Everything that happened in EVs on 17 September 2026

BYD is reportedly aiming for more than 2.5 million overseas sales in 2027, backed by its own ships, local factories and a much larger fast-charging network. Meanwhile, Leapmotor has started pilot production of the B10 in Spain to reduce EU tariff exposure and shorten supply routes, while BMW’s new iX3 has passed 100,000 orders, suggesting its big battery, fast charging and redesigned cockpit have struck a chord.

China’s latest performance EVs are pushing some striking numbers. The Li Auto i9 promises 500 km of added range in 10 minutes through 5C charging, paired with a 101 kWh battery and slippery SUV body. BYD’s Denza brand is going further on paper with the Z9S, rated for up to 1,100 km of CLTC range and 890 kW.

European product news brings several long-range options. The rear-wheel-drive VW ID.3 GTI will arrive in 2027 with 240 kW and up to 601 km of WLTP range, while the updated Renault Scenic offers up to 632 km and a price cut of more than €5,000. Mercedes is adding the C 300 4Matic with 690 km of range and 320 kW charging. Volvo, meanwhile, says its flexible platform means an electric estate remains technically possible, although no model is confirmed.

Some Volkswagen Group EVs may be further away than expected. A report says the Audi A4 e-tron’s SSP launch has slipped to 2029, potentially pushing the electric VW Golf and an ID. T-Roc into 2030.

Charging infrastructure is getting faster, cheaper and smarter. Xpeng has opened a public 1 MW charger in Hong Kong and plans a European rollout, using a 400 kWh buffer battery to work around a much smaller grid connection. Tesla says its factory-built Accordion Supercharger can cut installation costs by 20%, while research indicates that smart charging could save Europe €10.6 billion in local grid investment by 2030.

Tesla’s technology pipeline ranges from small refinements to extreme concepts. The Cybertruck is getting an aerodynamic fin designed to keep its side-camera lens cleaner, and the Model Y manual hints that Grok will be able to compose and send text messages by voice. At the other end of the spectrum, Tesla plans an October 1 demonstration for the Roadster and its proposed active aerodynamics, steer-by-wire and optional cold-gas system, though many performance claims remain unconfirmed.

For drivers planning a road trip, a roof box can noticeably increase EV consumption and reduce range, especially at highway speeds, although careful installation and a lighter right foot can limit the penalty.

Finally, a Texas solar-panel recycling plant plans to recover up to 96% of materials when it opens in 2027, including silver, copper and silicon that can return directly to US supply chains.