Daily EV news · Global · 23 February 2026
Electric Vehicles
Fraunhofer study finds plug-in hybrids burn three times more fuel than official claims
A Fraunhofer Institute analysis of roughly one million plug-in hybrid vehicles produced between 2021 and 2023 found real-world fuel consumption averaged six litres per 100 km, compared to official EU certification figures of one to two litres per 100 km. The study, reported by The Guardian on 23 February 2026, used wireless data transmitted by PHEVs from several manufacturers but did not examine how often owners actually plug in their vehicles.
Why it matters
The threefold gap between certified and actual fuel use raises questions about the emissions and cost assumptions underpinning PHEV fleet procurement and charging infrastructure planning. Operators relying on official efficiency figures may face higher fuel bills and carbon footprints than anticipated.
Tesla cuts Cybertruck prices and adds entry model as sales fall short of 250,000 target
Tesla has introduced a new Dual Motor All Wheel Drive Cybertruck at $59,990, $20,000 below the Premium AWD variant, and reduced the Cyberbeast price from $114,990 to $99,990. Sales totalled just under 39,000 units in 2024 and just over 20,000 in 2025, far below CEO Elon Musk's 250,000 annual target. The entry model removes air suspension and reduces towing capacity from 4,990 kg to 3,402 kg and load capacity from 1,134 kg to 910 kg.
Why it matters
Weak electric pick up demand signals a challenging segment for fleet operators and charging infrastructure planners targeting commercial vehicle electrification. Tesla's pricing pressure may influence procurement strategies for utility and construction fleets evaluating EV truck adoption timelines.
Mercedes-Benz confirms smaller G-Class will offer combustion and electric powertrains
Mercedes-Benz has announced that its upcoming smaller G-Class model will not be electric vehicle only, instead offering both combustion engine and electric powertrain options. The decision marks a shift from an EV-exclusive strategy for the new variant, which is positioned as a more accessible version of the iconic off-road vehicle. Motor1.com reported the development, highlighting Mercedes' flexible approach to electrification across its model range.
Why it matters
The multi-powertrain strategy signals that even premium manufacturers are hedging electrification plans, which may influence charging infrastructure investment decisions and deployment timelines. Procurement teams should monitor whether mixed-fleet strategies from major OEMs slow the pace of dedicated EV charging network expansion in premium and luxury segments.
Policy & Market
Aalyria raises $100 million in Series B funding round
Aalyria has secured $100 million in a Series B funding round, according to Ventureburn. The company, which develops advanced networking and communications technology, announced the capital raise to support its growth. No further details on investors or specific deployment plans were disclosed in the available report.
Why it matters
While Aalyria focuses on networking infrastructure rather than EV charging directly, large capital raises in adjacent infrastructure sectors can signal investor appetite for physical network buildouts and may influence funding availability or partnership opportunities for charging point operators expanding their own connectivity and grid integration systems.