Track electric vehicles news alongside market analysis, provider activity, and connected mobility intelligence from PAVE Insight.
China sets 5% accuracy limit for passenger EV battery-health displays
China’s recommended GB/T 46991.1-2025 standard sets evaluation requirements for passenger EV battery-health displays, including a maximum 5% SOCE error, virtual-mileage accuracy limits and battery-retention benchmarks based on age and mileage.
Freelander targets 300,000 annual sales ahead of Freelander 8 pre-sales
Freelander is targeting annual sales above 300,000 vehicles within three to five years, split between China and overseas markets. Pre-sales of its first model, the extended-range Freelander 8, are due to open on 10 August ahead of a planned six-model new-energy line-up.
MG 07 draws 21,000 China reservations as SAIC prioritises capacity
SAIC says the electric MG 07 received more than 21,000 refundable reservations within 20 hours of pre-sales opening in China. The company is prioritising production-capacity expansion ahead of the model’s August launch.
Tesla produces its 10 millionth electric vehicle at Fremont
Tesla has produced its 10 millionth electric vehicle at its Fremont factory in California, reaching the milestone six years after building its first million. The latest production milestone followed the company’s rapid global manufacturing expansion.
BYD Blade Battery testing dispute escalates after reported police complaint
A dispute over BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery temperature tests has escalated after blogger Cai Shen Dao said the automaker filed a police report. Independent and laboratory tests recorded higher localised surface temperatures than the vehicle’s BMS, while authorities have not confirmed an investigation.
US used EV prices rise despite record supply
Used EV prices rose 5.1% in the first half of 2026 and 7% year to date through mid-July, despite record supply. Analysts attribute demand to high fuel prices, affordability and greater model choice, with lower-priced EVs seeing the strongest gains.
BYD Qin Max reaches Chinese dealers ahead of 13 August launch
BYD’s Qin Max electric and plug-in hybrid sedan has reached Chinese dealerships ahead of its 13 August launch. The model offers up to 630km of CLTC range, nine-minute flash charging and DiPilot 300 assisted driving with roof-mounted LiDAR.
Dongan supplies range extenders for Xiaomi and Huawei EREVs
Harbin Dongan Auto Engine is supplying its M15DRE range extender for Xiaomi’s Skynomad N70 and N90 EREVs, with Huawei’s Maextro also using its 1.5-litre unit. The reported 8,000-yuan price highlights China’s maturing range-extender supply chain.
New South Wales presses ahead with 2027 electric-vehicle road charge
New South Wales plans to introduce a distance-based charge for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in July 2027. The scheme could raise A$440 million over three years, although the state prefers a national federal system and is still deciding how payments will be collected.
Fortescue commissions 6MW chargers as mine excavator fleet goes fully electric
Fortescue says its Flying Fish mine in Western Australia now has a fully electric excavator fleet and is commissioning two in-house 6MW chargers for future electric haul trucks.
FAW–Volkswagen opens China pre-orders for LiDAR-equipped ID. Aura T6
FAW–Volkswagen has opened blind pre-orders in China for the electric ID. Aura T6 SUV. The vehicle uses CEA architecture, LiDAR and Horizon Robotics’ 420-TOPS Journey 6H chip to support highway and urban driving assistance.
Rivian cuts 2026 spending forecast and narrows loss guidance
Rivian cut its 2026 capital-spending forecast by $250 million at the midpoint and narrowed its projected adjusted loss. It maintained its 65,000–70,000 delivery target while ramping up R2 production at its Normal, Illinois plant.
Ferrari CEO defends controversial Luce electric-car launch
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna defended the controversial launch of the Luce, the company’s first fully electric car, saying he would change nothing. Ferrari’s order books are full through 2027, while reported Luce capacity sold out within two months.
Xiaomi opens Chinese presales for Skynomad N70 and N90 crossovers
Xiaomi has opened Chinese presales for its Skynomad N70 and N90 range-extended crossovers, priced from 259,900 yuan. The models offer up to 505km of CLTC electric range, LiDAR-based assisted driving and 5G connectivity, with the N90 launching in September 2026.
Freelander 8 extended-range electric SUV enters production in China
Chery Jaguar Land Rover has started mass production of the Freelander 8 extended-range electric SUV at its Changshu plant in China. The six-seat model uses a 1.5-litre generator, a 60.3kWh battery and Huawei assisted driving with 896-line LiDAR.
