Everything that happened in EVs on 8 September 2026

Hyundai has opened German orders for the Staria Electric, a nine-seat-capable van with an 84 kWh battery, up to 430 km of WLTP range and 256 kW charging, priced from €57,450. Meanwhile, Shell is upgrading 150 fast-charging points across Germany to improve reliability and availability.

Xiaomi is developing its own Longjia EV battery with industry partners, aiming for tighter control over safety, quality and its supply chain. The battery is expected to debut in upcoming SkyNomad vehicles ahead of Xiaomi’s planned European automotive expansion from 2027.

Tesla’s latest developments span safety, autonomy and entertainment. The 2026 Model Y has earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, while FSD v14.3.9 introduces Automatic Collision Evasion, allowing brief steering intervention in emergencies. Elon Musk has also suggested that Cybercab passengers could connect a PlayStation or Xbox directly to its 22-inch display.

Skoda is exploring EVs at both ends of its mainstream range. The Vision O previews an electric estate that could serve both Octavia and Superb customers, although production details remain unconfirmed. At the smaller end, an electric successor to the Fabia is back under consideration as falling development costs improve the case for an affordable model.

Several future European EVs are taking shape. Mercedes could revive the A-Class as an electric crossover in 2028 with 800-volt technology, charging at up to 350 kW and more than 550 km of range. MG is planning a technology-led electric subcompact for 2027, while the larger 2027 Dacia Spring is expected to remain below €20,000 with 250 km of WLTP range, optional fast charging and V2L. Further ahead, Peugeot may transform the next 308 into an electric-focused fastback coupé-SUV, though a launch is unlikely before late 2029.

BYD has launched the Sealion 08 flagship SUV in China, offering BEV and plug-in hybrid versions, up to 900 km of CLTC range and claimed charging from 10 to 97 percent in nine minutes. For existing owners, our guide to BYD maintenance, workshop choice and warranty rules explains the key requirements.

Xpeng drivers can follow our step-by-step guide to setting up Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including fixes for common smartphone connection problems.

BMW M is preparing a four-motor electric performance platform with torque vectoring and proprietary software based on the Neue Klasse architecture. The division says it will avoid artificial gear shifts, while continuing to update its inline-six and V8 combustion engines for Euro 7.