ev.news

Welcome to ev.news China — the podcast dedicated to the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Each day, I bring you the latest headlines, insights, and analysis from the heart of China’s booming EV industry — and decode how fast-moving developments in the east are shaping the global EV landscape.
CHINA EV SHARE HITS 67% AS PETROL SALES SLUMP
Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles captured a record 67% of China's passenger car market in September, despite NEV sales falling 16.7% to 1.084 million, as overall car sales declined 28% and petrol sales plunged 43%. With domestic NEV sales down 10.6% across the first nine months but September exports surging 160% to 571,000 vehicles, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly dependent on overseas markets to sustain growth.
AVATR REVEALS T09 HYBRID WITH OVER 400KM EV RANGE
Avatr has unveiled its T09 luxury SUV concept in Paris, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine, three electric motors and a 71.2 kWh CATL battery delivering more than 400 km of claimed electric range under China's CLTC cycle. Targeting China's 500,000 yuan luxury SUV segment, the concept showcases Avatr's premium ambitions as the company targets expansion from 70 to more than 110 international markets by 2030.
AITO PLANS 2027 EUROPE ENTRY AS SALES DECLINE
Huawei-backed AITO plans to launch four premium SUVs in Europe in 2027, with EU vehicle certification and Euro NCAP safety assessments underway as manufacturing partner Seres seeks growth beyond China. The expansion comes as Seres reported September NEV sales falling 34.48%, nine-month deliveries declining 15.79% and a first-half net loss of 1.72 billion yuan ($257 million), highlighting the urgency of establishing a successful international business.
XPENG PREVIEWS MONA L05 SUV WITH 660KM CLTC RANGE
XPeng has previewed the MONA L05 affordable SUV ahead of its planned late-2026 Chinese launch, offering a battery-electric version with a 71.1 kWh LFP battery and up to 660 km CLTC range, alongside a range-extender version with a 37.2 kWh battery delivering up to 253 km of electric driving. With estimated but unconfirmed pricing of $20,900–$26,900, the larger SUV expands the MONA range as XPeng targets monthly deliveries exceeding 60,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter, compared with 41,256 in September.
XPENG PLANS EV TECHNOLOGY DEALS BEYOND VOLKSWAGEN
XPeng has introduced its AI Engineering initiative in Paris, seeking to supply vehicle development, manufacturing, software and AI technology to additional carmakers beyond its existing Volkswagen partnership. Alongside European road testing of its advanced driver-assistance technology, more than 12,000 reported European MONA L03 orders and initial production trials in Austria, the strategy positions XPeng as an international technology supplier rather than simply a Chinese vehicle exporter.
CHINA PROPOSES BAN ON FOLDING CAR SCREENS
China has proposed stricter vehicle approval regulations banning folding cabin displays, requiring physical controls for essential functions and introducing tougher reliability, safety and software testing, including at least 30,000 km of vehicle testing. The draft measures, under consultation until 10 November and potentially taking effect from January 2027, aim to prevent manufacturers prioritising technological novelty and rapid product launches over proven safety, potentially increasing development costs and slowing approvals.
EU-CHINA DEAL LIMITS HYBRID IMPORTS TO 350,000
The EU and China have reportedly agreed to cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles annually under a four-year safeguard arrangement potentially beginning in December, with the ceiling increasing 6% each year. While Beijing argues the limit permits growth from 302,000 imports in 2025, Brussels expects shipments could otherwise reach 800,000 in 2026, meaning the agreement could substantially restrict Chinese manufacturers' European expansion and encourage more local production.

