BMW, Lyft, Baidu, Vertical Aerospace, CATL, XPENG

The BMW Group is marking a milestone with the world premiere of the new BMW iX3 at IAA MOBILITY 2025. As the first model based on the “Neue Klasse” architecture, the iX3 introduces groundbreaking innovations in electric mobility, display and control systems, digitalization, and sustainability. Positioned as the star of BMW’s 2025 lineup, the iX3 will be in the spotlight throughout the event. 

Alongside several versions of the new model, BMW will host daily masterclasses on the central stage at Max-Joseph-Platz, directly in front of the Munich Opera. Visitors can also experience the all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive – developed entirely in-house – demonstrated live each of the six event days. A dedicated Open Space area will highlight BMW Charging solutions, paired with current BMW EVs such as the new BMW iX and BMW i5. 

Another highlight: BMW will showcase live demonstrations of bidirectional charging (Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid), allowing the iX3 to feed energy back into a home’s electrical system or the public grid. Other models on display include the i4, i5, i7, iX, and X3 30e xDrive. At BMW Group’s booth at Messe München, visitors will also encounter a historic icon – the BMW 1500 from the 1960s, the first model of the original Neue Klasse. Also on show here: a BMW M5 Touring, BMW X3 20d xDrive, and BMW iX5 Hydrogen. 

BMW’s MINI brand will debut two exclusive John Cooper Works showcars at the MINI Pavilion on Lenbachplatz. BMW Motorrad will present its two premium electric scooters – the BMW CE 02 and CE 04 – in Munich’s city center, offering agile, all-electric urban mobility. The BMW Motorrad Vision CE will also give visitors an exciting glimpse into the brand’s vision for the future of electric scooters in metropolitan environments. 

US ride-hailing platform Lyft plans to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxis in Europe starting in 2026, initially in Germany and the UK, pending regulatory approval. The sixth-generation RT6 vehicles – purpose-built for driverless ride-hailing – will be available through the Lyft app. This move expands Lyft’s platform reach following its acquisition of the European mobility app FreeNow, which already operates in nine countries and over 180 cities. 

UK eVTOL manufacturer Vertical Aerospace has reached a milestone with its VX4 prototype: for the first time, a crewed, wing-equipped, all-electric air taxi completed a flight in open airspace, flying from Cotswold Airport over the English countryside. Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the test flight successfully demonstrated the transition to “wingborne flight” – generating aerodynamic lift via fixed wings. 

 Bye Aerospace, in partnership with Electro.Aero, is tackling one of the biggest challenges for electric training aircraft: charging time. At the Oshkosh Air Show, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop mobile fast chargers with 40 kW, 80 kW, and 240 kW output. The 240 kW unit will be capable of charging two aircraft simultaneously in under 30 minutes. 

Leading battery manufacturer CATL is scaling up its Evogo battery-swap system with a major new initiative. In partnership with China’s largest rental car provider, CAR Inc., a framework has been set for a pilot launch: by the end of this year, 100,000 vehicles will be equipped with the Choco-SEB battery system (types #20 and #25), offering ranges of 400–600 km per vehicle. Alongside vehicle outfitting, CATL plans to install swapping stations at more than 2,000 CAR Inc. locations – focusing on key transportation hubs – with energy supplied primarily by photovoltaic systems to reduce the carbon footprint. A joint pilot program is scheduled to begin later this year. 

Chinese EV brand XPENG is partnering with German provider e-mobilio to launch a comprehensive digital e-mobility advisor. This web-based tool will guide customers through the entire decision-making process – from selecting the right XPENG model with twelve available design elements, to choosing the ideal home charging station, green electricity plan, PV system, and applying for government EV incentives. The platform will also feature intuitive assistants that provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs – including optimal charging solutions and the best-suited XPENG vehicle.