Daily EV news · Global · 3 February 2026
Electric Vehicles
Chinese electric bus makers expand in Germany, Austria and Belgium on price and quality despite safety concerns
Chinese manufacturers are increasing their market share for electric buses across Germany, Austria and Belgium, competing on lower prices and strong product quality, according to Table.Briefings. The expansion continues even as safety concerns about Chinese electric vehicles persist in European markets.
Why it matters
Procurement teams evaluating electric bus fleets face a trade off between cost savings from Chinese suppliers and lingering safety questions, while the competitive pressure may influence pricing and specifications from established European manufacturers in upcoming tenders.
Kia EV sales decline sharply in recent period, InsideEVs reports
Kia has experienced a significant drop in electric vehicle sales, according to InsideEVs. The publication suggests the decline involves factors beyond simple market conditions, though specific sales figures and timeframes are not provided in the available excerpt. The report indicates the downturn warrants closer examination of underlying causes affecting the Korean manufacturer's EV performance.
Why it matters
A major automaker's EV sales trajectory affects charging infrastructure planning, as CPOs and site hosts calibrate network expansion based on vehicle parc forecasts. Shifts in brand market share can also influence OEM partnerships and preferred charging networks.
Nissan Leaf records 1.52% warranty claim rate, lowest among UK electric vehicles in 2025 data
Warranty Services Group reported that the Nissan Leaf achieved a 1.52% claim rate between January and December 2025, less than half the rate of the next best model, making it the UK's most reliable electric car despite some units being up to 16 years old. The Audi E-Tron SUV placed second with a 3.23% claim rate, followed by the Vauxhall Corsa Electric at 4.76%, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and the Tesla Model 3. Most common faults across EVs related to ADAS systems, suspension, and steering controls rather than electric powertrains, with only one of the five most common warranty claims being EV specific.
Why it matters
The data suggests that early generation EVs, particularly the Nissan Leaf, demonstrate strong long term reliability, which may influence fleet procurement decisions and residual value calculations for charging site operators evaluating vehicle longevity. The low incidence of powertrain related claims supports confidence in EV technology durability for commercial deployments.