ev.news

FORD OPENS $29,945 FATHOM SIGN-UPS WITHOUT RANGE FIGURES

Ford has opened an invitation list for its $29,945 Fathom electric pickup, with official pre-orders expected in early 2027 and deliveries later that year, but no range, charging or payload figures yet. The four-door truck will debut Ford’s Universal EV platform with a 400-volt system and lithium-iron-phosphate battery, leaving buyers unable to assess its practicality ahead of a full reveal expected before year-end.

US FAST CHARGING PASSES 80,000 PORTS AS USAGE RISES

America’s public fast-charging network has passed 80,000 ports after adding 4,106 in the third quarter, while charging sessions rose 26% year on year to 50.4 million. Some 73% of new ports were rated at least 250 kW, but average charging prices rose to $0.540 per kWh and about 90% of new stations opened in urban markets, leaving rural coverage uneven.

TESLA PAUSES CANADIAN MODEL 3 ORDERS UNTIL MARCH

Tesla has suspended Canadian orders for its lower-cost, Shanghai-built Model 3 until March 2027 after exhausting its import allocation, although around 33,000 permits remained within Canada’s national quota. Its expected return follows the quota reset, but China’s export VAT rebate cut from 13% to 9% on 1 April 2027 could subsequently pressure pricing; Tesla has announced no related increase.

JAGUAR'S ELECTRIC RELAUNCH DRAWS OVER 50,000 SIGN-UPS

Jaguar’s electric relaunch has attracted more than 50,000 registrations of interest, around 80% from newcomers, as its Type 01 four-door GT targets a more exclusive luxury market with Bentley as its reference point. The electric-only strategy depends on converting that interest into purchases at higher prices, with Jaguar’s managing director previously estimating that up to 85% of existing buyers could leave.

ICAUR V25 SPOTTED CHARGING IN BRITAIN

A camouflaged iCaur V25 range-extender has been photographed charging in Britain, suggesting Chery’s off-road brand may be preparing a UK launch, although none is confirmed. It combines a petrol generator, two electric motors and a 33.7 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with a reported 130-mile electric range on an unspecified test cycle; a battery-only version is expected, but its market availability remains unclear.

GM WEIGHS STARTUP ACCESS TO $145M BATTERY LAB

General Motors is considering opening its $145 million battery laboratory in Warren, Michigan, to help startups develop cell-manufacturing skills, but no programme has been approved and access is not imminent. Construction is expected to finish in December, with development work covering lithium manganese-rich and sodium-ion batteries, although GM’s existing sodium-ion partnership with Peak Energy concerns grid storage rather than an announced EV battery.

SOLAR AND BATTERIES HELP TEXAS THROUGH SUMMER HEAT

Solar and batteries helped Texas’s grid through a relatively uneventful summer despite hotter weather and rising demand, with 3,440 MW of solar added in the first half of 2026 and utility-scale storage reaching 33.1 GWh. Storage can shift low-cost electricity into peak periods, while solar and storage projects can be built faster than gas plants, but transmission bottlenecks still constrain delivery to areas needing the power.

MERCEDES TESTS E-CLASS-SHAPED CAR WITHOUT VISIBLE EXHAUSTS

Mercedes has been photographed testing an E-Class-shaped vehicle without visible exhaust outlets at the Nürburgring, prompting speculation about a more conventionally styled electric successor to the EQE. Such a model could attract buyers seeking familiar saloon styling with electric propulsion, but the sighting does not confirm a launch.

VOLKSWAGEN'S US EV SALES FALL 90% AFTER SUPPLY CUTS

Volkswagen’s US EV sales fell 90% to 1,421 in the third quarter after it ended US-specification ID.4 production to make room for petrol SUVs and halted ID. Buzz imports. Supply cuts make this a poor standalone measure of EV demand, although discounts up to $12,500 indicate stock-clearing difficulties; an electric ID. Tiguan is expected next year, while the ID. Buzz is not due back until the 2028 model.

BMW GROUP EV DELIVERIES RISE 7.2% DESPITE OVERALL DECLINE

BMW Group’s fully electric deliveries rose 7.2% to 110,257 in the third quarter, representing 20% of the total, while overall deliveries fell 6.3% and combustion-engined vehicles, including hybrids, collectively declined. Europe led electric growth with a 37.5% increase and more than 100,000 orders for the Neue Klasse iX3 within a year, while a China-specific version is planned for November as the group faces a 24.8% overall delivery decline there.

