AUDI A4 E-TRON PRODUCTION NOT EXPECTED BEFORE MARCH 2029 Audi’s A4 e-tron is reportedly not expected to enter production before March 2029, and potentially not until late April or early May, despite Audi previously targeting a 2028 market launch. The delay is blamed on technical problems, internal coordination and cost pressures surrounding Volkswagen Group’s SSP architecture, potentially making the A4 e-tron its first full-production model around three years later than Volkswagen originally planned. MERCEDES-BENZ STARTS ELECTRIC GLA PRODUCTION AT RASTATT Mercedes-Benz has begun series production of the all-electric GLA at Rastatt, with first customer deliveries expected in November following the replacement of the EQA name with GLA for the new battery-electric model. Built on the MMA platform, the range starts at €48,599.60 in Germany, offers up to 657 km WLTP range in GLA 250+ form and supports DC charging at up to 320 kW on the 250+ and 350 4MATIC variants. EU ASKS CHINA FOR VOLUNTARY HYBRID EXPORT CURBS The EU has reportedly asked China to voluntarily limit China-made PHEV exports to around 15% of the relevant EU market, down from more than a third, as Brussels seeks to prevent a broader trade conflict ahead of October talks in Beijing. China-made hybrids generally face only the EU’s standard 10% tariff, unlike BEVs subject to additional countervailing duties, and monthly hybrid imports have risen from 3,800 vehicles in October 2024 to 50,000 in July 2026. UL SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES V2G CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME UL Solutions has launched a certification programme for bidirectional EV supply equipment, testing products against UL 1741 Supplement SC to help ensure V2G equipment meets utility interconnection requirements. The move comes as V2X and V2G activity expands through programmes including PG&E’s California initiative, a Massachusetts pilot and Kaluza and Hyundai Motor Group’s UK and Australian smart-charging partnership targeting groundwork for V2G services from 2027. MAN ETGX 6×2 REACHES 616 KWH NET WITH SEVEN PACKS MAN has unveiled a seven-battery eTGX 6×2-4 with 616 kWh of usable capacity, claiming up to 720 km of range and more than 600 km as realistically achievable in everyday long-haul operation. The revised truck has a 120 mm longer and more aerodynamic front end, up to 20% greater recuperation power and an optional series-production MCS port supporting charging at up to 750 kW, compared with 375 kW through CCS. PORSCHE, CYLIB MAKE 100 PER CENT RECYCLED CATHODE ACTIVE MATERIALS Porsche and battery recycler cylib have produced trial battery cells using cathode active material made entirely from recycled lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese recovered from Porsche high-voltage batteries. The project has progressed from shredding batteries into black mass through refining the recovered materials to producing test cells, although these remain under evaluation rather than being ready for series production. MG U9 EV COSTS AUD$78,990 PLUS ON-ROAD COSTS MG has priced its U9 EV dual-cab ute in Australia at AUD$78,990 plus on-road costs, offering a 102.2 kWh LFP battery, 430 km WLTP range, 325 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive and 3,500 kg braked towing capacity. The lifestyle-focused electric ute also includes air suspension, a 236-litre front boot, 685 kg payload, a pallet-sized rear tub and up to 6.6 kW vehicle-to-load capability, contrasting with Toyota’s more fleet-focused HiLux BEV. FLYING FLEA C6 BOOKINGS OPEN IN EUROPE AND UK Royal Enfield’s Flying Flea C6 electric motorcycle has opened for bookings at €5,990 in Europe and £5,300 in the UK, with deliveries due to begin by October 2026 in cities including Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Berlin and London. The 124 kg motorcycle combines a 3.91 kWh battery, 15.4 kW maximum motor output, 115 km/h top speed and 104 km WMTC range with premium hardware including a forged aluminium frame, magnesium battery case, girder-linkage suspension, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control. WINDROSE RELEASES E700 PART CAD FILES Windrose has released 1,023 native CAD files covering what founder Wen Han says is 98.4% of its E700 Class 8 electric truck, allowing owners and independent workshops to inspect, repair, reproduce parts for and modify vehicles without fees or permission. The initiative is intended to reduce long-term parts-supply risk for fleets, although building complete trucks still requires an agreement with Windrose and unauthorised repairs, parts or modifications can affect warranty coverage.
