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term investments with original maturities of less than 180 days and are presented at cost, which approximates market value.

 

Customer deposits 

Customer deposits consist primarily of advance payments from customers who order the SOLO vehicles. The deposit will be recognized as revenue when the Company starts commercial production and transfers control to the customer which generally occurs upon delivery.

 

Construction contract liabilities 

Construction contract liabilities consist primarily of advance payments from customers who order custom-built vehicles. The deposit is recognized as revenue when the Company has transferred control to the customer which generally occurs upon shipment.

 

Deferred revenue 

Deferred revenue consists primarily of advance payments that may be made to the Company by its manufacturing partner in China, Chongqing Zongshen Automobile Co., Ltd. (“Zongshen”), for royalties to be derived from the sales of SOLOs by Zongshen in China when any such sales are made in accordance with the terms of our manufacturing agreement (the “Manufacturing Agreement”). The deferred revenue from any such royalties will be recognized in profit or loss on a periodic basis as and when the Zongshen builds and sells the permitted number of SOLOs in China under the Manufacturing Agreement.

 

Inventory 

Inventory consists of parts and cars held for resale or for use in fixed fee contracts and is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out basis.

 

Trademarks and patents  

The Company expenses legal fees and filing costs associated with the development of its trademarks and patents.

 

Plant and equipment 

Plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss during the financial period in which they are incurred.

 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

125

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Amortization is calculated on a straight-line method to write off the cost of the assets to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. The amortization rates applicable to each category of plant and equipment are as follows:

 

Class of plant and equipment   Amortization rate  
Furniture and equipment     20%
Computer hardware     33%
Computer software     50%
Vehicles     33%
Production molds     33%
Leasehold improvements     over term of lease  
Right of use assets     over term of lease  

 

Share-based payments 

Share-based compensation expenses are measured at the fair value of the instruments issued and amortized over the vesting periods. Share-based payment expenses to non-employees are measured at the fair value of goods or services received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, if it is determined the fair value of the goods or services cannot be reliably measured, and are recorded at the date the goods or services are received. The corresponding amounts are recorded to the share-based payment reserve. The fair value of options is determined using a Black–Scholes pricing model. The number of options expected to vest is reviewed and adjusted at the end of each reporting period such that the amount recognized for services received as consideration for the equity instruments granted shall be based on the number of equity instruments that eventually vest.

 

Restricted Stock Units 

Restricted Stock Units (“RSU”s) are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its current 2020 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which was ratified by Company shareholders on July 9, 2020. RSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share based payment transactions as the obligations under an RSU will be settled through the issuance of common shares. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss over the vesting period.

 

Deferred Stock Units 

Deferred Stock Units (“DSU”s) are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its Plan. DSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share based payment transactions as the terms of a DSU provide the Company with the choice of whether to settle in cash or by issuing equity instruments. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss in the period they are granted (immediate vesting)

 

Loss per share 

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. For all periods presented, the loss attributable to common shareholders equals the reported loss attributable to owners of the Company. Fully diluted loss per share is calculated by the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the calculation of fully diluted loss per share assumes that the proceeds to be received on the exercise of dilutive share options and warrants are used to repurchase common shares at the average market price during the period.

 

Research and development expenses 

Research costs are expensed when incurred and are stated net of government grants. Development costs including direct material, direct labour and contract service costs are capitalized as intangible assets when: the Company can demonstrate that the technical feasibility of the project has been established; the Company intends to complete the asset for use or sale and has the ability to do so; the asset can generate probable future economic benefits; the technical and financial resources are available to complete the development; and the Company can reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset during its development. After initial recognition, internally generated intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. These capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. To date, the Company did not have any development costs that met the capitalization criteria.

126

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Derivative Liability  

The Company accounts for its warrants as either equity or liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of each instrument. Warrants classified as equity are recorded at fair value as of the date of issuance on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial position and no further adjustments to their valuation are made. Warrants classified as derivative liabilities that require separate accounting as liabilities are recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on the date of issuance and will be revalued on each subsequent statement of financial position date until such instruments are exercised or expire, with any changes in the fair value between reporting periods recorded as other income or expense. Management estimates the fair value of these liabilities using option pricing models and assumptions that are based on the individual characteristics of the warrants or instruments on the valuation date, as well as assumptions for future financings, expected volatility, expected life, yield and risk-free interest rate.

 

Leases  

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 Leases (“IFRS 16”), which replaced IAS 17 Leases (“IAS 17”) and related interpretations. IFRS 16 introduces a single lessee accounting model eliminating the previous distinction between finance and operating leases. IFRS 16 requires the recognition of lease-related assets and liabilities on the statements of financial position, except for short-term leases and leases of low value underlying assets. Lessor accounting remained substantially unchanged.

 

The Company adopted IFRS 16 on January 1, 2019. The Company transitioned to IFRS 16 in accordance with the modified retrospective approach. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease. In calculating the lease liability at this date, the Company has chosen to apply practical expedients in IFRS 16, which include: 

(i) recognition exemption of short-term leases;

(ii) recognition exemption of low-value leases;

(iii) application of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics on transition;

(iv) exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use assets upon transition;

(v) application of hindsight in determining the applicable lease term at the date of transition; and

(vi) election to not separate non-lease components from lease components, and instead account for each lease component and any associated non-lease components as a single lease component.

 

The adoption of IFRS 16 resulted in an increase of $1.6 million in total assets and total liabilities each for recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, respectively, and had no impact to opening retained earnings as at January 1, 2019. The majority of our property leases, which were previously treated as operating leases, were impacted by IFRS 16. The adoption of IFRS 16 has resulted in: 

(i) higher non-current assets related to the initial recognition of the present value of our unavoidable future lease payments as right-of-use assets under property, plant and equipment, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued lease payments relating to the lease recognized in the balance sheet as at January 1, 2019;

(ii) higher current and non-current liabilities related to the concurrent recognition of lease liabilities, which are measured at the present value of the remaining fixed lease payments, discounted by our weighted average incremental borrowing rate of 5% to 10% as of January 1, 2019;

(iii) replacement of rent expense previously recorded in operating expenses with depreciation expense of these right-of-use assets and higher finance costs related to the accretion and interest expense of the corresponding lease liabilities; and

(iv) variable lease payments and non-lease components are expensed as incurred.