GRID BATTERY FAILURE RATE FALLS 98% PER GWh

EPRI reports a 98% fall in the global failure rate of lithium-ion grid-storage batteries per gigawatt-hour between 2018 and 2025, a capacity-adjusted measure concerning stationary storage rather than electric-car batteries. Newer installations generally performed better and 93% of reviewed incidents caused no injuries or fatalities, but indoor facilities had higher failure rates and damage, with some older plants potentially needing safety upgrades or early retirement.

VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES ID.ERA 8X FROM 206,800 YUAN

SAIC Volkswagen has launched the five-seat ID.ERA 8X extended-range SUV in China from 206,800 yuan ($30,900), offering up to 451 km of CLTC electric range, 1,602 km combined range, 800-volt architecture and 10–80% charging in 16 minutes. With CATL batteries, LiDAR and Chinese assisted-driving software, Volkswagen is adopting the technology and pricing strategies of domestic competitors in an attempt to recover lost market share.

VOLKSWAGEN CHINA DELIVERIES FALL 38.5% IN THIRD QUARTER

Volkswagen Group's Chinese deliveries plunged 38.5% to 405,800 vehicles in the third quarter, contributing to a 14.3% decline in global deliveries to 1.885 million. Although electrified vehicle deliveries in China increased approximately 30%, they could not offset collapsing combustion-engine sales, intensifying pressure on Volkswagen to introduce competitively priced, locally developed electric models.

CHINA SUPPLIES OVER 75% OF BATTERIES SOLD WORLDWIDE

China now produces more than 75% of batteries sold worldwide, having established its dominance through sustained subsidies, protected domestic demand and manufacturing expertise that competitors cannot easily replicate. India illustrates the challenge, importing almost 84% of its lithium-ion batteries from China while operating just 1.4 GWh of its targeted 50 GWh domestic manufacturing capacity, highlighting the difficulty of building an independent battery industry without Chinese expertise.

NIO ES9 SALES REBOUND TO 7,706 IN SEPTEMBER

Nio's flagship ES9 SUV recorded 7,706 Chinese retail sales in September, up 19% from August, with the ES9 and cheaper ES8 together accounting for 85.8% of Nio-brand sales and both reportedly generating vehicle margins above 20%. However, shortening delivery waiting times and sales slightly below the approximately 7,900 monthly average needed to meet Deutsche Bank's 56,000-unit annual forecast leave questions about the strength of underlying demand.

SMART UNVEILS £17,900 TWO-SEAT ELECTRIC #2

Smart has unveiled its new two-seat electric #2 at the Paris Motor Show, targeting a £17,900 UK starting price with a 35.8 kWh battery, 180 miles of WLTP range and 65 kW DC charging ahead of sales in 2027. Developed through the Mercedes-Benz–Geely partnership, the car returns Smart to its original compact city-car concept, although its two-seat configuration faces competition from similarly priced electric hatchbacks offering greater practicality.

LEAPMOTOR B03 BRINGS 242-MILE HATCHBACK TO EUROPE

Leapmotor has unveiled its B03 electric hatchback for European markets, with UK sales beginning in early 2027, offering a 53 kWh battery, 242 miles of WLTP range and 133 kW charging, while its differently specified Chinese counterpart starts at approximately $9,500. With British pricing and manufacturing arrangements still unconfirmed, Leapmotor's challenge is translating China's low-cost EV engineering into competitive European prices as overseas deliveries expand and local production develops.

XPENG OPENS EUROPEAN ORDERS FOR G9L FROM €74,600

Xpeng has opened European orders for its G9L flagship electric SUV from €74,600, offering six or seven seats, up to 591 km of WLTP range and claimed 10–80% charging in just 11.7 minutes, with deliveries starting in December. Trial production has begun in Austria, while September overseas sales reached a record 10,055 vehicles, demonstrating the growing importance of international markets as Xpeng's overall deliveries decline.

