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.
Dedicated pre-owned EV dealership launches in Victoria
EV Depot has opened in Seaford, Victoria, offering used electric vehicles and EV-buying guidance. Every car receives an Aviloo battery-health test, with vehicles below 90% battery health rejected.
RedBook launches fleet vehicle information platform in New Zealand
RedBook New Zealand has launched RegCheck.co.nz, combining vehicle history, registration, specifications, valuations and driver-licence checks. The platform includes batch processing and fleet administration tools to support procurement, compliance and asset management.
Waymo plans driverless rides in Germany from 2027
Waymo will begin phased robotaxi testing in Munich within weeks, targeting a public launch by the end of 2027. The German operation would be its first EU market and third international city, following London and Tokyo.
Leapmotor enters Argentina with two range-extender electric crossovers
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor has entered Argentina with the B10 and C10 range-extender electric crossovers, priced at US$31,990 and US$35,500. The brand will use Stellantis’ local sales and after-sales network to challenge BYD’s dominant EV position.
Chery releases iCaur V25 EREV in China ahead of global launch
Chery has released the iCaur V25 EREV crossover in China ahead of its Q4 2025 domestic launch and planned UAE rollout. The SUV features roof-mounted LiDAR, 26 other sensors and Falcon Pilot 700+ assisted driving, alongside a 33.679kWh LFP battery and up to 150km of electric range.
Nio completes 120 million battery swaps and unveils fifth-generation stations
Nio says it has completed 120 million battery swaps and unveiled fifth-generation Power Swap Stations in China. The stations support Firefly EVs, swapping batteries in under three minutes, as the company considers expansion into Australia.
Zoox to launch paid driverless robotaxi service in Las Vegas
Amazon-owned Zoox will begin charging for driverless robotaxi rides in Las Vegas on 10 August, its first commercial launch. The autonomous shuttle operator plans to expand paid services after securing a temporary federal exemption from human-control requirements.
NIO to open 4,000th battery-swap station in China
NIO will open its 4,000th battery-swap station in Quanzhou, China, on 7 August. The fifth-generation site will support NIO, Onvo and Firefly vehicles, complete swaps in 1 minute 48 seconds and hold up to 28 battery packs.
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.
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.
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.
Axis launches three on-camera licence-plate recognition kits
Axis Communications has launched three all-in-one licence-plate recognition camera kits for slow-speed and free-flow traffic. The 2MP and 3MP systems run License Plate Verifier on-camera and support access control and integration with third-party video-management systems.
GAC launches Aion UT and Aion V electric cars in Australia
GAC has launched the electric Aion UT hatchback and Aion V SUV in Australia, expanding to 30 dealerships. The models target the affordable EV market, with the UT priced at about AU$32,000 and offering a claimed 430km range.
Xpeng tests L03 electric SUV in Australia ahead of planned launch
Xpeng is testing its L03 electric SUV in Sydney ahead of a planned Australian release. The model offers supervised self-driving supported by an AI chip, plus 56kWh and 69kWh LFP battery options with claimed ranges of up to 650km.
Chery Fulwin A9 secures 18,173 pre-sale orders
Chery has secured 18,173 pre-sale orders within 72 hours after it has launched the Fulwin A9, a mid-size sedan family offered in pure-electric and extended-range plug-in drivetrains, with prices starting at ¥115,900.
BYD to launch Racco electric microcar in Japan on 28 July
BYD will launch its right-hand-drive Racco electric microcar in Japan on 28 July 2026. The model offers 210 km or 320 km of WLTC range, with 22.4 kWh or 35.84 kWh batteries and 50 kW fast charging, targeting the domestic K-car market.
BYD Denza Z9S electric sedan revealed with 370kW motor
China’s MIIT has revealed the BYD Denza Z9S electric sedan ahead of retail release. Two variants use lithium-iron phosphate batteries, with outputs of up to 370kW and a 3,025mm wheelbase.
BYD Da Han sedan revealed with up to 1,008 km range
The BYD Da Han has been sighted in China and has been announced for imminent launch with BEV and PHEV variants, has been advertised with up to 1,008 km range and flash charging, and has been priced at 300,000 yuan.
