Daily EV news · Global · 16 October 2026
EV Charging
GMG graphene cells complete 1,000 six-minute charge cycles with no degradation
Graphene Manufacturing Group reported on 7 October 2026 that its graphene aluminium-ion G CELLS completed 1,000 six-minute charge and discharge cycles with no performance reduction, according to test data from Indiana's Battery Innovation Center. The lithium-free cells, developed under a joint agreement with Rio Tinto, achieved 58 Wh/kg specific energy at a six-minute charge rate and 94% energy efficiency, outperforming a lithium titanate oxide cell that degraded to 80% capacity within 82 cycles under the same conditions.
Why it matters
Fast-charging battery technology without lithium could reshape procurement strategies for charging infrastructure if energy density improves, as the 1,000-cycle durability and 94% efficiency address two key barriers to ultra-rapid charging deployment. CPOs evaluating future hardware may need to monitor graphene cell development as an alternative chemistry for high-throughput sites.
Electric Vehicles
BMW launches iX3 M60 xDrive with 603 hp and 4 second 0 to 100 km/h sprint
BMW has added an M60 xDrive variant to its new iX3 electric SUV, delivering 603 hp and 875 Nm of torque through dual motors and all wheel drive. The model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 0.8 seconds faster than the iX3 50 xDrive, and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h compared to 210 km/h for the standard version. The announcement follows BMW's reveal of the iX4 in the same M60 configuration.
Why it matters
High performance EV variants like the M60 signal growing demand for premium charging infrastructure capable of supporting 800 V architecture and rapid turnaround times at motorway sites. Fleet and workplace charging operators targeting executive users may need to upgrade capacity to accommodate these power hungry models.
Kia launches remote driving car sharing pilot with PV5 electric van in South Korea
Kia has begun a pilot car sharing programme in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, using its PV5 electric van with remote driving technology, running until the end of the year. Users reserve vehicles via app, and the PV5 drives itself to the pickup location without a driver, then is remotely returned to its garage via 4G or 5G after use. Kia received regulatory approval in April and formed a Remote Driving Consortium with Socar, KT and SUM in November 2025, demonstrating the technology on public roads.
Why it matters
This pilot demonstrates how remote driving technology could reduce fleet ownership costs and operational burdens for businesses, potentially creating new demand for electric vans with autonomous capabilities. The model may influence future procurement strategies for shared mobility operators and corporate fleets seeking flexible, driver free vehicle deployment.
BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up awarded five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
BYD's Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, scoring 86% for Child Occupant Protection, 87% for Safety Assist, 82% for Adult Occupant Protection and 74% for Vulnerable Road User Protection. The assessment, which supplemented an earlier ANCAP evaluation, highlighted the vehicle's crash protection, child presence detection system and autonomous emergency braking performance with cyclists and motorcyclists. The result supports BYD's expansion of its European vehicle lineup with technology-focused alternatives to conventional pick-up trucks.
Why it matters
The five-star rating strengthens BYD's credibility as it enters the European commercial and fleet vehicle market, where safety credentials influence procurement decisions by fleet operators and public sector buyers. Strong safety assist scores may appeal to organisations deploying vehicles in mixed traffic environments where vulnerable road user protection is a procurement priority.
Global EV sales hit 2.15 million in September as Europe posts record month
Global electric vehicle sales reached 2.15 million units in September 2026, up 17% month on month but down 2% year on year, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Europe drove growth with almost 600,000 EVs sold, a 39% year on year increase that beat the previous June record by 10%, while year to date global sales stood at 15.5 million units, up 3% on 2025. The UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Finland all set new monthly sales records.
Why it matters
Record European EV uptake signals accelerating infrastructure demand for charge point operators and procurement teams planning network expansions. Diverging regional trends, including weaker North American sales after US federal tax credit removal, will shape where CPOs and funders prioritise capital deployment.
