Everything that happened in EVs on 14 September 2026

BYD is sharpening its European price offensive, with the Dolphin Surf available in Spain for as little as €12,995 under specific incentive and financing conditions. The company is also expanding its logistics muscle through plans for ten additional 9,200-car export vessels, reflecting how overseas markets are becoming essential to further Chinese EV growth.

Xpeng intends to build more than 4,000 European fast-charging points by 2028, including battery-buffered sites where grid capacity is limited. In China, the 800-volt Xpeng G9L launches on September 17 in electric and range-extender forms, while Volkswagen is bringing their partnership to market with the ID. AURA T6 and its jointly developed Xpeng electronic architecture.

Range and efficiency take center stage as a production-spec Škoda Peaq 90 covers 936 km on one charge in a controlled efficiency run. Volkswagen goes further with its Mission Efficiency concept and exceptionally low energy consumption, combining MEB+ technology with a drag coefficient of just 0.158.

Tesla is preparing 24/7 Robotaxi operation with FSD V15, targeting an October 2026 introduction in its commercial fleet. Meanwhile, FSD version 14.3.9 can intervene during manual driving when it detects an imminent collision or severe distraction, although driver supervision remains mandatory. Munich is also advancing autonomous transport with three self-driving VW ID. Buzz shuttles now testing on public roads.

At IAA Transportation 2026, we took the European Tesla Semi for a first test drive and examined its cab, regional differences and long-term operating costs. It also features among seven standout electric trucks and delivery vehicles from the show, alongside the Mercedes eActros 600 and autonomous Skyworth Z9. Looking ahead, the Kia PV7 will reach Europe in 2027 with 800-volt charging, up to 8 m³ of cargo space and Cargo and Passenger variants.

Li Auto is reducing its reliance on CATL by introducing in-house 5C technology, with Sunwoda-built 5C cells destined for the Europe-bound Li 6. Onvo, meanwhile, is trying to reverse three months of declining deliveries with a new blue and 21-inch-wheel design package for the L80.

For owners navigating the less glamorous side of EV life, our guide to TÜV inspections for electric cars explains deadlines, common checks, likely costs and how to prepare.