CITROËN REVIVES 2CV WITH €15,000 ELECTRIC PLAN
Citroën has unveiled an electric 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show, targeting European production in 2028 and a starting price of around €15,000, potentially undercutting the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring. The lightweight city car aims to recreate the original's affordable, practical appeal, although its battery, range and charging specifications remain unconfirmed, and the target price may depend on proposed EU rules for small EVs.
VW’S FOUR SMALL EVS ATTRACT NEARLY 150,000 ORDERS
Volkswagen Group says its four new affordable electric cars — the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, CUPRA Raval and Škoda Epiq — have attracted almost 150,000 orders ahead of deliveries, demonstrating early demand for smaller European-built EVs. All four share the front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform, with over 80% common components, and will be manufactured in Spain as part of a €10 billion electrification programme designed to reduce costs through economies of scale.
EU PROJECT TESTS CCS BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING
The four-year EV4EU European research project has successfully demonstrated bidirectional CCS DC charging, allowing electric vehicles to return electricity to homes and energy networks, with Portuguese trials reporting an average 8.6% reduction in household charging costs and up to 21.9% greater renewable-energy integration. Trials across four countries also explored virtual power plants and grid balancing, but widespread adoption still depends on compatible hardware, supportive regulations and financial incentives for vehicle owners.
ROAM OFFERS CASH TO REPLACE OLD UK EV CHARGERS
UK charging operator Roam is offering businesses £500 for replacing single-socket EV chargers and £1,000 for dual-socket units, providing modern replacement equipment and standard installation without upfront hardware costs. Targeting workplaces, hotels and residential developments, the scheme aims to improve charging reliability and interoperability, although participating businesses must enter long-term agreements with Roam rather than receiving unconditional grants.
XPENG CONFIRMS MONA L05 SUV FOR EUROPE IN 2027
XPeng will bring its larger Mona L05 SUV to Europe in early 2027, with Chinese specifications including a 71.1 kWh battery delivering up to 660 km of CLTC range, alongside a range-extender version offering up to 253 km of electric-only range. European pricing, production location and powertrain availability remain unconfirmed, with those decisions particularly important because Chinese-built battery EVs face an additional 20.7% EU import duty beyond the standard 10% tariff.
GEELY EXPANDS TO 100 DEALERS IN AUSTRALIA
Geely has expanded its Australian dealership network from 22 outlets in March 2025 to 100, establishing a presence across every state and territory while targeting further growth in regional areas. Having sold more than 15,000 EX5 electric SUVs, the company is combining wider distribution with promotional financing on its EX5 and EX2 models to strengthen its position in Australia's EV market.
SMART REVEALS TWO-SEAT #2 WITH 290 KM RANGE GOAL
Smart has unveiled its new two-seat #2 electric city car in Paris, returning to its original ultra-compact format with a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, a targeted 290 km WLTP range and 65 kW DC charging capable of 10–80% in a claimed 20 minutes. Measuring just 2.75 metres long, the rear-wheel-drive EV combines exceptional manoeuvrability with a versatile split tailgate, although European pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
VW CHIEF SEEKS EU HELP FOR GERMAN FACTORY OVERHAUL
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is calling for European policy support as the manufacturer undertakes its largest restructuring programme, potentially closing up to four German factories while cutting jobs to improve competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers. Blume supports Made in Europe policies favouring regional production, but VW faces the difficult task of reducing its German manufacturing footprint while investing in affordable EVs and better software to restore profitability.
MACRON WANTS EV SUBSIDIES LINKED TO EU PRODUCTION
French President Emmanuel Macron wants European EV subsidies tied to substantial EU-based manufacturing of vehicles, batteries and components, rather than rewarding imported cars receiving only final assembly in Europe. With just 26% of EVs purchased in France during 2025 manufactured domestically, Paris is pushing stronger local-content requirements, although Germany remains concerned about Chinese retaliation and reports of a compromise involving weaker 2035 emissions targets have been denied by the Élysée.

