The i3 name first surfaced back at IAA MOBILITY 2025, when BMW briefly showed a 3-Series-sized electric sedan during the iX3 reveal. At the time, however, they didn’t share technical details or launch dates. Now it’s official: the i3 goes into production at the end of 2026 and will reach the market in 2027. The new i3 is built on the Neue Klasse platform with 800-volt architecture, cell-to-pack batteries, and the Panoramic iDrive dashboard. BMW plans to field more than 40 models on the Neue Klasse platform by 2027 to significantly increase market penetration. Improved charging infrastructure and greater efficiency in battery processes further enhance the overall appeal.

With its electric Corolla prototype, Toyota is signaling a major acceleration of its BEV strategy. The brand’s best-selling model will be offered in the next generation as a fully electric vehicle, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. New, higher-performance lithium-ion batteries promise substantially lower energy consumption and therefore fewer emissions. Toyota is also introducing a modular EV platform that enables excellent scalability and improved handling. Innovative driver-assistance systems and a new digital cockpit create a modern driving experience. With this model, Toyota is demonstrating the capabilities of its new EV platforms and its move into the mass market for battery-electric vehicles.

Mercedes is developing an entry-level vehicle positioned below today’s compact segment. The new model is aimed at a younger, price-conscious audience and is intended to provide an accessible, fully featured technological gateway into the world of Mercedes-Benz. Based on their innovative MMA platform, the new vehicle combines modern electrification with a more attainable price point. Expect appealing design cues along with advanced safety and infotainment features—targeting budget-minded buyers who still value quality and innovation. The market launch is planned for 2028.

Geely’s core brand is expanding in Europe with a portfolio of modern plug-in hybrids. The strategy targets price-sensitive customers in markets where pure BEVs don’t dominate yet. Geely plans to build a dealer network of around 1,000 stores. The Chinese group is also focusing on localized production and partnerships to boost competitiveness and ensure it can adapt to European markets and regulations.

The “Polygon” study showcases an entirely revamped design language: crystalline, sharply contoured surfaces and a digital, rectangular steer-by-wire wheel. The concept hints at the next e-208, expected in 2026, and blends connected, digital features with a sculptural design approach. In addition to aerodynamic efficiency, Peugeot is putting more emphasis on personalized driver experiences and intelligent control concepts to stand out in the highly competitive small-EV segment. The study sends a clear signal that the brand is shifting toward a digitally focused future.

Renault has unveiled the new Twingo as the Twingo E-Tech Electric, aiming to reinvigorate the A-segment. The vehicle is slated to start at under €20,000. Developed in just 100 weeks and inspired by the design of the original Twingo, it will be built in Slovenia. A 60 kW (82 hp) motor and a 27.5 kWh LFP battery are expected to deliver a WLTP range of 263 km. Inside, Renault focuses on versatility, including individually sliding rear seats that open up more than 1,000 liters of cargo capacity. Pre-orders are scheduled to begin in January 2026, with first deliveries expected in spring 2026.

New studies confirm that, in Germany, EVs become more climate-friendly than gasoline cars after around two years of operation—even when accounting for battery production and the current German electricity mix. Plug-in hybrids also perform better than pure internal-combustion vehicles, though they don’t match the overall efficiency of fully electric cars. Improved recycling processes and a cleaner power mix will further reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the future. Beyond climate protection, the shift to electromobility also offers opportunities for technological innovation and sustainable value creation.

The British government is supporting the rollout of HPC charging parks equipped with solar arrays and battery storage that can ensure independence from the grid. The goal is to provide fast-charging infrastructure even at locations with weak grid connections and to expand electromobility in rural regions. The initiative relies on state-of-the-art energy-management systems to boost efficiency and supply security. These charging parks are part of a broader strategy to decarbonize transportation and support the integration of renewable energy.

Chery is presenting a new gasoline engine with a thermal efficiency of over 45%. The high compression reduces fuel consumption and emissions significantly, making the engine an ideal candidate for future hybrid powertrains. The technology was developed specifically for pairing with electric drivetrains to make hybrid vehicles more efficient. The optimization package includes thermodynamic improvements, novel fuel-injection systems, and advanced cooling. This innovation underscores that, despite the focus on BEVs, efficiency gains in combustion engines remain important, especially for markets with a mix of powertrains.