The BMW Group is partnering with Rimac Technology to develop a new high-voltage battery for the BMW i7. 

The project centers on Gen6 eDrive technology, featuring new cylindrical cells that offer a 20% increase in energy density. This advancement is expected to significantly improve both driving range and charging speeds. The updated model will make its debut at Auto China 2026. 

Simultaneously, BMW is advancing hydrogen technology with the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. A new flat tank system consisting of multiple high-pressure containers enables a range of up to 466 miles (750 km). The system stores approximately 15.4 lbs (7 kg) of hydrogen and can be refueled in less than five minutes. 

The Renault Group is streamlining its charging business under the new brand Plug Inn, fully integrating previous offerings into its core operations. The goal is to create a unified and transparent charging ecosystem. 

Under the "Plug Inn" umbrella, Renault will combine its high-speed charging network, bidirectional wallboxes (V2G), and Europe-wide charging access into a single system. The fast-charging stations deliver up to 320 kW, allowing drivers to add roughly 250 miles (400 km) of range in just 15 minutes. 

Strategically, Renault is prioritizing service quality over rapid expansion. The charging points—mostly located at dealerships and open to all vehicle brands—are supplemented by digital services and, at select locations, premium lounges. 

BYD is introducing its premium brand, Denza, to the European market, positioning it as a technology flagship for the high-end segment. 

Two models were unveiled for the market launch: the all-electric Denza Z9GT, which boasts up to 1,140 hp (850 kW), a 373-mile (600 km) range, and ultra-fast charging (10–97% in 9 minutes). The lineup also includes the Denza D9 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid minivan offering an electric-only range of up to 130 miles (210 km) and a total range of 590 miles (950 km). 

Denza is set to debut new technologies in Europe—such as ultra-fast charging and innovative vehicle architectures—before they are rolled out to other BYD models. 

With the Škoda DuoBell, Škoda has introduced a novel bicycle bell specifically designed to be heard by pedestrians wearing noise-canceling headphones. 

The design is based on an acoustic "safety gap" in the 750–780 Hz frequency range, which ANC systems fail to filter effectively. The DuoBell uses a purely mechanical concept featuring dual resonators and irregular impulses to exploit this specific loophole. 

Tests demonstrate a significant safety improvement: the signal is detected up to five seconds earlier and from a distance of up to 72 feet (22 meters) further away than standard bells. With the DuoBell, Škoda is intentionally taking an analog approach—providing a simple, robust solution to a modern safety challenge in urban traffic.