BYD REVEALS ATTO 8 WITH NINE-MINUTE CHARGING

BYD has unveiled its seven-seat Atto 8 electric SUV for Europe, arriving in early 2027 with a 115 kWh second-generation Blade Battery, up to 653 km of WLTP range and claimed 10–97% charging in nine minutes using compatible high-power infrastructure. With European pricing unannounced and BYD targeting 3,000 flash-charging stations across Europe by the end of 2027, the technology's commercial success depends on whether drivers can access the charging speeds promised.

WALMART DOUBLES US FAST-CHARGING STALLS PAST 1,000

Walmart has doubled its US fast-charging network in roughly four months, reaching more than 1,000 stalls across 120 locations, with CCS and NACS chargers rated at up to 400 kW. The retailer was America's second-largest installer of new fast-charging ports in the second quarter, behind Tesla, establishing itself as a significant charging operator rather than simply hosting third-party equipment.

BYD ATTO 8 BRINGS NINE-MINUTE FLASH CHARGING TO EUROPE

BYD has unveiled the seven-seat Atto 8 electric SUV for Europe, featuring a 115 kWh Blade battery capable of a claimed 10–97% charge in nine minutes using dedicated Flash chargers, with two powertrains offering up to 405 miles of WLTP range. Arriving in early 2027, the SUV's charging capabilities depend on BYD's ambitious infrastructure rollout, targeting 3,000 European Flash charging stations by the end of 2027, while pricing and charging performance on conventional public chargers remain unknown.

LEAPMOTOR B03 SETS UP A RENAULT 5 CHALLENGE FOR 2027

Leapmotor will introduce its B03 electric supermini to the UK in early 2027, targeting the Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID Polo with an expected price in the low £20,000s, a 53 kWh battery and 242 miles of WLTP range. Its 145 kW motor delivers 0–62 mph in 7.6 seconds, while 133 kW DC charging enables a claimed 10–80% recharge in 21 minutes, with a spacious 405-litre boot strengthening its practicality credentials.

VOLKSWAGEN'S EV ORDERS RISE AS GLOBAL SALES FALL

Volkswagen Group's global vehicle deliveries fell 9% to 6.01 million during the first nine months of 2026, with battery-electric deliveries declining 5% to 678,700, reflecting particularly severe weakness in China and the US. European EV demand tells a different story, with third-quarter electric deliveries rising 20%, EVs representing approximately 40% of the European order book and nearly 150,000 orders secured for forthcoming affordable electric models.

XPENG G9L ARRIVES IN EUROPE WITH AUSTRIAN ASSEMBLY

Xpeng has launched its six- or seven-seat G9L electric SUV in Europe, priced from €74,990 in France, offering up to 591 km of WLTP range and a claimed 10–80% charge in just 11.7 minutes using compatible high-power chargers. Trial assembly began at Magna Steyr's Austrian factory on 7 October, potentially reducing exposure to European tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, although full production and delivery dates remain unconfirmed.

OMODA 4 HEADS TO BRITAIN — BUT THE EV COSTS MORE

Chery-owned Omoda has unveiled its compact Omoda 4 crossover for UK introduction in 2027, with the initial petrol-hybrid version expected to cost under £25,000 and a fully electric variant following at approximately £27,000. The EV is reportedly equipped with a 61 kWh battery offering around 248 miles of range, although final specifications, charging performance and the range test cycle remain unconfirmed.

FIAT REVEALS FOUR-SEAT MULTIPLINA FOR 2028

Fiat has unveiled the Multiplina, a four-seat electric microcar inspired by the original 1950s Multipla, with sales planned for 2028 and a body measuring less than three metres long. Positioned above the two-seat Topolino, it will comply with Europe's L7 heavy-quadricycle regulations, although Fiat has yet to reveal battery capacity, range, performance or charging specifications.

LANCIA GAMMA OPENS ORDERS WITH 740-KM ELECTRIC CLAIM

Lancia has opened European orders for its new Italian-built Gamma fastback crossover, offering hybrid and electric powertrains, including a Long Range EV claiming more than 740 km of range, although a final certified figure has not been established. Built on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform, the range also includes a 375 hp all-wheel-drive HF Integrale capable of 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while battery specifications, charging speeds and market-specific prices remain undisclosed.

LI AUTO PUSHES EUROPEAN I6 LAUNCH INTO 2027

Chinese manufacturer Li Auto has postponed its European debut until the first quarter of 2027, when its i6 electric SUV, renamed Li 6, will launch initially in Norway and the Netherlands rather than arriving in late 2026 as previously indicated. The company has also revised its European strategy to include extended-range electric vehicles alongside battery-electric models, although pricing, specifications and additional model launches remain unconfirmed.

ELECTRIC BUSES OUTNUMBER HYDROGEN ORDERS 200 TO ONE

A new international procurement register covering 388 records across 81 countries reveals 13,165 firm orders for battery-electric buses compared with just 65 hydrogen fuel-cell buses, representing a purchasing ratio exceeding 200 to one. Although the dataset is not a comprehensive global census, the findings demonstrate operators' overwhelming preference for battery-electric technology on urban routes, with hydrogen increasingly needing to justify its higher infrastructure complexity and operational costs.

It's ev.news Briefly for Tuesday 13th October 2026, only today's headlines and nothing else, in just 4 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.

WALMART DOUBLES US FAST-CHARGING STALLS PAST 1,000

Walmart has doubled its US fast-charging network in roughly four months, reaching more than 1,000 stalls across 120 locations, with CCS and NACS chargers rated at up to 400 kW. The retailer was America's second-largest installer of new fast-charging ports in the second quarter, behind Tesla, establishing itself as a significant charging operator rather than simply hosting third-party equipment.

BYD ATTO 8 BRINGS NINE-MINUTE FLASH CHARGING TO EUROPE

BYD has unveiled the seven-seat Atto 8 electric SUV for Europe, featuring a 115 kWh Blade battery capable of a claimed 10–97% charge in nine minutes using dedicated Flash chargers, with two powertrains offering up to 405 miles of WLTP range. Arriving in early 2027, the SUV's charging capabilities depend on BYD's ambitious infrastructure rollout, targeting 3,000 European Flash charging stations by the end of 2027, while pricing and charging performance on conventional public chargers remain unknown.

LEAPMOTOR B03 SETS UP A RENAULT 5 CHALLENGE FOR 2027

Leapmotor will introduce its B03 electric supermini to the UK in early 2027, targeting the Renault 5 and Volkswagen ID Polo with an expected price in the low £20,000s, a 53 kWh battery and 242 miles of WLTP range. Its 145 kW motor delivers 0–62 mph in 7.6 seconds, while 133 kW DC charging enables a claimed 10–80% recharge in 21 minutes, with a spacious 405-litre boot strengthening its practicality credentials.

VOLKSWAGEN'S EV ORDERS RISE AS GLOBAL SALES FALL

Volkswagen Group's global vehicle deliveries fell 9% to 6.01 million during the first nine months of 2026, with battery-electric deliveries declining 5% to 678,700, reflecting particularly severe weakness in China and the US. European EV demand tells a different story, with third-quarter electric deliveries rising 20%, EVs representing approximately 40% of the European order book and nearly 150,000 orders secured for forthcoming affordable electric models.

XPENG G9L ARRIVES IN EUROPE WITH AUSTRIAN ASSEMBLY

Xpeng has launched its six- or seven-seat G9L electric SUV in Europe, priced from €74,990 in France, offering up to 591 km of WLTP range and a claimed 10–80% charge in just 11.7 minutes using compatible high-power chargers. Trial assembly began at Magna Steyr's Austrian factory on 7 October, potentially reducing exposure to European tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, although full production and delivery dates remain unconfirmed.

OMODA 4 HEADS TO BRITAIN — BUT THE EV COSTS MORE

Chery-owned Omoda has unveiled its compact Omoda 4 crossover for UK introduction in 2027, with the initial petrol-hybrid version expected to cost under £25,000 and a fully electric variant following at approximately £27,000. The EV is reportedly equipped with a 61 kWh battery offering around 248 miles of range, although final specifications, charging performance and the range test cycle remain unconfirmed.

FIAT REVEALS FOUR-SEAT MULTIPLINA FOR 2028

Fiat has unveiled the Multiplina, a four-seat electric microcar inspired by the original 1950s Multipla, with sales planned for 2028 and a body measuring less than three metres long. Positioned above the two-seat Topolino, it will comply with Europe's L7 heavy-quadricycle regulations, although Fiat has yet to reveal battery capacity, range, performance or charging specifications.

LANCIA GAMMA OPENS ORDERS WITH 740-KM ELECTRIC CLAIM

Lancia has opened European orders for its new Italian-built Gamma fastback crossover, offering hybrid and electric powertrains, including a Long Range EV claiming more than 740 km of range, although a final certified figure has not been established. Built on Stellantis' STLA Medium platform, the range also includes a 375 hp all-wheel-drive HF Integrale capable of 0–100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, while battery specifications, charging speeds and market-specific prices remain undisclosed.

LI AUTO PUSHES EUROPEAN I6 LAUNCH INTO 2027

Chinese manufacturer Li Auto has postponed its European debut until the first quarter of 2027, when its i6 electric SUV, renamed Li 6, will launch initially in Norway and the Netherlands rather than arriving in late 2026 as previously indicated. The company has also revised its European strategy to include extended-range electric vehicles alongside battery-electric models, although pricing, specifications and additional model launches remain unconfirmed.

ELECTRIC BUSES OUTNUMBER HYDROGEN ORDERS 200 TO ONE

A new international procurement register covering 388 records across 81 countries reveals 13,165 firm orders for battery-electric buses compared with just 65 hydrogen fuel-cell buses, representing a purchasing ratio exceeding 200 to one. Although the dataset is not a comprehensive global census, the findings demonstrate operators' overwhelming preference for battery-electric technology on urban routes, with hydrogen increasingly needing to justify its higher infrastructure complexity and operational costs.

Welcome to ev.news China — the podcast dedicated to the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Each day, I bring you the latest headlines, insights, and analysis from the heart of China’s booming EV industry — and decode how fast-moving developments in the east are shaping the global EV landscape.

CHINA EV SHARE HITS 67% AS PETROL SALES SLUMP

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles captured a record 67% of China's passenger car market in September, despite NEV sales falling 16.7% to 1.084 million, as overall car sales declined 28% and petrol sales plunged 43%. With domestic NEV sales down 10.6% across the first nine months but September exports surging 160% to 571,000 vehicles, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly dependent on overseas markets to sustain growth.

AVATR REVEALS T09 HYBRID WITH OVER 400KM EV RANGE

Avatr has unveiled its T09 luxury SUV concept in Paris, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine, three electric motors and a 71.2 kWh CATL battery delivering more than 400 km of claimed electric range under China's CLTC cycle. Targeting China's 500,000 yuan luxury SUV segment, the concept showcases Avatr's premium ambitions as the company targets expansion from 70 to more than 110 international markets by 2030.

AITO PLANS 2027 EUROPE ENTRY AS SALES DECLINE

Huawei-backed AITO plans to launch four premium SUVs in Europe in 2027, with EU vehicle certification and Euro NCAP safety assessments underway as manufacturing partner Seres seeks growth beyond China. The expansion comes as Seres reported September NEV sales falling 34.48%, nine-month deliveries declining 15.79% and a first-half net loss of 1.72 billion yuan ($257 million), highlighting the urgency of establishing a successful international business.

XPENG PREVIEWS MONA L05 SUV WITH 660KM CLTC RANGE

XPeng has previewed the MONA L05 affordable SUV ahead of its planned late-2026 Chinese launch, offering a battery-electric version with a 71.1 kWh LFP battery and up to 660 km CLTC range, alongside a range-extender version with a 37.2 kWh battery delivering up to 253 km of electric driving. With estimated but unconfirmed pricing of $20,900–$26,900, the larger SUV expands the MONA range as XPeng targets monthly deliveries exceeding 60,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, compared with 41,256 in September.

XPENG PLANS EV TECHNOLOGY DEALS BEYOND VOLKSWAGEN

XPeng has introduced its AI Engineering initiative in Paris, seeking to supply vehicle development, manufacturing, software and AI technology to additional carmakers beyond its existing Volkswagen partnership. Alongside European road testing of its advanced driver-assistance technology, more than 12,000 reported European MONA L03 orders and initial production trials in Austria, the strategy positions XPeng as an international technology supplier rather than simply a Chinese vehicle exporter.

