EV News Daily - Technology and Business of EVs

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart XIAOMI SU7 FACELIFT GETS GOOD FIRST REVIEWS https://evne.ws/4uSOoS6 XIAOMI BECOMES BYD’S TOP OUTSIDE BATTERY BUYER https://evne.ws/4c5v6BA CHINA’S VEHICLE EXPORTS SURGE IN FEBRUARY https://evne.ws/3NCIVhz AUDI OPENS A6L E-TRON PRE-SALES IN CHINA https://evne.ws/4dcewB1 AION UT JOINS GAC OUTPUT AT GRAZ https://evne.ws/41fsWt7 CHERY OPENS FULWIN T9L PRE-SALES https://evne.ws/4dJkf1h CHINA’S SHOOTING BRAKES CROWD INTO VIEW https://evne.ws/4dc4Q9D CHINESE CARMAKERS OVERTAKE JAPAN GLOBALLY https://evne.ws/3NGEEty

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart AFEELA EV PROGRAMME SCRAPPED https://evne.ws/47PAQgg MG TEASES SOLIDCORE BATTERY https://evne.ws/40OT3Xw EV CAR/VAN CONVERSIONS FROM RENAULT AND VOLVO https://evne.ws/4t5SG6X AUSTRALIAN FUEL SHORTAGES SPREAD WITHOUT SUPPLY LOSS https://evne.ws/4uQBVOI VAUXHALL ASTRA FACELIFT STARTS AT £29,995 https://evne.ws/3Pyu0pa UK PLEDGES £1 BILLION FOR FLEET ELECTRIFICATION https://evne.ws/47Sm8oI SK SIGNET STARTS TEXAS BUILD OF 400-KW CHARGER https://evne.ws/4uQBqUQ ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS ELECTRIC COACHBUILD PROGRAMME https://evne.ws/4t4DXZT FERRARI TUNES LUCE FOR FEEL, NOT FIGURES https://evne.ws/4bxsmNg XPENG AUSTRALIA DISTRIBUTOR ENTERS ADMINISTRATION https://evne.ws/4c2I5nw

It's EV News Briefly for Wednesday 25 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyAFEELA EV PROGRAMME SCRAPPEDSony Honda Mobility has scrapped its Afeela EV programme after Honda's broader EV strategy reassessment — which included a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) — left the joint venture with no viable route to market. The Afeela 1, priced from $89,900 with deliveries planned for late 2026, has been cancelled alongside a second model targeting 2028, with California reservation holders receiving full refunds.MG TEASES SOLIDCORE BATTERYMG Motor has opened a third European engineering centre in Frankfurt and unveiled SolidCore, a semi-solid-state battery cell using a manganese-based cathode, semi-solid electrolyte shield, and graphite anode — claiming improvements in safety, range, durability and cold-weather performance without providing specific figures. MG claims to be the first automaker to mass-produce a semi-solid-state battery, though the distinction from a similar cell already in China-market MG4s since December 2025 remains unclear; SolidCore is expected in European EVs by end of 2026.EV CAR/VAN CONVERSIONS FROM RENAULT AND VOLVORenault has revealed an electric Twingo van conversion developed for EDF, doubling load capacity from 360 to 797 litres via a removable rear seat, mesh bulkhead, and cargo cage — though the concept remains unlikely to reach UK sale. Volvo UK is already in market with the EX30 Cargo, a fleet-only compact van offering 1,000 litres of capacity, 390kg payload, and a top dual-motor variant producing 423bhp with a 0–62mph time of 3.6 seconds.AUSTRALIAN FUEL SHORTAGES SPREAD WITHOUT SUPPLY LOSSPanic buying — not supply disruption — has left over 500 petrol stations across Australia short of at least one fuel grade, with New South Wales worst affected at 289 sites, including 164 diesel-dry locations pushing diesel prices above $3 per litre. Authorities have not declared a national fuel emergency or introduced rationing, with Victoria's Energy Minister confirming the strain is entirely driven by consumer behaviour rather than any import disruption.VAUXHALL ASTRA FACELIFT STARTS AT £29,995The facelifted Vauxhall Astra starts at £29,995 across mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and full EV variants in both hatchback and Sports Tourer estate, with the PHEV's battery growing from 12.4kWh to 17.2kWh for 52 miles of official electric range and a BiK rate of 10% — undercutting the Golf eHybrid by £6,490. The Astra Electric uses a 154bhp motor with 55.4kWh usable battery, 281 miles of quoted range, and 100kW DC charging covering 20–80% in around 30 minutes.UK PLEDGES £1 BILLION FOR FLEET ELECTRIFICATIONThe UK government has committed £1 billion to commercial fleet electrification, with the Zero Emissions Truck and Van scheme covering up to 40% of purchase costs — reaching £81,000 for the heaviest electric trucks and £5,000 for vans, though reduced from a previous maximum of £120,000 for trucks over 26 tonnes. A separate £170 million uplift to the Depot Charging Scheme allows businesses to reclaim up to 70% of depot charging installation costs, capped at £1 million per application.SK SIGNET STARTS TEXAS BUILD OF 400-KW CHARGERSK Signet has begun production of a 400-kW all-in-one DC fast charger at its Texas facility, using silicon carbide electronics to achieve 96.5% conversion efficiency while reducing its physical footprint by up to 54% versus its predecessor. A modular design offers 320–400kW output tiers, supports one to four CCS1/NACS ports delivering a stable 150–250kW per vehicle simultaneously, and features a 32-inch outdoor touchscreen with Plug & Charge, credit card, and RFID payment support.ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS ELECTRIC COACHBUILD PROGRAMMERolls-Royce has launched the Coachbuild Collection, a new electric coachbuilding programme for ultra-high-net-worth clients, with every vehicle fully road-legal and homologated — unlike predecessors Sweptail, Boatail, and Droptail. The first model will be fully electric, with powertrain, design, and interior details expected later in 2026, supported by a Private Office Network across Dubai, Seoul, Shanghai, New York, and Goodwood.FERRARI TUNES LUCE FOR FEEL, NOT FIGURESFerrari says its first fully electric car, the Luce, will prioritise driver feel over headline performance figures, with CEO Benedetto Vigna consulting NASA and medical centres to identify the point at which EV acceleration becomes neurologically disturbing. Ferrari identified five distinct generators of driving thrills and is focusing on issues such as battery placement to address the mismatch between visual and vestibular cues in cornering caused by heavy EV battery packs.XPENG AUSTRALIA DISTRIBUTOR ENTER

