Everything that happened in EVs on 28 September 2026

Hyundai will bring two new SUVs, a sportier model variant and its first fully electric light commercial vehicle to the Paris Motor Show, with full details due on October 12. Meanwhile, Renault is investing €600 million in its Spanish plants to support five new models, battery assembly and two 800-volt electric cars by 2030.

Tesla’s latest software developments cover security, payments and autonomous driving. Tesla app version 4.61.0 adds passkeys and improved Supercharger maps, while code also hints at optional camera sharing with support. Separately, X Money references found in the Robotaxi app suggest it could process ride payments, although Tesla has not confirmed the integration. In Europe, a Brussels road test has raised questions about FSD Supervised and low-speed-limit recognition as regulators debate approval of the Level 2 system.

Battery-electric cars have drawn level with petrol models in the EU, taking a 21.7% share from January through August 2026, though hybrids remain the largest category. Across the Atlantic, the US hybrid market has reached a record 16.3% share, led by Toyota, with particularly strong growth from Kia and Subaru.

Advanced EV hardware is taking center stage in China. The new IM LS6 combines an 800-volt platform, steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering and up to 782 km of CLTC range, at a post-incentive starting price equivalent to roughly €23,700. BMW’s technology is also getting recognition, with its Gen6 high-voltage battery winning a major WNEVC 2026 award for an architecture that brings together cylindrical cells, cell-to-pack integration and an 800-volt system.

NIO and Geely are opening battery swapping to more electric vehicles by connecting charging services, developing common standards and preparing new Geely models for the network. Geely also plans to take a stake in NIO Power as part of the partnership.

BYD’s small-car lineup could be in for a substantial update, as the next Dolphin Surf is expected to grow to around 4.20 meters and receive a more modern cabin, although rumored Flash Charging remains unconfirmed. For current owners, our BYD app guide explains account setup, vehicle linking and common activation or remote-access problems. On the business side, Hungary is reviewing subsidies, labor conditions and environmental rules around projects involving BYD, CATL and Semcorp.

Volkswagen is offering discounts of up to $12,500 on remaining 2025 ID.4 models in the US, with separate price cuts for the 2026 model year. Looking further ahead, new ID name registrations in Australia may point to exports of VW’s China-market models, potentially giving the brand quicker access to 800-volt technology and additional powertrain options.

Electric performance cars round out the day’s news. Alpine is targeting around 500 km of range and a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap for the electric A110, using an 800-volt system, rear-wheel drive and active torque vectoring. The Peugeot E-208 GTi offers 207 kW and a heavily revised chassis for €44,900, but its high price and average charging performance may limit its appeal.