CHINA PROPOSES BAN ON FOLDING CAR SCREENS

China has proposed stricter vehicle approval regulations banning folding cabin displays, requiring physical controls for essential functions and introducing tougher reliability, safety and software testing, including at least 30,000 km of vehicle testing. The draft measures, under consultation until 10 November and potentially taking effect from January 2027, aim to prevent manufacturers prioritising technological novelty and rapid product launches over proven safety, potentially increasing development costs and slowing approvals.

EU-CHINA DEAL LIMITS HYBRID IMPORTS TO 350,000

The EU and China have reportedly agreed to cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles annually under a four-year safeguard arrangement potentially beginning in December, with the ceiling increasing 6% each year. While Beijing argues the limit permits growth from 302,000 imports in 2025, Brussels expects shipments could otherwise reach 800,000 in 2026, meaning the agreement could substantially restrict Chinese manufacturers' European expansion and encourage more local production.

CITROËN REVIVES 2CV WITH €15,000 ELECTRIC PLAN

Citroën has unveiled an electric 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show, targeting European production in 2028 and a starting price of around €15,000, potentially undercutting the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring. The lightweight city car aims to recreate the original's affordable, practical appeal, although its battery, range and charging specifications remain unconfirmed, and the target price may depend on proposed EU rules for small EVs.

VW’S FOUR SMALL EVS ATTRACT NEARLY 150,000 ORDERS

Volkswagen Group says its four new affordable electric cars — the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, CUPRA Raval and Škoda Epiq — have attracted almost 150,000 orders ahead of deliveries, demonstrating early demand for smaller European-built EVs. All four share the front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform, with over 80% common components, and will be manufactured in Spain as part of a €10 billion electrification programme designed to reduce costs through economies of scale.

EU PROJECT TESTS CCS BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING

The four-year EV4EU European research project has successfully demonstrated bidirectional CCS DC charging, allowing electric vehicles to return electricity to homes and energy networks, with Portuguese trials reporting an average 8.6% reduction in household charging costs and up to 21.9% greater renewable-energy integration. Trials across four countries also explored virtual power plants and grid balancing, but widespread adoption still depends on compatible hardware, supportive regulations and financial incentives for vehicle owners.

ROAM OFFERS CASH TO REPLACE OLD UK EV CHARGERS

UK charging operator Roam is offering businesses £500 for replacing single-socket EV chargers and £1,000 for dual-socket units, providing modern replacement equipment and standard installation without upfront hardware costs. Targeting workplaces, hotels and residential developments, the scheme aims to improve charging reliability and interoperability, although participating businesses must enter long-term agreements with Roam rather than receiving unconditional grants.

XPENG CONFIRMS MONA L05 SUV FOR EUROPE IN 2027

XPeng will bring its larger Mona L05 SUV to Europe in early 2027, with Chinese specifications including a 71.1 kWh battery delivering up to 660 km of CLTC range, alongside a range-extender version offering up to 253 km of electric-only range. European pricing, production location and powertrain availability remain unconfirmed, with those decisions particularly important because Chinese-built battery EVs face an additional 20.7% EU import duty beyond the standard 10% tariff.

GEELY EXPANDS TO 100 DEALERS IN AUSTRALIA

Geely has expanded its Australian dealership network from 22 outlets in March 2025 to 100, establishing a presence across every state and territory while targeting further growth in regional areas. Having sold more than 15,000 EX5 electric SUVs, the company is combining wider distribution with promotional financing on its EX5 and EX2 models to strengthen its position in Australia's EV market.

SMART REVEALS TWO-SEAT #2 WITH 290 KM RANGE GOAL

Smart has unveiled its new two-seat #2 electric city car in Paris, returning to its original ultra-compact format with a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, a targeted 290 km WLTP range and 65 kW DC charging capable of 10–80% in a claimed 20 minutes. Measuring just 2.75 metres long, the rear-wheel-drive EV combines exceptional manoeuvrability with a versatile split tailgate, although European pricing and availability have yet to be announced.

VW CHIEF SEEKS EU HELP FOR GERMAN FACTORY OVERHAUL

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is calling for European policy support as the manufacturer undertakes its largest restructuring programme, potentially closing up to four German factories while cutting jobs to improve competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers. Blume supports Made in Europe policies favouring regional production, but VW faces the difficult task of reducing its German manufacturing footprint while investing in affordable EVs and better software to restore profitability.

