Daily EV news · Global · 28 October 2026
EV Charging
TDK launches HVC28 and HVC29 contactors for 1,000 V EV and 1,500 V industrial systems
TDK has introduced two series of gas filled high voltage DC contactors: the HVC28 for automotive systems up to 1,000 V DC and the HVC29 for industrial power systems up to 1,500 V DC. Both series are available with continuous current ratings of 300 A, 400 A, 500 A and 600 A, and operate from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius. The HVC28 targets traction battery systems, battery disconnect units, high voltage junction boxes and DC fast charging stations, while the HVC29 serves energy storage systems, solid state transformers, uninterruptible power supplies, DC fast charging stations and 800 V DC power architectures for AI data centres.
Why it matters
The launch gives charging point operators and equipment specifiers a new component option for DC fast charging infrastructure rated to 1,000 V or 1,500 V, with current ratings from 300 A to 600 A. The polarity free design and integrated connector may simplify installation and reduce assembly time in high voltage junction boxes and charging stations.
Coulomb Solutions launches ReadyGrid dedicated to mobile BESS for commercial vehicles
California-based Coulomb Solutions Inc (CSI) has launched ReadyGrid, a dedicated mobile battery energy storage system (BESS) business, transferring all related activities on 1 November. ReadyGrid will develop rapidly deployable power solutions ranging from 233kWh to 5MWh capacity to address infrastructure challenges faced by fleet operators electrifying commercial vehicles. The new company will handle engineering, manufacturing, sales and service for mobile energy storage systems supporting high-power commercial EV charging, demand response and grid resiliency.
Why it matters
The spin-off addresses a growing procurement need for temporary charging infrastructure where permanent grid capacity is unavailable, offering fleet operators and CPOs an alternative to costly grid upgrades. ReadyGrid's partnership with CATL and its range of mobile BESS products could accelerate commercial vehicle electrification projects facing grid connection delays.
Electric Vehicles
Volkswagen battery recall hits 85,402 EVs globally as Audi Q4 E-Tron models added to affected list
Volkswagen Group has expanded its battery recall to 85,402 electric vehicles worldwide, now including 12,734 Audi Q4 E-Tron and Q4 Sportback E-Tron models (9,048 in the US). The recall, under investigation by Germany's KBA, affects ID.3, ID.4, ID.7, ID. Buzz and Cupra Born models produced between 2022 and 2025, with owners instructed to limit charging to 80% capacity due to overheating and fire risk. The initial US recall filed with NHTSA on 23 October covered 22,524 ID.4 SUVs from model years 2023 to 2026.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and charge point operators managing VW Group EVs must accommodate the 80% charging cap, potentially affecting utilisation rates and customer expectations at public charging sites. The scale of the recall, spanning multiple models and markets, may influence procurement decisions for organisations evaluating VW Group vehicles for fleet electrification.
Volkswagen · Audi · Source
Kia PV5 electric van converted into campervan with dual beds and solar panel
UK converter Wellhouse Leisure has built a campervan version of Kia's PV5 electric van, featuring two double beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a 200 W solar panel. The PV5 i-Camper, based on the PV5 Cargo Plus, measures 4.69 m long and uses Kia's modular E-GMP.S skateboard platform. The PV5 became Europe's top selling small electric van after launching at the end of last year.
Why it matters
The conversion demonstrates the flexibility of electric van platforms for specialist applications beyond standard cargo and passenger use. For fleet operators and converters, modular EV architectures like Kia's E-GMP.S enable custom body configurations without redesigning core powertrains, potentially opening new market segments for electric commercial vehicles.
Coopop Bobber electric moped offers 120 km range with dual removable LG cell batteries
The Coopop Bobber, a South Korean designed electric moped now sold in Europe, features an 8 kW peak motor limited to 45 km/h under L1e class rules and weighs 90 kg. It uses two removable 25 Ah lithium ion battery packs with LG cells, totalling 3.6 kWh capacity, to deliver up to 120 km range on a single charge. The removable battery design allows users without on site charging to charge indoors or swap packs.
Why it matters
The dual removable battery format addresses urban charging infrastructure gaps for light electric vehicle fleets, while the use of LG cells signals established supply chain partnerships. Procurement teams evaluating last mile or micro mobility solutions may note the 120 km range and swappable power as operationally relevant for city deployments.
Battery electric buses lead hydrogen in 34 expert study on technology choice
A study published in Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice finds battery electric buses lead overall when 34 international experts assessed 31 criteria across six dimensions, including economic and institutional factors. Hydrogen fuel cell buses gain ground when rapid refuelling and operational flexibility are prioritised. The research, by academics at the University of Twente, Sapienza University of Rome, TU Braunschweig and Universidad de Chile, involved 19 academics and 15 professionals from operators, manufacturers, consultancies and public institutions.
Why it matters
Operators and authorities procuring zero emission bus fleets can use the structured assessment to match technology to service requirements, energy supply, depot infrastructure and long term operating models. The findings clarify when hydrogen may justify higher costs against battery electric defaults in public transport tenders.
Aston Martin unveils Valhalla Spider PHEV with 1,079 PS and 217 mph top speed
Aston Martin has launched the Valhalla Spider, an open top plug in hybrid supercar delivering 1,079 PS and a top speed of 217 mph. The model shares core engineering with the Valhalla Coupe, including carbon fibre construction and a plug in hybrid powertrain, developed with input from Aston Martin Performance Technologies and the brand's Formula 1 team. The Spider features a removable black fabric roof and retains the performance focus of the coupe variant for road and track use.
Why it matters
The Valhalla Spider extends Aston Martin's electrified supercar range and signals continued investment in high performance PHEV technology, relevant to premium charging infrastructure providers targeting luxury and performance vehicle segments. The model's everyday usability claim may drive demand for reliable high power charging at both residential and destination sites frequented by supercar owners.
Luxeed plans six NEV launches outside China, starting with Stormax SUV and LLounge MPV in 2027
Chery's premium brand Luxeed, a joint venture with Huawei launched in 2023, will introduce six new energy vehicles globally across three product lines with up to three powertrain types. The rollout begins in 2027 with right hand drive and Middle East markets, led by the Stormax SUV and LLounge MPV, followed by four crossovers tentatively named 3, 5, 7 and 9. Australia is tipped as a first right hand drive market, with Malaysia also possible after an R7 was spotted on local roads, according to CarNewsChina.
Why it matters
The phased global expansion by a Huawei backed NEV brand signals growing competition in premium electric vehicle segments outside China, potentially creating new charging infrastructure demand in right hand drive and Middle East markets from 2027. Charge point operators in Australia and Malaysia should monitor the rollout, as fleet deployments of six models could drive site development and partnership opportunities.
Bosch upgrades Active Line Plus e-bike motor with 600W peak power and reduced weight
Bosch has launched the latest generation of its Active Line Plus electric bicycle motor, increasing peak power to 600 watts and torque to 60 Nm, with a maximum pedal assistance level of 340%. The motor, designed for Class 1 e-bikes with assistance up to 20 mph, features a smaller footprint and reduced weight compared to its predecessor. The Active Line motor is widely used by e-bike manufacturers for everyday commuter and recreational models, offering a balance of power and control without the performance levels required for electric mountain bikes.
Why it matters
E-bike manufacturers and fleet operators procuring commuter or recreational models will have access to a lighter, more powerful motor option from a major supplier, potentially improving vehicle specifications and operational efficiency. The upgrade may influence procurement decisions for urban mobility schemes and corporate e-bike fleets seeking reliable, mid-range drive systems.