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart RISING PETROL PRICES BOOST ULTRA-FAST CHARGING CASE https://evne.ws/3PHuskW BYD ADDS FREE FLASH CHARGING TO SONG ULTRA EV https://evne.ws/4lRzsj8 XIAOMI DEFIES CHINA EV MARGIN SQUEEZE https://evne.ws/40TQCms BAIC SHOWS 450 KM SODIUM-ION BATTERY https://evne.ws/4rP7dmn CHERY SETS OUT RHINO BATTERY RANGE https://evne.ws/4uRtoLm FREELANDER RETURNS ON MARCH 31 https://evne.ws/47WS0sn XPENG BRINGS TURING CHIP TO MONA M03 https://evne.ws/3PxewSi XPENG MONA D02 SUV BREAKS COVER https://evne.ws/4syN9pG NIO ES9 SPY SHOTS REVEAL FLAGSHIP SUV https://evne.ws/4sxnoWz

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart BMW SETS 18 MARCH FOR I3 DEBUT https://evne.ws/3N5nIwz EU EV PRICES FALL AS RULES BITE https://evne.ws/4sMS5qx TESLA WINS UK POWER SUPPLY LICENCE https://evne.ws/4sKchta UK MAKERS BEAT 2024 ZEV TARGET https://evne.ws/4sNf5pg GREEN NCAP LINKS WITH CHARIN ON CHARGING TESTS https://evne.ws/4bs39lV ARVAL DATA SHOWS STRONG EV BATTERY LIFE https://evne.ws/4rDpzH1 AUSTRALIA EV TAX BREAK FACES BUDGET THREAT https://evne.ws/4uuCOwt ŠKODA POSTS RECORD 2025 RESULTS https://evne.ws/4lEqW74 SEAT SEES 2026 PROFIT LIFT AFTER TARIFF CUT https://evne.ws/4sNbS9d NISSAN LEAF BATTERIES RETURN AS VIGO CHARGERS https://evne.ws/417maoX

