After Smart confirmed the Fortwo successor, the Smart #2, in September, real-world testing of the underlying Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) has now begun. Smart is conducting these tests using bodyshells from the current Smart Fortwo – a move that effectively confirms the #2 will remain true to the original’s ultra-compact dimensions. Read more…

Bristol Airport is set to move two of its Airport Flyer bus services to fully electric fleets, as part of its goal to reach net zero operations by 2030. Read more…

BAIC and Changan have become the first manufacturers to receive approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for Level 3 highly automated vehicles. Specific electric vehicles from these companies are now permitted to begin test drives in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing. Read more…

Hubject has expanded its Intercharge roaming platform to include Shell Recharge, Shell’s public charging network. This allows other e-mobility service providers connected to the platform to offer the oil company’s charging points to their customers. Read more…

The Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric is now available for pre-order in some countries as part of Renault’s R-Pass pre-order programme in the ‘Techno’ trim. The base price for this version is €21,090 (before government incentives). Read more…

VinFast has commenced production at its EV plant in Indonesia, beginning with its micro-SUV – the VF 3. The new facility is the company’s second overseas EV plant following the one it opened in India in August. Read more…

Following Electra, the fast-charging joint venture Ionity now also provides access in Europe to the charging stations of ChargeLeague members Fastned, Electra, and Atlante. However, there are no uniform kilowatt-hour prices. These vary depending on the tariff, provider, and country. Read more…

Tesla is once again assembling battery packs at its plant in Grünheide on the outskirts of Berlin. However, it remains unclear how long battery assembly was suspended on-site. Grünheide is now set to become Tesla’s ‘most highly automated battery factory worldwide’—though the battery cells are supplied from the USA. Read more…

Japanese automaker Nissan has begun production of the third-generation Leaf. The company invested over 500 million euros in its Sunderland, UK, plant for this model. Read more…

China’s market regulation authority has published draft guidelines for compliance with pricing regulations in the automotive industry and is now seeking feedback from companies. The aim is to curb destructive price competition in the sector, which has already forced some smaller manufacturers out of the market. Read more…

Ford has announced a comprehensive realignment of its electric vehicle business—primarily focused on North America. Production of the F-150 Lightning, which was already paused, will not resume, and the electric pickup developed under the codename T3 will not be brought to market. Read more…

Chinese automaker Skyworth Auto has started preparing for its entry into the Indian EV market. The company has appointed Hyderabad-based Kaly Emotors Pvt. Ltd. as its local partner. Read more…

Kempower and French charging station operator Sowatt Solutions have commissioned France’s first ‘Kempower Mega Satellite CCS 560 kW’ along the Mont-Blanc route in Vougy, designed for electric trucks. The site is complemented by three fast chargers, each offering up to 300 kW for electric cars. Read more…

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has secured £1.6 million from the UK government’s LEVI Fund to deliver more than 800 public EV charging points. The project targets residential areas without off-street parking and will be delivered with private investment from Connected Kerb. Read more…

Karin Rådström has been elected Chair of the Commercial Vehicle Board of the ACEA, effective January 1, 2026. The Daimler Truck CEO succeeds Traton CEO Christian Levin in this role. Read more…

MAN has delivered the first two charging stations for a new electric commercial vehicle charging park at Munich’s Allianz Arena, home to the Bayern München football team. The site is designed for large-scale e-truck and e-bus operations and marks the first electric appearance of MAN’s traditional Christmas truck. Read more…

It has been known for some time that ride-hailing service Uber and its Chinese partner WeRide want to establish a robotaxi service in the United Arab Emirates. After the service recently launched in Abu Dhabi, the starting signal has now also been given in Dubai. Read more…

The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB has produced its first electrically functional lithium-ion battery cell. This marks the first time a continuous process chain using exclusively European equipment, from electrode production to the charged cell, has been implemented. Read more…

Aiming for a stronger foothold in Southeast Asia, Xpeng plans to localise its EVs in Malaysia from 2026, following a similar move in Indonesia earlier this year. It will pursue an asset-light strategy, outsourcing local assembly operations rather than setting up its own facility. Read more…

Sweden is the first country to receive the green light for its Climate Social Plan under the EU’s new Climate Social Fund. As part of this, over 500 million euros in funding will be provided to enable more affordable access to electric cars, particularly for low- and middle-income households. Read more…