It's ev.news Briefly for Monday 12 October 2026, only todays headlines and nothing else, in just 4 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
CITROËN REVIVES 2CV WITH €15,000 ELECTRIC PLAN
Citroën has unveiled an electric 2CV concept at the Paris Motor Show, targeting European production in 2028 and a starting price of around €15,000, potentially undercutting the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring. The lightweight city car aims to recreate the original's affordable, practical appeal, although its battery, range and charging specifications remain unconfirmed, and the target price may depend on proposed EU rules for small EVs.
VW’S FOUR SMALL EVS ATTRACT NEARLY 150,000 ORDERS
Volkswagen Group says its four new affordable electric cars — the ID. Polo, ID. Cross, CUPRA Raval and Škoda Epiq — have attracted almost 150,000 orders ahead of deliveries, demonstrating early demand for smaller European-built EVs. All four share the front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform, with over 80% common components, and will be manufactured in Spain as part of a €10 billion electrification programme designed to reduce costs through economies of scale.
EU PROJECT TESTS CCS BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING
The four-year EV4EU European research project has successfully demonstrated bidirectional CCS DC charging, allowing electric vehicles to return electricity to homes and energy networks, with Portuguese trials reporting an average 8.6% reduction in household charging costs and up to 21.9% greater renewable-energy integration. Trials across four countries also explored virtual power plants and grid balancing, but widespread adoption still depends on compatible hardware, supportive regulations and financial incentives for vehicle owners.
ROAM OFFERS CASH TO REPLACE OLD UK EV CHARGERS
UK charging operator Roam is offering businesses £500 for replacing single-socket EV chargers and £1,000 for dual-socket units, providing modern replacement equipment and standard installation without upfront hardware costs. Targeting workplaces, hotels and residential developments, the scheme aims to improve charging reliability and interoperability, although participating businesses must enter long-term agreements with Roam rather than receiving unconditional grants.
XPENG CONFIRMS MONA L05 SUV FOR EUROPE IN 2027
XPeng will bring its larger Mona L05 SUV to Europe in early 2027, with Chinese specifications including a 71.1 kWh battery delivering up to 660 km of CLTC range, alongside a range-extender version offering up to 253 km of electric-only range. European pricing, production location and powertrain availability remain unconfirmed, with those decisions particularly important because Chinese-built battery EVs face an additional 20.7% EU import duty beyond the standard 10% tariff.
GEELY EXPANDS TO 100 DEALERS IN AUSTRALIA
Geely has expanded its Australian dealership network from 22 outlets in March 2025 to 100, establishing a presence across every state and territory while targeting further growth in regional areas. Having sold more than 15,000 EX5 electric SUVs, the company is combining wider distribution with promotional financing on its EX5 and EX2 models to strengthen its position in Australia's EV market.
SMART REVEALS TWO-SEAT #2 WITH 290 KM RANGE GOAL
Smart has unveiled its new two-seat #2 electric city car in Paris, returning to its original ultra-compact format with a 35.8 kWh LFP battery, a targeted 290 km WLTP range and 65 kW DC charging capable of 10–80% in a claimed 20 minutes. Measuring just 2.75 metres long, the rear-wheel-drive EV combines exceptional manoeuvrability with a versatile split tailgate, although European pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
VW CHIEF SEEKS EU HELP FOR GERMAN FACTORY OVERHAUL
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is calling for European policy support as the manufacturer undertakes its largest restructuring programme, potentially closing up to four German factories while cutting jobs to improve competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers. Blume supports Made in Europe policies favouring regional production, but VW faces the difficult task of reducing its German manufacturing footprint while investing in affordable EVs and better software to restore profitability.
MACRON WANTS EV SUBSIDIES LINKED TO EU PRODUCTION
French President Emmanuel Macron wants European EV subsidies tied to substantial EU-based manufacturing of vehicles, batteries and components, rather than rewarding imported cars receiving only final assembly in Europe. With just 26% of EVs purchased in France during 2025 manufactured domestically, Paris is pushing stronger local-content requirements, although Germany remains concerned about Chinese retaliation and reports of a compromise involving weaker 2035 emissions targets have been denied by the Élysée.

GEELY CONFIRMS CANADA ENTRY AS EV TARIFFS EASE
https://evne.ws/r4rdi
BYD'S NEW SEAGULL GROWS BEFORE PRICE REVEAL
https://evne.ws/9s99z
LI AUTO SETS 28 OCTOBER UPGRADE FOR ITS BESTSELLER
https://evne.ws/rp32q
BYD'S OCEAN MPV EMERGES AHEAD OF YEAR-END DEBUT
https://evne.ws/82p22
MAEXTRO BRAKE REPORTS PROMPT A YANGWANG RESPONSE
https://evne.ws/38i8c
GEELY BRINGS MONJARO PLUG-IN HYBRID TO PARIS
https://evne.ws/9zonm
BYD FLASH CHARGERS LOG 1.22 MILLION HOLIDAY SESSIONS
https://evne.ws/e6qeq
NIO SWAP SITES AVERAGE THREE TIMES BYD'S PEAK-DAY VISITS
https://evne.ws/ly0wo
TESLA SHANGHAI SALES RISE AS CHINA DELIVERIES FALL
https://evne.ws/kc1xz

GEELY PLANS CANADIAN LAUNCH AS US MARKET STAYS SHUT
https://evne.ws/yg2rq
VOLKSWAGEN TELLS 22,524 ID.4 OWNERS TO LIMIT CHARGING
https://evne.ws/12wns
RIVIAN BRINGS GHOSTBUSTERS INTO ITS EV SOFTWARE
https://evne.ws/otruv
ZEEKR 9X HYBRID CLAIMS 10–80% CHARGING IN 9.5 MINUTES
https://evne.ws/od38a
FORD SAYS CAMERA FAULTS CHANGED ITS NEXT EV PLATFORM
https://evne.ws/9znsk
EU ASKED TO LET TRUCK FLEETS SHARE DEPOT CHARGERS
https://evne.ws/aonk2
CHERY LAUNCHES UK APPROVED USED SCHEME WITH BATTERY CHECKS
https://evne.ws/qrn8r
DONUT LAB STILL HAS NO VERIFIED PRODUCTION BATTERY
https://evne.ws/8kl2m
MCLAREN PLANS MORE HYBRIDS AS SUPERCAR EVS RETREAT
https://evne.ws/boew1