Author: Lukas Schneider

The Volkswagen ID. California Cruise is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first fully electric California camper van and the first member of a new all-electric California family. Based on the rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz Pro, the electric recreational vehicle is offered with short- and long-wheelbase configurations and combines Volkswagen’s established camper concept with battery-electric technology. The ID. California Cruise starts at €60,761 for the short-wheelbase version. Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing for the long-wheelbase model. First deliveries are planned for early 2027, with additional California models expected to follow by 2028. Volkswagen ID. California Cruise Pricing The short-wheelbase ID. California Cruise starts…

BMW has reached two million battery-electric vehicle sales globally, marking a major milestone more than a decade after the automaker introduced the i3 as its first mass-produced electric model. The two-millionth battery-electric vehicle was a BMW i5 M60 xDrive built at the company’s Dingolfing plant in Germany and delivered to a customer in Spain. The milestone includes fully electric BMW and Mini vehicles sold worldwide. Neue Klasse Drives BMW’s Next EV Phase BMW is now entering a new phase of electrification with its Neue Klasse platform. The first model based on the architecture, the BMW iX3, has attracted nearly 100,000…

Volkswagen’s upcoming affordable electric small car is reportedly set to be called the ID. Up, replacing the previously expected ID.1 designation. The model is scheduled to launch in autumn 2027 with a target starting price of around €20,000 and is expected to be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Palmela plant in Portugal. The name has not been officially announced by Volkswagen Group, but Spanish automotive publication Motor.es reports that Volkswagen has already finalized the designation. Volkswagen Returns to Familiar Model Names Volkswagen has been moving away from using numbers alone for its electric vehicles. The company previously indicated that its new €25,000…

Berlin-based charging payment company Cariqa has partnered with U.S. charging infrastructure provider ChargePoint to enable charging station operators to process direct, QR code-based payments through the Cariqa platform. The partnership will initially launch across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Ireland. QR Code Payments Without an App The partnership centers on Cariqa Go, a service that allows EV drivers to pay directly at charging stations without downloading an app, creating an account or using a charging card. The payment process begins when a driver scans a QR code displayed at a compatible charging station using a smartphone.…

The city of Nuremberg is carrying out the demolition of a former nursery using electric construction machinery and an electric truck after requiring emissions-free operations as part of its public tender. The project covers a site of around 7,000 square metres at the former Sauerbrey nursery in the city’s Westpark. According to Nuremberg, the project represents Bavaria’s first public tender for a demolition operation requiring emissions-free machinery, equipment and transport vehicles. https://evmagz.com/vag-nuremberg-reaches-100-electric-buses-with-arrival-of-new-ecitaro-articulated-model/ Tender Requires Emissions-Free Equipment The procurement requirements prohibit conventional combustion engines, including hybrid systems and engines running on alternative fuels. All machinery, equipment and transport vehicles used at…

BMW has completed a major upgrade of its Leipzig production plant ahead of the planned introduction of Neue Klasse vehicles, replacing 240 hydraulic lift tables and installing 160 new robots during a five-and-a-half-week production shutdown. More than 2,000 contractors worked across the 241-hectare site during the shutdown, according to Leipziger Volkszeitung. Vehicle production was suspended throughout the conversion period. BMW has not yet disclosed which Neue Klasse models will eventually be built at the plant. https://evmagz.com/bmw-reportedly-developing-all-electric-i4-cabrio-on-neue-klasse-platform/ Assembly Lines Prepared for Heavier Underbodies The largest changes were made in the assembly area, where BMW replaced 240 hydraulic lifting tables used to…

Porsche is reportedly planning to discontinue production of the battery-electric Taycan by 2030 at the latest, following a sharp decline in demand for the model. The company is expected to keep the electric sports car in production at its Stuttgart headquarters rather than moving assembly to Leipzig, according to a report by WirtschaftsWoche citing company insiders. The Taycan entered series production in 2019 and initially attracted strong demand, but deliveries have since fallen significantly. Porsche delivered nearly 41,000 Taycan vehicles in 2023, compared with around 16,000 last year, while first-half 2026 deliveries stood at just over 6,000 units. Taycan Production…

Mercedes-AMG is expanding its electric GT family with the new GT 53 4-Door Coupé, positioning the model as a more affordable alternative to the recently unveiled flagship GT 63 4-Door Coupé. The new variant differs from the range-topping model primarily in its electric powertrain. Instead of the three axial-flux motors used by the GT 63, the GT 53 is equipped with two permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) delivering a combined system output of 400 kW. Mercedes-AMG has been building anticipation for its new electric four-door GT for several months. The company showed a heavily camouflaged prototype during last year’s Formula…

Audi has released additional technical details of the upcoming A2 e-tron ahead of its global debut this autumn, outlining the electric hatchback’s battery specifications, drivetrain, efficiency and charging performance. The latest preview also provides a clearer look at the exterior design, with most of the camouflage removed ahead of the model’s official unveiling. Efficiency-Focused Electric Hatchback Audi said the A2 e-tron has been developed with a strong emphasis on efficiency, combining low energy consumption with competitive driving range. The manufacturer confirmed that the 140kW version equipped with the optional Efficiency Package will feature a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery,…

German solar mobility company Sono Motors GmbH has ceased operations and entered insolvency proceedings, bringing to an end a decade-long effort to commercialise vehicle-integrated solar technology. The Munich-based company officially stopped operating on 31 July after failing to secure new financing despite prolonged discussions with potential investors. Technology Portfolio Offered for Sale Following the insolvency, Managing Directors Denis Azhar and Jan Schiermeister are seeking buyers for the company’s remaining technology assets. The portfolio has been divided into three main packages covering the solar integration technology developed for the Sion electric vehicle, power electronics including the vehicle solar charge controller, and…

Edenred has completed its acquisition of The Mobility House Solutions, strengthening its electric fleet charging capabilities and expanding its presence in the European fleet electrification market. Following the transaction announced in June, the business will operate under the legal name Edenred E-Mobility GmbH, while continuing to offer its established charging and energy management solutions. Expanding Fleet Charging Services The acquisition combines the charging infrastructure and energy management expertise of the former The Mobility House subsidiary with the international customer network of UTA Edenred, Edenred’s business mobility platform. UTA Edenred provides fuel cards, charging cards and fleet mobility services to more…

BMW is reportedly preparing to reduce its global workforce by around 8,000 positions as part of a broad restructuring programme aimed at lowering annual costs by approximately €1 billion from 2028. The reported measures will primarily affect office-based roles in Germany, while production jobs at the automaker’s manufacturing plants are expected to remain unaffected. Voluntary Programme Targets Administrative Roles According to multiple media reports citing company sources, BMW plans to launch the programme in October and complete it by the end of 2027. https://evmagz.com/bmw-reportedly-developing-all-electric-i4-cabrio-on-neue-klasse-platform/ Rather than implementing compulsory layoffs, the company intends to rely on voluntary severance agreements, natural attrition…

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new electric GLA in Warsaw, marking the first time the compact SUV enters the market as a battery-electric model before its combustion-engine counterpart. The new lineup, scheduled to arrive in November, offers up to 657 kilometres of WLTP driving range and DC fast-charging speeds of up to 320 kilowatts. The automaker is launching three battery-electric variants initially, while hybrid versions are expected to follow in early 2027. Prices begin at €48,599 for the entry-level GLA 200, making it Mercedes-Benz’s most affordable electric SUV. Three Variants Built on 800-Volt Architecture The new GLA is based on Mercedes-Benz’s…

BMW is reportedly developing a fully electric i4 Cabrio based on its Neue Klasse platform, expanding its battery-electric lineup with a convertible model expected to arrive in 2028. According to BMW Blog, the new model, internally codenamed NA3, will replace the outgoing i4 Gran Coupé as part of the automaker’s next-generation electric vehicle strategy. The convertible is expected to feature four seats and a traditional fabric soft top while benefiting from the dedicated electric architecture introduced with BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. https://evmagz.com/bmw-to-begin-gen6-battery-production-at-south-carolina-plant-in-december/ Neue Klasse Platform to Support Electric Convertible Unlike the current i4, which is built on BMW’s mixed-architecture CLAR…

Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker in Europe to use Hydro Circal recycled aluminium in series vehicle production, introducing the material in its next generation of large electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing. The aluminium supplied by Hydro contains at least 75% post-consumer recycled content, compared with approximately 25% in the recycled aluminium currently supplied to the automaker. https://evmagz.com/mercedes-benz-expands-hungary-plant-and-starts-production-of-electric-c-class/ Higher Recycled Content for EV Production The recycled aluminium is produced using scrap recovered from end-of-life vehicles, buildings and infrastructure. Mercedes-Benz said sourcing recycled material closer to its manufacturing operations helps shorten regional supply…

Porsche AG has reached an agreement with its general works council on a broad restructuring program that will eliminate an additional 5,000 jobs by 2035 while committing €2.1 billion in investment across its key German sites. The measures come ahead of the automaker’s planned launch of its “Sportwagenschmiede 35” strategy in October and are intended to improve competitiveness following weaker financial performance, lower sales in China, U.S. tariff pressures and heavy investment in vehicle electrification. https://evmagz.com/report-porsche-production-chief-albrecht-reimold-expected-to-leave-early/ During the first half of 2026, Porsche’s operating margin declined to 7.8%, well below the company’s historical profitability levels. Workforce Reduction and Investment Commitments…

Volkswagen has opened orders for the entry-level version of its all-electric ID. Polo, introducing the new ID. Polo Trend at a starting price of €24,995 across several European markets. The new variant delivers on Volkswagen’s previously announced target of offering the electric compact from around €25,000, following the initial launch in April when the model range began with the higher-priced Life trim. https://evmagz.com/volkswagen-begins-production-of-id-polo-and-cupra-raval-affordable-bevs-in-spain/ Entry-Level Model Joins ID. Polo Lineup The ID. Polo Trend is now available for configuration in Germany and other European markets, including France and the Netherlands. The entry-level model comes equipped with a range of standard features,…

Volkswagen has opened pre-sales in Germany for a new 125 kW full hybrid powertrain that will be offered in the Golf and T-Roc, expanding the company’s hybrid vehicle portfolio with a system that does not require external charging. New Full Hybrid Powertrain The hybrid system combines a 1.5-liter TSI evo2 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh (gross) battery pack. https://evmagz.com/volkswagen-opens-german-orders-for-id-cross-entry-price-starts-at-e34025/ Together, the powertrain delivers 125 kW, produces 309 Nm of torque, and enables the Golf Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Unlike plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery is charged entirely on board…

Porsche has appointed Christian Friedl as its new Executive Board Member for Production, effective 1 September 2026, succeeding Albrecht Reimold. Separately, reports by German media suggest the automaker is reassessing the pace of its future electric vehicle programme under Chief Executive Officer Michael Leiters. Porsche confirmed reporting by Handelsblatt that Reimold will step down on 31 August, several months before his contract was due to expire in early 2027. Friedl to Lead Production Christian Friedl, 49, currently heads Porsche’s Corporate Quality division and has held several management positions within the company’s production organisation. https://evmagz.com/report-porsche-production-chief-albrecht-reimold-expected-to-leave-early/ He will assume responsibility for production…

Mercedes-Benz has reportedly suspended production of its China-exclusive CLA L electric sedan at its Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. (BBAC) joint venture, amid signs of weak market demand for the long-wheelbase model. The reported production pause was first published by German automotive outlet mb passion, citing industry sources. Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed the report or disclosed any reason for a potential halt in production. https://evmagz.com/mercedes-benz-launches-electric-glc-suv-in-china-to-strengthen-ev-portfolio/ Sales Reportedly Miss Expectations According to the report, disappointing sales are believed to be the primary reason behind the production pause. Industry sources indicated that only 627 units of the CLA L were sold during…