Electric road vehicles and material developments in their technology, production or market.
BHP slows electric haul-truck rollout as Fortescue defends charging strategy
BHP says current electric haul trucks are unsuitable for mass deployment because of charging downtime, while Fortescue argues charging must be assessed alongside energy costs, infrastructure and productivity. Fortescue is trialling 6MW chargers in Australia’s Pilbara region.
BYD adds Sealion 7 to Australia’s largest V2G trial
BYD is adding its Sealion 7 electric SUV to Amber Electric’s Australian vehicle-to-grid trial, which can include up to 1,000 EVs. Buyers committing to the trial receive a 6% discount, while BYD says more models will follow.
Fortescue plans first Australian Formula E team
Mining company Fortescue plans to enter Formula E with a team acquired from Penske and a Jaguar-powered electric race car. Its engineers will use the championship to develop battery, software and hardware technologies for mining and other applications.
Regional NSW areas lead electric-vehicle uptake, analysis finds
Analysis of Transport for NSW registration data finds regional areas led BEV growth over six months. NSW passed 150,000 BEVs in August, up 35% in six months, with the strongest gains concentrated around regional cities and commuter areas.
Blacktown targets fleet productivity as service demand grows
Blacktown City Council plans to handle rising service demand through higher vehicle utilisation, asset sharing and telematics-led planning rather than automatic fleet expansion. Electric waste trucks could also enable longer operating hours and reduce the need for additional vehicles.
EV charging demand outpaces infrastructure growth, ChargePoint report finds
ChargePoint says charging sessions on its network rose 34% in 2025, versus 16% growth in vehicles, highlighting pressure on fleet infrastructure. Its report covers higher-powered chargers, AI-enabled management, uptime and emerging vehicle-to-grid applications.
SABOA conference highlights funding and infrastructure barriers to bus electrification
South Africa’s bus industry used the SABOA 2026 conference to discuss electrification, funding reform, infrastructure, cross-border regulation and digital transformation. Johannesburg is assessing bus-fleet electrification, while operators highlighted financing, workforce and safety challenges.
BYD launches 501 km Yuan UP electric crossover in China
BYD has launched the 2027 Yuan UP Feichi Edition in China, adding a 501 km CLTC variant with a 51.13 kWh Blade Battery. Prices start at 74,800 yuan, while the compact electric crossover retains 301 km and 401 km versions.
Volvo starts FH Aero Electric production and unveils 80-tonne electric truck
Volvo Trucks has started series production of the 700-kilometre FH Aero Electric and unveiled an electric truck-and-trailer combination for gross combination weights of up to 80 tonnes. The combination targets European markets and supports megawatt or CCS2 charging.
Maserati plans Huawei-JAC partnership for new electric models
Maserati is reportedly planning two electric models with Huawei and JAC Motors, using Huawei technology and JAC manufacturing in China. Semi-knocked-down production would see bodies shipped to Italy for final assembly, with initial target markets including Europe and the Middle East.
ArcFox Alpha T7 attracts 30,000 orders in one hour
BAIC’s ArcFox Alpha T7 has reportedly secured 30,000 orders within an hour of launch. The electric and range-extender SUV features Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 system, an 800V platform, CATL batteries and up to 715km of CLTC electric range.
Kia’s electric PV5 marks return to Australia’s van market
Kia has re-entered Australia’s van market with the electric PV5, its first dedicated battery-electric light commercial vehicle. Stronger-than-expected demand is prompting plans for additional PBV variants, including passenger and high-roof cargo versions.
BYD launches Formula S and S GT electric performance models
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao has launched the Formula S and S GT electric models, featuring rapid charging, up to 900km of CLTC range, DiSus-M adaptive suspension and LiDAR-enabled highway and urban navigation assistance.
Li Auto launches i9 electric SUV in China with 0.215 drag coefficient
Li Auto has launched the i9 flagship electric SUV in China, priced at 369,800 yuan. It offers a 705km CLTC range, 5C rapid charging and an optional LiDAR-equipped driver-assistance package, with initial vehicles using CATL batteries before a planned switch to Li Auto-developed packs.
Peak Mobility launches predictive dispatching tool for electric bus fleets
Peak Mobility will debut Predictive Dispatching at InnoTrans 2026. The PEAK.DMS extension links vehicle assignment, charging and depot parking, forecasting state of charge across activity chains to support electric and mixed bus-fleet dispatching.
Denza Z9S electric sedan set for launch with 1,100km range
Denza will launch the Z9S on 23 September 2026 after opening pre-sales. The electric sedan offers up to 1,100km of CLTC range from BYD Blade batteries, plus roof-mounted lidar, advanced driving functions and rear-wheel steering.
Real-world PHEV emissions depend on charging and fleet management
Analysis of European and Australian evidence finds plug-in hybrid emissions and fuel use vary widely with charging access, vehicle controls and driver behaviour. It calls for easier electricity reimbursement, right-sized batteries and monitoring of real-world energy use in fleets.
