1 Canadian Electric Carmaker Could Outperform Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)

The market debut of Lion Electric stock is very timely, as it aligns with Canada’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Growth investors could be looking at the future king of the electric jungle given the company’s fantastic growth potential.

| More on:
Electric car being charged

Image source: Getty Images

The transition to a cleaner, prosperous economy is the immediate priority of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan. With the support and engagement from all parts of society, including businesses, the federal government hopes to move to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Lion Electric’s (TSX:LEV)(NYSE:LEV) market debut in May 2021 on the U.S. and Canada stock exchanges is very timely. The $4.34 billion company from Saint-Jérôme, Québec, designs and manufacture zero-emission vehicles. Growth investors could be looking at the future king of the electric jungle.

A big step forward

The industrial stock began trading on the TSX on May 10, 2021. Marc Bédard, CEO and founder of Lion Electric, said on the first day of trading, “Today marks a big step forward in the evolution of Lion, as we accelerate our growth strategy.” He added, “The company will continue selling all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles on the cutting edge of technology while developing new ones.”

Before its market debut, Lion Electric forged a business combination with Northern Genesis Acquisition, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). Bédard also thanked the SPAC for supporting Lion’s mission to be the industry leader. The two entities share the vision of improving society, the environment. and the quality of life all around, most importantly.

The innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles now has a strong group of shareholders. The combined companies are excited by electric vehicles, the business model, and continued growth opportunities. The public listing also signals Lion Electric’s embarking on its next stage of life.

The core business

Lion Electric is known in North America as a leader in electric transportation. It creates, designs, and manufactures all-electric class five to class eight commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and mini-buses. The target markets are schools, paratransit, and mass transit segments.

The company likewise designs, builds, and assembles all vehicle components, such as chassis, battery packs, truck cabins, and bus bodies. Besides the vehicles’ unique features specifically adapted to users’ needs, Lion seeks new and reliable technologies.

Increasing revenue and growing vehicle orders

Lion Electric has adequate capital support to support its long strategy following the successful listing on two major stock exchanges. The company reported positive performance in Q1 2021 (quarter ended March 31, 2021) versus Q1 2020, notwithstanding the continued impact of the global pandemic on the operations side.

Total revenue increased 416.7% to US$6.2 million, while sales volume grew by 1,100% from two units to 24 units (22 vehicles in Canada and two in the U.S.). As of May 14, 2021, there are orders of 817 all-electric medium- and heavy-duty urban vehicles (608 buses and 209 trucks) worth over US$225 million.

Lion Electric obtained initial truck orders from the Pride Group, Ikea’s logistics partners, and Sobeys, among others. These clients are sizable fleet owners. The company also delivered 10 Lion6 trucks (the first batch) to Amazon after the first quarter.

High level of customer satisfaction

Growth investors should note Lion Electric’s revenue growth and improving order book. President Bédard believes it reflects clients’ high level of satisfaction with the company’s products and services. As of May 24, 2021, the share price is $23.03 — or 9.3% higher than its closing price on the first day of trading.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon and recommends the following options: long January 2022 $1920 calls on Amazon and short January 2022 $1940 calls on Amazon.

More on Investing

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »

clock time
Tech Stocks

Long-Term Investing: 3 Top Canadian Stocks You Can Buy for Under $20 a Share

These three under-$20 stocks offer excellent buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Canadian Natural Resources stock is well set up to beat the TSX as it continues to generate strong cash flows…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »