Author: Shaun Williams

Smart is conducting global testing of its upcoming all-electric two-seat city car, the Smart #2, ahead of the model’s scheduled world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. The vehicle, developed by the Smart joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is undergoing pre-production validation as engineers evaluate its performance, durability and safety before commercial launch. Global Testing Program Underway According to Smart, the Smart #2 is currently being tested in a range of driving environments while wearing a black-and-white camouflage design created by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team. https://evmagz.com/smart-launches-6-ehd-hybrid-sedan-in-china-with-up-to-1810-km-range/ The validation program covers vehicle agility, driving stability, noise, vibration…

The Lotus Emeya R+, also known as the Emeya 900, has set a new electric vehicle lap record at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit, completing the 5.5-kilometre circuit in 2 minutes 20.317 seconds. Lotus said the lap, recorded on July 20, 2026, was more than seven seconds quicker than the previously reported fastest electric vehicle lap of 2:27.790 at the circuit. https://evmagz.com/lotus-to-begin-ev-deliveries-in-canada-under-china-canada-tariff-agreement/ Lap Demonstrates Vehicle Performance The record-setting run was completed by grand touring driver Daniel Lu. According to Lotus, the Sepang circuit’s combination of long straights and technical corners provided a test of the vehicle’s acceleration, braking, aerodynamic performance and…

Nissan has launched the all-new Elgrand in Japan, introducing the latest generation of its premium minivan with updated hybrid technology, all-wheel-drive capability and driver assistance features. The new Elgrand is offered in two grades, with prices ranging from 6,897,000 yen ($42,760) to 7,579,000 yen ($46,990). Both variants are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid system and the latest version of its e-4ORCE electric all-wheel-drive technology. https://evmagz.com/nissan-launches-leaf-nismo-in-japan-with-performance-upgrades-and-sportier-design/ Hybrid Powertrain and Suspension Updates The third-generation e-POWER system combines a dedicated gasoline engine used solely for electricity generation with a newly developed 5-in-1 electric powertrain module. The integrated unit combines the electric motor,…

Range Rover is preparing to introduce the GT, a new addition to its model range that will debut as a battery-electric vehicle built on Jaguar Land Rover’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). The model is currently undergoing its final global validation program ahead of its planned market launch later this year. First Range Rover on EMA Platform The GT will become the first Range Rover model to use JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture, which is intended for the company’s smaller electrified vehicles. Production will take place at JLR’s Halewood plant in the United Kingdom, where the model will be manufactured alongside combustion-engine…

Nissan has launched the LEAF NISMO in Japan, adding a performance-oriented variant to the third-generation LEAF electric vehicle lineup. The model went on sale in Japan following the introduction of the redesigned third-generation LEAF earlier this year. Nissan said the LEAF has recorded cumulative global sales of approximately 700,000 units since the first generation was introduced in 2010. Performance-Oriented Chassis and Driving Updates The LEAF NISMO features chassis modifications developed by Nissan’s NISMO division, including revised suspension springs, stabilizers and suspension bushings aimed at improving steering response and handling. The vehicle is equipped with swing valve shock absorbers, 19-inch aluminum…

The Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e have qualified for the UK Government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant, reducing the purchase price of both electric city cars and making them more affordable for buyers transitioning to electric mobility. Under the government’s Band 1 Electric Car Grant, all variants of the Fiat 500e, along with the Abarth 500e hatchback and Abarth 500e Convertible, are now eligible for the purchase incentive. https://evmagz.com/fiat-opens-uk-orders-for-electric-topolino-quadricycle/ Fiat 500e Starts at £17,245 Following the introduction of the government subsidy and Fiat’s earlier pricing adjustments, the Fiat 500e is now available from £17,245, including the £3,750 grant. The Abarth 500e…

