ev.news

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

VOLVO XC60 PHEV CLAIMS 124-MILE ELECTRIC RANGE https://evne.ws/clu85

BYD ATTO 1 OFFERED FOR $19,990 DRIVEAWAY https://evne.ws/qjbmv

HYUNDAI AND KIA EXPORT 591,000 ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES https://evne.ws/fscb8

RENAULT UNVEILS 800 V ELECTRIC TRAFIC VAN https://evne.ws/d20i2

SCANIA SAYS BATTERY LAYOUT CAN INCREASE RANGE TO 720 KM https://evne.ws/dhf6o

CATL UNVEILS TECHTRANS 2 TRUCK BATTERY https://evne.ws/lf0ol

ENGLAND PLANS CROSS-PAVEMENT EV CHARGING RIGHTS https://evne.ws/dn0r0

GERMANY CONSIDERS PLUG-IN HYBRID AND EREV TARIFFS https://evne.ws/mxf0f

JAC PLANS 2027 HUNTER PHEV CAB-CHASSIS FOR AUSTRALIA https://evne.ws/403bi

HULL 096 REACHES SOUTH AMERICA https://evne.ws/glr9g

It's ev.news Briefly for Wednesday 16 September 2026, only todays headlines and nothing else, in just 4 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 Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/evnews

VOLVO XC60 PHEV CLAIMS 124-MILE ELECTRIC RANGE
Volvo's restyled XC60 T6 plug-in hybrid claims 124 miles of electric range, still unconfirmed as an official WLTP figure, which is 2.5 times the previous 49 miles and makes it the UK's longest-range PHEV. The gain comes from a battery that grows from 19 kWh to 41.2 kWh and a stronger motor. The T8 manages 117 miles, easily beating the BMW X3 30e (56 miles) and Mercedes GLC PHEV (80 miles), and the XC90 PHEV rises to 100 miles, with both long-range hybrids expected in North America.

BYD ATTO 1 OFFERED FOR $19,990 DRIVEAWAY
BYD is offering the Atto 1 Essential for A$19,990 driveaway in Australia until 15 December unless extended, a 26% discount from A$23,990 plus on-road costs. That makes it the country's cheapest new car and undercuts the petrol Kia Picanto. It has a 65 kW motor, a 30 kWh LFP battery, 220 km WLTP range, 65 kW DC charging, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control, while the rival Geely EX2 starts from A$26,490 plus on-road costs.

HYUNDAI AND KIA EXPORT 591,000 ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES
Hyundai and Kia exported 591,000 electrified vehicles in the first half of the year, up 22.3%, according to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association. Hybrids drove the growth as Hyundai prioritised the US, lifting hybrid exports there by 38% in response to IRA tax-credit changes and consumer demand. Combined EV exports rose 12.7% to 162,000, but Hyundai's fell 12.4% while Kia's climbed 34.3% to almost 104,000 between January and July, helped by the EV2, EV4, EV5 and PV5 van in Europe.

RENAULT UNVEILS 800 V ELECTRIC TRAFIC VAN
Renault unveiled the Trafic Van E-Tech Electric at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, built on the 800 V RGEV medium-van platform with an 81 kWh battery. It claims more than 470 km of range, nearly 690 km in urban driving (not an official figure), and 280 km added in 20 minutes of charging. Renault says total cost of ownership is 10% lower than a combustion equivalent, and the van adds vehicle-to-load, new multi-link rear suspension, and a planned electric power take-off for conversions such as refrigeration and ambulances. It is part of a plan for five new LCVs by 2028, following 2.8 million Trafics sold since 1980.

SCANIA SAYS BATTERY LAYOUT CAN INCREASE RANGE TO 720 KM
Scania's new Battery Behind Cab layout adds two MP20 packs behind the cab to supplement chassis-mounted batteries, raising electric truck range to up to 720 km for long-haul operators. Scania claims this doesn't reduce operational flexibility, and the layout works with its aerodynamic Increased Vehicle Dimension front and vehicles longer than 16.5 m, alongside the rollout of megawatt charging (MCS).

CATL UNVEILS TECHTRANS 2 TRUCK BATTERY
CATL unveiled Techtrans 2, a modular battery for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, at IAA Transportation. It claims up to 1,000 km of range, 80% charging in 25 minutes via a megawatt charger, and 70% capacity retention after 12 years or 1.5 million km. At 170 Wh/kg it still forces fleets to trade range against payload, while 300–400 Wh/kg chemistries head to test vehicles in 2027 and solid-state could double density, starting in high-end applications.

ENGLAND PLANS CROSS-PAVEMENT EV CHARGING RIGHTS
Following consultation, the government has confirmed plans for permitted development rights that would let eligible homes in England with on-street parking install cross-pavement charging gullies without a planning application. Highways authority approval remains a separate requirement. With four in ten UK households lacking off-street parking and relying on pricier public charging, the change aims to cut costs and red tape, though it won't stop others taking the space outside your home.

