SAIC-Volkswagen has filed for approval of the ID. ERA 5X compact SUV in China. It is Volkswagen’s first model based on the Compact Main Platform and the first fully electric vehicle in the China-specific ID. ERA series. Read more…

Students at Clemson University have unveiled the Deep Orange 17 electric car prototype. The solar-powered research vehicle can generate more energy than it consumes. BMW and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE supported its development. Read more…

The Indian government has announced plans to commission 33 hydrogen commercial vehicles under seven new pilot projects in five states: Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The projects form the second phase of transport pilots under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)’s National Green Hydrogen Mission. Read more…

Paris has made helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for riders of privately owned e-scooters. The measures follow a sharp increase in deaths and injuries involving the vehicles, despite the French capital banning rental e-scooters in 2023. Read more…

CATL has passed a demanding safety test with a battery system for electric aircraft. The manufacturer says thermal runaway did not spread to other cells after two adjacent cells were deliberately triggered simultaneously. Read more…

EDF’s American subsidiary PowerFlex is acquiring The Mobility House North America in a share exchange: The Mobility House’s American company will merge into PowerFlex, while the German tech company will become a minority shareholder in PowerFlex. Read more…

Potsdam public transport operator ViP has terminated its contract with Ebusco for 23 electric buses due to continued delivery delays. ViP is already preparing a new tender, while the Dutch manufacturer is contesting the termination. Read more…

Mercedes-AMG is expanding its GT family with the new GT 53 4-Door Coupé, which joins the recently unveiled all-electric four-door GT Coupé as a more affordable option. The most notable difference, aside from the lower price: Instead of three axial flux motors, the sports car is powered by two synchronous motors. Read more…

Software specialist Imagry and Spanish bus manufacturer UNVI are developing autonomous electric buses together. The first jointly developed vehicle is scheduled to enter operation in Germany in the third quarter of 2026. Read more…

Californians buying their first zero-emission vehicle can now receive up to $3,500 off at the point of sale. Hyundai, Lucid and Tesla are the first participating manufacturers, with several more due to join in the coming months. Read more…

Polish bus manufacturer Solaris has secured another major electric bus order in the Czech Republic. Public transport operator Dopravní podnik Ostrava (DPO) has signed a framework agreement for the delivery of up to 70 Urbino 12 electric buses, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Read more…

Fleet operator Moove has secured $250 million in a Series C funding round. The company will use the capital primarily to expand its autonomous vehicle fleets and invest in the charging and depot infrastructure needed to support their operation. Read more…

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is reportedly close to agreeing a partnership with industrial conglomerate JSW Group. The proposed joint venture could provide the funding needed to localise electric vehicle production and develop a dedicated EV platform for the Indian market. Read more…

BYD has published six new patents covering key aspects of solid-state battery technology. The filings focus on improving the contact between electrodes and solid electrolytes as the company reportedly targets pilot production of dual-electrolyte cells in 2027. Read more…

In a major step towards promoting clean mobility in the public sector, South Korea has announced plans to transition all new police vehicles to electric or hydrogen models. The government aims to achieve this target by 2035. Read more…

As part of the approval process in China, the first official images of the new Smart #2 without camouflage have been revealed. The two-seater city car, designed as the successor to the iconic Smart ForTwo, is based on a new electric architecture and is set to celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. Read more…

A new infotainment animation is drawing criticism from many BMW drivers. Instead of the usual start-up screen, some customers are greeted with a promotion for the new Spider-Man film when entering their vehicle. BMW, however, says it does not regard the campaign as advertising and presents it as an enhanced customer experience. Read more…

The global market for batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles grew by 20 per cent in the first half of 2026. CATL increased its market share to around 40 per cent. Read more…

Infrastructure investor Meridiam has led a €23 million investment in Chargepoly. The funding will support the latter’s international expansion and the rollout of depot charging solutions for electric truck and bus fleets. Read more…

Ford has revealed the name of the first production model based on its Universal EV Platform. The midsize electric pickup, called Fathom, will be available for pre-order in early 2027 with a starting price of $28,350. Read more…