Audi has revealed new details about its upcoming A2 e-tron, confirming that the compact electric hatchback will start at €38,200 and that all four powertrain variants will be available to order immediately following its world premiere this autumn. The announcement comes alongside new prototype images that provide one of the clearest looks yet at the production-ready design of Audi’s new entry-level electric model. Compact EV Takes Shape The latest prototypes reveal styling cues inspired by the original Audi A2, including an elongated roofline and a rear window divided by an integrated spoiler. https://evmagz.com/audi-confirms-2028-launch-target-for-a4-e-tron-on-new-ssp-platform/ The vehicle also features slim winglet-style door…

Consumer interest in fully electric vehicles in the United States has fallen to its lowest level since 2019, according to a new survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA), despite a growing number of electric vehicle models entering the market. The survey found that only 16% of U.S. adults are either “very likely” or “likely” to purchase a battery-electric vehicle as their next car, while 63% said they are “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to do so—the highest level of reluctance recorded since 2022. https://evmagz.com/study-finds-most-ev-batteries-retain-over-90-capacity-after-100000-km/ Cost and Charging Remain Key Concerns AAA said consumers continue to cite vehicle affordability and ownership…

Esslingen has taken delivery of its first two battery-trolleybuses from Skoda Group as the German city moves forward with plans to fully electrify its urban bus network by the end of 2026. The new vehicles are part of an order for 52 battery-trolleybuses that will replace conventional buses while expanding the use of electric public transport across the city. https://evmagz.com/skoda-group-signs-framework-agreement-to-deliver-up-to-30-articulated-trolleybuses-to-usti-nad-labem/ First Vehicles Delivered The procurement includes ten 12-metre Skoda 32Tr solo trolleybuses and 42 articulated Skoda 33Tr models, with all deliveries scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The agreement also includes an option to purchase an additional…

Australian truck electrification company Janus Electric has secured new orders from four California-based trucking fleets for 67 diesel-to-electric truck conversions, strengthening its presence in the North American market. The latest agreements increase the company’s total North American order book to 112 truck conversions, representing contracts valued at approximately AUD45 million (US$31.5 million). https://evmagz.com/everrati-partners-with-motion-applied-to-integrate-800v-silicon-carbide-inverters-into-modular-ev-powertrains/ The new customers are Golden State Express, WEHACO, Tradelinke Transport, and King Fio Trucking. Orders Expand U.S. Customer Base The California contracts include 67 truck conversions, 77 swappable battery packs, and four Janus Charge & Change Stations. Janus Electric said the orders significantly expand its customer base…

MG is recalling nearly 10,000 units of its all-electric S5 EV after identifying a defect that could cause the vehicle’s cooling fan controller to overheat in cold weather. The recall affects 9,806 vehicles manufactured between 22 January 2025 and 29 January 2026, including 1,830 vehicles in Germany. The campaign is being supervised in Germany by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) under reference number 16617R. https://evmagz.com/mg-motor-confirms-first-eu-factory-in-spain-with-e200-million-investment/ Frozen Cooling Fan May Cause Overheating According to the KBA, the issue involves the radiator cooling fan operating in low ambient temperatures. If the fan freezes and becomes immobilized, activating the vehicle’s cabin heating…

Geely Auto has introduced a new-generation electric drive system that integrates 16 key powertrain components into a single unit, as the automaker continues to develop more compact and efficient battery-electric vehicle technologies. The new 16-in-1 Intelligent E-Drive will make its production debut in the upcoming Geely TT saloon and is designed to improve energy efficiency, reduce packaging requirements and simplify vehicle manufacturing. https://evmagz.com/geely-galaxy-unveils-ai-powered-electric-sedan-galaxy-tt/ Integrated Design Targets Higher Efficiency According to Geely, the integrated drive unit weighs 75 kilograms and combines multiple powertrain functions that would traditionally be housed in separate components. The company said the system achieves an overall efficiency…

