Daily EV news · Global · 1 November 2026
EV Charging
Ionity plans battery storage at about 50 stations from 2027 to add chargers without grid upgrades
Ionity intends to install battery storage systems at around 50 stations in Europe from 2027, as a way to expand its rapid charging network without waiting for grid connection reinforcement, which can take up to three years. The first example, reported by Electrive, is at Wertheim in Germany near the A3 motorway, where a 1,028 kWh Sungrow system supplements grid supply and has lifted the station from four to six charge points, with two more planned.
Why it matters
Battery buffering is becoming a practical route around grid connection delays, which could shorten deployment timelines and shift part of the spend from network reinforcement to storage procurement. Suppliers of stationary storage and CPOs facing long connection queues should note the model, and the use of a Chinese vendor in a major European network.
Electric Vehicles
Opinion piece argues electric motorcycles will win through new riders, not by converting gasoline riders
An opinion article argues that the electric car playbook of matching gasoline products on quality and price does not suit motorcycles. It says the future of electric motorcycles lies with the next generation of riders who have no reason to start on gasoline, rather than with converting current riders. The piece contrasts cars, seen by most buyers as practical transport, with motorcycles in markets such as the US and Europe, where riding is more of a passion for a minority. The excerpt gives no figures.
Why it matters
If demand growth comes from new riders rather than switchers, charging networks and fleet operators may need to plan for different users and use cases than those served by car charging. This is an opinion view with no data in the excerpt, so treat it as a framing of the market rather than evidence of demand.
Tata Motors completes initial settlement of Iveco acquisition with 89.42% stake as Indian EV makers expand capacity
In its weekly wrap for October 26 to November 1, the publication reports that Tata Motors completed the initial settlement of its voluntary tender offer for Italian commercial vehicle maker Iveco Group on October 30, securing an 89.42% equity stake. Ather Energy, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor and Hero MotoCorp outlined plans to expand electric two-wheeler production as demand continued to exceed available capacity, while a Boston Consulting Group report highlighted that India's electric two-wheeler market is concentrated among five manufacturers. The wrap also noted Hyundai's Bayon SUV launch at Rs 9.99 lakh, record October sales at Maruti Suzuki and reports of a new Tata midsize electric SUV codenamed Kuno.
Why it matters
Demand for electric two-wheelers still outstripping supply, with the four largest makers adding capacity, points to a growing fleet that will need charging and swapping infrastructure, though the market's concentration among five manufacturers means partnership decisions will sit with a small group of OEMs. Tata's consolidation of Iveco also signals a larger commercial vehicle player whose electrification plans may shape future depot charging demand.
Toyota files patent for electric powertrain layout to allow lower front ends on sports cars
According to a French-language report citing the patent-tracking site Carmoses, Toyota has filed a patent describing a new arrangement of motors and technical equipment at the front of an electric vehicle. The aim is to reduce front-end height and make low, aerodynamic electric sports cars easier to design, since motors, reduction gears, power electronics, charging systems and cooling hardware currently occupy the space between the front wheels. The excerpt notes the solution is ingenious but still raises some questions, and gives no figures or production timeline.
Why it matters
The patent shows Toyota working on packaging, including where charging systems and power electronics sit, for future performance EVs. For CPOs and procurement teams this is an early signal only, as it is a filing rather than a product, and it has no stated impact on charging specifications or timing.
Lucid Air Sapphire charges 10% to 80% in 29 minutes in French supertest, peaking at 316 kW
In the second part of a French supertest, the 1,251 hp Lucid Air Sapphire, with its 118 kWh battery and 810 V nominal architecture (924 V maximum), was measured at a peak of 316 kW on sufficiently powerful chargers. It takes 29 minutes to go from 10% to 80%, an average of 175 kW at the charger, against 145 kW for the 112 kWh Grand Touring. That places it near the bottom of the 800 V category, level with the Volvo ES90 Single at 178 kW.
Why it matters
Even a car with 800 V class architecture and a 316 kW peak averages only 175 kW over a 10% to 80% session, so real charging curves, not headline peak power, should guide expectations on dwell time and throughput at high power sites. Lucid remains vague on its maximum accepted power, which makes measured data the more reliable basis for planning charger specifications.