BMW, BYD, Fraunhofer, Renault, Lingxi, XPeng, Engwe and more

BMW officially confirmed during its 2024 financial results presentation that the iX3 will be the first production model of its next-generation electric vehicle lineup, dubbed the "Neue Klasse." The debut is scheduled for September 2025 at IAA MOBILITY in Munich. "The iX3, with production set to begin by the end of 2025 at our state-of-the-art plant in Debrecen — our first facility dedicated entirely to all-electric vehicles — marks a significant step forward in our commitment to innovative mobility," the company stated.

Chinese automaker BYD has announced a major advancement in fast-charging technology with its new "Super e-Platform." Capable of delivering up to 1,000 kilowatts (1 megawatt), this system can add up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) of range in just five minutes, according to BYD. To support this breakthrough, the company plans to roll out more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations across China. The first vehicles to feature this technology will be the Han L and Tang L models.

As part of the H2GO research initiative, 19 Fraunhofer institutes are collaborating to optimize large-scale production of bipolar plates for fuel cells. The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs and boost efficiency through advanced fabrication techniques. One area of focus is developing scalable production technologies to enable widespread fuel cell adoption. For example, researchers at Fraunhofer IPT are working on two different forming processes for bipolar half-shells: discrete forming with progressive dies and continuous roll-to-roll forming. H2GO also involves research on forming and stamping tools, as well as associated press systems, all aimed at increasing productivity and product quality.

Renault has announced it will revive the iconic R5 Turbo as a fully electric sports car. The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is slated for a limited production run of 1,980 units starting in 2027. Delivering 540 hp, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration in 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph), the car features two rear-mounted hub motors, each rated at 200 kW, blending the spirit of the original with modern electric performance.

Chinese EV maker XPeng has upgraded its G6 and G9 SUV models with improved fast-charging capabilities. Both vehicles are built on an 800-volt architecture and now support 5C charging, significantly reducing charging times. The G6 can now charge from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes. The G9 delivers the same performance, also needing only 12 minutes for a 10% to 80% charge.

E-bike manufacturer Engwe has expanded its lineup with the L20 3.0 series, including the Boost and Pro models. Designed for urban use, both bikes feature 20-inch wheels, full suspension, and a foldable frame. The L20 3.0 Boost comes with a hub motor that delivers up to 75 Nm of torque and includes a "Boost Mode" that provides an extra power burst for 60 seconds — ideal for climbing hills. Its 648-Wh battery offers up to 135 kilometers (84 miles) of range and can be fully recharged in two hours with an 8A fast charger. The L20 3.0 Pro, meanwhile, features a mid-drive motor with 100 Nm of torque for better weight distribution and more efficient power transfer. It’s equipped with a 720-Wh battery that delivers up to 160 kilometers (99 miles) of range, plus GPS tracking, app control, and IoT-based anti-theft technology.

Swedish micromobility company Voi has unveiled three new electric vehicles to expand its presence in European cities. The lineup includes the Voiager 8 e-scooter and the Explorer 4 and Explorer Light 1 e-bikes. These new models are set to completely replace the current fleet, pushing forward urban micromobility. The Voiager 8 features a larger battery and regenerative braking, extending its range to up to 110 kilometers (68 miles). Munich will be the first German city to deploy this model, followed by Frankfurt.

Nissan and Stena Recycling have formed a strategic partnership in Norway to repurpose used batteries from Nissan LEAF electric vehicles. Stena follows a sustainable approach by carefully diagnosing each battery to determine which components can be reused and which should be recycled. Many used EV batteries still have considerable energy storage potential and can be repurposed for another 10 to 15 years in stationary storage systems. The partnership strengthens Stena’s position in the growing EV battery reuse market and supports a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Bentley Motors has broken ground on a new Integrated Logistics Centre (ILC) at its headquarters in Crewe, UK, designed to support production of its future battery-electric vehicles. The 11,620-square-meter facility will streamline materials handling and delivery to assembly lines, incorporating advanced kitting and sequencing processes to optimize parts management. By expanding on-site storage capacity by 35%, Bentley aims to reduce reliance on external warehouses and transport. For the first time within the Volkswagen Group, Bentley will implement a state-of-the-art automated warehouse system to improve process stability and material flow. The facility is scheduled for completion in October 2025 and expected to be operational by mid-2026 as part of Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy.