Independent electric transport news covering aviation, maritime, buses, trucks, rail and working machinery.
Volkswagen has introduced the new ID. Tiguan, an electric model that is scheduled to succeed the ID.4 and ID.5 in early 2027. The change matters because it marks a new naming and product step for one of Volkswagen's electric crossover lines.
BMW is testing an 18-tonne hydrogen combustion engine truck in factory operations at its Leipzig plant. The trial is intended to assess real-world performance and reduce logistics emissions.
Mercedes-Benz said its battery-electric vehicle sales reached a new quarterly high in Q3 2026, with BEV sales up 61%. The company said the electric GLC, CLA, GLB and GLA were among the models driving demand.
Volkswagen has introduced the ID. Tiguan as its electric SUV nameplate, with the model intended to replace the ID.4 and ID.5. The move matters because the company is using the established Tiguan name to draw buyers into electric cars.
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Tiguan, an all-electric version of its best-selling model. The vehicle is expected to go on sale in early 2027 and would replace the ID.4 and ID.5, with up to 372 miles of range cited in the source.
Mobility Move 2027 in Berlin is set for 16-18 March and will give more space to autonomous driving while keeping electric mobility as a main pillar. The programme is also expected to add new topics and formats that could support the introduction of new transport technologies.
BMW is trialling a hydrogen combustion engine truck at its Leipzig site. The trial points to an alternative hydrogen powertrain route for truck fleets, compared with fuel-cell systems.
BMW has added a new iX3 M60 xDrive version with a combined 603 hp and standard M upgrades. The update matters because it expands the electric SUV’s performance range.
Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the ID. Polo GTI at €39,995. The model is positioned in the electric hot-hatch segment and is said to offer 226 PS, 290 Nm of torque and up to 431 km of range.
BMW has introduced the iX3 M60 xDrive with 612 hp, 875 Nm, up to 468 miles of WLTP range and 400-kW charging. The model reflects Neue Klasse technology and adds a new high-performance option to BMW’s electric SUV line-up.
Traton Group’s development chief said the company is considering lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for its truck technology plans. The statement indicates ongoing evaluation of battery chemistry choices for MAN and Scania as the group invests in new drive technologies.
Mercedes-Benz Group said it sold 78,100 electric vehicles in the third quarter, equal to 16% of all Mercedes cars and vans sold worldwide. The company said China remains an extremely challenging market.
DeepDrive says it has secured a high-volume nomination from an unnamed global vehicle manufacturer, with series production planned to start in 2028. The development matters because it points to future industrial-scale supply for electric drive systems and comes as the Munich-based company also builds a presence in China.
BMW has revealed the new iX4, which is said to arrive in 2027 with up to 514 miles of range. The model is also described with 400 kW charging, 800V technology and a 612-hp M60 xDrive version.
BMW has introduced the iX4, an electric SUV-coupé in its Neue Klasse family. The model expands the lineup between the iX3 and iX5 and starts at €70,900.
ABB E-mobility and elexon said they are working together to offer EV charging infrastructure for commercial fleets in Germany and Austria. The collaboration is aimed at electrification projects for fleet operators, including bus and truck fleets, with energy and load management support.
Volkswagen has opened pre-orders for the ID. Polo GTI, its first electric hot hatch to use the GTI badge. The move marks a step toward bringing an electric performance model to market, with pricing starting at about $45,000.
The Munich I Regional Court ruled that charging operator EWE Go may not charge roaming provider DCS higher prices than it charges its own customers. The decision is described as the first to clarify the anti-discrimination provision in the EU's AFIR regulation and could affect the wider charging industry.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has opened the Center for Energy Storage and Systems (ZESS) in Braunschweig. The research hub, backed by nearly €50 million from the federal government and the state, is intended to support work on battery and hydrogen technologies.
The Fraunhofer Battery Alliance is widening its collaboration with South Korean partners through two new letters of intent. The planned projects cover battery materials, cell production and recycling, which could support future battery development.
Germany’s electric car subsidy has passed 100,000 approved household applications since opening for applications in mid-May. The approvals, worth more than 430 million euros, show strong demand for the programme.
BMW has opened a new €1 billion battery plant in Germany to supply Gen6 batteries for the new BMW i3. The plant is intended to support the model’s battery supply as BMW prepares the vehicle with up to 906 km of WLTP range and 400 kW charging, according to the source.
Pionix, AST-X and Solectrix said they will work together on custom EV charge controllers based on Pionix’s reference design and ChargeBridge module. The companies say the approach is meant to shorten development for charger manufacturers building software-defined charging systems.
