BMW has unveiled the fifth generation of the X5, offering the SUV with five powertrain variants for the first time. In addition to gasoline and diesel engines featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and plug-in hybrids, the lineup will now include the fully electric iX5 and the iX5 Hydrogen with a hydrogen fuel cell. Furthermore, the new X5 adopts numerous technologies from the "Neue Klasse" (New Class).

The BMW iX5 utilizes the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology with an 800-volt architecture, new cylindrical cells, and bidirectional charging, achieving a range of up to 845 kilometers (approx. 525 miles). The iX5 Hydrogen combines a fuel cell, hydrogen storage, and a high-voltage battery, aiming to deliver a range of up to 750 kilometers (approx. 466 miles).

Inside the cabin, the BMW Panoramic iDrive featuring Operating System X, Panoramic Vision, a new central display, and a 3D head-up display are being introduced for the first time. The model is rounded out by new driver assistance systems, an advanced chassis, and the Neue Klasse design. Production is set to begin in August 2026 at the BMW Spartanburg plant. The market launch for the internal combustion engine models will follow in late 2026, while the electric and plug-in hybrid variants will debut in early 2027.

Nissan has launched the SUITE (Smart Use of Integrated Technology for EVs) research project to develop intelligent charging and energy solutions for electric vehicles. Funded with around 10 million pounds by the UK government, the project aims to leverage AI, solar technology, and bidirectional charging to improve the utilization of renewable energy, reduce charging costs, and relieve stress on the power grid.

The project focuses on five key technologies: an AI-controlled gallium nitride traction inverter, integrated tandem solar cells, smart charging management, a bidirectional vehicle-to-grid charging solution, and their integration into a comprehensive system. The new fully electric Nissan Leaf will serve as the testing platform.

Led by the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, the three-year project is being implemented alongside industry and research partners. The goal is to develop the next generation of connected energy and mobility solutions for electric vehicles.

Joby Aviation and Toyota Motor Corporation have formed a joint venture for the industrial manufacturing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The strategic partnership is designed to accelerate the buildup of mass production and lay the groundwork for the commercial rollout of electric air taxis.

The initial focus will be on expanding production capacities and optimizing productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. Long-term, the alliance will support the certification process of the aircraft and scale production to meet growing demand.

Through this collaboration, the partners are pooling Joby’s expertise in electric aviation with Toyota’s extensive experience in manufacturing and production systems. Toyota has already been supporting Joby for nearly ten years. Together, the companies want to drive mass production forward and accelerate the market launch of electric air taxis.