GERMANY CONSIDERS PLUG-IN HYBRID AND EREV TARIFFS
Germany will seek cabinet approval on 14 October for economic-security measures that could include tariffs on plug-in hybrids and EREVs. Chinese makers have used these vehicles to sidestep EU tariffs on battery-electric cars and grow European sales. Ministers are also weighing mandatory joint ventures with European majority ownership and stronger investment requirements, a tougher, more reciprocal China stance for export-reliant Germany before it seeks uncertain EU backing.

JAC PLANS 2027 HUNTER PHEV CAB-CHASSIS FOR AUSTRALIA
JAC plans to launch a Hunter PHEV cab-chassis in Australia in 2027 to rival the BYD Shark 6, letting tradespeople, fleets and farmers fit trays, canopies or toolboxes. It is expected, but not confirmed, to share the powertrain of the dual cab. That dual cab is now in dealerships from A$50,000 plus on-road costs for the Pro, and offers up to 100 km electric range, more than 1,000 km combined, 3.3 kW V2L, 3.5-tonne towing, 915 kg payload, and seven-year commercial warranty, servicing and roadside cover.

HULL 096 REACHES SOUTH AMERICA
Hull 096, the world's largest battery-electric ship, built by Incat in Tasmania, has arrived in South America after a heavy-lift vessel carried it from Hobart across the Pacific and around Cape Horn in under a month. After commissioning, it will carry more than 2,000 passengers on a 30-nautical-mile River Plate route between Buenos Aires and Colonia, Uruguay. Incat is also building three similar ferries that will be the EU's largest of their type.

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

CATL BEGINS SELLING 587AH LFP CELLS ONLINE https://evne.ws/c924u

CARFANS REPORTS XIAOMI SKY NOMAD SOLD WELL https://evne.ws/2hzui

GEELY GALAXY OPENS CRUISER 700 PRE-SALES FROM $29,530 EQUIVALENT https://evne.ws/0syh6

GEELY EX5 FRONT STORAGE MARKED 50 KG MAXIMUM LOAD https://evne.ws/uzsae

GEELY AND RENAULT ADD €319 MILLION IN BRAZIL https://evne.ws/hic6h

VOYAH DREAM 9 DRAWS MORE THAN 30,000 REFUNDABLE ORDERS https://evne.ws/wob2s

CHINA EV BATTERY INSTALLATIONS REACH 79 GWH https://evne.ws/m8bu4

LEAPMOTOR COULD ADD OVERSEAS PHEVS IN 2027 https://evne.ws/nzt22

CHINESE MAKERS EXPORTED 26.7 MILLION ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELERS https://evne.ws/3ok07

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

LEAPMOTOR OPENS EUROPEAN B03X ORDERS FROM €24,900 https://evne.ws/lx4xb

VOLVO FACELIFTS XC40, EX40 AND EC40 https://evne.ws/pbv59

VOLKSWAGEN PLANS IQ.DRIVE UPDATE TO ID.BUZZ https://evne.ws/0up4k

NISSAN LEAF S IS CANADA'S LOWEST-PRICED EV https://evne.ws/3vxsx

JLR INVESTS £356 MILLION IN WOLVERHAMPTON EV PRODUCTION https://evne.ws/gprut

EVGO OPENS 20-PLUG LOS ANGELES FAST-CHARGING STATION https://evne.ws/0fq4j

SKODA APPROVES NEW KAROQ FOR 2027 OR 2028 https://evne.ws/jznc0

PENNDOT OPENS $11 MILLION CHARGER FUNDING ROUND https://evne.ws/s14m4

TESLA CEO PROMOTES VIDEO OF DRIVER SAYING FSD IS ‘EYES OFF’ https://evne.ws/vq9u8

It's ev.news Briefly for Saturday 12 September 2026, only todays headlines and nothing else, in just 4 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 Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/evnews

LEAPMOTOR OPENS EUROPEAN B03X ORDERS FROM €24,900
Stellantis has opened European orders for the Leapmotor B03X, a compact electric crossover starting at €24,900 (about $28,900), sold through the Chinese brand's joint venture with Stellantis and undercutting most European-built compact EVs. Two variants are offered — the Pro with a 39.8 kWh battery and 292 km WLTP range, and the ProMax with 53.0 kWh and 382 km — both with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, 8.8-inch cluster, Leap OS 4.0 Plus, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard Level 2 driver assistance using 14 sensors and cameras across 21 functions.