It's EV News Briefly for Monday 16 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyBMW SETS 18 MARCH FOR I3 DEBUTBMW will unveil the fully electric i3 sedan on 18 March, extending its Neue Klasse platform into the compact sedan segment, with assembly already underway at its Munich plant and series production expected to begin in late autumn. The i3 50 xDrive will be the first version to reach customers, featuring an 800V platform with up to 400kW peak charging and an expected range exceeding the iX3's 805km rating.EU EV PRICES FALL AS RULES BITEEU EV prices fell by an average of €1,800 in 2025, a 4% drop that ended five consecutive years of rising prices, taking the average to €42,700, driven by tighter CO2 emissions targets forcing carmakers to compete on price. T&E expects further price falls as more budget EVs launch, with affordable and mass-market EVs projected to outsell large and premium vehicles by 2027, alongside full price parity with ICE vehicles across all segments.TESLA WINS UK POWER SUPPLY LICENCETesla has been granted an electricity supply licence by Ofgem, allowing Tesla Energy Ventures to sell power directly to homes and businesses across England, Wales and Scotland from 11 March 2026, completing a six-year effort to become a full-service energy provider in Britain. Ofgem approved the licence despite over 8,400 objections citing Elon Musk's political activities, ruling that Tesla met all statutory requirements, and Tesla must now comply with standard UK consumer protection and billing obligations.UK MAKERS BEAT 2024 ZEV TARGETUK car makers met their 2024 ZEV mandate obligations despite a raw EV sales mix of 19.8% falling short of the 22% headline target, by using CO2 credits under the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme to reach an effective 24.1%. The result gave manufacturers surplus credits to carry into future compliance years, with the government set to begin a ZEV mandate review later in 2026 and findings due in the first half of 2027.GREEN NCAP LINKS WITH CHARIN ON CHARGING TESTSGreen NCAP and the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) have agreed to collaborate on EV charging interoperability and performance transparency, with the goal of giving consumers independent, verified data on how well EVs work with charging infrastructure. The CharIN Label will be referenced within Green NCAP's Driving Experience assessment for electric vehicles, with testing following CharIN's own processes or recognised partner organisations.ARVAL DATA SHOWS STRONG EV BATTERY LIFEArval's analysis of 24,000 battery health certificates across 11 European countries found that EV and PHEV batteries decline by just 1% per 25,000km after an initial drop, with vehicles reaching 160,000km or six years of service still retaining battery health above 90%. Newer-generation models outperformed older ones by two to three percentage points, and the entire fleet comfortably exceeds the incoming Euro 7 requirement of 72% battery capacity retention at eight years or 100,000 miles.AUSTRALIA EV TAX BREAK FACES BUDGET THREATAustralia's Electric Vehicle Discount, which allows workers to reduce their tax bill by purchasing a new EV through salary sacrificing, is under review with reports suggesting the upcoming federal budget could remove it. Renewable energy advocates are opposing any scrapping of the scheme, arguing the timing is particularly poor given rising global fuel prices.ŠKODA POSTS RECORD 2025 RESULTSŠkoda posted record 2025 results with revenue up 8.3% to €30.1 billion, operating profit up 8.6% to €2.5 billion, and net cash flow reaching €2.3 billion. Electrified vehicle deliveries more than doubled to 218,700 units, with the Elroq ranking as the second best-selling BEV in Europe and plugged-in models accounting for 25.7% of European sales.SEAT SEES 2026 PROFIT LIFT AFTER TARIFF CUTSeat expects profitability to recover in 2026 after the EU dropped an additional tariff on the China-built Cupra Tavascan, which had cost the company an estimated €250 million in 2025 and forced it to absorb around €7,000 per vehicle rather than pass costs to buyers. EV margins still trail combustion-engine equivalents, but Seat expects improvement with the launch of the Cupra Raval small EV on April 9, priced comparably to combustion-engine cars and weeks away from series production.NISSAN LEAF BATTERIES RETURN AS VIGO CHARGERSNissan has partnered with Spanish firm Little Electric Energy to deploy a second-life battery charging system at the Port of Vigo, using 12 decommissioned 30 kWh Nissan Leaf packs to power four charging points supporting both 22 kW AC and 240 kW DC ultra-fast charging. The Green Charge Flex system targets sites with limited grid capacity by charging slowly

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart BYD STUDIES CANADA PLANT, REJECTS JOINT VENTURE https://evne.ws/4bL1069 MERCEDES WEIGHS DEEPER GEELY TIES IN CHINA https://evne.ws/4s7Kymg VOLKSWAGEN ANHUI SETS FOUR 2026 LAUNCHES https://evne.ws/4uqQ2dn BYD FANG CHENG BAO LAUNCHES TI3 FLASH EDITION https://evne.ws/4sNYK3Y BYD FILES SEAL 06 DM-I WAGON https://evne.ws/4lx5Xmw BYD SEAL 08 FILED FOR Q2 2026 https://evne.ws/4sfjdPf BYD SETS SONG ULTRA EV LAUNCH DATE https://evne.ws/4sdS0fB LEAPMOTOR BRINGS LIDAR TO A BUDGET EV https://evne.ws/3PkHHrB ONVO PREPARES LIDAR L60 https://evne.ws/40C9ne3 CHINA CLIMATE PLAN KEEPS ITS OPTIONS OPEN https://evne.ws/3Niy9Nl HORMUZ SHUTDOWN HITS CHINESE CAR EXPORTS https://evne.ws/4sQTXyL

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart USED EV SUPPLY SET TO JUMP https://evne.ws/4b9e45c GLOBAL EV SALES FALL AS CHINA CORRECTS, EUROPE MOVES FORWARD https://evne.ws/41aQ1Nb PROLOGUE STUMLBES ON AS HONDA RETREATS FROM EVS https://evne.ws/4rCjaMj BYD SETS PARIS DEBUT FOR FLASH CHARGING https://evne.ws/3P6aeBi GERMAN MOTORWAY CHARGING OPENS TO COMPETITION https://evne.ws/4bJbjrs UK POWER NETWORKS STARTS UK-FIRST V2G TRIAL https://evne.ws/3N3bpRp GOVERNMENT HOLDS LINE ON ZEV REVIEW https://evne.ws/4seuhw0 ZERO SELLS XB AND XE DIRECT https://evne.ws/4ux6HMw BMW TEASES 2027 7 SERIES REFRESH https://evne.ws/3NyNQA1 NISSAN TO END LEAF REMOTE APP ACCESS https://evne.ws/4rsgXmp

