







IAA MOBILITY Weekly
The mobility highlights of week 10/2026
Volkswagen, BYD, CUPRA, Aptera, Plenitude
- IAA MOBILITY Weekly
- 10/2026

Volkswagen Group delivers four million all-electric vehicles, BYD unveils its second-generation Blade Battery, CUPRA reveals the refreshed CUPRA Born, Aptera assembles its first solar EV on a validation line, and Plenitude partners with Pininfarina to reimagine charging infrastructure—these are the top headlines for Week 10, 2026.
Volkswagen Group delivers four million all-electric vehicles, BYD unveils its second-generation Blade Battery, CUPRA reveals the refreshed CUPRA Born, Aptera assembles its first solar EV on a validation line, and Plenitude partners with Pininfarina to reimagine charging infrastructure—these are the top headlines for Week 10, 2026.

The Volkswagen Group has officially delivered four million all-electric vehicles (BEVs) worldwide, marking a major milestone in its electrification strategy.
Approximately 72% of these deliveries came from the Group’s "Core" brand cluster. Volkswagen led the way with roughly two million units, followed by Škoda Auto (480,000), CUPRA/SEAT (230,000), and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (140,000). The "Progressive" premium group contributed around 870,000 Audi vehicles, while Porsche AG delivered approximately 250,000 BEVs. The Trucks group accounted for roughly 11,000 units.
Compact models dominated the mix at 70%, including the Volkswagen ID.4 (a US staple), ID.3, Škoda Enyaq, CUPRA Born, and Audi Q4 e-tron. SUVs and crossovers made up more than half of all BEV sales. Regionally, 68% of vehicles were delivered to Europe, 20% to China, and 8% to the United States.

BYD has introduced the second generation of its Blade Battery, promising significantly faster charging times. During the presentation, the manufacturer demonstrated a charge from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes.
While still utilizing Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, the new battery features "Flash Charging" technology. When paired with specialized ultra-fast chargers, the battery can reportedly handle charging rates of up to 10C—theoretically enough to fully charge a pack in minutes.
The system also performs well in cold weather: even at –4°F (–20°C), a charge from 20% to 97% is reportedly possible in under 12 minutes. Additionally, BYD has increased energy density, aiming for ranges of up to 480 miles (777 km) in standard models and over 620 miles (1,000 km) in high-performance vehicles.

CUPRA has taken the wraps off the facelifted CUPRA Born. The exterior features the brand’s latest design DNA, including triangular Matrix LED headlights and an integrated, illuminated CUPRA logo at the rear. Inside, the cabin gets new door panels, a larger digital cockpit, and a redesigned steering wheel with physical buttons.
Performance upgrades include immersive interior sound, Launch Control, a new one-pedal driving system, and wider tires for the 19- and 20-inch wheels. The vehicle now boasts 326 hp (240 kW), enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in roughly 5.6 seconds, with a projected range of approximately 370 miles (600 km). Designed in Barcelona and built in Zwickau, Germany, production begins in Q2 2026, with a market launch set for Summer 2026.

CUPRA has taken the wraps off the facelifted CUPRA Born. The exterior features the brand’s latest design DNA, including triangular Matrix LED headlights and an integrated, illuminated CUPRA logo at the rear. Inside, the cabin gets new door panels, a larger digital cockpit, and a redesigned steering wheel with physical buttons.
Performance upgrades include immersive interior sound, Launch Control, a new one-pedal driving system, and wider tires for the 19- and 20-inch wheels. The vehicle now boasts 326 hp (240 kW), enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in roughly 5.6 seconds, with a projected range of approximately 370 miles (600 km). Designed in Barcelona and built in Zwickau, Germany, production begins in Q2 2026, with a market launch set for Summer 2026.

Plenitude and the legendary design firm Pininfarina are co-developing a new concept for EV charging. The goal is to transform charging stations into attractive, functional spaces by integrating high-end design, intuitive user interfaces, and thoughtful architecture.
While Plenitude provides technical infrastructure expertise, Pininfarina is handling the aesthetics and site design. These stations are intended to blend seamlessly into urban and rural environments, offering additional services and comfortable lounge areas alongside power. A pilot site is currently under development at Pininfarina’s headquarters in Cambiano, Italy, featuring two 22 kW AC chargers and two 50 kW DC fast chargers.