VOLVO FACELIFTS XC40, EX40 AND EC40
Volvo has given the XC40, EX40 and EC40 their first major styling revision in nearly nine years, with all-new bodywork ahead of the A-pillars and revised 'Thor's Hammer' matrix LED headlights that Volvo says cut glare, debuting on the model year 2028 XC40 now that matrix LEDs are legal in the United States. Powertrains are unchanged, but the cars gain an 11.2-inch touchscreen with Google Gemini voice assistance, plus added cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors supporting a smoother Pilot Assist with lane-change assist, a 3-D 360-degree camera view and an occupant alert for approaching cyclists before doors open.

VOLKSWAGEN PLANS IQ.DRIVE UPDATE TO ID. BUZZ
Volkswagen will upgrade IQ.DRIVE functions on 2027 MEB vehicles, with the ID. Buzz receiving the fullest package including Road Experience Management, and Enhanced Travel Assist that can execute a driver-requested lane change above 45 mph using rear radar, waiting up to 12 seconds if traffic blocks the move while the driver stays responsible. The 2027 Buzz also reacts faster to posted speed-limit changes, notifying the driver before adjusting speed, slows near ramps and exits using navigation or turn-signal input, and uses crowd-sourced map data to supplement cameras where road markings are faded or weather is poor, bundled into In-Vehicle Premium with a one-year trial.

NISSAN LEAF S IS CANADA'S LOWEST-PRICED EV
The 2027 Nissan Leaf S is Canada's cheapest electric vehicle at CA$34,998 (about US$25,250), nearly CA$2,000 below the Kia EV3 Light FWD and under CA$30,000 once the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program is applied. It uses a 53 kWh battery, a single 174 hp motor and up to 341 km of range, trailing the EV3 Light's 58.3 kWh, 201 hp and 356 km, and charging 10-80% in about 35 minutes against the Kia's 29, though both use an NACS port.

JLR INVESTS £356 MILLION IN WOLVERHAMPTON EV PRODUCTION
JLR has spent £356m converting its Wolverhampton propulsion plant, renamed the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in 2024, to build electric drive units and assemble battery packs while continuing six-cylinder Ingenium engine production, giving it flexibility to flex output as the EV transition moves. The hall now making drive units for the Range Rover Electric, Range Rover GT, Jaguar Type 01 and smaller Defender 'Sport' previously built four-cylinder diesels on repurposed CNC machines, working to 80-micron tolerances against roughly 120 for combustion engines, with cells currently sourced from AESC in China and due to switch next year to Tata's Agratas plant in Somerset.

EVGO OPENS 20-PLUG LOS ANGELES FAST-CHARGING STATION
EVgo has opened what it calls the largest non-Tesla fast-charging station in the City of Los Angeles, a 10-stall, 20-plug site on S Robertson Blvd in Mid-City just off the Santa Monica Freeway. The site has two 100 kW stalls, three 200 kW and five 350 kW, with 18 CCS cables capable of up to 350 kW and two CHAdeMO ports at up to 100 kW that keep older EVs served, though there are no NACS cables and NACS vehicles must use adapters.

SKODA APPROVES NEW KAROQ FOR 2027 OR 2028
Skoda chief executive Klaus Zellmer has approved a second-generation Karoq for launch in 2027 or 2028 on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform, reversing a plan under which the electric Elroq — itself a late addition to the range and now Europe's second best-selling electric car — was to have taken the Karoq's place. Zellmer said powertrains will be very comparable to the Kodiaq's and pointed to strong plug-in hybrid demand and a 100 km-plus electric range as ideal for the model, though a PHEV remains possible rather than confirmed.

PENNDOT OPENS $11 MILLION CHARGER FUNDING ROUND
PennDOT has opened an $11 million round for EV charging infrastructure across 26 central Pennsylvania counties, with publicly accessible sites able to apply until 12 March 2027 under the third phase of the state's federally backed Community Charging scheme, which allocated $100 million in NEVI money from February to extend charging beyond Alternative Fuel Corridors. Local transportation planning agencies, not PennDOT, will set location priorities; the state says 50 NEVI-funded hubs have opened with 41 more planned or under construction, delivering over 146,000 charging sessions since December 2023 and avoiding more than 3,700 tonnes of CO2.

TESLA CEO PROMOTES VIDEO OF DRIVER SAYING FSD IS 'EYES OFF'
Elon Musk endorsed, with a heart emoji, a clip of Larry, a 98-year-old Model Y owner in Farmington, New Mexico, who says of FSD (Supervised) that he did not have to look at an intersection and does not want to, directly contradicting Tesla's disclaimer that the feature requires active driver supervision and does not make the car autonomous. The framing matters because Tesla's defence in Autopilot and FSD crash litigation rests on driver responsibility — a Florida jury already returned a $243 million judgment against the company, with up to $14.5 billion at stake across roughly two dozen cases — even as its lawyers have separately argued, successfully, that Musk's public statements should not be taken at face value.