It's EV News Briefly for Sunday 15 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyUSED EV SUPPLY SET TO JUMPOver 300,000 EVs are expected to come off lease in 2026, driven by a post-2022 surge in EV leasing fuelled by a federal tax credit loophole under the Inflation Reduction Act. Used EVs are already selling faster than petrol cars, making the incoming supply wave a significant affordability opportunity for buyers.GLOBAL EV SALES FALL AS CHINA CORRECTS, EUROPE MOVES FORWARDGlobal EV sales hit 1.1 million units in February 2026, down 11% year-over-year, with year-to-date totals of 2.2 million units, down 8% versus 2025. Europe was the standout performer, up 21% year-to-date, with Italy posting a record February thanks to subsidies of up to €20,000, while North America fell 36% and China dropped 26% though Chinese EV exports surpassed 500,000 units.PROLOGUE STUMBLES ON AS HONDA RETREATS FROM EVSHonda has cancelled three planned US EVs — the 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX — citing declining EV demand and the rollback of US EV incentives under the Trump administration. Honda is pivoting back to hybrids, and reports suggest the Prologue will also end production in December, though Honda has called that speculation.BYD SETS PARIS DEBUT FOR FLASH CHARGINGBYD will unveil its Flash Charging technology and the Denza Z9 GT in Paris on 8 April, showcasing a second-generation Blade Battery that charges from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. The Flash Chargers can deliver up to 1,500 kW using two cables simultaneously, though BYD has not confirmed European cable standards or peak output for that market.GERMAN MOTORWAY CHARGING OPENS TO COMPETITIONA Düsseldorf court ruled on 6 March that Germany's motorway EV charging market must open to full competition, ending Tank & Rast's de-facto monopoly over fast charging at around 360 motorway service areas. The decision, brought by Fastned, requires open tenders for charging installations later in 2026 and could set a Europe-wide precedent for breaking up incumbent charging monopolies.UK POWER NETWORKS STARTS UK-FIRST V2G TRIALUK Power Networks and Octopus Energy have launched a vehicle-to-grid trial in Amersham, Worthing, and Enfield, allowing EV owners to feed power back to the grid during peak demand. The initiative includes automatic approval of V2G charger connections — a UK first — with UK Power Networks approving 80% of requests compared to the national average of just 11%.GOVERNMENT HOLDS LINE ON ZEV REVIEWThe UK government has rejected industry calls to bring forward the ZEV mandate review, maintaining a 2026 review with findings due in early 2027. Ministers say the timetable will properly identify pressure points, though the car industry's lobby group SMMT argues the transition was built on assumptions that have since proved incorrect.ZERO SELLS XB AND XE DIRECTZero Motorcycles will sell its XB and XE electric dirt bikes directly to consumers online, shipping them in a crate for home assembly of key components like the battery and front fork. Dealers will continue to sell and service both models, with the direct channel aimed at streamlining fulfilment and better competing with electric off-road rivals.BMW TEASES 2027 7 SERIES REFRESHBMW has teased the updated 2027 7 Series ahead of its world premiere next month, with the mid-cycle refresh retaining the kidney grille rather than adopting Neue Klasse styling. The i7 electric variant is expected to receive a larger battery, silicon carbide inverters for better efficiency, and the full-width Panoramic Vision display from the iX3.NISSAN TO END LEAF REMOTE APP ACCESSNissan will shut down the NissanConnect EV app on 30 March, stripping remote charging, pre-heating, and battery monitoring from older Leaf models and e-NV200 vans. The move has drawn criticism from owners who note EVs often remain in use for over 12 years, highlighting a broader industry problem where digital features can become obsolete long before the vehicle itself does.

On 5 March 2026, BYD held a landmark technology event unveiling the second-generation Blade Battery, a 1,500 kW megawatt Flash Charging network, eleven new or updated vehicle models, a next-generation LiDAR sensor from Robosense and an upgraded Gods Eye 5.0 ADAS suite.

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart LUCID SHOWS COSMOS AHEAD OF 2026 LAUNCH https://evne.ws/4d6MtDd LUCID SHOWS LUNAR ROBOTAXI CONCEPT https://evne.ws/47tj9mw UBER NEARS SECOND LUCID ROBOTAXI DEAL https://evne.ws/47CqK23 RIVIAN R2 TIMELINE TIGHTENS https://evne.ws/4lrcbUK POLESTAR 3 ADDS 800V TECH FOR AUSTRALIA https://evne.ws/4bs9oX0 STELLANTIS HOLDS TALKS WITH XIAOMI AND XPENG https://evne.ws/4boaXVR VOLKSWAGEN MISSES EU CO2 TARGET, AVOIDS FINES https://evne.ws/4lr5Jx4 LEAPMOTOR B10 OTA ADDS ONE-PEDAL DRIVING https://evne.ws/4brwVao GM BACKS RARE EV1 RESTORATION https://evne.ws/4sIhHVv