Hyroad opens mobile hydrogen refuelling station for trucks in California
Hyroad Energy has opened a mobile liquid-hydrogen refuelling station in Santa Fe Springs, California, supporting hydrogen-powered commercial trucks. The 1,000kg unit completed 45 transactions in its first full week, with fuelling times below 25 minutes.
Xiaomi Skynomad N90 Max reaches Chinese dealers ahead of launch
Xiaomi’s Skynomad N90 Max extended-range electric SUV has reached dealers across China ahead of launch. The seven-seat model combines a 76kWh battery with a 1.5-litre range extender, dual-motor all-wheel drive and up to 505km of CLTC electric range.
Changan opens pre-sales for refreshed Deepal S05 with LiDAR
Changan has opened pre-sales in China for the refreshed electric Deepal S05, priced from 119,900 yuan. The update adds LiDAR, 26 sensors and SDA Pilot assisted-driving functions, alongside revised styling, a new cockpit and 520km or 620km ranges.
Ferrari Luce orders in China reportedly extend into 2027
Reported Chinese demand for Ferrari’s first battery-electric model, the Luce, has pushed new orders into 2027 after its reported 2026 allocation sold out. Ferrari has not confirmed regional order figures.
Electric cars are becoming cheaper to own as lower-cost models arrive
Analysis of ownership-cost data and forthcoming models argues that electric cars are already cheaper to run and maintain than petrol vehicles, with purchase-price parity approaching as battery costs fall and more affordable US models arrive.
Energy Networks Australia urges open-access kerbside charging reform
Energy Networks Australia is urging Australia’s energy-market regulator to allow electricity distributors to install and maintain open-access kerbside EV chargers, arguing this would accelerate deployment, improve competition and widen access for renters and apartment residents.
Chery confirms 350kW diesel plug-in hybrid Stockman ute for Australia
Chery has confirmed a 350kW, 800Nm diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain for its Stockman dual-cab ute, which is due to launch in Australia in late 2026. The four-wheel-drive model will offer up to 100km of electric-only driving and 3,500kg braked towing.
Chinese-made vehicles forecast to reach 58% of Australia’s market by 2035
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association forecasts Chinese-made vehicles will reach 58% of Australia’s new-car market by 2035. Chinese vehicles already held a 35.5% share in June, while battery-electric registrations rose 119.8% year on year in the first half of 2026.
SAIC opens China presales for MG 07 electric liftback
SAIC has opened presales in China for the MG 07 electric liftback, priced from 125,900 yuan. Higher trims offer CATL batteries, 800V 5C charging, up to 845 km CLTC range and roof-mounted LiDAR supporting assisted-driving functions.
Updated Smart #1 cuts charging time to 12 minutes with 800V system
Geely and Mercedes-Benz will launch an updated Smart #1 in China on 6 August, adding an 800V system that cuts 10–80% charging to 12 minutes. The electric crossover also gains a 245kW integrated e-drive and LiDAR-based assisted driving.
GM adds ChargePoint access to Energy Pass charging service
GM has added ChargePoint to its Energy Pass service, giving EV drivers access to ChargePoint DC fast and Level 2 stations through GM’s vehicle apps. The companies also report hundreds of new charging locations across the US, including sites supporting NACS and CCS1.
Commission opens €1.5bn funding call for European EV battery plants
The European Commission has opened a €1.5bn interest-free loan competition for first commercial-scale EV battery-cell plants in the EEA. Projects can receive up to €500m, with applications closing on 30 September 2026.
BYD patent details dual-electrolyte solid-state battery cathode
BYD has published a Chinese patent application for a solid-state battery cathode combining halide and sulfide electrolytes. The design aims to improve solid-solid interface stability, but the filing provides no vehicle testing, production validation or commercialisation timeline.
Pan-Good Power scales axial-flux motor production in China
Pan-Good Power has started large-scale production of axial-flux electric motors in Zhejiang, with five automated lines capable of producing 300,000 units annually. The motors are being deployed in electric heavy-duty trucks and exported to more than 30 countries.
South African team to test electric minibus taxis in 2023
GoMetro, MiX by Powerfleet, HSW, ACDC Dynamics and Stellenbosch University are forming a project team to test electric minibus taxis in South Africa. Trials near Stellenbosch and a national roadshow will assess operational suitability and support wider taxi-sector electrification.
