Everything that happened in EVs on 29 September 2026

Several new models are taking shape. The Tesla Roadster’s outdoor premiere has moved to October 15 because of the weather, adding to speculation about a dramatic driving demonstration. Meanwhile, the VW ID. Tiguan is expected with three powertrains and up to 600 km of WLTP range, potentially replacing the ID.4 and ID.5 in early 2027, while an electric Skoda Fabia is back under consideration, though it has not yet been approved.

At the more affordable end, VW’s Jetta M6 has launched in China for the equivalent of about €10,200, with up to 555 km of CLTC range. Xpeng is going bigger with the G9L, a 5.12-metre electric SUV set for an October 12 premiere in Paris, featuring up to 430 kW, 800-volt technology and plans for sales in 64 countries.

Inside the Genesis GV90, a motorized OLED display expands the cockpit into a mobile movie theater, offering around 70% more screen area while parked. Genesis says the mechanism endured more than 100,000 test cycles and was engineered around structural strength and passenger-airbag safety.

Higher-voltage systems are also moving closer to reality as Rivian and its Volkswagen joint venture prepare to test battery systems at up to 900 volts. That points toward future 800-volt vehicles, although neither company has named a production model yet.

Battery development brings both ambition and constraints. BYD plans to reveal its first solid-state-battery vehicle in 2027, but it is not clear whether this will be customer-ready or a technology demonstrator. BMW, meanwhile, says the new i3’s Gen6 battery will reduce its carbon footprint through recycled materials, cleaner production and shorter transport routes.

Europe still faces a supply gap, however. An assessment of the EU battery plan warns that regional cell production will initially remain too small, with particular shortages expected in LFP cells, raw materials and commercial-vehicle batteries. That could complicate subsidy eligibility, pricing and future model plans.

BMW’s other zero-emission bet comes with a major caveat. The production BMW iX5 Hydrogen is planned for 2028 with up to 750 km of range, but high energy costs and a shrinking hydrogen-refueling network remain serious obstacles. In the battery-electric camp, the Nissan Micra EV scored 94% and five stars in Green NCAP testing, performing especially well on efficiency and greenhouse-gas emissions.

BYD has also reached a major manufacturing landmark, with the Dynasty range passing 10 million vehicles produced. The milestone car was the new 5.26-metre Da Han electric sedan, which claims as much as 1,008 km of CLTC range.

For owners dealing with everyday charging, our latest guides explain how to safely release a stuck Xpeng charging cable, including troubleshooting and use of the mechanical emergency release, and how to coordinate Kia charging schedules, target levels and preconditioning between the app, vehicle and wallbox.

Hyundai is finding another job for batteries after their time on the road. Its South Korean fast-charger trial uses second-life Ioniq batteries as a 200 kWh buffer, reducing grid strain and supplying extra power during periods of peak charging demand.

Beyond cars, Tesla is reportedly producing several hundred Optimus robots per week and further automating the process. Commercial readiness is still some way off, with better hands, higher reliability and faster task-learning AI all needed.

Finally, business and trade pressures are building. Stellantis is struggling to win over some German dealers for its 2027 contracts despite improved terms and rising registrations, while the EU is reportedly urging the UK to impose higher tariffs on Chinese EVs. London must balance affordable imports and Chinese investment against closer access to