MACRON WANTS EV SUBSIDIES LINKED TO EU PRODUCTION

French President Emmanuel Macron wants European EV subsidies tied to substantial EU-based manufacturing of vehicles, batteries and components, rather than rewarding imported cars receiving only final assembly in Europe. With just 26% of EVs purchased in France during 2025 manufactured domestically, Paris is pushing stronger local-content requirements, although Germany remains concerned about Chinese retaliation and reports of a compromise involving weaker 2035 emissions targets have been denied by the Élysée.

GEELY CONFIRMS CANADA ENTRY AS EV TARIFFS EASE
https://evne.ws/r4rdi

BYD'S NEW SEAGULL GROWS BEFORE PRICE REVEAL
https://evne.ws/9s99z

LI AUTO SETS 28 OCTOBER UPGRADE FOR ITS BESTSELLER
https://evne.ws/rp32q

BYD'S OCEAN MPV EMERGES AHEAD OF YEAR-END DEBUT
https://evne.ws/82p22

MAEXTRO BRAKE REPORTS PROMPT A YANGWANG RESPONSE
https://evne.ws/38i8c

GEELY BRINGS MONJARO PLUG-IN HYBRID TO PARIS
https://evne.ws/9zonm

BYD FLASH CHARGERS LOG 1.22 MILLION HOLIDAY SESSIONS
https://evne.ws/e6qeq

NIO SWAP SITES AVERAGE THREE TIMES BYD'S PEAK-DAY VISITS
https://evne.ws/ly0wo

TESLA SHANGHAI SALES RISE AS CHINA DELIVERIES FALL
https://evne.ws/kc1xz

GEELY PLANS CANADIAN LAUNCH AS US MARKET STAYS SHUT
https://evne.ws/yg2rq

VOLKSWAGEN TELLS 22,524 ID.4 OWNERS TO LIMIT CHARGING
https://evne.ws/12wns

RIVIAN BRINGS GHOSTBUSTERS INTO ITS EV SOFTWARE
https://evne.ws/otruv

ZEEKR 9X HYBRID CLAIMS 10–80% CHARGING IN 9.5 MINUTES
https://evne.ws/od38a

FORD SAYS CAMERA FAULTS CHANGED ITS NEXT EV PLATFORM
https://evne.ws/9znsk

EU ASKED TO LET TRUCK FLEETS SHARE DEPOT CHARGERS
https://evne.ws/aonk2

CHERY LAUNCHES UK APPROVED USED SCHEME WITH BATTERY CHECKS
https://evne.ws/qrn8r

DONUT LAB STILL HAS NO VERIFIED PRODUCTION BATTERY
https://evne.ws/8kl2m

MCLAREN PLANS MORE HYBRIDS AS SUPERCAR EVS RETREAT
https://evne.ws/boew1

It's ev.news Briefly for Sunday 11 October 2026, only todays headlines and nothing else, in just 4 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.

GEELY PLANS CANADIAN LAUNCH AS US MARKET STAYS SHUT

Geely plans to enter Canada in 2027, establishing dealerships and service operations following an agreement between Ottawa and Beijing allowing limited Chinese EV imports, while US tariffs and restrictions continue to block Chinese manufacturers. With Geely's Chinese domestic sales down 23% and exports up 169% in the first nine months of 2026, international expansion is increasingly important, although Canadian launch models and sales dates remain unconfirmed.

VOLKSWAGEN TELLS 22,524 ID.4 OWNERS TO LIMIT CHARGING

Volkswagen is recalling 22,524 US ID.4 electric SUVs from model years 2023–2026 over a potential battery fire risk linked to charging above 80%, instructing affected owners to restrict charging while engineers investigate. Although Volkswagen estimates just 0.1% of recalled vehicles have the defect, it has not identified the root cause or developed a permanent remedy, leaving owners with reduced usable battery capacity and potentially shorter driving ranges.