BMW has shown a new teaser of the electric M3 with lighter camouflage than before. The image gives the clearest look yet at the production-bound sports sedan, but no technical details were provided.
MAN has begun testing an automated electric bus in Munich city traffic. The trial is intended to check whether a full-size bus can operate in mixed conditions.
BMW M has built its one-millionth car, while BMW says Munich will make the electric M3. The move links the performance brand’s future to the company’s oldest plant and its all-electric transition.
FPS.Energy is packaging hydrogen fuel and refuelling support for fuel cell bus fleets in Germany. The move is aimed at lowering the barrier for operators adopting hydrogen buses.
Daimler Buses said it will build a new public electric bus charging hub at Hamburg ZOB. The project matters because it adds high-power charging capacity for electric buses, using renewable electricity and up to eight charging points.
BMW has begun battery output for the Neue Klasse at a plant in Bavaria. The faster-than-planned ramp-up suggests the program is moving quickly and will test BMW’s battery supply chain from the start.
Lucid has introduced its Recharged Certified Pre-Owned program in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway. The move expands access to used Lucid vehicles and includes warranty coverage and roadside assistance.
RWTH Aachen says it is working on scalable processes for multilayer battery electrodes under the ProMeBa research project. The aim is to move the technology from lab-scale development to pilot scale.
Electrek reports that the world’s tallest wind turbine has reached its full height in Germany. The turbine’s developer says the extra altitude could roughly double its electricity output.
BMW has opened its new battery plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen and started series production of sixth-generation high-voltage batteries. The site is expected to supply the new BMW i3 from Munich and become part of the company’s German production network.
BMW has said an affordable entry-level electric car in its Neue Klasse line is planned for 2028. The model is part of the company’s broader turnaround plan.
Göttinger Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH has completed the procurement process and awarded the planning contract for a new electric bus depot. The facility is planned for at least 100 e-buses and is expected to enter operation by the end of 2031.
MAN’s automated 12-metre Lion’s City E has started operating on a public route in Munich as part of the MINGA project. The move brings the project closer to passenger trials, which are scheduled to begin in November.
BMW is planning an entry-level electric vehicle in its Neue Klasse lineup. The source says it would be the most affordable Neue Klasse EV.
BMW Group has begun series production of sixth-generation high-voltage batteries at its new Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria, Germany. The batteries are being supplied to Plant Munich for use in a new i3, according to the source.
Daimler Buses has announced plans for a new public charging location for electric buses at Hamburg Central Bus Station (ZOB Hamburg). The site would expand its existing public charging infrastructure after earlier locations in Cologne and Munich.
Volvo Trucks has said it wants to use compressed hydrogen gas in pressurised tanks for its H2 trucks. The move highlights a different storage approach from Daimler Truck as both work on commercialising heavy-duty hydrogen trucks and related infrastructure in Germany.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks said it is expanding its electric truck portfolio and focusing on specific use cases. The company also highlighted megawatt charging as important for the next stage of deployment.
BMW said it plans to launch an electric compact car based on the Neue Klasse platform in 2028. The model has not been officially named, though it is likely to be called the BMW i1.
Daimler Buses plans to open a public charging location for electric buses at Hamburg Central Bus Station in 2027. The project would add charging infrastructure for bus operations in Hamburg if the lease and permit process is completed.
Daimler Buses plans a third public bus charging location in Hamburg after Cologne and Munich. The site is intended for electric buses from different brands and would expand charging access at the terminal.
BMW has opened orders for the 2027 i3 early following strong initial demand. The electric sedan is said to offer up to 468 miles of range, though pricing is described as high.
Mercedes-Benz said it will test ProLogium’s Gen4 battery cells for future EVs. The work is intended to assess safety, energy density, fast charging, performance and scalability.
Volkswagen will make LFP batteries for mass-market electric vehicles through joint ventures with China’s Gotion. The move points to a push for lower-cost battery supply in Europe.
BMW has unveiled a new 3 Series line-up that for the first time includes an electric sedan, the i3. The model is based on the Neue Klasse platform and is positioned with a claimed range of up to 900 km, which may influence pricing and market positioning.
Volkswagen said the new ID. Tiguan will premiere in October. The model extends the company’s established Tiguan name into its electric lineup.
Mercedes says the 2027 G 580 EV will get a NACS charging port, more range, and faster charging. The changes matter because they may improve charging access and usability for the electric SUV.