Audi Sport has officially introduced the new Audi RS 5—the brand’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid model. The vehicle boasts a system output of 470 kW (639 hp) and 825 Nm (608 lb-ft) of torque. It offers an all-electric urban range of over 80 kilometers (approx. 50 miles) and an optional top speed of 285 km/h (177 mph).

The powertrain pairs a 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine (375 kW/510 hp) with a 130-kW electric motor. A key technical highlight is the newly developed quattro all-wheel-drive system with Dynamic Torque Control, featuring electromechanical torque vectoring at the rear axle. This system adjusts power distribution between the rear wheels in milliseconds, ensuring sharper handling and enhanced stability. The package is rounded out by an RS sport suspension with twin-valve dampers. Both the Sedan and Avant are expected to reach customers in 2026, with European orders opening in Q1 2026.

Changan Automobile plans to begin its first in-vehicle solid-state battery pilot trials before the third quarter of 2026. These installations are designed for real-world validation, with mass production of the cells slated for 2027.

The focus is on Changan’s proprietary "Golden Bell" solid-state battery, which reportedly reaches an energy density of approximately 400 Wh/kg and could enable ranges exceeding 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). AI-driven remote monitoring and diagnostic tools are integrated to enhance safety compared to conventional cell chemistry. Initial testing will take place in dedicated test vehicles and robotics platforms to gather real-world data and optimize the system before series production begins in 2027.

Uber Technologies is investing more than $100 million to build its own DC fast-charging infrastructure dedicated to robotaxis. The plan involves a network of charging hubs located at autonomous vehicle depots and central urban sites to maximize uptime and minimize charging delays.

The first stations will launch in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Uber is collaborating with partners including Volkswagen (ID. Buzz AD), Lucid, and Nuro. The budget covers chargers, site development, grid connections, and full infrastructure build-out, aiming to lower operating costs and increase autonomous fleet availability. Simultaneously, Uber is expanding partnerships with charging providers like EVgo, Electra, and IONITY, in some cases guaranteeing minimum utilization rates to economically de-risk the expansion of new charging points for both robotaxis and standard EVs.

In collaboration with Columbia University, Samsung SDI has introduced a new electrolyte formulation for lithium-metal batteries. The goal is to overcome one of the technology’s biggest drawbacks: the formation of dangerous dendrites.

Lithium-metal cells are highly promising due to an energy density up to 1.6 times higher than traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, short lifespans and safety risks have hindered commercialization until now. The newly developed fluoride-based gel polymer electrolyte forms a stable protective layer on the anode, suppressing dendrite growth and significantly improving cycle stability and safety. Samsung SDI views this as a major step toward market readiness for EVs, wearables, and stationary storage. Pilot projects will now validate production costs, long-term stability, and system integration.

Polestar, in partnership with Octopus Energy, is expanding its Grid Rewards program in Germany and France. Through the Polestar Energy platform, EV drivers could see their home charging costs drop by up to €300 per year.

The system automatically optimizes charging times based on electricity prices and grid signals. Grid Rewards also pools vehicles to avoid peak loads and prioritize renewable energy usage. Combined with an intelligent Octopus plan, costs per charging session can be reduced by up to 50%. A new feature is the direct integration of smart charging within the vehicle; models like the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 no longer require a specific wallbox to access these features. Long-term, Polestar sees Grid Rewards as a foundation for bidirectional charging. While Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) features are already available in California, the rollout in Europe remains a future prospect.