ev.news

GLOBAL EV SALES FALL AS EUROPE SETS A RECORD
Global electric vehicle sales fell 2% in September to 2.15 million, despite Europe setting a new record with almost 600,000 vehicles sold, up 39%, while North American sales dropped 44% and China's declined 18%. China exported a record 558,000 new-energy passenger cars as domestic demand weakened, but proposed EU restrictions on Chinese hybrid imports could complicate its export strategy, even as global EV sales remain 3% higher for the year.
RIVIAN LIMITS NEW DRIVING SYSTEM TO INVITED OWNERS
Rivian will begin testing its point-to-point autonomous driving system with selected US owners of second-generation R1 vehicles and the R2 in December, initially in California and Florida, with wider availability planned for 2027. Participants must have paid Autonomy+ subscriptions, share driving data and provide feedback, while remaining responsible for monitoring the road, as Rivian targets hands-off, eyes-off driving capabilities in 2027.
CHANGAN BRINGS 450 KM FAMILY EV TO EUROPE
Chinese manufacturer Changan will launch its Nevo Q05 electric crossover in Italy and Spain in early 2027, with a UK version called the E06 offering 450 kilometres of WLTP range, a 63.8 kWh battery and 174 kW rapid charging capable of replenishing 30–80% in approximately 15 minutes. Competing against the BYD Atto 3, Leapmotor B10 and Kia EV3, Changan plans to expand its European dealership and service network from nearly 400 locations this year to 650 in 2027, although pricing remains unannounced.
FRANCE AND GERMANY AGREE CAR PLAN WITH UK CONDITIONS
France and Germany have agreed a proposed European automotive policy that could give British manufacturers access to EU subsidies and public contracts in exchange for reciprocal market access and tighter safeguards against circumventing European trade restrictions, potentially affecting Chinese EV imports. The agreement proposes requiring 70% European-made components, excluding batteries, and 10% European battery content for qualifying vehicles, while reducing the EU's 2035 emissions target from 100% to 90%, allowing combustion-engine cars to remain on sale beyond 2035 if the proposals secure legislative approval.
LEAPMOTOR STARTS SPANISH B10 PRODUCTION
Leapmotor has begun assembling its B10 electric SUV at Stellantis' Zaragoza factory in Spain, with customer deliveries expected in December or January and production of the B05 scheduled for early 2027. European assembly avoids additional EU tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars, although the B10's current local content of more than 40% may not satisfy proposed Made in Europe requirements, while British customers will continue receiving Chinese-built vehicles.
VOLKSWAGEN WEIGHS CHINA-DEVELOPED CARS FOR EUROPE
Volkswagen is considering importing China-developed electric vehicles into Europe, potentially including the ID Unyx 09 saloon developed with Xpeng in just 24 months, exploiting China's faster development cycles and lower manufacturing costs. However, European regulatory requirements and import tariffs could undermine those savings, making local production increasingly attractive as Volkswagen simultaneously supports Made in Europe policies favouring European manufacturing.
RIMAC REVEALS NEVERA THRUSTER STUDY
Mate Rimac has revealed that his engineers investigated compressed-gas thrusters for the Nevera electric hypercar in 2020, exploring technology capable of delivering extraordinary acceleration, additional downforce and potentially lifting the vehicle off the ground. The concepts never reached production, with engineering resources redirected towards the Bugatti Tourbillon, whose naturally aspirated V16 engine is supplemented by three electric motors and a 24 kWh battery.
US CLEAN-ENERGY RECORD FORECAST AS GAS ALSO EXPANDS
BloombergNEF forecasts a record 89 gigawatts of new US clean-energy capacity this year, driven by data-centre electricity demand and expiring tax incentives, but also expects 67.8 gigawatts of additional gas-fired generation by 2030 against just 14.3 gigawatts of retirements. Grid connection bottlenecks could require 48 gigawatts of on-site gas generation by 2035, illustrating how growing electricity demand is driving investment in both renewable energy and fossil fuels, with US wholesale electricity prices forecast to rise 11% this year.

