Everything that happened in EVs on 12 September 2026

Mercedes-Benz is stepping up pressure in its dispute over a 40-hour week at German plants, with more production potentially shifting to Hungary if talks fail. Meanwhile, JLR plans to cut around 4,000 jobs and save nearly €2 billion while maintaining investment in EVs and digitalization, and Seat’s future beyond 2030 remains undecided as Cupra grows and the Martorell factory takes on more electric car production.

Kia Germany says surging EV demand is driving a 2026 turnaround, with an order book three times larger than a year ago and battery electric cars making up about 70% of new orders. As Chinese brands expand overseas, China is introducing guidelines to curb export price wars, calling for cost-based pricing, steadier prices and tighter compliance.

Among the latest vehicle launches, the €24,995 VW ID. Polo offers up to 454 km of WLTP range and earned praise from ADAC for comfort, controls and efficiency. In China, Denza is adding a more affordable 850 kW Z9 GT, while the IM LS6 combines an 800-volt platform with up to 782 km of CLTC range. At the luxury end, Bentley’s Torcal electric SUV promises 653 kW and charging at up to 400 kW, plus more than 600 km of WLTP range.

Polestar’s Formula 2030 concept previews its next design generation, retaining the brand’s Dual-Blade headlights while introducing new materials and cleaner lines from 2027. The company is also adding a Polestar 4 SUV priced from €57,900 in Germany, with more cargo room, up to 630 km of range, vehicle-to-load capability and a Camping Mode.

BMW is moving the iX5 Hydrogen closer to production, targeting 750 km of WLTP range and refueling in under five minutes. Renault is improving a more conventional battery model, with the upgraded Scenic E-Tech Electric gaining up to 642 km of range, faster charging, new battery options and Google Gemini, although a German launch is not yet confirmed.

Charging news brings both expansion and lower prices. EVN is acquiring BayWa Mobility Charging and its 170 German HPC points, with plans to reach 306 points across 54 locations by 2027. Tesla drivers may also find bargains, as some German Superchargers are reportedly charging as little as 20 cents per kWh outside peak periods, though rates vary by site, time and vehicle brand.

On batteries, Chery is targeting 400 Wh/kg for a full solid-state battery and plans vehicle validation from 2027, although mass production remains a major hurdle. For packs already on the road, our battery recycling guide explains how used EV batteries are inspected, reused and processed to recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper and aluminum.

Finally, Audi owners looking to refresh their navigation data can use a guide to choosing the correct MMI map update method, whether that means an online update, myAudi or an SD card, depending on the vehicle, system and connect subscription.