 

The new standard does not change the amount of cash transferred between the lessor and lessee but impacts the presentation of the operating and financing cash flows presented on the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows by decreasing operating cash flows and increasing financing cash flows.

 

When measuring lease liabilities, the Company discounted lease payments using its incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019 of 5% to 10%.

 

Operating lease commitment at December 31, 2018 as disclosed in the Company’s financial statement   $ 1,575,738  
Discounting effect using the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019     278,192  
      1,297,546  
Extension options reasonably certain to be exercised     255,978  
Lease liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019   $ 1,553,524  

 

127

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

As a lessee 

The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at the inception of the contract. Leases are recognized as a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability at the lease commencement date. The lease liability is measured at the present value of the future fixed payments and variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate over the lease term, less any lease incentives receivable, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate, unless the implicit interest rate in the lease can be easily determined.

 

Lease liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. Lease terms applied are the contractual non-cancellable periods of the lease, plus periods covered by renewal or termination options, if the Company is reasonably certain to exercise those options. Lease liabilities are remeasured (with a corresponding adjustment to the right-of-use asset) when there is a change in the lease term, a change in the future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments or when the lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease.

 

The right-of-use assets include the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liabilities, lease payments at or before the commencement date and any initial direct costs, less any lease incentives received before the commencement date. The right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost and are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the date the underlying asset is available for use over the lease term.

 

The Company recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight line basis over the lease term.

 

As a lessor 

When the Company acts as an intermediate lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease and accounts for its interest in the head lease and the sublease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sublease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Company applies the exemption described above, then it classifies the sublease as an operating lease.

 

Impairment of assets  

The carrying amount of the Company’s long-lived assets with finite useful lives (which include plant and equipment and intangible assets) is reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash generating unit (CGU) assets exceeds its recoverable amount. The Company has identified two CGUs including electric vehicles, which develop and manufacture electric vehicles for mass markets, and custom-built vehicles which develop and manufacture high-end custom-built vehicles. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

 

The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of an asset’s fair value less cost to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

 

An impairment loss is only reversed if there is an indication that the impairment loss may no longer exist and there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. Any reversal of impairment cannot increase the carrying value of the asset to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized in previous years.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment at both CGU assets level and total assets level, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

128

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Income taxes

 

Current income tax 

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current period are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively enacted, at the reporting date, in the countries where the Company operates and generates taxable income. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate.

 

Tax Credits 

The Company earns scientific research and experimental development activity (“SR&ED”) tax credits with respect to its research and development expenses. The benefit of these SR&ED tax credits is recorded as a reduction of research and development expenses when their recoverability is reasonably expected. The SR&ED tax credits earned while the Company was Canadian Controller Private Corporation (as defined by Canadian income tax legislation) are refundable to the Company and are recorded as a receivable, while the tax credits earned now that the Company is a public company (as defined under Canadian tax laws) can be used to reduce future Canadian income taxes payable.

 

Deferred income tax 

Deferred income tax is recognized, using the liability method, on temporary differences at the reporting date arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset if a deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

 

3. Change in presentation currency

 

Effective December 31, 2020, the Company changed its presentation currency from CAD to USD to be more relevant to users.

 

Prior to December 31, 2020, the Company reported its annual and quarterly consolidated financial statements in CAD. In making this change in presentation currency, the Company follows the recommendations set out in IAS 21, the Effects of Change in Foreign Exchange Rates. In accordance with IAS 21, comparable financial statements to those for the year ended December 31, 2020 for years ended 2019 and 2018 have been restated retrospectively in the new presentation currency of USD using the current rate method.

 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020 of the Company have been prepared in CAD and translated into the new presentation currency of USD using the current rate method.

 

The procedure under the current rate method is outlined as below: 

Income Statement and Statement of Cash Flows have been translated into USD using average foreign currency rates prevailing for the relevant reporting periods of years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018;

assets and liabilities in the Statement of Financial Position have been translated into USD at the closing foreign currency rates on the relevant reporting dates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019;

the equity section of the Statement of Financial Position, including foreign currency translation reserve, retained earnings, share capital and the other reserves, have been translated into USD using historical rates; and

earnings per share has also been restated to USD to reflect the change in presentation currency.

 

All resulting exchange differences arising from the translation are included as separate component of other comprehensive income.

 

4. Cash and cash equivalents

 

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following balances with original term to maturity of 180 days or less:

 

   

December 31, 

2020 

   

December 31, 

2019 

 
Cash   $ 58,450,680     $ 2,060,624  
Cash equivalent     70,999,996       6,500,000  
    $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624  

129

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

5. Receivables

 

   

December 31, 

2020 

   

December 31, 

2019 

 
Trade receivable   $ -     $ 11,562  
GST receivable     49,385       36,592  
Scientific research and experimental development tax credits receivable     -       192,193  
Interest receivable     162,316       99,573  
Other receivables     1,645       265  
    $ 213,346     $ 340,185  

 

6. Plant and equipment

 