BYD unveils 600km electric heavy truck with 1.5MW charging
BYD has unveiled the ETT 44, a 20-tonne battery-electric tractor with a 44-tonne gross combination weight, 600km range and 651kWh Blade battery. Its 1.5MW charging system can raise charge from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
Geely opens pre-sales for 1,113hp Galaxy Zhanjian 700 SUV
Geely has opened pre-sales for its Galaxy Zhanjian 700 off-road SUV, reporting 43,900 refundable orders in its first hour. The plug-in hybrid features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, 47.14kWh LFP battery, 305km electric range and AI-assisted off-road functions.
Kia unveils larger PV7 electric van in cargo and passenger variants
Kia has unveiled the PV7, its second dedicated electric van, in cargo and up-to-nine-seat passenger versions. The model offers 71.5kWh or 96.2kWh batteries, up to 460km of range and 350kW charging, with launches planned in Korea and Europe in 2027 and Australia later that year.
Analyst forecasts US hybrids reaching 34% of auto market by 2030
Analyst John Murphy expects hybrids to reach 34% of US vehicle sales by 2030, while pure EV growth remains modest. He also sees little prospect of Chinese brands entering the US market amid tariffs and technology restrictions, with five to 10 existing brands potentially disappearing.
Voyah Dream 9 flagship MPV to launch in China with 701 km range
Dongfeng’s Voyah will launch the Dream 9 flagship MPV in China on 22 September. The plug-in hybrid and battery-electric models feature an 800V platform, fast charging, LiDAR-supported Huawei assisted driving and a new intelligent chassis.
BYD cuts Atto 1 EV price below A$20,000 driveaway in Australia
BYD has cut the nationwide driveaway price of its entry-level Atto 1 Essential to A$19,990, making it Australia’s first new EV below A$20,000. The compact hatchback has a 30kWh battery, 220km WLTP range and 65kW motor.
MG unveils MGU9 electric ute for Australia’s global debut
MG has revealed the MGU9 electric ute, making Australia its first global launch market. The dual-motor vehicle offers a 430km WLTP range, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, 102.2kWh LFP battery and 6.6kW vehicle-to-load capability; pricing and deliveries remain undisclosed.
Lepas reveals 440km L6 electric SUV for Australia
Chery-backed brand Lepas will launch its L6 electric SUV in Australia in October 2026. The front-wheel-drive model uses a 65kWh LFP battery, delivers a claimed 440km WLTP range and includes extensive driver-assistance and cabin technology.
Renault Trucks unveils electric E-Tech Trafic and targets 40,000 LCVs
Renault Trucks has unveiled the electric E-Tech Trafic at IAA 2026, offering up to 470 km of range and 800 V fast charging. The LCV is due to go on sale in Europe in the first half of 2027 as the company targets 40,000 LCVs annually by 2030.
VW reveals ultra-efficient prototype EV with 1,278km real-world test range
Volkswagen has revealed the Mission Efficiency prototype, an MEB+ electric coupé achieving 6.89kWh/100km and a 0.158 drag coefficient. Its 54.9kWh battery completed a 1,278km test route with one charge, supported by lightweight materials, aerodynamics and solar generation.
Volvo updates 40 series with enhanced driver assistance and AI
Volvo has upgraded its XC40, EX40 and EC40 models with new radar and camera hardware, enhanced driver-assistance functions including lane-change assist, Google Gemini AI and refreshed interiors. The electric EX40 and EC40 offer ranges of up to 575km and 585km respectively.
Denza launches N8L electric SUV with 130 kWh battery and nine-minute charging
BYD’s Denza has launched the N8L pure-electric SUV with a 130.15 kWh Blade Battery, 960 km CLTC range and 800V charging from 10% to 97% in about nine minutes. It also features roof-mounted lidar and the company’s God’s Eye driving-assistance system.
Denza Z9GT spotted testing in Australia ahead of market launch
BYD’s Denza Z9GT has been spotted undergoing road testing in Melbourne ahead of its Australian launch. The electric shooting brake features LFP Blade Battery 2.0 packs, up to 1,036km of CLTC range and five-minute 10–70% charging, with the tri-motor version due first.
Hyundai Australia launches novated leasing product for EV buyers
Hyundai Australia has launched a Hyundai Novated Lease product powered by Smart and introduced dedicated offers on selected EVs. The move reflects the growing importance of novated leasing in Australia’s electric-car market and gives dealers another route to fleet and salary-packaged customers.
Freelander 8 sets 6,002-metre altitude record in Tibet
Chery-JLR’s Freelander 8 reached 6,002.33 metres in Tibet, setting a Guinness hybrid altitude record. The report examines how its turbocharged range extender, dual-motor AWD and two-speed rear drive handled thin air, steep scree and sustained electric operation.