Porsche’s executive reshuffle is expected to continue with the planned early departure of Head of Production Albrecht Reimold, according to Handelsblatt, which cited company and supervisory board sources. The report said Reimold could leave the sports car manufacturer as early as Sept. 1, 2026, several months before his contract is due to expire in early 2027. Supervisory Board Decision Expected According to the report, Porsche’s supervisory board is scheduled to consider the matter during its meeting on July 22. The reported departure would follow changes to Porsche’s executive board earlier this year, when Michael Leiters succeeded Oliver Blume as chief…

A new study by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) suggests that converting existing diesel buses into battery-electric vehicles could significantly accelerate the decarbonisation of Europe’s public transport sector. The researchers estimate that large-scale e-retrofitting could bring forward the electrification of Europe’s bus fleet by approximately 15 years while reducing emissions, lowering costs and extending the useful life of existing vehicles. Retrofitting could speed up fleet electrification According to the study, Europe’s transition to zero-emission buses is constrained less by technology availability than by the long operating life of existing diesel vehicles, which typically remain in…

Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Clean Motion has launched real-world trials of its EVIG lightweight electric vehicle equipped with a swappable battery system, marking an expansion of battery-swapping technology beyond electric scooters. The pilot project, taking place in Stockholm, integrates GoCimo’s existing battery-swapping infrastructure into the EVIG and will evaluate the vehicle’s performance in urban delivery operations, including Foodora’s courier network. Stockholm trial expands battery-swapping concept The first EVIG vehicles are being deployed as part of the STOLT research project, which aims to demonstrate the practicality of lightweight electric vehicles using shared battery-swapping infrastructure in everyday commercial operations. The initiative seeks…

JLR has selected Digital Charging Services (DCS) as its new public charging provider for customers driving electric and plug-in hybrid Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, replacing its previous charging partnership with Plugsurfing. The new charging service will provide access to more than one million public charging points across Europe and comes as JLR prepares to launch the first all-electric Range Rover later this year. New Charging Platform for Jaguar and Land Rover Drivers JLR’s partnership with Plugsurfing began in 2018, but the company said the transition to Digital Charging Services will expand charging access while supporting its growing electrified vehicle…

The UK government has confirmed the final design of its mileage-based Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), which will come into effect in April 2028, introducing a per-mile charge for electric cars and plug-in hybrids alongside the existing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). The revised framework follows a public consultation that received more than 5,000 responses. After reviewing feedback from motorists, industry groups and fleet operators, ministers simplified several compliance requirements, including scrapping plans for additional mileage checks on newer electric vehicles. New Mileage-Based Charges Under the new framework, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will pay 3 pence per mile, while plug-in hybrid electric…

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has adopted a harmonized international regulation for automated driving systems (ADS), establishing common safety requirements for the development, approval and operation of autonomous vehicles. According to UNECE, the regulation is expected to enter into force in about one month and is supported by major automotive markets including the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom. The framework is intended for automated driving systems capable of performing the complete driving task without human intervention, generally corresponding to SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles and above. Common Safety Standards for…

Alpine has presented the first drivable prototype of its future all-electric A110 sports car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the public debut of the next generation of the brand’s flagship model. The prototype, known as the A110 Future, follows Alpine’s previously announced plan to transition the A110 from an internal combustion engine to a battery-electric powertrain. Production of the current A110 has ended at the company’s Dieppe facility, with the electric successor now entering its development phase. Prototype Built on Dedicated Performance Platform The A110 Future is based on Alpine’s new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), an architecture developed…

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called on autonomous vehicle developers to address safety issues involving driverless vehicles at emergency scenes, giving companies until the end of July to present plans for improving vehicle behavior. In a letter sent to developers of automated driving systems (ADS), NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison cited multiple incidents in which autonomous vehicles entered active emergency scenes or failed to respond appropriately to traffic control measures used by first responders. The agency said it plans to meet with developers before the end-of-July deadline to review proposed solutions and will continue using its enforcement…