    Furniture and
equipment
    Computer
hardware and software
    Vehicles     Leasehold
Improvements
    Right-of-use
assets
    Production
tooling
and molds
    Total  
Cost:                                          
December 31, 2018     364,510       98,338       286,050       283,316       -       3,353,985       4,386,199  
Additions     56,854       107,907       -       99,778       -       2,554,467       2,819,006  
Adoption of IFRS 16     -       -       -       -       1,590,456       -       1,590,456  
Disposals     -       (1,659 )     -       -       -       -       (1,659 )
Foreign exchange translation difference     16,994       4,584       13,336       13,209       -       156,374       204,497  
December 31, 2019     438,358       209,170       299,386       396,303       1,590,456       6,064,826       8,998,499  
Additions     32,937       208,294       1,090,673       64,495       465,312       1,738,462       3,600,173  
Disposals/write off     -       -       (10,907 )     (28,366 )     -       (299,606 )     (338,879 )
Lease termination and derecognition1,2     -       -       -       -       (425,932 )     -       (425,932 )
Foreign exchange translation difference     6,528       3,734       5,445       2,944       30,262       110,287       159,200  
December 31, 2020     477,823       421,198       1,384,597       435,376       1,660,098       7,613,969       11,993,061  
Amortization:                                                        
December 31, 2018     170,132       48,423       158,672       84,569       -       -       461,796  
Additions     60,159       50,611       90,519       94,087       512,902       -       808,278  
Disposals     -       (967 )     -       -       -       -       (967 )
Foreign exchange translation difference     7,932       2,257       7,397       3,943       -       -       21,529  
December 31, 2019     238,223       100,324       256,588       182,599       512,902       -       1,290,636  
Additions     67,030       96,191       41,005       112,591       414,102       903,756       1,634,675  
Disposals/write off     -       -       (7,588 )     (23,119 )     -       (9,847 )     (40,554 )
Lease termination and derecognition1,2     -       -       -       -       (204,590 )     -       (204,590 )
Foreign exchange translation difference     4,068       1,816       4,667       1,685       10,350       -       22,586  
December 31, 2020     309,321       198,331       294,672       273,756       732,764       893,909       2,702,753  
Net book value:                                                        
December 31, 2019     200,135       108,846       42,798       213,704       1,077,554       6,064,826       7,707,863  
December 31, 2020     168,502       222,867       1,089,925       161,620       927,334       6,720,060       9,290,308  

 

1 The Company entered into a sublease agreement for its office space in Los Angeles, USA, with effect from February 1, 2020. As a result of the sublease, the Company derecognized the right-of-use asset relating to the head lease with a cost of $298,708 and accumulated amortization of $120,131 (see Note 7 for further information on the net investment in sublease). 

2 The Company terminated one of its warehouse leases on January 31, 2020. As a result of the termination, the Company derecognized the right-of-use asset of the warehouse with a cost of $127,224 and accumulated amortization of $84,459 (see Note 10 for further information on the termination of the lease)

130

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

On September 18, 2017, the Company entered into a Manufacturing Agreement with Zongshen. Under the Manufacturing Agreement, the Company agrees to reimburse Zongshen for the cost of prototype tooling and molds estimated to be CNY ¥9.5 million ($1.4 million), which was payable on or before March 18, 2018, subject to a 10% holdback, and mass production tooling and molds estimated to be CNY ¥29 million ($4.3 million), which shall be payable as to 50% when Zongshen commences manufacturing the tooling and molds, 40% when Zongshen completes manufacturing the tooling and molds and 10% upon delivery to the Company of the first production vehicle.

 

As at December 31, 2020, the Company has commenced commercial production and delivered the first production vehicle. Therefore, the Company has paid 100% of the prototype tooling and molds with an actual cost of CNY ¥10.1 million ($1.7 million) and 80% of the mass production tooling and molds with an actual cost of CNY ¥40 million ($6.2 million). The unpaid amount of mass production tooling and molds is included in accrued liabilities as at December 31, 2020.

 

As assessed by the Company, the prototype and mass production tooling and molds with a net book value of $289,759 were written off in the year ended December 31, 2020 due to technical changes; as the molds cannot be adapted for use to produce the current version of the SOLO. The remaining prototype and mass production tooling and molds are estimated to be used for three years to produce the SOLO. These production tooling and molds will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over a three year period as the assets were custom built for the production of the current SOLO and will be retired at the end of the production run. The Company estimates that the residual value of the assets will be minimal at the end of the three year period. During the year ended December 31, 2020, $903,756 (2019 and 2018 - $Nil) was charged to amortization expenses. No amounts were allocated to inventory or charged to cost of goods sold during the period as the SOLOs completed as at December 31, 2020 are intended to be used as marketing vehicles for customers to test drive. The Company does not intend to sell these marketing vehicles to customers in future periods.

 

On October 16, 2017, the then CEO of the Company (the “Pledgor”) entered into a Share Pledge Agreement (“Share Pledge”) to guarantee the payment by the Company for the cost of the prototype tooling and molds estimated to be CNY ¥9.5 million ($1.4 million) to Zongshen through the pledge of 400,000 common shares of the Company. The Company approved its obligations under the Share Pledge and had agreed to reimburse the Pledgor on a one for one basis for any pledged shares realized by Zongshen. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has paid 100% of the cost of the prototype tooling and molds and, accordingly, the Share Pledge has been terminated.

 

7. Net investment in sublease

 

The Company entered into an agreement to sublease its office space in Los Angeles, USA, with effect from February 1, 2020. The Company has classified the sublease as a finance lease as the term of the sublease is for major part of the economic life of the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease. At the commencement date of the sublease, the Company derecognized the right-of-use asset relating to the head lease that it transferred to the sub-lessee and recognized the net investment in the sub-lease. The term of the sublease expires on August 21, 2021.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company provided rent relief to a sub-lessee from August to the expiry date on August 21, 2021. Accordingly, the Company has recognized $62,935 of lease modification loss in relation to the net investment in sublease.