Waymo expands driverless rides to four US cities
Alphabet's Waymo has begun offering fully autonomous rides in four additional US cities, initially to employees, with a subsequent public rollout planned; the company has grown its fleet to about 4,000 robotaxis and has signalled further international expansion.
Geely teases Preface L90 sedan with LiDAR-assisted driving system
Geely has teased the Preface L90, a large sedan due to debut in China on 10 July. The model will offer ICE and hybrid powertrains, optional LiDAR and an assisted-driving system capable of urban and highway navigation.
Updated Lynk & Co 02 EV with 800V platform and LiDAR to enter China
Lynk & Co will introduce an updated 02 electric crossover in China in Q3 2026, featuring an 800V silicon-carbide platform with 6C charging and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for assisted driving.
BYD launches Seal 08 electric sedan with 905 km range in China
BYD has launched the Seal 08 electric sedan in China, with prices from RMB 196,900, up to 905 km of CLTC range and five-minute fast charging. The model also includes LiDAR-equipped driver assistance and is available in EV and plug-in hybrid versions.
GWM reveals refreshed Tank 300 with 200 km PHEV range in China
Great Wall Motor has revealed a refreshed Tank 300 in China, featuring revised off-road capability and a 60 kWh PHEV battery targeting 200 km of WLTC electric range. Pre-sales are due to begin on 6 July, with global deliveries expected later.
Australia’s first locally made electric articulated bus unveiled
Volgren and Volvo have unveiled Australia’s first locally made electric articulated bus in Perth. Two 18-metre BZL Electric Articulated buses will be tested before entering Transperth service around August.
BYD teases flagship Tai 9 SUV with flash charging and lidar
BYD has teased its Fang Cheng Bao Tai 9 flagship SUV, detailing a 5.3-metre three-row design, second-generation Blade battery with flash charging and roof-mounted lidar supporting its God’s Eye B assisted-driving system.
BYD Linghui M9 hybrid van reaches showrooms in China
BYD has commenced showroom deliveries of the Linghui M9 across China and has not disclosed official pricing; the model has been positioned within a specialised mobility sub-brand and has integrated advanced driver‑assist and dual‑mode plug‑in hybrid systems.
TIES unveils 314Ah and 588Ah liquid-solid cells
TIES has unveiled 314Ah and 588Ah liquid-solid-state cells, has outlined manufacturing adaptations to permit scaling with limited equipment changes, and has secured supply-chain agreements to support commercial deployment of large-format LiFePO4-carbon cells.
Renault Trucks launches E-Tech T electric tractor range
Renault Trucks has launched the E-Tech T electric tractor range with up to 660 km single-charge range and has reported that 80–90% of daily missions can be completed based on analysis of its connected fleet data.
Mazda 6e RHD production cars arrive in Thailand ahead of July launch
Mazda has delivered an initial batch of 500 right-hand-drive 6e electric liftbacks to Thailand ahead of planned July launches in Thailand and Australia. Built in China, the latest RHD models feature a 78kWh LFP battery promising 560km of range.
Li Auto launches 2026 Li L8 five-seater SUV
Li Auto has launched the 2026 Li L8 five-seater SUV in China, offered in Ultra and Livis variants, equipped with a 72.7 kWh 5C range-extender battery, EMB in the Livis, advanced driver-assistance options and a US$52,900 starting price.
Geely EX2 electric hatchback approved for Australian launch
Geely’s low-cost EX2 electric hatchback has appeared on Australia’s ROVER approval-for-sale register ahead of its planned Q3 2026 launch. The rear-wheel-drive model will be offered in three variants, with Australian pricing expected near A$30,000.
Renault adds Bursa hub for Boreal SUV exports
Renault has opened a second Boreal production hub in Bursa, Turkey, and has started exporting the model to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub‑Saharan Africa, complementing its Curitiba facility and expanding its global production footprint.
Leapmotor updates C10, C11 and C16 line-up
Leapmotor has launched refreshed C10, C11 and C16 models, priced from ¥125,800; it has introduced extended-range and pure-electric powertrains, 800V architecture, LiDAR-equipped high trims, and upgraded interiors and infotainment features.
