Everything that happened in EVs on 13 September 2026

New models are taking shape at both ends of the market. The 2.75-metre Smart #2 has emerged in prototype form, with a roughly 30 kWh battery and more than 300 km of range under discussion. Audi, meanwhile, has cut the A2 e-tron’s development time by 21 months, while the Voyah Dream 9 brings a 120 kWh battery and four LiDAR sensors to China’s luxury van segment.

Software updates are delivering a mix of useful additions and small compromises. Tesla Caraoke now lets passengers queue songs by QR code, although full lyrics have disappeared from the rear display, and a separate update means the Tesla browser can block ads directly in the car. Rivian is also rolling out RivianOS 2 across all R1 models, bringing refreshed graphics, customizable controls and hardware-dependent AI features.

Trade policy is moving higher up the automotive agenda. German automakers are calling for tougher measures on Chinese imports, including possible tariffs and “Made in Europe” requirements, while an unconfirmed rumor suggests Chinese EVs could gain a path into the US, most likely through local factories rather than unrestricted imports. At home, Germany’s EV market is surging, with battery-electric cars reaching 42.7 percent of private registrations in August.

Driver assistance and autonomy are expanding into more cities and vehicles. Amazon-owned Zoox has started mapping and robotaxi testing in Houston and San Diego using modified Toyota Highlanders with safety drivers. Volkswagen, meanwhile, is adding automatic lane changes and predictive speed control to the ID. Buzz, supported by cloud-based road mapping when visibility or lane markings are poor.

Battery engineering is heading beyond conventional passenger cars. A Toyota patent proposes isolating EV batteries from off-road frame twist through a joint-and-support system that could also improve crash safety. BYD is going even heavier, with new Blade Battery systems being developed for locomotives used in industrial, mining and shunting operations.

On safety, the latest evidence indicates that electric cars do not catch fire more often than combustion vehicles, though battery fires behave differently and can be harder to extinguish. Under Euro NCAP’s stricter 2026 protocol, the Aion UT, Geely E2 and Leapmotor B05 earned five stars, while the Cupra Raval managed four stars as standard and five with its optional Safety Pack.

Geely is strengthening its European retail setup, with Lynk & Co set to use Volvo’s dealer and service network from January 2027. Volvo will take exclusive responsibility for European distribution, although Lynk & Co will retain its own products and brand identity.

Finally, owners planning maintenance should note that the Xpeng G9’s Jack Mode must be activated before lifting the vehicle, safely disabling its air suspension’s self-leveling function while work is carried out.