 

As at December 31, 2021, the contractual undiscounted cash flows related to subleases were as follows:

 

    Future minimum
lease payments
receivable
    Interest income     Present value of
minimum lease
payments receivable
 
Less than one year   $ 40,000     $ 1,459     $ 38,541  
Between one and five years     -       -       -  
Net investment in sublease   $ 40,000     $ 1,459     $ 38,541  

131

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(Expressed in United States dollars) 

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Identifiable intangibles on acquisition of Intermeccanica   $ 407,751     $ 404,326  
Goodwill on acquisition of Intermeccanica     549,760       539,941  
Other intangibles     11,956       11,742  
    $ 969,467     $ 956,009  

 

9. Trade payables and accrued liabilities

  

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Trade payables   $ 1,001,773     $ 535,048  
Due to related parties (Note 19)     280,432       212,562  
Accrued liabilities     2,179,134       894,350  
    $ 3,461,339     $ 1,641,960  

 

10. Lease liabilities

 

Lease obligations relate to the Company’s rent of warehouse spaces and kiosk locations to promote vehicle sales. The term of leases related to warehouse spaces expire on August 31, 2021 and August 1, 2022, respectively, with the Company holding an option to renew one of the warehouse leases for a further five years which has been included in the lease term. The Company entered into 4 long term lease agreements in 2020 for the lease of kiosk locations in USA which expire between November 30, 2021 to September 30, 2023.

 

The Company terminated one of its warehouse leases on January 31, 2020 without penalty for termination and derecognized the lease liability and net right-of-use asset of $33,442 and $42,765, respectively, on the effective date of termination.

 

The Company incurred $247,262 of lease expenses for year ended December 31, 2020 (2019 - $27,765), for short-term leases and low-value leases which are not included in the measurement of lease liabilities.

 

The following tables reconciles the change in the lease liabilities and discloses a maturity analysis of the lease liabilities for year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

Balance as at January 1, 2019   $ 1,553,524  
Accretion of lease liability     91,112  
Repayment of principal and interest        
         
Repayment of principal and interest     (515,387 )
Balance as at December 31, 2019   $ 1,129,249  
Lease addition     465,312  
Lease termination     (33,442 )
Accretion of lease liability     79,205  
Repayment of principal and interest     (564,551 )
Balance as at December 31, 2020   $ 1,075,773  

132

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 

 

At December 31, 2020 

  Future minimum
lease payments
    Interest     Present value of
minimum lease payments
 
Less than one year   $ 641,448     $ 65,216     $ 576,232  
Between one and five years     458,146       84,257       373,889  
More than five years     133,118       7,466       125,652  
    $ 1,232,712     $ 156,939       1,075,773  
Current portion of lease liabilities                     576,232  
Non-current portion of lease liabilities                   $ 499,541  

 

11. Income tax recovery and deferred tax assets and liabilities

 

A reconciliation of the expected income tax recovery to the actual income tax recovery is as follows:

 

    31-Dec-20     31-Dec-19     31-Dec-18  
Loss before tax   $ (63,079,457 )   $ (23,291,823 )   $ (7,746,599 )
Statutory tax rate     27 %     27 %     27 %
Expected income tax recovery at the statutory tax rate     (17,031,453 )     (6,288,792 )     (2,091,582 )
Lower rate on foreign subsidiaries     48,161       13,932       -  
Change in estimates     (115,603 )     141,562       -  
Non-deductible items     10,299,823       1,920,654       (933,010 )
Share issue costs and other     (1,372,262 )     (281,953 )     (748,188 )
Temporary differences not recognized     8,138,782       4,415,472       3,771,494  
Income tax recovery     (32,552 )     (79,125 )     (1,286 )

 

The Company has the following deductible (taxable) temporary differences:

 

    31-Dec-20     31-Dec-19     31-Dec-18  
Non-capital loss carry-forwards   $ 63,213,473     $ 35,846,498     $ 18,638,208  
Property, plant and equipment     1,845,332       339,632       243,969  
Share issue costs     6,774,934       3,757,068       3,662,916  
SR&ED expenditures     2,941,082       2,430,941       1,718,657  
ROU Assets     (927,331 )     (1,077,556 )     -  
Lease libiltiy     1,075,773       1,129,249       -  
Net Investment Assets     (38,541 )     -       -  
Other     (374,454 )     (270,395 )     (303,327 )
      74,510,268       42,155,437       23,960,423  
Deferred tax assets not recognized     (74,510,268 )     (42,277,892 )     (24,369,388 )
Deferred tax liability     -       (122,455 )     (408,965 )
Deferred tax liability (tax effected at 27%)   $ -     $ (33,063 )   $ (110,420 )

133

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

12. Derivative liability

 

The exercise price of certain of our warrants is denominated in USD; however, the functional currency of the Company is CAD. Consequently, the value of the proceeds on exercise is not fixed and will vary based on foreign exchange rate movements. The warrants when issued other than as compensation for goods and services are therefore a derivative for accounting purposes and are required to be recognized as a derivative liability and measured at fair value at each reporting period. Any changes in fair value from period to period are recorded as non-cash gain or loss in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Upon exercise, the holders will pay the Company the respective exercise price for each warrant exercised in exchange for one common share of the Company and the fair value at the date of exercise and the associated non-cash liability will be reclassified to share capital. The non-cash liability associated with any warrants that expire unexercised will be recorded as a gain in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. There are no circumstances in which the Company would be required to pay any cash upon exercise or expiry of the warrants (see Note 12 for further information on warrants issued and outstanding).

 

A reconciliation of the changes in fair values of the derivative liability for year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 is below:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Balance, beginning   $ 5,456,265     $ 3,503,572  
Warrants exercised     (20,491,542 )     (468,413 )
Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities     32,935,132       2,421,106  
Balance, ending   $ 17,899,855     $ 5,456,265  

 

The fair value of the transferrable warrants was calculated using the warrant price of $0.50 at issuance and $3.77 at December 31, 2020 as quoted on Nasdaq.

 

13. Share capital

 

Authorized share capital

 

Unlimited number of common shares without par value.

 

At December 31, 2020, the Company had 89,309,563 issued and outstanding common shares (December 31, 2019 – 37,049,374).