RIVIAN BRINGS GHOSTBUSTERS INTO ITS EV SOFTWARE

Rivian has launched a Ghostbusters-themed Halloween software update for its R1S, R1T and R2 vehicles, featuring themed displays, sounds, lighting effects and an arcade game, accompanied by a promotional film starring Bill Murray and a specially modified Ecto-R1 SUV. Available until 2 November, the update demonstrates how software-defined vehicles allow manufacturers to introduce new experiences and seasonal features to existing cars without physical modifications.

ZEEKR 9X HYBRID CLAIMS 10–80% CHARGING IN 9.5 MINUTES

Zeekr has presented its €119,500 9X plug-in hybrid SUV in Germany, featuring a 55.1 kWh battery, claimed 179 km electric range and 900-volt architecture capable of 330 kW peak DC charging, potentially delivering 10–80% charging in just 9.5 minutes. The six-seat SUV uses a petrol engine exclusively as a generator, with European deliveries expected between December 2026 and early 2027, although its charging performance and technical specifications still await final European approval and real-world verification.

FORD SAYS CAMERA FAULTS CHANGED ITS NEXT EV PLATFORM

Ford CEO Jim Farley says recurring camera faults and disputes between suppliers convinced the company to bring more vehicle software development in-house, rather than relying on multiple companies to diagnose and resolve problems. Ford's forthcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform introduces a 48-volt zonal electrical architecture and integrated software designed to simplify over-the-air updates, reduce repair complexity and give Ford greater control over vehicle reliability.

EU ASKED TO LET TRUCK FLEETS SHARE DEPOT CHARGERS

The International Road Transport Union and Transport & Environment are urging the EU to introduce a semi-public charging category that would allow electric truck operators to share privately owned depot chargers without becoming fully public charging providers. The proposal could reduce infrastructure costs for smaller hauliers, improve utilisation of existing grid connections and accelerate truck electrification, although regulatory changes and simpler planning and funding arrangements would be required.

CHERY LAUNCHES UK APPROVED USED SCHEME WITH BATTERY CHECKS

Chery has introduced a UK approved-used programme covering an initial 110 vehicles across 100 dealerships, offering comprehensive inspections, at least two years of warranty protection and battery-health certificates guaranteeing a minimum 90% state of health for qualifying hybrids. Having sold more than 39,000 vehicles in Britain, Chery hopes the scheme will strengthen buyer confidence, support residual values and establish a credible second-hand market alongside its growing new-car business.

DONUT LAB STILL HAS NO VERIFIED PRODUCTION BATTERY

Nearly nine months after claiming its solid-state battery was approaching production, Finnish company Donut Lab has still not provided an independently verified commercial battery demonstrating its extraordinary promises of 400 Wh/kg energy density, five-minute charging, 100,000 cycles and exceptional thermal safety. Independent tests have supported some individual prototype characteristics, including 409 Wh/kg energy density, but different cell versions were tested and no production battery has been independently examined to establish whether all the claimed properties can coexist in a commercially viable product.

MCLAREN PLANS MORE HYBRIDS AS SUPERCAR EVS RETREAT

McLaren is reportedly preparing a hybrid V6 coupé for 2027 and a hybrid V8 SUV for 2028, reinforcing the supercar industry's preference for electrified combustion engines rather than fully electric powertrains. With Ferrari reducing its 2030 pure-electric ambitions and Lamborghini already embracing hybrids, McLaren CEO Nick Collins says the company will build an electric supercar when customers demand one, signalling that full electrification remains a longer-term prospect for the segment.

VW ID. TIGUAN REPLACES ID.4 AND ID.5
https://evne.ws/4va2r

BMW SURVEY FINDS 42% WANT 300-MILE EV RANGE
https://evne.ws/s6lid

2027 BOLT HITS 280.3 MILES AT 60 MPH IN TEST
https://evne.ws/y2eaj

HYUNDAI REPORTEDLY PLANS IONIQ 4 AND IONIQ 7
https://evne.ws/3k7pk

BMW OPENS iX5 ORDERS IN EUROPE WITH 460 KW CHARGING
https://evne.ws/n77tj

EU AND CHINA REACH TENTATIVE HYBRID EXPORT DEAL
https://evne.ws/shjhe

JAGUAR PRIORITISES US AND CANADA FOR TYPE 01
https://evne.ws/iptpr

JAGUAR PLANS MORE MODELS BEYOND TYPE 01
https://evne.ws/hit6b