t's EV News Briefly for Saturday 14 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyLUCID SHOWS COSMOS AHEAD OF 2026 LAUNCHLucid Motors revealed the Cosmos, a midsize SUV targeting "upscale nurturers," with production planned by end of 2026 but meaningful sales not expected until 2027. The cab-forward SUV rides on an 800V architecture with Atlas drive unit motors, a J3400 charging port, and a new centralised electrical architecture designed to cut wiring costs and lower insurance expenses.LUCID SHOWS LUNAR ROBOTAXI CONCEPTLucid unveiled the Lunar, a two-seat robotaxi concept with steer-by-wire, no steering wheel or pedals, and a large central display, built on the same 800V midsize platform as the Cosmos. It targets an impressive 5.5–6 miles per kWh efficiency and DC fast-charging performance of 200+ miles of range in 15 minutes, achieved through aggressive aerodynamic tuning that allows a smaller battery pack.UBER NEARS SECOND LUCID ROBOTAXI DEALUber is finalising a deal with Lucid to deploy its midsize platform as a robotaxi at volumes comparable to the existing 20,000-unit Gravity SUV contract. If confirmed at similar scale, the combined Lucid-Uber robotaxi programme would total roughly 40,000 vehicles across two platforms.RIVIAN R2 TIMELINE TIGHTENSRivian has unveiled the R2 Performance starting at $57,990, but buyers cannot yet configure the car online and reservation holders won't learn their estimated order time until June. This puts Rivian's previously stated Spring delivery window in serious doubt, as orders won't enter production until June at the earliest.POLESTAR 3 ADDS 800V TECH FOR AUSTRALIAPolestar has updated the Polestar 3 with 800V architecture enabling up to 350kW DC fast charging and a 10–80% charge time of just 22 minutes, alongside a new NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processor replacing the older Xavier chip. The range now spans three trims with battery packs of 92kWh or 106kWh, and existing owners will receive a complimentary hardware retrofit for the upgraded computing platform.STELLANTIS HOLDS TALKS WITH XIAOMI AND XPENGStellantis is in talks with Xiaomi and Xpeng about deals that could include Chinese carmakers taking stakes in Stellantis brands like Maserati and accessing European manufacturing facilities. In return, Stellantis hopes to gain EV and software technology it has struggled to develop competitively, and is also exploring a deeper tie-up with Leapmotor for affordable EVs in Europe.VOLKSWAGEN MISSES EU CO2 TARGET, AVOIDS FINESVolkswagen missed its 2025 EU fleet CO2 target, finishing at 100g/km against its 95g/km limit, despite BEV deliveries rising 32% to nearly 1 million units. The EU's three-year compliance mechanism means no immediate fines, but the group must now meet fleet limits in 2026 and 2027, primarily through an accelerated BEV push built around its Electric Urban Car Family rollout.LEAPMOTOR B10 OTA ADDS ONE-PEDAL DRIVINGLeapmotor pushed a major OTA update to the B10 six months after launch, adding one-pedal driving, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, split-screen navigation, and a Quick Start mode — all without requiring a dealer visit. The update also brings customisable steering wheel shortcut buttons and more natural adaptive cruise control behaviour in bends, with the B10 priced from €33,300.GM BACKS RARE EV1 RESTORATIONGM is actively supporting the restoration of V212, one of the few surviving EV1s, after the car sold at auction for over $100,000 following its discovery in a Georgia impound lot. GM President Mark Reuss invited the restoration team to GM's Global Technical Center, supplying parts and technical documentation, with the goal of completing the project before the EV1's 30th anniversary in November 2026.

Rivian has spent four years and billions of dollars building electric vehicles that most people cannot afford. The R2 — a mid-size SUV that starts at $45,000 and tops out at $57,990 — is the company's answer to that problem. Full pricing and trim details dropped today, 12 March 2026, and deliveries of the first Performance variant begin this spring. If it works, Rivian becomes a proper carmaker. If it does not, the maths gets ugly fast.From Concept to ConcreteThe R2 platform was first announced in 2022, with production originally pencilled in for 2025 at a planned factory in Georgia. That changed in March 2024, when RJ Scaringe, Rivian's founder and chief executive, unveiled the production-ready R2 alongside the smaller R3 and R3X crossovers at a packed event at the Rivian Theater in Laguna Beach, California. Mr Scaringe also confirmed he was scrapping the Georgia plan — at least for now — and would build the R2 at the existing Normal, Illinois plant instead. That decision saved more than $2.25 billion in capital expenditure and, crucially, pulled the launch date forward.Within 24 hours of its unveiling, Rivian had taken more than 68,000 reservations at $100 apiece. By July 2024, the company's VP of manufacturing Tim Fallon said reservations had surpassed 100,000 and were still climbing. Rivian has not updated that figure publicly since.Production began in January 2026. Validation vehicles rolled off the Normal line first, and the factory is now ramping toward a target capacity of 155,000 R2 units per year — alongside the R1 models it already builds there. Each R2 takes roughly 15 hours to assemble, down from 18 hours for an R1.Why the R2 Matters More Than Any Vehicle Rivian Has BuiltThe R1T pickup and R1S SUV earned Rivian a devoted following and the top spot in Consumer Reports owner satisfaction surveys. They also bled money. Rivian posted a net loss of $3.65 billion in 2025, on top of a $4.75 billion loss in 2024. The R1S starts near $75,000 (around £59,000) — a price that limits the addressable market to a sliver of American buyers."R2 is really instrumental for driving the business to positive cash flow and overall profitability," Mr Scaringe told CNBC in February. He was not exaggerating. The bill of materials for the R2 is roughly half that of the R1. Rivian slashed the number of computing units from over 60 in a traditional vehicle to seven, and cut wiring length by about two miles (3.2 km). The result is what Mr Scaringe called "a dramatic reduction in the cost structure to build it."Rivian did scrape together a positive gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2025 — a milestone, though the margin was wafer-thin at around 2%, compared with Tesla's 17%. The R2, with its leaner architecture and lower price, is meant to close that gap at volume. Analysts expect around 15,000 R2 deliveries in 2026, though some believe Rivian could exceed that figure. By 2027, with three full shifts running, the Normal plant could produce roughly 155,000 R2s annually.Today's Pricing: What You GetThe lineup spans four trims, all sharing an 87.9 kWh usable battery and a $1,495 destination charge. Here is how they break down:The Performance trim arrives first, this spring, at $57,990 (around £46,000) including the Launch Package. It runs dual-motor all-wheel drive with 656 horsepower, 609 lb-ft (826 Nm) of torque and a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds. Highway overtaking is savage: 50–70 mph (80–113 km/h) in 1.55 seconds. EPA-estimated range sits at up to 330 miles (531 km). The Launch Package bundles lifetime Autonomy+ access, a tow package rated at 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg) and an exclusive Launch Green paint option.The Premium trim follows in late 2026 at $53,990 (around £43,000). It shares the 330-mile range and dual-motor AWD layout but dials the power back to 450 hp and 537 lb-ft. Zero to 60 takes 4.6 seconds — hardly slow.The Standard RWD Long Range arrives in the first half of 2027 at $48,490 (around £38,500). A single rear motor delivers 350 hp and 355 lb-ft, reaching 60 in 5.9 seconds. Rivian estimates range at up to 345 miles (555 km) — the longest in the lineup, because rear-wheel drive is more efficient.Finally, the Standard RWD variant lands in late 2027 at approximately $45,000 (around £35,700). It uses a smaller battery pack and offers 275+ miles (443+ km) of estimated range. Rivian has shared few other details so far.All trims charge from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes via a native NACS port, which grants access to the Tesla Supercharger network. CCS adapters are supported too.Built Lighter, Built TougherThe R2 rides on an entirely new mid-size unibody platform — a departure from the R1's body-on-frame architecture. The result is a vehicle that weighs nearly 2,000 lbs (907 kg) less than its bigger sibling while sitting on a 115.6-inch (2,936 mm) wheelbase. At 185.9 inches (4,722 mm) long and 75 inches (1,905 mm) wide, it is squarely in Tesla Model Y territory.The weight savings translate directly into agility,