Mobileye targets 2027 launch of its own US robotaxi service
Mobileye plans to launch its own robotaxi service in a major US city in 2027, starting with 100 autonomous vehicles and aiming to scale to about 17,000 over five years.
MG 07 unveiled with 650 km electric range and lidar-assisted driving
MG has unveiled the 07 fastback sedan in China with battery-electric and plug-in hybrid variants. The BEV offers up to 650 km of CLTC range, while the vehicle introduces roof-mounted lidar and Momenta’s R7 smart-driving framework.
Chery–Jaguar Land Rover JV unveils Freelander 8
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover JV has unveiled Freelander 8 First Edition images, disclosed a hybrid range‑extender powertrain, advanced autonomy and off‑road systems, and has positioned the model in the 300,000 yuan segment while Evoque retail prices have been cut.
BYD Dolphin G DM-i: European pricing announced
BYD has announced European pricing for the Dolphin G DM‑i PHEV and has scheduled deliveries for autumn 2026. The company has priced the model from €28,990 in Germany before subsidies and has planned production in Szeged, Hungary.
Waymo launches $29.99 Premier subscription
Waymo has launched a $29.99 monthly Premier subscription in select US cities, offering prioritised matching, up to five free cancellations and 10% loyalty credits, and has begun invite-only enrolments ahead of further expansion.
BYD Seal 08 price leak points to lower-cost launch in China
A leaked dealer sheet suggests BYD’s electric Seal 08 flagship sedan could launch in China at 250,000 yuan, below its previously indicated price range. The model features an 800V platform, rapid charging, LiDAR, rear-wheel steering and advanced suspension.
Amazon opens LTL freight service to all businesses
Amazon has expanded its less-than-truckload freight service beyond inbound shipments to offer businesses of all sizes deliveries between facilities, warehouses, retailers and distributors across its US network, with tracking, sensors and electronic integrations.
Seres launches Aiva brand to diversify from Huawei
Seres has launched Aiva, has restructured ownership to reduce dependence on Huawei, has partnered with ByteDance and DeepRoute.ai for vehicle AI and autonomous driving, and has scheduled ME7 production before the end of 2026.
BYD Great Tang electric SUV to launch in China with 950 km range
BYD will launch its seven-seat Great Tang electric SUV on 17 June in China, featuring up to 950 km of claimed CLTC range, 3.9-second acceleration, lidar and the God’s Eye 5.0 driver-assistance system.
Stellantis launches Pro One commercial-vehicle unit in North America
Stellantis has launched its Pro One commercial-vehicle business unit in North America, combining fleet services, connected-vehicle support and vehicle-upfit tracking. It plans nine of 11 global models for the region by 2030, including new vans and pickups.
Replica and Arity launch live-data platform to identify road safety risks
Replica and Arity have launched Safety Hub, combining driving-behaviour, multimodal movement and crash data to help US public agencies identify emerging roadway risks, prioritise interventions and assess safety measures. Arity has also invested strategically in Replica.
Maextro S800 Grand Design opens pre-orders in China
HIMA has opened pre-orders in China for the ultra-luxury Maextro S800 Grand Design Collector’s Edition. The model features Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5.0 system, an 896-line roof-mounted LiDAR and electric or extended-range powertrains.
BYD launches Xuanji A3 4nm ADAS chip
BYD has launched the self-developed 4nm Xuanji A3 ADAS chip, has begun mass production and has positioned it for L3 and L4 applications and robotaxi integration, and has reported improved power utilisation and LiDAR compatibility.
HIMA launches upgraded Aito M9 SUV in China with electric powertrain
HIMA has launched the upgraded Aito M9 in China, offering range-extender and pure-electric variants, up to 890 hp and a 750 km CLTC range. The SUV features Huawei’s ADS 5.0 driver-assistance system, six lidar sensors and AI-enabled cockpit software.
Hino introduces battery-electric Le Series medium-duty truck
Hino has introduced the battery-electric Le Series medium-duty truck in 25,950lb and 33,000lb configurations. It uses a 269kWh Panasonic battery system, supports 120kW DC fast charging and is due to enter production in the third quarter.