Scania unveils electric powertrains up to 400 kW and in-house battery production at Sweden headquarters
Scania presented its bus and coach electrification developments at its Södertälje headquarters in Sweden, showcasing electric powertrains delivering up to 400 kW, internally assembled battery packs and new BEV and PHEV chassis configurations. The two day international press event included technical details of propulsion systems, a tour of the battery assembly facility and vehicle testing at the Scania Demo Center. The manufacturer also introduced the new generation Scania Touring coach, produced with Chinese bodybuilder Higer, with production underway and orders now being accepted.
Why it matters
Scania's in-house battery production and 400 kW powertrain capability signal expanded procurement options for operators seeking high performance electric bus and coach platforms. The combination of BEV and PHEV chassis configurations with internally developed components may influence tender specifications and supply chain decisions for public transport electrification projects.
ProLogium and Rimac Technology unveil cell to pack battery concept targeting lighter EV systems by 2027
Taiwan based ProLogium and Croatia based Rimac Technology have announced a new battery concept using pouch cells in a cell to pack architecture, aiming to reduce weight and complexity while improving energy capacity and charging performance. ProLogium plans to complete a functional battery section by early 2027 for unveiling at CES 2027, with a full battery pack ready in the second half of 2027. Road testing is scheduled to begin in 2028, with Rimac Technology handling vehicle integration, thermal management, mechanical design and system architecture.
Why it matters
The 2027 timeline for a lighter, higher capacity battery platform could influence procurement decisions for EV manufacturers seeking next generation pack designs. Rimac's focus on reducing weight and design complexity while maintaining high charging speeds may shape technical specifications in future OEM tenders.
VW, Ford and Tesla batteries linked to deforestation of indigenous lands in Indonesia
An analysis has traced nickel from the Cahaya and Hengjaya mines in Sulawesi, Indonesia, through smelters and Chinese processing plants run by Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt to CATL, the world's largest battery maker, and LG, both of which supply Volkswagen, Ford and Tesla. Satellite analysis shows the mines are linked to widespread deforestation of primary rainforest on lands inhabited by the Tolaki people. The findings highlight challenges in ensuring EV battery supply chains are free from environmental destruction, with nickel widely used in cathodes to boost energy density and vehicle range.
Why it matters
Procurement teams and CPOs face growing pressure to audit battery supply chains for environmental and social risks, as reputational and regulatory scrutiny intensifies around the sourcing of critical minerals like nickel. The findings may prompt carmakers and their suppliers to tighten due diligence and seek alternative sources to meet sustainability commitments.
Grid & Energy
Malaysian researchers release 6,200 image dataset to improve AI navigation for solar panel cleaning robots
A team led by Malaysia University of Technology has published an open access dataset of 6,200 images designed to help AI powered cleaning robots navigate solar panels under varying dirt conditions. The dataset addresses a key challenge: while robots can follow panel lines in clean conditions, heavy soiling and light reflections make navigation difficult. Unlike traditional solar panel image datasets that focus on detecting damage, this work specifically targets improving robotic navigation capabilities for autonomous cleaning systems used at large solar farms.
Why it matters
Solar farm operators increasingly rely on autonomous cleaning robots to maintain panel efficiency, but navigation failures in dirty conditions reduce cleaning effectiveness and operational uptime. An open dataset that improves AI navigation performance could lower maintenance costs and boost energy output across utility scale solar installations.
BloombergNEF forecasts 10.8% drop in global solar installations for 2026 as China growth slows
BloombergNEF has revised its 2026 global solar capacity forecast down to 584 GW, a 10.8% decline from the 655 GW installed in 2025, primarily due to slowing growth in China. The research firm has cut its 2026 projection three times since early 2025, from an initial 753 GW in Q1 2025 to 649 GW in December 2025, with the latest estimate 22.4% below the year's opening forecast. China, which installed approximately 383 GW of new solar capacity in 2025, is expected to see installations fall by 29% in 2026, even as solar investment continues to grow in other markets.
Why it matters
The sharp contraction in Chinese solar deployment, which has driven global renewable energy growth, signals potential shifts in supply chains and equipment pricing that could affect EV charging infrastructure costs and procurement timelines. Charging point operators relying on solar powered sites may face altered economics as panel availability and pricing dynamics adjust to reduced Chinese demand.