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart RIVIAN REVEALS R2 PRICING https://evne.ws/4cDy3Kq FORD CUTS EXPLORER ENTRY PRICE WITH LFP BATTERY https://evne.ws/4cDy3Kq LUCID NAMES MIDSIZE SUVS COSMOS AND EARTH https://evne.ws/3Pa2XQQ LUCID GRAVITY ADDS CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO https://evne.ws/47tVOB6 JAECOO 8 UK SALES START IN MAY https://evne.ws/416J9QV EU EV PRICES FALL AS SMALL CARS RETURN https://evne.ws/4sapcEY HONDA AXES THREE US EVS https://evne.ws/3P9W16g VOLKSWAGEN SETS ID. POLO FROM €25,000 https://evne.ws/416Un80 ENEL COMPLETES 3,730 CHARGING STATIONS https://evne.ws/4bDDSq5 ELECTREON COMPLETES INDUCTEV ACQUISITION https://evne.ws/4urNdJ7 SCANDLINES STARTS BALTIC WHALE SERVICE https://evne.ws/4baI1BO

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart RENAULT MEGANE TO ADD RANGE-EXTENDER OPTION https://evne.ws/4s06eAN ALPINE SETS OUT ITS ELECTRIC A110 PLAN https://evne.ws/47nO97q MICRA 52KWH GETS FULL UK EV GRANT https://evne.ws/4sBybP7 VOLKSWAGEN REBRANDS ID.3 SUCCESSOR AS ID.3 NEO https://evne.ws/4urnfWc VOLKSWAGEN TARGETS 50,000 JOB CUTS BY 2030 https://evne.ws/3P49pcb KIA ENDS NIRO EV WITH HYBRID REFRESH https://evne.ws/4s6GmU0 MG OPENS UK ORDERS FOR S9 PHEV https://evne.ws/4b6yvQf MG 4X BRINGS SEMI-SOLID BATTERY TO SUV https://evne.ws/4bn7PK0 BYD WEIGHS F1 AND LE MANS MOVE https://evne.ws/4dcb1uk