Updated BYD Seal 06 reaches Chinese dealerships ahead of launch
Updated BYD Seal 06 vehicles have reached Chinese dealerships ahead of launch. Regulatory filings and dealer reports indicate EV and DM-i powertrains, outputs up to 240 kW, Blade Battery options and indicative pricing of 105,000–145,000 yuan, while LiDAR-equipped versions may cost more.
China’s EV lead is reshaping Australia’s imported car market
June data shows China’s domestic EV growth is driving exports, while Thailand’s electrification could reshape Australian imports. Australia’s battery-electric sales reached 23.3% of new-car sales, highlighting the influence of supplier-country policy and production choices.
Jetour Zongheng F700 reaches Chinese dealers ahead of 6 August launch
Chery’s Jetour Zongheng F700 plug-in hybrid pickup has reached Chinese dealerships ahead of its 6 August launch. The 904 hp model combines an 800V architecture, CATL battery technology and a claimed 1,300 km range; South African sales are planned for 2027.
FAW and Lishen test EV battery charging to 70% in under four minutes
FAW’s Hongqi and Lishen Battery have tested an ultra-fast-charging EV battery that reaches 70% charge from 10% in 3 minutes 41 seconds. The 12C cell uses an advanced anode, low-resistance materials and liquid cooling to control heat during high-power charging.
Xiaomi discloses Kunlun range-extender specifications for Skynomad SUVs
Xiaomi Auto has disclosed specifications for the Kunlun range extender powering its upcoming Skynomad SUVs in China. The 1.5-litre turbocharged system produces 112 kW, supports several petrol octane ratings and achieves 5.7 L/100 km depleted WLTC consumption. An N90 Max prototype has completed more than 60,000 km of testing.
Tesla Model Y L becomes available for immediate delivery in Australia
Tesla’s six-seat Model Y L is available for immediate delivery in several Australian states after cancelled orders appeared in inventory. Built in Shanghai, the EV offers up to 681 km of range, three-row seating and vehicle-to-load capability.
Volvo EX60 electric SUV approved for Australian sales
Volvo’s EX60 electric SUV has received Australian sales approval in rear- and all-wheel-drive forms. The models offer 800V charging architecture, batteries up to 95kWh, WLTP ranges of 610–660km and towing capacities up to 2,400kg.
BYD launches Racco electric K-Car in Japan with up to 320 km range
BYD has launched the Racco, its first electric K-Car developed specifically for Japan. The compact hatchback offers 210 km or 320 km of WLTC range, starts at ¥2.145 million and qualifies for Japan’s national EV subsidy.
GWM plans nine-model Australian expansion by end of 2026
GWM plans to introduce nine models in Australia by the end of 2026, spanning petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. The expansion includes new electrified utes, SUVs and the WEY premium sub-brand, targeting fleet and novated-lease buyers.
ACT modelling finds current EV policies fall short of 2045 net-zero goal
Modelling of the ACT light-vehicle fleet finds current policies could deliver a 70% battery-EV fleet by 2045, but leave transport emissions around half their present level. Stronger EV targets and incentives to improve used-vehicle efficiency are recommended.
Stellantis Pro One reports 7% first-half commercial-vehicle sales growth
Stellantis Pro One reported 7% first-half 2026 sales growth and maintained strong commercial-vehicle positions globally. It led Europe’s battery-electric van market, increased shares in South America and North America, and launched the Ram Dakota in Brazil.
Toyota to become equal owner of cellcentric with Volvo and Daimler Truck
Toyota will acquire a one-third stake in cellcentric, making it an equal shareholder alongside Volvo Group and Daimler Truck. The partners aim to expand hydrogen fuel-cell production and technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, subject to regulatory approval.
BYD reveals 2027 Seal 06 with roof-mounted LiDAR sensor
BYD has released images of the 2027 Seal 06, showing a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and revised EV and DM-i powertrains. Reported EV outputs reach 240 kW, but launch timing, pricing and final specifications remain unconfirmed.
Toyota Australia targets fleet needs with multi-powertrain strategy
Toyota Australia is pursuing a multi-powertrain fleet strategy, matching hybrids, PHEVs, BEVs, diesel and hydrogen vehicles to different operating needs. Its HiLux BEV has secured more than 300 orders, including from major industrial and infrastructure fleets.