It's ev.news Briefly for Sunday 18 October 2026, only today's headlines and nothing else, in just 4 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
GLOBAL EV SALES FALL AS EUROPE SETS A RECORD
Global electric vehicle sales fell 2% in September to 2.15 million, despite Europe setting a new record with almost 600,000 vehicles sold, up 39%, while North American sales dropped 44% and China's declined 18%. China exported a record 558,000 new-energy passenger cars as domestic demand weakened, but proposed EU restrictions on Chinese hybrid imports could complicate its export strategy, even as global EV sales remain 3% higher for the year.
RIVIAN LIMITS NEW DRIVING SYSTEM TO INVITED OWNERS
Rivian will begin testing its point-to-point autonomous driving system with selected US owners of second-generation R1 vehicles and the R2 in December, initially in California and Florida, with wider availability planned for 2027. Participants must have paid Autonomy+ subscriptions, share driving data and provide feedback, while remaining responsible for monitoring the road, as Rivian targets hands-off, eyes-off driving capabilities in 2027.
CHANGAN BRINGS 450 KM FAMILY EV TO EUROPE
Chinese manufacturer Changan will launch its Nevo Q05 electric crossover in Italy and Spain in early 2027, with a UK version called the E06 offering 450 kilometres of WLTP range, a 63.8 kWh battery and 174 kW rapid charging capable of replenishing 30–80% in approximately 15 minutes. Competing against the BYD Atto 3, Leapmotor B10 and Kia EV3, Changan plans to expand its European dealership and service network from nearly 400 locations this year to 650 in 2027, although pricing remains unannounced.
FRANCE AND GERMANY AGREE CAR PLAN WITH UK CONDITIONS
France and Germany have agreed a proposed European automotive policy that could give British manufacturers access to EU subsidies and public contracts in exchange for reciprocal market access and tighter safeguards against circumventing European trade restrictions, potentially affecting Chinese EV imports. The agreement proposes requiring 70% European-made components, excluding batteries, and 10% European battery content for qualifying vehicles, while reducing the EU's 2035 emissions target from 100% to 90%, allowing combustion-engine cars to remain on sale beyond 2035 if the proposals secure legislative approval.
LEAPMOTOR STARTS SPANISH B10 PRODUCTION
Leapmotor has begun assembling its B10 electric SUV at Stellantis' Zaragoza factory in Spain, with customer deliveries expected in December or January and production of the B05 scheduled for early 2027. European assembly avoids additional EU tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars, although the B10's current local content of more than 40% may not satisfy proposed Made in Europe requirements, while British customers will continue receiving Chinese-built vehicles.
VOLKSWAGEN WEIGHS CHINA-DEVELOPED CARS FOR EUROPE
Volkswagen is considering importing China-developed electric vehicles into Europe, potentially including the ID Unyx 09 saloon developed with Xpeng in just 24 months, exploiting China's faster development cycles and lower manufacturing costs. However, European regulatory requirements and import tariffs could undermine those savings, making local production increasingly attractive as Volkswagen simultaneously supports Made in Europe policies favouring European manufacturing.
RIMAC REVEALS NEVERA THRUSTER STUDY
Mate Rimac has revealed that his engineers investigated compressed-gas thrusters for the Nevera electric hypercar in 2020, exploring technology capable of delivering extraordinary acceleration, additional downforce and potentially lifting the vehicle off the ground. The concepts never reached production, with engineering resources redirected towards the Bugatti Tourbillon, whose naturally aspirated V16 engine is supplemented by three electric motors and a 24 kWh battery.
US CLEAN-ENERGY RECORD FORECAST AS GAS ALSO EXPANDS
BloombergNEF forecasts a record 89 gigawatts of new US clean-energy capacity this year, driven by data-centre electricity demand and expiring tax incentives, but also expects 67.8 gigawatts of additional gas-fired generation by 2030 against just 14.3 gigawatts of retirements. Grid connection bottlenecks could require 48 gigawatts of on-site gas generation by 2035, illustrating how growing electricity demand is driving investment in both renewable energy and fossil fuels, with US wholesale electricity prices forecast to rise 11% this year.

Getting paid to plug in your electric car sounds appealing—but is vehicle-to-grid worth it for you? In Part Two of this V2G special, we examined the deal for the owner: how availability payments work, which hours qualify and what you give an energy provider permission to control. We explore offers from BMW and E.ON, Mercedes, Renault, Octopus and BYD, and We Drive Solar and Hegg, including the conditions behind the advertised rewards.
The return depends on more than the headline payment. We look at charger prices, installation costs, subscriptions and eligibility, plus how solar panels, export approval and changing your car or electricity supplier can affect the service. We also explain why powering your home during a blackout requires the right installation, and where a stationary home battery offers a different benefit.
Finally, we compare V2G with ordinary smart charging—the savings you could already make without exporting electricity. We examine energy losses, battery ageing, warranty conditions, data security and long-term repairs and support. The central question is whether V2G can deliver a dependable extra benefit after costs, even when introductory rewards end or your circumstances change.