It's EV News Briefly for Thursday 12 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyRENAULT SETS 2030 EV PLAN WITH 800V AND 466 MILE RANGERenault Group's futuREady strategy targets 36 new models worldwide by 2030, with 16 fully electric European launches and 100% electrified European sales. A new RGEV medium 2.0 platform with 800V architecture enables up to 466 miles of range, or 869 miles with an optional range extender.RENAULT MEGANE TO ADD RANGE-EXTENDER OPTIONThe next-generation Renault Mégane will be offered as both a fully electric and a range-extender model, with the EREV version targeting an 870-mile total range. The new platform cuts production costs by around 40% versus current EVs, and the cabin will feature a Google-co-developed software system with future AI integration for safety and driver assistance.ALPINE SETS OUT ITS ELECTRIC A110 PLANThe next-generation Alpine A110 will launch as a battery-electric model on the Alpine Performance Platform, using an 800V architecture, dual rear motors, and targeting over 500 bhp, a sub-1.5-tonne kerbweight, and up to 373 miles of range. Alpine is aiming for a lightweight, driver-focused character closer to the current A110 than a performance EV like the Taycan, with torque vectoring recalibrating every 10 milliseconds.MICRA 52KWH GETS FULL UK EV GRANTThe Nissan Micra 52kWh now qualifies for the full £3,750 UK Electric Car Grant following a switch to a Europe-sourced battery, bringing its entry price to £23,245. The entry-level 40kWh variant retains the lower £1,500 grant, with Micra pricing starting from £21,495, and first UK deliveries scheduled for April.VOLKSWAGEN REBRANDS ID.3 SUCCESSOR AS ID.3 NEOVolkswagen will rename the ID.3 successor the ID.3 Neo, with a world premiere set for mid-April, bringing the brand's latest software including One Pedal Driving, enhanced Travel Assist with traffic light detection, and Vehicle-to-Load capability. The same software platform will extend to upcoming smaller EVs including the ID. Polo, ID. Polo GTI, and ID. Cross.VOLKSWAGEN TARGETS 50,000 JOB CUTS BY 2030Volkswagen Group plans to cut 50,000 jobs by 2030, 43% more than previously disclosed, as profits hit their lowest point since the 2016 diesel scandal due to weak China demand and US tariffs. After spending roughly €12 billion on its in-house software unit CARIAD, VW has scaled back and turned to outside partners including Rivian, committing $5.8 billion to use Rivian's software stack in future EVs starting with the ID.1 in 2027.KIA ENDS NIRO EV WITH HYBRID REFRESHKia has discontinued the Niro EV with the model's latest refresh, which launches only as a hybrid in South Korea. Kia CEO Jung Won-Jung confirmed the decision, stating the company now focuses its EV efforts on the dedicated EV3-through-EV9 lineup.MG OPENS UK ORDERS FOR S9 PHEVMG has opened UK orders for the S9 PHEV, a seven-seat SUV priced from £34,205 that offers 62 miles of electric-only range and sits in the 9% benefit-in-kind tax band. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 24.7kWh battery supporting 7kW AC charging, undercutting the rival Chery Tiggo 9 by nearly £9,000.MG 4X BRINGS SEMI-SOLID BATTERY TO SUVSAIC has unveiled the MG 4X, an electric SUV based on the MG4 platform that features a semi-solid-state battery as standard across all trims. The battery uses manganese-based lithium-ion chemistry, reduces liquid electrolyte content to 5% for improved safety and longevity, and the MG 4X targets a CLTC range from 510 km (317 miles).BYD WEIGHS F1 AND LE MANS MOVEBYD is considering entering Formula 1 and the Le Mans World Endurance Championship, either by building its own team or acquiring an existing one, though no decision has been made. The move would complement BYD's performance brand Yangwang, whose U9 Xtreme recently set a production car speed record of 496.22 km/h at a German test track.

It's EV News Briefly for Friday 13 March 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDailyRIVIAN REVEALS R2 PRICINGThe Rivian R2 launches in four trims, all sharing an 87.9 kWh usable battery, ranging from the $57,990 Performance AWD (656 hp, 330 miles) arriving this Spring to a ~$45,000 base RWD variant in late 2027 with 275+ miles of range. All trims charge 10–80% in 29 minutes via a native NACS port, with a $1,495 destination charge across the board.FORD CUTS EXPLORER ENTRY PRICE WITH LFP BATTERYFord has revised its European Explorer EV with a new LFP battery pack, growing usable capacity from 52 kWh to 58 kWh and boosting WLTP range 17% to 444 km (276 miles), while a stronger APP350 motor lifts output to 140 kW and cuts the 0–100 km/h time to 8.0 seconds. The updated model starts at €39,990 in Germany and adds vehicle-to-load charging, refreshed infotainment, expanded driver assistance features, and standard one-pedal driving, though peak DC charging drops from 145 kW to 110 kW.LUCID NAMES MIDSIZE SUVS COSMOS AND EARTHLucid revealed at Investor Day 2026 that its two upcoming midsize electric SUVs will be called Cosmos and Earth, targeting a ~$50,000 starting price and production before end of 2026. Both will use 800V architecture, bidirectional charging, the new in-house Atlas drive unit (23% lighter, 30% fewer parts), and Lucid claims just 69 kWh would be sufficient for 300 miles of range thanks to a 0.22 drag coefficient.LUCID GRAVITY ADDS CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTOLucid has rolled out an OTA update (UX 3.5) bringing wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the Gravity SUV for North American owners now, with Europe and the Middle East to follow in late March. Both systems display on the Gravity's 6K Clearview Cockpit screen, addressing one of the most requested features from Lucid customers.JAECOO 8 UK SALES START IN MAYThe Jaecoo 8, a three-row flagship SUV, goes on sale in the UK in May priced from £45,500, using Chery's Super Hybrid System pairing a 1.5-litre turbo petrol with a three-speed auto for 422 bhp, 83 miles of electric-only range, and over 700 miles of combined range. Two trims are offered — Luxury (seven seats, £45,500) and Executive (six Nappa leather captain's chairs, £47,500) — with DC fast charging up to 40 kW for a 30–80% charge in about 20 minutes.EU EV PRICES FALL AS SMALL CARS RETURNAverage EU electric car prices dropped €1,800 to €42,700 in 2025 — the first decline since 2020 — driven by a surge in affordable B-segment BEVs like the Citroën ë-C3 and Renault 5, whose average segment prices fell 13%. T&E expects further price pressure in 2026 as Volkswagen Group prepares a small-car family including the ID. Polo, Cupra Raval, and Skoda Epiq, all targeting around €25,000.HONDA AXES THREE US EVSHonda has cancelled the 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX for U.S. production, warning of losses up to ¥2.5 trillion ($15.8 billion) as it reverses its EV strategy amid rollbacks of U.S. fossil fuel regulations and removal of EV incentives. CEO Toshihiro Mibe said the priority is to "stop the bleeding," with operating losses now expected up to ¥1.12 trillion in the current fiscal year; the Sony-Honda Afeela brand is unaffected.VOLKSWAGEN SETS ID. POLO FROM €25,000Volkswagen will world-premiere the entry-level ID. Polo next month, starting at €25,000 and marking the first ID model to carry an established VW brand name. The range spans 37 kWh LFP and 52 kWh NMC battery options with outputs from 85 kW to 166 kW, and includes an R-Line (~€35,000, ~211 hp) and a GTI variant, with up to 450 km (280 miles) of WLTP range from the larger pack.ENEL COMPLETES 3,730 CHARGING STATIONSEnel has finished installing 3,730 EV charging stations across five Italian regions under the first tender of Italy's PNRR recovery plan, with each station offering two points capable of up to 90 kW each. The network is accessible via Enel's app or card and integrates with around 160 mobility service providers, with a further 1,200 stations already contracted under subsequent tenders.ELECTREON COMPLETES INDUCTEV ACQUISITIONElectreon has finalized its acquisition of U.S.-based InductEV, combining dynamic in-road wireless charging with InductEV's high-power stationary wireless charging for heavy-duty transit and freight. The merged portfolio now covers highway and urban corridor charging (LINE), burst charging at stops (DASH), depot charging (DOT), and heavy-duty freight charging (Ultra DOT).SCANDLINES STARTS BALTIC WHALE SERVICEScandlines launched the Baltic Whale on 10 March 2026, claiming it as the world's largest electric freight ferry in operation at 147 metres, running the 18.5 km Rødby–Puttgarden route carrying 66 freight units. Its 10 MWh batter

