Everything that happened in EVs on 19 September 2026

Several new EVs are taking shape. BYD’s updated Atto 2 now offers up to 501 km of CLTC range in China, while cheaper 401 km versions are also joining the lineup. Europe could gain another compact option in 2027 with the planned MG2, which is eventually set for Spanish production. Meanwhile, the new Mercedes GLA has entered production as an EV first, and the Audi A2 e-tron pairs VW ID.3 technology with up to 646 km of range, albeit at a premium. Scout has also shown luxury and off-road concepts based on its upcoming Traveler SUV, with deliveries planned from 2028.

Demand for the new BMW iX3 has prompted BMW’s fastest-ever factory ramp-up. Its Debrecen plant is already running three shifts after attracting more than 100,000 European orders, and a second electric model is expected to join production in the fall.

Autonomous mobility is gathering pace on both sides of the Atlantic. Tesla has revealed key Cybercab technology, including a rare-earth-free 163 kW motor, structural 4680 battery pack, steer-by-wire and nine cameras. Code found in the company’s app also suggests robotaxis could eventually replace service loaners, although no launch is confirmed. In Europe, Lucid and Bolt plan to deploy more than 25,000 Level 4 robotaxis based on Lucid’s forthcoming midsize crossover.

In connected-car software, Tesla Grok can now tie reminders to specific locations, provided the vehicle has an AMD Ryzen processor and an internet connection. Audi owners considering post-purchase upgrades can also find an explanation of how Functions on Demand bookings, renewals and vehicle resale work.

Electric cars could become useful assets for the energy system rather than simply consumers of power. Two vehicle-to-grid research projects are studying bidirectional corporate fleets, with a focus on secure data access and common standards.

Battery development is advancing on charging speed and circularity. Porsche has made test cells using cathode material recovered entirely from recycled metals and will now evaluate them in development vehicles. Sunwoda, meanwhile, claims its new 15C battery can charge from 10 to 97 percent in nine minutes, alongside plans for 10,000 megawatt charging sites by the end of 2027.

Electric long-haul trucking received a trio of major updates. The Volvo FH Aero Electric is entering series production with up to 700 km of range and 700 kW charging, while Zerova is bringing a 1.44 MW MCS charger to Europe for trucks, buses and fleet hubs. CATL is pushing the range target further with the Tectrans II modular truck battery, designed to support up to 1,000 km and a service life of 1.5 million km.

Toyota is taking a different route for demanding commercial work. The hydrogen-powered Hilux FCEV is due in Europe in 2028, targeting roughly 400 km of range and 2,500 kg of towing capacity, though limited refueling infrastructure is likely to keep its appeal focused on predictable fleet routes.