 

On March 27, 2020, the Company contracted with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated and Roth Capital Partners, LLC (each, an “Agent”, and collectively, the “Agents”) to sell common shares of the Company (the “Shares”) having an aggregate offering price of up to $30,000,000 through the Agents (the “Sales Agreement March”). On July 13, 2020, the Company and the Agents amended the Sales Agreement March to increase the aggregate offering price up to US$59,500,000.

 

On December 21, 2020, the Company contracted with the Agents to sell Shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000 through the Agents (the “Sales Agreement December”).

 

In accordance with the terms of the Sales Agreement March and Sales Agreement December, the Company may offer and sell Shares from time to time through the Agent selected by the Company (the “Designated Agent”), acting as sales agent or, with consent of the Company, as principal. The shares may be offered and sold by any method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market” (“ATM”) offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on or through Nasdaq or on any other existing trading market for the Shares, and, if expressly authorized by the Company, in negotiated transactions.

 

From March 30, 2020 to September 24, 2020, the Company issued 28,978,936 common shares for the ATM offering under the Sales Agreement March for gross proceeds of $59,499,993. Share issue costs related to the ATM offering were $1,786,315.

 

From December 22 to December 30, 2020, the Company issued 7,520,000 common shares for the ATM offering under the Sales Agreement December for gross proceeds of $53,441,008. Share issue costs related to the ATM offering were $1,444,088.

134

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

On June 10, 2020, the Company entered into definitive agreements with institutional investors to sell an aggregate of 10,000,000 common shares of the Company at a price of $2.00 per share for gross proceeds of $20,000,000 (the “Offering”). The Offering was priced “at market” under the rules of Nasdaq. The Offering was closed on June 12, 2020. The Company received gross proceeds of $20,000,000 with share issue costs of $1,350,000.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 5,242,389 shares for warrants exercised by investors for proceeds of $32,597,096 (2019 – 1,116, 323 shares for proceeds of $3,634,734)

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company issued 518,864 shares for options exercised by investors for proceeds of $950,971 (2019 – 137,304 shares for proceeds of $83,382)

 

Basic and fully diluted loss per share

 

The calculation of basic and fully diluted loss per share for year ended December 31, 2020 was based on the net loss attributable to common shareholders of $63,046,905 (2019 – $23,212,698; 2018 - $7,745,313) and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 58,352,766 (2019 – 35,998,152; 2018 – 26,582,664). Fully diluted loss per share did not include the effect of 13,008,364 stock options (2019 – 12,908,315; 2018 – 4,756,174), 15,070,883 warrants (2019 – 20,603,396; 2018 – 22,369,718), 44,623 DSUs (2019 – Nil; 2018 – Nil) and 507,829 RSUs (2019 – Nil; 2018 – Nil) as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

Stock options

 

The Company adopted its Plan on July 9, 2020, which provides that the Board of Directors of the Company may from time to time, in its discretion, grant to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company non-transferable stock options to purchase common shares, provided that the number of common shares reserved for issuance will not exceed 30,000,000. Such stock options will be exercisable for a period of up to 10 years from the date of grant. Stock options may be exercised no later than 90 days following cessation of the optionee’s position with the Company unless any exercise extension has been approved in advance by the Plan Administrator.

 

Stock options granted vest based on terms and conditions set out in the stock option agreements themselves. On exercise, each stock option allows the holder to purchase one common share of the Company or to exchange common share of the Company cashless base on formula set in the option agreement.

 

The changes in stock options during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
    Number of
options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
    Number of
options
    Weighted
average
exercise price
 
Options outstanding, beginning     12,908,315     $ 2.03       4,756,174     $ 2.12  
Options granted     1,790,000       3.47       8,755,000       2.26  
Options exercised     (632,822 )     1.83       (137,304 )     0.41  
Options forfeited     (952,129 )     2.85       (190,555 )     5.96  
Options expired/cancelled     (105,000 )     6.34       (275,000 )     9.27  
Options outstanding, ending     13,008,364     $ 2.14       12,908,315     $ 2.03  

135

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Details of stock options outstanding as at December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Exercise price     Weighted
average  
contractual life
    Number of
options
outstanding
    Number of
options
exercisable
 
$0.30 CAD     1.45     2,152,273     2,152,273  
$0.80 CAD     1.95     387,211     387,211  
$2.00 CAD     3.14     122,604     114,104  
$1.80     5.80     120,000     120,000  
$1.91     5.93     5,050,000     2,953,285  
$2.45     5.59     1,250,000     1,250,000  
$2.53     3.30     131,818     131,818  
$2.62     1.48     700,000     328,125  
$3.40     5.22     1,045,000     1,045,000  
$3.41     6.56     1,400,727     535,314  
$3.77     7.37     295,000     66,355  
$5.00     2.92     193,629     193,629  
$6.18     4.61     25,000     15,107  
$9.60     3.87     135,102     104,379  
            13,008,364     9,396,600  

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $1.58 (2019 - $1.17). The fair value was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    Year ended December 31, 2020     Year ended December 31, 2019  
Expected life of options     3-5 years       3-5 years  
Annualized volatility     62.29 %     62.29 %
Risk-free interest rate     0.29% - 0.42 %     1.25% - 1.58 %
Dividend rate     0 %     0 %

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $5,559,181 (2019 - $5,147,573; 2018 - $2,491,078) for stock options granted.

 

Warrants

 

On exercise, each warrant allows the holder to purchase one common share of the Company or to exchange common share of the Company cashless base on formula set in the warrant agreement.

