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Hyundai is launching the Ioniq 3, a new electric compact designed for Europe, with prices starting at €28,950. Two battery options offer up to 497 km of WLTP range, DC charging at up to 119 kW and, for the first time, optional 22 kW AC charging. It also features Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect, Plug & Charge, over-the-air updates and V2L.
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In China, some Tesla Model Y L owners are reporting a noticeably sagging rear end after several thousand kilometers or when heavily loaded. Tesla is said to replace the springs if the vehicle falls below a defined measurement height, but according to those affected, the problem sometimes returns.
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Windrose has unveiled a compact electric power take-off module (ePTO) that delivers up to 70 kW and is integrated directly into the company’s own electric axle. It allows electric tractor-trailers to power auxiliary equipment and trailer hydraulics without diesel idling—a genuine practical advantage for applications such as car transporters, dump trucks, and cranes.
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BMW is planning its first electric 1 Series for 2028. Called the BMW i1, it will be offered alongside combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid versions. Intriguingly, the i1 is expected to use a dedicated EV platform while visually mirroring the 1 Series and likely featuring rear-wheel drive. A rear motor producing up to 240 kW and a potentially much more powerful all-wheel-drive option are under discussion.
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With the #2, Smart is bringing back a true electric two-seater that offers a modern interpretation of the ForTwo spirit without resorting to retro styling. This is made possible by a new small-car platform with wheels positioned far out at the corners, a modern safety cell, and a compact LFP battery. Initial data from China indicates a range of around 300 km, an output of 60 kW, and charging from 10 to 80% in about 20 minutes.
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According to the latest information, Volkswagen’s upcoming entry-level EV based on the ID. Every1 concept will be called the “ID. Up” and start at around €20,000. It is expected to feature a new software and E/E architecture developed jointly by VW and Rivian, while its powertrain will use a derivative of MEB+.
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Mercedes-AMG is turning the CLA into a true electric performance model: three axial-flux motors deliver up to 500 kW and torque vectoring at the rear axle. The sedan and Shooting Brake can be ordered from around €80,000, with ranges of up to 670 km and fast charging at up to 330 kW.
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Mercedes is working on electric successors to the EQE and EQS while returning to traditional model names, beginning with an E-Class designed exclusively as an EV. Initial prototypes also point to an AMG E 63 with 800-volt technology, including a large battery and an extremely powerful drivetrain.
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Volvo is enabling Vehicle-to-Load on the EX30 via an over-the-air update, turning the compact electric SUV into a mobile power outlet. Plug & Charge will also be available at compatible fast chargers from model year 2026, allowing charging to start without an app or charging card. A new context bar and redesigned settings menu will also make the infotainment system easier to use.
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Rivian is integrating Waze alerts directly into its in-car navigation system, starting with speed camera and police reports delivered via OTA update 2026.31. This brings real-time community alerts into the cockpit, while Tesla has so far addressed similar needs mainly through its own map markers and data sources. The key question is how much live hazard data will eventually make its way into Tesla’s system without requiring users to open a conventional third-party app.
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Tesla has officially confirmed that it is developing a localized version of FSD (Supervised) v14 Lite for Australia and New Zealand, specifically for vehicles with Hardware 3. The update is intended to narrow the gap with HW4, but must first be thoroughly validated for left-hand traffic, regional road features, and thermal loads.
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Tesla is upgrading its in-car voice and chat features with the 2026 Summer Update (starting with version 2026.26), now using Grok Think Fast 2.0 as its new speech backend. This is intended to make responses noticeably faster and significantly improve recognition amid highway noise. At the same time, Grok is gaining functionality, as it can execute more vehicle commands using natural language.
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Honda and Nissan plan to collaborate on the “brains” of modern cars: central high-performance computers, zonal control units, a vehicle operating system, middleware and control software. The shared SDV platform is set to enter production vehicles from 2029, significantly reducing development time and costs.
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With the Corsa GSE, Opel is launching a sporty electric supermini with 207 kW and 345 Nm that is expected to sprint to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. The technical package is compelling, but the expected price of around 40,000 euros and real-world range are likely to spark plenty of debate.
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Many automakers are now integrating Google, Amazon, or Apple much more deeply into their infotainment systems, from maps and point-of-interest searches to voice control. The reason is simple: Modern automotive software is expensive and complex and must be maintained for years—something even major corporations can no longer manage alone. At the same time, manufacturers continue to draw clear boundaries around safety-critical vehicle data.
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Volkswagen is preparing the ID. Tiguan for late 2026 as the electric successor to the ID.4. New spy shots point to a design much closer to the Tiguan, a modernized cockpit with more buttons, and MEB+ technology for greater range and faster charging.
