Kia Europe is conducting its first public test of a cell-level battery passport as part of an advanced research initiative. By collecting real-time data on the condition of each individual battery cell, the passport aims to deliver full transparency for EV batteries. Kia is among the first automakers to trial this kind of smart battery monitoring technology in practice.

The battery passport enables live tracking of a battery’s state of health (SoH), real-time repair diagnostics, and complete traceability throughout its entire lifecycle. For the test, a Kia EV3 built in Korea and equipped with a Dukosi battery cell monitoring system was shipped to Germany. The prototype vehicle can collect and transmit live data from every cell and upload it directly into its digital battery passport.

The pilot was coordinated by Delft University of Technology in cooperation with Hyundai Motor Group — the parent company of Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis. The system could be configured for other vehicle models, made interoperable across brands, or even adapted for use in other sectors.

Siemens has unveiled SiCharge Flex, a highly flexible high-power charging system designed to meet the demands of next-generation fast charging. The system can deliver between 480 kW and 1.68 MW of DC power and dynamically distribute energy across multiple charging points based on demand. It supports both CCS and MCS standards and allows configurations of up to six CCS chargers or four MCS chargers — or a mix of both. Power can be allocated in 80 kW or 120 kW increments to ensure optimal use even when several vehicles are charging simultaneously.

Thanks to its compact design, SiCharge Flex achieves a high power density of up to 656 kW/m², enabling installation in confined spaces, including wall-mounted setups. Charging dispensers can be positioned up to 300 meters from the central power unit, offering flexible ground, wall, or overhead mounting options. Siemens is targeting a broad range of applications — from passenger cars to buses and commercial vehicles — with market launch planned for 2026.

Dacia has unveiled two new developments: a performance upgrade for its Spring electric car and the futuristic Hipster Concept as a vision of minimalist urban mobility. The updated Spring will feature a new 75 kW power unit and switch to an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, improving durability, safety, and cost efficiency.

The Hipster Concept embodies Dacia’s philosophy of simplicity and sustainability. Designed for urban use, the lightweight EV is about 20% lighter than the current Spring, significantly reducing its carbon footprint across the lifecycle. Functional design elements include strap door pulls instead of handles, fabric and mesh materials to reduce weight, modular “YouClip” mounting points, and a smartphone serving as the main control interface. Estimated range is around 150 km (93 miles), with a top speed of about 90 km/h (56 mph).

Stellantis and French AI specialist Mistral AI are deepening their collaboration after 18 months of pilot projects. The two companies are now moving to integrate generative AI across Stellantis’ global operations.

The new phase includes two key initiatives: an Innovation Lab to develop tailored AI solutions — initially focusing on sales and aftersales — and a Transformation Academy designed to transition pilot projects into full-scale production. Previous collaborations have already led to AI-based in-car assistants and analytical systems for engineering, manufacturing, and customer data. Stellantis aims to make AI a fully embedded part of its business operations, driving efficiency, customer service, and product quality.

Startup manufacturer Vittori has revealed its first model, the Turbio hybrid hypercar, developed in collaboration with iconic Italian design house Pininfarina. Production will be limited to 50 units. The Turbio combines a 6.7/6.8-liter V12 engine with an electric front motor, delivering around 830 hp — and up to 1,100 hp with hybrid boost.

Artificial intelligence also played a role in the design process: early concept iterations were generated through AI, while Pininfarina refined and finalized the design.

Electric motorcycle manufacturer Verge Motorcycles is expanding its business model by offering a modular technology platform for other e-two-wheeler manufacturers. The concept allows Verge not only to sell its own models — such as the TS Pro and TS Ultra with integrated “donut” rim motors — but also to license key parts of its technology to third parties.

The modular system includes Verge’s signature rim-integrated motor, a centralized battery architecture, and its Starmatter software suite, which provides over-the-air updates, human-machine interface (HMI) features, and AI integration. The goal is to enable OEMs and startups without their own drivetrain technology to adapt Verge’s components as a flexible “powertrain toolkit” for e-mobility.

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has developed a new virtual planning model to optimize the finishing stage of battery cell manufacturing. The model aims to map the complex interdependencies between product design, process steps, and energy demand in a systematic way.

Based on real industry data, PEM researchers created eight large-scale plant configurations designed to enhance cost and energy efficiency. The “finishing” phase — which includes drying, mechanical trimming, and inspection — is both highly specialized and energy-intensive. The virtual model enables manufacturers to simulate different layouts and workflows to identify optimal configurations before building physical production lines.