 

The changes in warrants during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
    Number of
warrants
    Weighted
average
exercise price
    Number of warrants     Weighted
average
exercise price
 
Warrants outstanding, beginning     20,603,396     $ 3.57       22,369,718     $ 3.81  
Warrants exercised     (5,387,200 )     2.49       (1,116,322 )     2.85  
Warrants expired     (145,313 )     1.49       (650,000 )     15.35  
Warrants outstanding, ending     15,070,883     $ 4.01       20,603,396     $ 3.57  

136

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

At December 31, 2020, all warrants outstanding were exercisable. Details of warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

 

Exercise Price 

  Weighted average
contractual life
    Number of  warrants
outstanding
 
Non-Transferable Warrants                
$0.80 CAD - $16.00 CAD     0.90 years       9,231,196  
$2.00 USD - $24.00 USD     2.67 years       1,338,319  
Transferable Warrants                
$4.25 USD     2.60 years       4,501,368  
Warrants outstanding, ending      1.56 years       15,070,883  

 

DSUs

 

DSUs are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its Plan. DSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share based payment transactions as the terms of a DSU provide the Company with the choice of whether to settle in cash or by issuing equity instruments. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss in the period they are granted (immediate vesting)

 

The changes in DSUs during the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020  
    Number of options     Weighted average
exercise price
 
DSUs outstanding, beginning     -     $ -  
DSUs granted     44,623       3.41  
DSUs exercised     -       -  
DSUs outstanding, ending     44,623     $ 3.41  

137

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Details of DSUs outstanding as at December 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

Deemed value     Weighted average
contractual life
    Number of
DSUs outstanding
   

Number of DSUs 

exercisable 

 
$ 3.41       9.56       44,623       44,623  

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $153,266 (2019 and 2018 - $Nil) for DSUs granted during the period.

 

RSUs

 

RSUs are stock-based awards that may be granted by the Company to certain eligible participants pursuant to its current Plan which was ratified by Company shareholders on July 9, 2020. RSUs are accounted for as equity-settled share based payment transactions as the obligations under an RSU will be settled through the issuance of common shares. The Company measures the cost of equity-settled share-based transactions by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the date at which they are granted and is recorded in the statement of comprehensive loss over the vesting period.

 

The changes in RSUs during the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020  
    Number of options     Weighted average exercise price  
RSUs outstanding, beginning     -     $ -  
RSUs granted     507,849       3.44  
RSUs exercised     -       -  
RSUs outstanding, ending     507,849     $ 3.44  

 

Details of RSUs outstanding as at December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Deemed value     Weighted
average
contractual life
    Number of
RSUs
outstanding
    Number of
RSUs
exercisable
 
$ 3.44       9.56       507,849       -  

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $548,538 (2019 and 2018 - $Nil) for RSUs granted during the period.

 

14. Share Based Reserves

 

The share-based payment reserve records items that are recognized as stock-based compensation expense and other share-based payments until such time that the stock options are exercised, at which time the corresponding amount will be transferred to share capital. If the stock options expire unexercised, the amount remains in the share-based payment reserve account.

 

15. General and administrative expenses

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Rent   $ 616,968     $ 320,927     $ 376,746  
Office expenses     1,331,356       1,192,785       728,974  
Legal and professional     2,073,022       1,393,004       1,151,069  
Consulting fees     1,323,803       1,512,126       919,418  
Investor relations     316,145       249,322       474,375  
Salaries     3,164,023       1,433,196       586,160  
    $ 8,825,317     $ 6,101,360     $ 4,236,742  

138

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

16. Research and development expenses

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Labor   $ 5,471,136     $ 4,403,038     $ 2,763,805  
Materials     2,383,730       3,253,593       2,618,226  
Government grants     -       (476,985 )     (1,087,344 )
    $ 7,854,866     $ 7,179,646     $ 4,294,687  

 

17. Sales and marketing expenses

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Consulting   $ 402,146     $ 331,135     $ 410,338  
Marketing     900,976       403,002       356,266  
Salaries     1,231,609       580,552       303,512  
    $ 2,534,731     $ 1,314,689     $ 1,070,116  

 

18. Other Income

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019     December 31, 2018  
Paycheck Protraction Program Loan1   $ 133,750     $ -     $    -  
Industrial Research Assistance Program Funding     176,088       -       -  
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy     77,994       -       -  
Miscellaneous income     7,540       67,410       -  
    $ 395,372     $ 67,410     $ -  

 

1 On May 21, 2020, the Company entered into a promissory note evidencing an unsecured loan in the amount of $133,750 made to the Company under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “Loan”). The Paycheck Protection Program (or “PPP”) was established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) and is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Loan to the Company was made through BMO Harris Bank National Association (the “Lender”). The Loan bears interest rate of 1% per year and matures in 24 months from the date of the Loan. Beginning seven months from the date of the Loan, the Company is required to make 18 monthly payments of principal and interest. Under the terms of the CARES Act, PPP loan recipients can apply for and be granted forgiveness for all or a portion of loan granted under the PPP. Such forgiveness will be determined, subject to limitations, based on the use of loan proceeds for payment of payroll costs and any covered payments of mortgage interest, rent and utilities. As at December 31, 2020, the Company has used all proceeds from the PPP Loan to maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments. The Company has filed a PPP loan forgiveness application with U.S. Small Business Administration. The Company meets the PPP loan forgiveness conditions listed in the PPP loan forgiveness application form in accordance with the established guidelines issued by U.S. Small Business Administration. Accordingly, the Company has accounted for the PPP Loan as a government grant in accordance with IAS 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received $176,088 (2019 and 2018 – $Nil) from the Industrial Research Assistance Program Funding and $77,994 (2019 and 2018 – $Nil) in Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy relief related to COVID-19. These governmental assistances received are non-repayable and were accounted for as government grants related to income in accordance with IAS 20.

 

19. Segmented information

 

The Company operates in two reportable business segments in Canada.

 

The two reportable business segments offer different products, require different production processes, and are based on how the financial information is produced internally for the purposes of making operating decisions. The following summary describes the operations of each of the Company’s reportable business segments:

 

Electric Vehicles – development and manufacture of electric vehicles for mass markets, and

Custom built vehicles – development and manufacture of high-end custom-built vehicles.

139

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Sales between segments are accounted for at prices that approximate fair value. No business segments have been aggregated to form the above reportable business segments.