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A major Chinese glass supplier is offering semi-transparent solar glass for car roofs for the first time, designed to generate electricity directly in the vehicle. It may sound like a “solar car,” but in practice it is more of a range and standby-power booster for auxiliary systems than a way to drive on sunlight. It is particularly promising for features that consume energy while parked, from climate control to Sentry Mode.
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With 2026.26.6.5, Tesla is rolling out a package combining the Summer Update with new FSD (Supervised) versions, including v14.3.8 for HW4 and v14.1 Lite for HW3. It also introduces noticeable changes to navigation, visualizations, and the new Grok integration, depending on the vehicle and hardware generation.
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Lotus is enabling “Hyper Pilot” for the Eletre in Germany via an over-the-air update, but only on selected Autobahn sections along the Frankfurt–Stuttgart–Munich corridor. The system combines lane centering, adaptive speed control and supervised overtaking assistance, while responsibility remains firmly with the driver. During the introductory phase, access to the required premium package is free until July 29, 2027.
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With software update 2026.26, Tesla is giving its integrated browser a major upgrade: websites can now request access to the camera and microphone, enabling video calls directly in the car. The update also adds bookmark syncing via Tesla Profiles, a larger default display size, and full-screen support for more streaming sites.
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With the Corsa GSE, Opel is bringing out an electric subcompact that carries the old GSi and OPC formula into the EV era, complete with 207 kW and 345 Nm. Prices in Germany start at €39,900, including a comprehensively retuned, firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and extensive standard equipment. Range and final specifications remain subject to homologation, with Opel quoting a WLTP range of up to around 374 km depending on the tires.
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Tesla has introduced a new interior option for the Model Y in Europe: “Zen Grey” replaces the previous “Black and White” version on Premium models. The price remains €1,200, and the option is available for the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive Model Y Premium.
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Mercedes is giving the EQS a major technology update: an 800-volt architecture, charging at up to 350 kW and optional steer-by-wire are intended to make the luxury electric sedan noticeably more practical in everyday use. For the EQS 450+, the main focus is long-distance driving, including a range of more than 920 km and significantly shorter charging times. Mercedes is also upgrading rear-seat comfort while deliberately keeping the EQS distinct from the S-Class.
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New text strings have appeared in version 4.60.0 of the Tesla app, pointing to two upcoming features: passkeys as an alternative login method and closer integration between Cybertruck Powershare and Powerwall. Tesla has not officially announced either feature, but the details in the code are strikingly specific.
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With the Torcal, Bentley is launching its first fully electric model, drawing heavily on Volkswagen Group technology from the PPE platform, including a large 113-kWh battery and exceptionally high charging power. The key question will be how extensively Bentley calibrates the suspension, steering and sound experience to meet its own luxury standards and distinguish the Torcal from its technically related Porsche counterpart.
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Mercedes-AMG is now taking orders for the CLA 45 4Matic+ as a fully electric range-topping model with 500 kW of system output and 800-volt technology. Its 94 kWh battery enables a WLTP range of more than 670 km, while DC charging from 10 to 80% is said to take 22 minutes. In Germany, the sedan starts at €79,039 and the Shooting Brake at €80,408.
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Tesla wants to tackle a known front-camera problem at its source: A hazy film on the inside of the windshield can impair the view of the FSD cameras even when the exterior is clean. A new patent application describes VOC-absorbing materials integrated directly into the camera housing that are designed to trap emissions for years.
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Several drivers have posted videos showing that Tesla’s FSD Lite (v14.1) on Hardware 3 apparently struggles to reliably detect fallen trees and logs on the road. This is particularly concerning because the feature is still clearly classified as “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” and requires active driver supervision.
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Audi has filed a patent combining Quattro all-wheel drive with a range extender, but with an unusual twist: A second electric motor would either propel the vehicle or generate electricity for the battery, depending on demand. The apparent aim is to reduce hardware, cut weight, and flexibly ensure sufficient range and highway capability.
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The Smart #2 marks the return of the classic two-seater as an electric city car, but without taking a retro approach. Key elements include a new platform with “wheels-to-the-corners” packaging, a modern interpretation of the safety cell, and a consistently cost-focused design. Smart also explains why the model is arriving only after the #1, #3, and #5.
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Tesla is rolling out an app update that points to new Pet Mode live information for Android users and expands Tesla Assist. Assist chats are also expected to appear as a history in Messages, though only temporarily.
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A Swedish real-world test shows that many modern infotainment systems are not faster to operate despite their large, high-resolution displays, but are instead more cumbersome. Menus, start-up times and the lack of buttons are particularly distracting, while balanced concepts combining touchscreens and physical controls perform better.
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Tesla is increasing the WLTP range of the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 in Europe from 534 km to 572 km. The increase comes not from a new battery, but from a new efficiency-focused 18-inch wheel-and-tire package. Importantly, the update applies to European left-hand-drive markets, but not to the UK and Ireland.