Geely EX5 revealed in China with rear-drive EV platform and roof-mounted LiDAR
Geely has revealed its upgraded EX5 electric crossover in China ahead of a September launch. The model gains a 245kW rear motor, structural and electronic changes, a larger front trunk and roof-mounted LiDAR supporting its G-Pilot H5 assisted-driving system.
Xiaomi begins Skynomad EREV SUV deliveries across 75 Chinese cities
Xiaomi has started delivering its Skynomad N70 and N90 extended-range SUVs in 75 Chinese cities. The models offer up to 1,705km combined range, LFP batteries and roof-mounted LiDAR supporting Level 2 assisted driving.
Smart cuts Australian EV prices ahead of #5 SUV launch
Smart has cut prices for its #1 and #3 electric SUVs in Australia by about A$5,000, while confirming the larger #5 SUV will launch locally soon. Specifications and pricing for the new model are expected in the coming months.
Ausgrid deploys electric truck for mobile fleet maintenance
Ausgrid has introduced a mobile mechanic service using an electric truck to maintain heavy vehicles on site, reducing workshop transfers, downtime and associated costs. The initiative supports the utility’s wider fleet electrification strategy.
BYD begins nationwide deliveries of Sealion 08 SUV in China
BYD has started nationwide deliveries of the Sealion 08 in China after securing more than 12,000 orders in its first 24 hours. The electric and plug-in hybrid SUV offers multiple battery, powertrain and driving-assistance configurations.
BYD reportedly orders 10 more car carriers for vehicle exports
BYD has reportedly ordered 10 additional pure car and truck carriers from China Merchants Industry, adding 92,000 CEU of capacity. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–2029, potentially expanding BYD’s fleet to 18 vessels and supporting its overseas vehicle exports.
MG 07 secures more than 42,000 locked orders in China
SAIC’s MG 07 has passed 42,000 locked orders after 20 days on sale in China. The sedan is offered with plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, with selected versions featuring roof-mounted LiDAR and up to 845 km of claimed CLTC range.
Geely Galaxy TT launches with 800V platform and lidar-assisted driving
Geely has launched the electric Galaxy TT with an 800V, 6C fast-charging platform, CATL LFP battery and up to 425kW of power. Its H5 and H7 driver-assistance systems combine cameras, radar and lidar for urban and highway navigation and automated parking.
How three-phase home charging can maximise solar power for EVs
A technical guide explains how single- and three-phase EV chargers interact with solar inverters and household supplies. It covers load balancing, solar-sensing chargers, portable charging and integrating home batteries to improve solar utilisation.
Study finds used EV batteries retain more capacity than expected
Analysis of 500,000 EV battery-health tests found vehicles with 150,000 km typically retained 87–94% of original capacity. Results also showed substantial variation between individual cars, highlighting the value of independent battery testing for used-EV buyers and valuations.
Audi launches efficient A2 e-tron and cuts Q6 e-tron prices
Audi has unveiled the battery-electric A2 e-tron with four variants, LFP and NMC batteries, up to 646km of WLTP range and optional bidirectional charging. It has also cut Q6 e-tron prices by up to $22,800, with A2 deliveries starting in Germany in December.
Jaecoo expands Australian J7 range with petrol and plug-in hybrid models
Jaecoo is expanding its Australian J7 range with a petrol AWD variant and three plug-in hybrids offering up to 100km of electric range. The MY27 models target fleet flexibility, with deliveries scheduled from September and October.
Li Auto to debut electric SUV in Europe and begin sales later in 2026
Li Auto will unveil its battery-electric i6 SUV at the Paris Motor Show in October and begin European sales in late 2026, as it develops dealer networks and broader expansion plans across the region.
Mercedes-Benz launches electric GLC with up to 350 miles of range
Mercedes-Benz has launched the electric GLC 400 4MATIC, featuring a 94-kWh battery, 800-volt architecture, 330-kW charging and up to 350 miles of EPA range. The vehicle introduces the company’s MB.OS software platform and AI-enabled MBUX system.
Finalists named for 2026 Australian Novated Lease Car of the Year
Fleet News Group has named the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X as finalists for its 2026 Novated Lease Car of the Year. NALSPA member data covering more than 200,000 salary-packaged vehicles indicates growing demand for battery-electric SUVs.
Australian EV sales growth puts charging network under pressure
The HERE-SBD EV Index found Australia had 24 battery-electric cars per public charger in 2025. Charging infrastructure is concentrated in New South Wales and Victoria, while Western Australia and Tasmania lag, highlighting the need for further investment as EV adoption rises.
Polestar cuts Australian pricing for 2027 Polestar 4 coupé
Polestar has cut the Australian price of its 2027 Polestar 4 coupé by $4,600, to align it with the SUV variant. The updated model also gains revised chassis settings, improved steering precision and a lower reported cradle-to-gate carbon footprint.