 

    Year ended December 31, 2020     Year ended December 31, 2019     Year ended December 31, 2018  
    Electric
Vehicles
    Custom Built
Vehicles
    Electric
Vehicles
    Custom Built
Vehicles
    Electric
Vehicles
    Custom Built
Vehicles
 
Revenue   $ -     $ 568,521     $ -     $ 585,584     $ -     $ 599,757  
Gross profit     -       (130,934 )     -       98,041       -       155,961  
Operating expenses     (26,837,127 )     (242,426 )     (20,341,597 )     (365,710 )     (12,811,978 )     (351,727 )
Other items     (36,062,460 )     193,490       (2,666,853 )     (15,704 )     5,278,597       (17,452 )
Current income tax recovery     (725 )     1,129       (1,600 )     -       -       1,286  
Deferred income tax recovery     -       32,148       -       80,725       -       -  
Net loss/(income)     (62,900,312 )     (146,593 )     (23,010,050 )     (202,648 )     (7,533,381 )     (211,932 )
FX translation     4,213,906       -       898,473       -       (763,708 )     -  
Comprehensive loss/(income)   $ (58,686,406 )   $ (146,593 )   $ (22,111,577 )   $ (202,648 )   $ (8,297,089 )   $ (211,932 )

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
    Electric
Vehicles
    Custom Built
Vehicles
    Electric
Vehicles
    Custom Built
Vehicles
 
Inventory   $ 305,443     $ 303,651     $ 237,029     $ 341,724  
Plant and equipment     9,014,777       275,531       7,391,375       316,488  

 

20. Related party transactions

 

Related party balances

 

The following amounts are due to related parties:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Shareholder loan   $ -     $ 1,602  
Due to related parties     280,432       212,562  
    $ 280,432     $ 214,164  

 

These amounts are unsecured, non-interest bearing and have no fixed terms of repayment.

 

Key management personnel compensation

 

   

December 31,

2020

   

December 31,

2019

   

December 31,

2018

 
Consulting fees   $ 93,901     $ 440,980     $ 258,574  
Salary     1,685,957       608,692       354,505  
Director fees     307,432       305,717       127,574  
Stock-based compensation     4,689,996       4,303,871       1,155,765  
    $ 6,777,286     $ 5,659,260     $ 1,896,418  

140

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

21. Financial instruments and financial risk management

 

The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument related risks. The Board of Directors approves and monitors the risk management processes, inclusive of controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in which such exposure is managed is provided as follows.

 

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will fail to discharge an obligation and cause the other party to incur a financial loss. The Company’s primary exposure to credit risk is on its cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts. The majority of cash is deposited in bank accounts held with major financial institutions in Canada. As most of the Company’s cash is held by one financial institution there is a concentration of credit risk. This risk is managed by using major financial institutions that are high credit quality financial institutions as determined by rating agencies. The Company’s secondary exposure to risk is on its receivables. This risk is minimal as receivables consist primarily of refundable government goods and services taxes and interest receivable from major financial institutions with high credit rating.

 

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Company has a planning and budgeting process in place to help determine the funds required to support the Company’s normal operating requirements on an ongoing basis. The Company ensures that there are sufficient funds to meet its short-term business requirements, taking into account its anticipated cash flows from operations and its holdings of cash and cash equivalents.

 

Historically, the Company’s source of funding has been shareholder loans and the issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements and public offerings. The Company’s access to financing is always uncertain. There can be no assurance of continued access to significant equity funding.

 

The following is an analysis of the contractual maturities of the Company’s non-derivative financial liabilities as at December 31, 2020 and 2019. We have excluded derivative liabilities from the table because they are settled by shares.

 

At December 31, 2020   Within one year     Between one
and five years
   

More than

five years

 
Trade payables   $ 1,001,773       -       -  
Accrued liabilities     2,179,134       -       -  
Due to related parties     280,432       -       -  
Lease liabilities     576,232       373,889       125,652  
    $ 4,037,571     $ 373,889     $ 125,652  

 

At December 31, 2019   Within one year     Between one
and five years
   

More than

five years

 
Trade payables   $ 535,048       -       -  
Accrued liabilities     894,350       -       -  
Due to related parties     212,562       -       -  
Shareholder loan     1,602       -       -  
Lease liabilities     466,679       468,465       194,105  
    $ 2,110,241     $ 468,465     $ 194,105  

 

Foreign exchange risk

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair values of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because they are denominated in currencies that differ from the respective functional currency. The Company is exposed to currency risk as it incurs expenditures that are denominated in US dollars while its functional currency is the Canadian dollar. The Company does not hedge its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

 

The following is an analysis of financial assets and liabilities that are denominated in US dollars:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 127,126,440     $ 8,143,357  
Restricted cash     63,250       63,250  
Receivables     162,315       148,901  
Lease liabilities     (646,616 )     (557,713 )
Trade payables and accrued liabilities     (1,921,536 )     (81,700 )
    $ 124,783,853     $ 7,716,095  

141

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

Based on the above net exposures, as at December 31, 2020, a 10% change in the US dollar to Canadian dollar exchange rate would impact the Company’s net loss by $12,534,286 (2019 - $815,105).

 

Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its cash equivalents as these instruments have original maturities of 12 months or less and are therefore exposed to interest rate fluctuations on renewal. A 1% change in market interest rates would have an impact on the Company’s net loss of $710,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 (2019 - $65,000).

 

Classification of financial instruments

Financial assets included in the consolidated statements of financial position are as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Amortized cost:                
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 129,450,676     $ 8,560,624  
Restricted cash     143,800       142,201  
Receivables     159,664       111,400  
    $ 129,754,140     $ 8,814,225  

 

Financial liabilities included in the consolidated statements of financial position are as follows:

 

    December 31, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Non-derivative financial liabilities:                
Trade payable and accrued liabilities   $ 3,461,339     $ 1,641,960  
Shareholder loan     -       1,602  
Lease liabilities     1,075,773       1,129,249  
Derivative financial liabilities:                
Derivative liability     17,899,855       5,456,265  
    $ 22,436,967     $ 8,229,076  

 

Fair value

The fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, other than the derivative liability which is measured at fair value, approximates the carrying amount.

