Everything that happened in EVs on 25 September 2026

BYD is reshaping both ends of its electric lineup. The next Seagull grows into a 4.21-metre, 95 kW subcompact, while the Denza Z9S promises up to 1,100 km of CLTC range from around €31,000. At the luxury end, a 5.5-metre Yangwang sedan has been spotted with apparent LiDAR and Flash Charging technology.

Several European brands are preparing major electric launches. The Bentley Torcal will arrive in 2027 with 653 kW and 400 kW charging, while the BMW i3 Touring has begun public-road testing with Neue Klasse technology. Volvo, meanwhile, plans 13 new models by the end of 2030, with its SPA3 platform opening the door to electric sedans and wagons.

Chinese EV brands continue to expand quickly. Nio delivered 30,000 ES9 SUVs in only 119 days, strengthening the large six-seater’s role in its core range. In Europe, Leapmotor has grown to more than 1,020 sales locations by using Stellantis’ established dealer network.

Tesla battery longevity is in focus after an analysis of 500,000 checks found median capacity above 90% for the Model Y and just under 89% for the Model 3 after 150,000 km. The results also show that climate, charging habits and usage can matter more than the model itself.

On the software front, Tesla is bringing virtual 3D audio to more Model 3 and Model Y variants in China, though a European release remains unconfirmed. A Belgian road test also found that FSD can recognize a 30 km/h limit but still select excessive speed, despite behaving cautiously around pedestrians and cyclists. Separately, Tesla app files appear to preview Optimus Gen 3 with redesigned joints, legs and hands suited to mass production.

Charging technology is getting faster and support more automated. Geely’s latest Golden Battery exceeded 1,000 kW in a demonstration, taking a Lynk & Co 10 from 8% to 70% in four and a half minutes, although suitable chargers remain scarce. EnBW is tackling everyday issues from another angle with a round-the-clock AI phone assistant that reportedly resolves about two-thirds of charging inquiries.

Electric models swept the category wins in the German Car of the Year 2027 awards, putting the VW ID. Polo, Kia PV5, Mercedes GLC, Xpeng X9 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N into the overall final. For more discussion of the awards, Tesla’s upcoming projects, VW’s dispute and Bentley’s high-performance EV, episode 88 of the Latest EV News podcast brings together Nico and Constantin’s take on the week’s talking points.