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SAIC-Volkswagen's second ID.Era model is a large PHEV sedan for China - 4,836 mm long, 1.5L petrol + 177 hp electric motor, 160 km CLTC EV range. Design matches the ID.Era 9X crossover but with semi-hidden door handles instead of retractable ones, and no LiDAR. Launch planned before end 2026. Pricing not announced.

The mid-cycle update keeps the exterior almost unchanged but rewrites the interior around a curved dual-screen unit. Highlights include the 45 e-tron Sportback's 592 km WLTP range, 185 kW DC charging, and a new V2L/V2H function that turns the car into a mobile power source.

Škoda's smallest electric model slots into the same MEB+ platform as the VW ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, with three powertrain options and LFP batteries on the two entry variants.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa announced the E-Car programme - a family of electric vehicles under 4.2 metres, priced from €15,000, built to the EU's proposed M1E simplified safety standard. Three brands (Fiat, Citroën, Opel), one plant (Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy), production from 2028. The Dacia Hipster concept is the design reference for what M1E vehicles could look like.

To mark its debut Formula 1 season, Cadillac built 26 examples of the most powerful Blackwing ever made. A new GM Motorsports supercharger raises output to 685 hp. Six-speed manual only. The Precision Package (normally $18,000) is standard. No pricing announced; expected to exceed $150,000.

China's state broadcaster CCTV aired an investigation into "battery lockdown" - OTA updates that covertly reduce battery capacity and charging speed to avoid warranty claims. 12,000+ complaints in March 2026 alone (+273% year-on-year). Eight automakers summoned; three under formal investigation; two have already recalled affected updates. New rules ban hidden OTA battery changes from 2026.

Audi updated the Q4 E-Tron for MY2027. Three variants, two body styles. New: V2L charging (first for an Audi EV), 185 kW DC on 82 kWh variants, merged instrument/multimedia display. Physical climate controls removed. Orders open in Europe from June 2026, from €47,500.

Cadillac announced the Escalade IQL, the long-wheelbase version of the electric IQ. GM Ultium platform, 205 kWh, 800V, 750 hp, ~740 km range (Cadillac estimate). Seven seats, 55" curved display, Super Cruise. From $132,695.

Chevrolet launches the Sonic crossover in Brazil. GM GEM platform, 1.0T 115 hp, 6-speed automatic, FWD. 392-litre boot. Two trims: Premier from R$129,990 (~$25,000), RS from R$135,990.

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled Pleos Connect, a new infotainment platform for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Wide horizontal display, physical controls retained, Gleo AI assistant, Android Automotive OS. Debuts on the Grandeur in Korea in May, then on the European Ioniq 3.

Lexus revealed the TZ, its first three-row electric SUV. Modified TNGA-K platform, AWD, 408 hp, 95.8 kWh, 530 km WLTP. Six seats. US and Japan late 2026, Europe 2027. Pricing not announced.

The third model from the HIMA Alliance (Chery and Huawei's joint brand) is a seven-seat MPV with a 53.4 kWh battery, 800V architecture, and screens totalling 80 inches of display area. RWD at 309 hp / 305 km CLTC; AWD at 520 hp / 285 km. Second-row seats rotate. Sales open now in China.

NIO's ONVO brand opens orders for the L80, a five-seat electric SUV on the NT 3.0 platform. 85 kWh, 900V, up to 615 km CLTC. RWD 462 hp or AWD 598 hp. Retail from ¥245,800 (~$33,900).

Pre-orders are open for the Renault 4 Plein Sud, a canvas-roof variant of the R4 E-Tech Electric. Electric roof actuator, 92×80 cm opening, same 52 kWh / 409 km WLTP powertrain, 420-litre boot unchanged. From €37,290.

BYD's FangChengBao Tai 7 expands its lineup with new BEV versions, joining the existing PHEV range. Electric variants offer up to 700 hp (AWD), with the largest battery option of 105.7 kWh delivering up to 755 km CLTC. BEV pricing starts from ¥199,800 ($29,400).

The Land Cruiser FJ debuted in Thailand in October 2025 and went on sale there in March 2026. Japan now gets it in a single VX trim - 163 hp 2.7L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, six-speed automatic, part-time 4WD, 4,575 mm body on an IMV ladder frame. ¥4,500,100 in Japan.

BYD VP Stella Li said at the FT Future of the Car conference in London that the company is in talks to acquire multiple idle European plants, with Italian Stellantis assets the primary target. Maserati was named as a 'very interesting' acquisition candidate. BYD's Q1 2026 net profit fell 55% year-on-year.

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro confirmed that the company's first in-house EV on a dedicated platform is delayed from 2027 to 2029, with no factory lines or supplier contracts committed. The electrification budget is cut from $12.5B to $7.5B by 2030. EV volume target falls from 25–40% of sales to 15%. Hybrids and Chinese-made stopgap EVs fill the gap.

BAIC's Arcfox S3 goes on sale in China from ¥96,800 ($14,200) - or from ¥68,800 ($10,100) with a battery rental scheme. Single motor, 216 hp, up to 65.8 kWh and 660 km CLTC.

Arcfox enters the premium MPV segment with the Wendao V9 - an EREV with a 309 hp electric motor and a 1.5T range extender. 2+2+3 seating, 21.4" ceiling screen, from ¥219,900 ($32,200) in China.