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value are classified into one of three levels in the fair value hierarchy according to the relative reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3 – Inputs that are not based on observable market data.

 

Financial liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2020 consisted of the derivative liability, which includes transferrable warrants and non-transferrable warrants. The fair value of the transferrable warrants is classified as level 1, and the fair value of the non-transferrable warrants is classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability relating to the transferrable warrants was measured using the quoted market price on the Nasdaq.

 

The fair value of the derivative liability relating to the non-transferrable warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model using historical volatility of comparable companies as an estimate of future volatility. At December 31, 2020, if the volatility used was increased by 10% the impact would be an increase to the derivative liability of $162,585 (2019 - $416,854) with a corresponding increase in loss and comprehensive loss.

142

 

ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Expressed in United States dollars)

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018

 

22. Capital management

 

The Company’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base to safeguard the Company’s business and sustain future development of the business. The capital structure of the Company consists of equity. There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

 

23. Lease commitments

 

The Company is committed to future minimum lease payments for short-term leases and a long-term lease with a lease commencement date of March 1, 2021, for which no lease liability has been recognized as at December 31, 2020 (Note 10). The leases are related to rental of office premises and kiosk locations. The details of lease commitments as at December 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

Fiscal year   Amount  
2021   $ 746,126  
2022     220,636  
2023     146,877  
2024     152,351  
2025 and after     178,807  
Total   $ 1,444,797  

 

24. Subsequent events

 

From January 1, 2021 to the reporting date, the Company has issued 20,365,495 common shares for the ATM Offerings for gross proceeds of $146,558,984. Share issue costs related to the ATM Offering are $3,960,332.

 

From January 1, 2021 to the reporting date, the Company issued 2,174,484 common shares at various prices per share for gross proceeds of $4,800,714 pursuant to the exercise of certain warrants by certain investors.

 

From January 1, 2021 to the reporting date, the Company issued 1,058,724 common shares at various prices per share for gross proceeds of $475,240 pursuant to the exercise of certain stock options by certain Plan participants.

 

On March 16, 2021, the Company announced that it has selected Mesa, AZ, in the greater Phoenix area, for its U.S. based assembly facility and engineering technical center. The proposed facility in Mesa will support the Company’s strategic plan to meet anticipated demand for its flagship SOLO EV. When fully operational, the facility is expected to create up to 500 new jobs and will be capable of producing up to 20,000 SOLOs per year. Altogether it will feature both a light vehicle assembly plant along with a state-of-the-art engineering technical center, including multiple labs to support comprehensive research facilities as well as vehicle chassis, battery pack and power electronics testing workshops.

 

143

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F:

 

1.1   Notice of Articles(1)
     
1.2   Articles(1)
     
2.1   Share Certificate – Common Shares(1)
     
2.2   Description of Registrant’s Securities*
     
4.1   Manufacturing Agreement between Chongqing Zongshen Automobile Co., Ltd. and the Company, dated September 29, 2017(2)+
     
4.2   Employment Agreement, dated May 17, 2019, by and between EMV Automotive USA Inc. and Michael Paul Rivera (3)
     
4.3   Amendment Agreement between the Company and Michael Paul Rivera, dated for reference effective on January 1, 2020(4)
     
4.4   Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Henry Reisner, dated for reference effective on January 1, 2020 (4)
     
4.5   Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Bal Bhullar, dated for reference effective on January 1, 2020 (4)
     
4.6   Continuing Relationship Agreement between the Company and Jerry Kroll, dated for reference effective on August 16, 2019(4)
     
4.7   Executive Employment Agreement between the Company and Isaac Moss, dated for reference effective on July 1, 2020(7)
     
4.8   Further Employment Agreement Amendment between the Company and Michael Paul Rivera, dated August 12, 2020(8)
     
8.1   List of Subsidiaries*
     
11.1   Code of Business Conduct and Ethics(6)
     
12.1   Section 302(a) Certification of CEO*
     
12.2   Section 302(a) Certification of CFO*
     
13.1   Section 906 Certifications of CEO and CFO*
     
15.1   Consent of KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants*
     
15.2   Audit Committee Charter(6)
     
15.3   Compensation Committee Charter(6)
     
15.4   Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter(6)
     
15.5   Board Mandate(6)
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance*
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema*
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation*
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition*
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels*
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation*

144

 

Notes:

 

* Filed herewith.

 

+ Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment. Confidential information has been omitted from the exhibit in places marked “****”and has been filed separately with the SEC.

 

(1) Filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-1 as filed with the SEC on October 12, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(2) Filed as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 20-F as filed with the SEC on April 19, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(3) Filed as an exhibit to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on August 8, 2019  and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(4) Filed as an exhibit to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on February 28, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(5) Filed as an exhibit to our registration statement on Form F-3 as filed with the SEC on February 2, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(6) Filed as an exhibit to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on April 27, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(7) Filed as an exhibit to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on July 13, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

(8) Filed as an exhibit to our Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K as filed with the SEC on August 24, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

145

 

SIGNATURES

 

The registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

Electrameccanica Vehicles Corp.

 

Date: March 23, 2021.

 

By: /s/ Bal Bhullar  
  Bal Bhullar  
  Chief Financial Officer  

146

Electrameccanica Vehicles (NASDAQ:SOLO)
Historical Stock Chart
From Feb 2024 to Mar 2024 Click Here for more Electrameccanica Vehicles Charts.
Electrameccanica Vehicles (NASDAQ:SOLO)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2023 to Mar 2024 Click Here for more Electrameccanica Vehicles Charts.