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart CHINA CAR SALES SLIDE AS EXPORTS SURGE https://evne.ws/40usYwD XIAOMI BRINGS SU7 LAUNCH INTO MARCH https://evne.ws/4sIZfMG ZEEKR SETS 8X PHEV DEBUT FOR 16 MARCH https://evne.ws/4um2sDv BYD SPLITS BLADE 2.0 IN TWO https://evne.ws/3Pfy6lS NIO FLAGS 2026 COST HIT, HOLDS PRICES https://evne.ws/4rt19zS LI AUTO PROFIT ALMOST VANISHES IN Q4 https://evne.ws/3P8nkOj LI AUTO SETS I9 LAUNCH FOR 2026 https://evne.ws/3N0w6xl AVATR SHOWS 06T WAGON BEFORE 2026 LAUNCH https://evne.ws/3P4Vl26 DREAME SETS 2027 SOLID-STATE BATTERY TARGET https://evne.ws/4sc8CVh

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart NIO TURNS A Q4 PROFIT https://evne.ws/4bF4vuQ XIAOMI OFFERS SU7 ULTRA HOOD UPGRADE https://evne.ws/40rwUOS MG 4X TURNS MG4 INTO AN SUV https://evne.ws/4sFwqjY MG SHOWS FIRST MG 07 IMAGES https://evne.ws/3Pwf9LM VOLKSWAGEN SHOWS ID.UNYX 08 INTERIOR https://evne.ws/46WEqoB CATL STARTS PILOT ON SULFIDE SOLID-STATE BATTERY https://evne.ws/4lxTbnS CALB SHOWS 60 AH SOLID-STATE BATTERY https://evne.ws/4sgzYth BYD BRINGS FLASH CHARGING TO LINGHUI E7 https://evne.ws/4sM56AV BYD JOINS IATF AS VOTING MEMBER https://evne.ws/3P2RjHw LI AUTO I6 HOLDS 16,000 IN FEBRUARY https://evne.ws/4cJUWvS

Can you help me make more podcasts? Consider supporting me on Patreon as the service is 100% funded by you: https://EVne.ws/patreon You can read all the latest news on the blog here: https://EVne.ws/blog Subscribe for free and listen to the podcast on audio platforms:➤ Apple: https://EVne.ws/apple➤ YouTube Music: https://EVne.ws/youtubemusic➤ Spotify: https://EVne.ws/spotify➤ TuneIn: https://EVne.ws/tunein➤ iHeart: https://EVne.ws/iheart MERCEDES VLE TAKES AIM AT THE PREMIUM VAN https://evne.ws/4bfEH7b GM REVIVES BOLT, THEN SETS AN END DATE https://evne.ws/4sCH4rL PORSCHE ADDS CAYENNE S ELECTRIC https://evne.ws/4b6eF7K ELLI CONNECTS FIRST GRID BATTERY IN SALZGITTER https://evne.ws/3Nvl5Ek GENESIS GV90 SPOTTED CHARGING AT SUPERCHARGER https://evne.ws/4bDZ8Mw SLATE AUTO CHANGES CEO BEFORE TRUCK LAUNCH https://evne.ws/4uoD3c5 DACIA READIES SECOND SMALL ELECTRIC CAR https://evne.ws/4s4XrNX IVECO PUTS WIRELESS ROAD CHARGING INTO TRAFFIC https://evne.ws/4uptB8o BYD, CHERY AND GEELY EYE CANADA https://evne.ws/4cCtobD