Your electric car’s battery could do much more than drive the wheels. In Part One of this vehicle-to-grid special, Martyn Lee explores how EVs can power appliances, supply a home or send electricity back to the grid. We explain AC and DC bidirectional charging, the differences between V2L, V2H and V2G, and why the car, charger and electricity supplier need to work together.
With manufacturers and energy companies bringing complete V2G packages to market, is this the turning point for wider adoption? We look at European household offers, Tesla’s Powershare home backup and grid support, and expanding shared-car fleets in the Netherlands. Projects in Australia, China and California show how cars and electric school buses are being used to support electricity networks.
We also explore what makes V2G useful: absorbing solar energy, meeting evening demand and helping keep the grid stable. But a parked car is only useful to the grid when it’s connected to compatible equipment and has energy to spare. From communication standards to installation and supplier restrictions, we examine what still needs to happen before V2G becomes an everyday choice—and set up Part Two’s question: is it worth it for the owner?

SLATE OPENS FIRST SHOWROOM FOR $26,400 ELECTRIC PICKUP
Slate has opened its first showroom in Chicago ahead of sales later this year, showcasing its $26,400 electric pickup, including destination fees, with a projected EPA range of 205 miles. Optional kits can convert the basic truck into a five-seat SUV, while servicing will use RepairPal’s independent network, including more than 100 workshops capable of working on high-voltage EV systems.
FRANCE’S EV SHARE HITS 42%, LED BY MODEL Y
Electric cars took 42% of France’s new-car market in September, up from 22% a year earlier, led by Tesla’s Model Y ahead of the Renault 5 and electric Twingo. Social leasing capped at €200 a month helped support demand, but only the Renault 5 among those three is assembled in France, highlighting the challenge of turning growing EV sales into domestic manufacturing gains.
BMW RAISES IX5 EPA RANGE ESTIMATE TO 450 MILES
BMW has raised the iX5 60 xDrive’s estimated EPA range from 435 to 450 miles ahead of its planned launch in the first quarter of 2027. Its 144.0 kWh battery, BMW’s largest in a production vehicle, will support charging at up to 460 kW, with a quoted 10–80% charging time of 22 minutes.
GERMANY SEEKS FREEZE ON PLUG-IN HYBRID CO₂ RULES
Germany wants to freeze November’s correction to EU plug-in hybrid emissions calculations, which would reduce the assumed amount of electric driving to better reflect real-world use. Transport & Environment says plug-in hybrids registered in 2024 emitted around six times their official CO₂ figures and warns that a freeze would let carmakers meet 2030 targets while selling fewer battery electric cars.
MERCEDES CHIEF WARNS EU AGAINST EXCLUDING UK CARMAKERS
Mercedes-Benz chief Ola Källenius warns that excluding British carmakers from the EU’s proposed Made in Europe rules would damage manufacturers and supply chains on both sides of the Channel. Brussels says British tariffs on Chinese-built electric cars would strengthen the UK’s case for inclusion, but the British government says it isn’t considering them.
IONITY TO REPLACE CHARGERS THAT LEFT EVS STRANDED
Ionity will replace faulty chargers at Elverum in Norway after receiving six incident reports involving high-voltage safety fuses being triggered, leaving affected EVs unable to drive until those fuses are replaced. One Volkswagen ID. Buzz owner faces a reported $12,100 repair bill, with Ionity’s insurer handling the case and responsibility for payment still unresolved.
CHERY UNVEILS Q ELECTRIC HATCHBACK FOR EUROPE
Chery has unveiled its 4.2-metre Q electric hatchback for Europe, with a UK arrival expected in 2027 that would bring the brand’s first fully electric car to its British line-up. European specifications are still being finalised, but the South African version has a 42.7 kWh battery, a 90 kW rear motor and up to 400 km of NEDC range, with 30–80% DC charging in 16.5 minutes or less.
BYD SHARK WINS FIVE-STAR EURO NCAP RATING
BYD’s Shark DMO plug-in hybrid pickup has earned Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, with UK orders open at £47,295 including VAT. The 321 kW pickup offers up to 90 km of WLTP electric range from a 32.2 kWh battery, with 55 kW DC charging taking 21 minutes from 30% to 80%, adding an electrified option to a diesel-dominated market.
TESLA ROADSTER RESERVATIONS COME WITHOUT DELIVERY GUARANTEE
Customers can pay up to $250,000 to reserve Tesla’s Roadster without securing a guaranteed car, delivery date, final price or fixed specification. Tesla is targeting a 2028 launch, with some reservations dating back to 2017; payments are fully refundable if customers cancel or Tesla cannot deliver, but reservations cannot be transferred.