The Mobility Highlights of Week 38/2026

(c) Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen has officially debuted the new ID.3 GTI—its most powerful GTI model to date—in a world premiere. The all-electric compact car delivers 240 kW (326 hp) and 545 Nm of torque. It is engineered to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed limited to 200 km/h (124 mph). Advance sales are scheduled to begin in early 2027.

Its 79 kWh battery offers an estimated provisional range of up to 601 kilometers (approx. 373 miles). At a DC fast-charging station, the ID.3 GTI charges at up to 183 kW, taking roughly 29 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent. Dynamic performance is supported by an adaptive DCC sport suspension, progressive steering, and a dedicated GTI driving mode complete with Launch Control.

Alongside it, Volkswagen showcased “Mission Efficiency,” a near-production electric vehicle concept that reportedly set three efficiency and aerodynamic records. On a documented 1,278-kilometer (794-mile) drive, the vehicle achieved an average energy consumption of 6.89 kWh/100 km excluding charging losses, or 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses. It boasts an ultra-low drag coefficient of cw 0.158.

Underneath, the concept relies on the MEB+ platform, pairing the ID. Polo's 99 kW front-wheel-drive system with a battery expanded to 54.9 kWh of usable capacity specifically for the record attempt. Aerodynamic drag is minimized through a teardrop body shape, active cooling air flaps, enclosed rear wheels, and a fully sealed underbody. Further enhancements include a new electromechanical rear brake and custom tires developed with Continental, designed for extremely low rolling resistance.

A 370-watt solar system integrated into the roof and tailgate can add up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) of range per day depending on conditions. The four-seat concept also offers 481 liters (17 cu ft) of cargo space and a weight-optimized interior. Serial production is not planned; Volkswagen is using Mission Efficiency strictly as a technology demonstrator to showcase the efficiency potential of its MEB+ powertrain technology and additional aerodynamic measures.

Nissan is expanding its European lineup with the Kicks e-POWER. The B-segment compact crossover will be built at the company’s Sunderland plant in the UK alongside the Qashqai, Juke, and LEAF. To support this, Nissan is investing £170 million into the facility, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The Kicks features Nissan’s third-generation e-POWER hybrid system. In this setup, the wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor, while a gas engine serves as a generator to produce electricity and charge the battery. This eliminates the need for plug-in charging. Compared to the previous generation, the system is designed to run more efficiently, lower emissions, and deliver a smoother ride.

Built for the UK, continental Europe, and Turkey, the Kicks marks the tenth model line produced at the Sunderland plant.

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In the latest episode, Sophia Rödiger, CMO at 1KOMMA5°, joins host Sarah Harman to discuss what mobility means to her, why she considers herself an electromobility pioneer, and how she experienced the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure across Europe.

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