Volkswagen, EMPOWER, Nissan, Xiaomi, Xpeng, VanMoof, Renault, Audi, Skoda, Peugeot

For the first time, German automakers occupy the entire Top 10 in new electric vehicle registrations, according to KBA data for January through May 2025. The rankings include both BEVs and PHEVs. Volkswagen dominates the top three with all-electric models: the ID.7 (available as sedan and wagon) leads, followed by the ID.4/ID.5 and the compact ID.3. Other VW Group entries like the Skoda Enyaq (SUV and coupé) and Cupra Born also make the top five. The rest of the list includes the BMW X1, Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Skoda Elroq, and Audi A6.

Volkswagen’s self-driving ID. Buzz AD, developed by its Moia subsidiary, is now production-ready following extensive testing in Hamburg, Munich, Oslo, and Austin. It will be used in Hamburg’s ALIKE ride pooling program and in Uber’s upcoming robotaxi service in Los Angeles. Equipped with 27 sensors — including 13 cameras, 9 LiDAR units, and 5 radar systems — and built on Mobileye’s autonomy stack with an "AD MaaS" platform, the vehicle meets SAE Level 4 requirements. The ID. Buzz AD offers a fully integrated 360° mobility solution — including vehicle, software, fleet management, and booking — all from a single provider and scalable to large fleets. On-demand services are slated to begin in 2026.

A 1-kilometer section of the A6 autobahn between Amberg-Sulzbach and Amberg-West is now testing wireless dynamic charging. The EMPOWER pilot project — led by Autobahn GmbH, Fraunhofer Institute, and FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg — uses embedded coils installed by Israeli firm Electreon beneath the road surface. The coils wirelessly transmit power to specially equipped test vehicles with over 90% efficiency. The system, already in use in Israel, the US, France, Italy, and China, allows vehicles to recharge while driving — even across several centimeters of air gap. 

Nissan has unveiled the third-generation of its Leaf, set to launch in spring 2026. Built on the AmpR Medium platform, it offers two versions: one with 130 kW (177 hp) and a 52 kWh battery for up to 436 km range, and a more powerful 160 kW (217 hp) version with a 75 kWh battery and up to 604 km range. Despite the larger battery, charging remains competitive: 20–80% in under 30 minutes. The larger battery supports up to 150 kW DC fast charging, the smaller up to 105 kW. Both support 11 kW AC charging, V2L (up to 3.6 kW), and are V2G-capable. 

Audi has unveiled the third generation of its compact SUV, the Q3, which will be available starting October 2025. Powertrain options include a 1.5L TFSI gasoline engine (110 kW), a 110 kW diesel, and a plug-in hybrid delivering 200 kW of system power. The PHEV offers up to 119 km of all-electric driving and supports DC charging at up to 50 kW.

Xiaomi has filed a patent signaling its entry into solid-state battery tech for EVs. The design uses a solid electrolyte made of polymers and metal salts embedded in a multilayer electrode. The system aims to improve ion transport and achieve high energy density. Xiaomi claims its prototype could offer over 1,200 km of range and ultra-fast charging — up to 800 km in just 10 minutes. Importantly, the technology is said to be compatible with existing production lines.

Xpeng will bring the refreshed versions of its G6 and G9 electric SUVs to Europe in Q4 2025, shortly after updates rolled out in China. The revised models feature new battery packs and enhanced 800-volt architecture enabling ultra-fast 5C charging. A 10–80% recharge can reportedly be completed in just 12 minutes.

After filing for bankruptcy in 2023, Dutch e-bike pioneer VanMoof is back — now backed by McLaren Applied through its subsidiary Lavoie. The brand returns with the premium S6 series, featuring two models: the diamond-frame S6 with 27.5” wheels and the step-through S6 Open with 24” wheels. Both feature a 250 W front hub motor, 68 Nm torque, and a built-in 487 Wh battery offering up to 150 km of range. 

Renault has introduced the Vision4Rescue, an electric concept vehicle purpose-built for fire and rescue operations. Based on the Renault 4 E-Tech platform, it was developed with Software République and emergency services from 19 countries. The vehicle features a second rear motor for AWD, 15 mm increased ground clearance, and an innovative roof-mounted drone launcher with integrated 5G modem and Wi-Fi mesh for restoring communication in disaster zones. Inside, it houses a dual-screen mobile command center and ample gear storage — including fireproof seats made from recycled protective suit foam. Renault describes it as a “connected mobile command unit” with 20+ integrated technologies for faster, more efficient emergency coordination.

Skoda has introduced the Enyaq Coupé RS Race, a performance EV built for motorsports and based on the production RS model. The concept features a 250 kW drivetrain that accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Emphasis is placed on sustainable lightweight materials, such as bio-composites made from European flax fibers developed with Bcomp, which reduce weight by 316 kg compared to the standard model. The car is equipped with racing-spec bodywork, roll cage, performance brakes, and bucket seats.

Peugeot is reviving its iconic GTi nameplate from the 1980s — with a fully electric twist. The E‑208 GTi, developed by Peugeot Sport, channels the spirit of the legendary 205 GTi. Powered by a new 280 hp (206 kW) M4+ front motor and a mechanical limited-slip differential, the hot hatch sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. A 54 kWh battery offers around 350 km of range, and 100 kW DC fast charging enables a 20–80% charge in under 30 minutes.