Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, your trusted source of EV information. It’s Saturday 29 March, I’m Martyn Lee and I go through every EV story so you don’t have to.
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2026 GMC SIERRA EV LAUNCHES NEW MODELS
For 2026, GMC is expanding the Sierra EV lineup with new trims and battery options. The Denali remains the flagship model, while the new Elevation trim lowers the base price by about $28,000. A new AT4 trim is also introduced for improved off-road performance.
Battery options now include a Standard Range (range unspecified), an Extended Range with 390 EPA miles, and a Max Range offering 440 EPA miles. The Elevation trim supports Standard or Extended Range batteries, AT4 works with Extended or Max Range, and Denali offers all three.
These battery choices impact towing, power output, and charging. The Max and Extended Range batteries use an 800-volt system for fast charging at up to 350 kW and 300 kW, respectively. The Standard Range battery uses a 400-volt system with a 220 kW charging limit.
The 2026 Sierra EV launches this summer. Pricing starts at $64,495 for the Elevation trim with Standard Range, with an $8,200 upgrade to Extended Range. The AT4 starts at $81,395 with Extended Range, while upgrading to Max Range costs $10,300 and includes the Premium package. Denali pricing begins at $71,795 with Standard Range, $79,995 for Extended Range, and $100,695 for Max Range.
MERCEDES-BENZ EVITO RECEIVES EXTENDED RANGE UPGRADE
Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its eVito van, now offering a WLTP range of 480 kilometers (298 miles), up from the previous 300 kilometers (186 miles) provided by its 60 kWh battery and 85 kW motor. The new model features a 90 kWh battery, also used in the EQV and eVito Tourer, meeting customer demand for longer range. Customers can choose a more powerful 150 kW motor for added performance.
In Germany, the eVito with the 90 kWh battery and 85 kW motor starts at €46,000 including VAT (€38,655 excluding VAT). This price includes a four-year maintenance package and a battery warranty covering up to eight years.
Charging capabilities are improved with the new battery, increasing power from 50 kW (expandable to 80 kW) to 110 kW. This allows charging from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.
The van’s dimensions remain unchanged: it comes in two lengths—Long at 5,140 millimeters (16.86 feet) and Extra Long at 5,390 millimeters (17.72 feet)—with a cargo volume of 6.6 cubic meters (232.78 cubic feet). The new battery pack is available only with the Extra Long version.
BYD UNVEILS YANGWANG U7 FLAGSHIP SEDAN
BYD has launched the Yangwang U7, its first flagship sedan under the Yangwang brand in China, priced between 628,000 and 708,000 yuan ($86,500–$98,000 USD). It offers 4- and 5-seater options with EV and PHEV versions.
Built on the e4 (Yisifang) platform, the U7 features BYD’s DiSus-Z suspension and “God’s Eye” A advanced driving assistance. The EV model measures 5265 mm (207.3 in) long, 1998 mm (78.66 in) wide, with a 3160 mm (124.4 in) wheelbase. The PHEV is larger at 5360 mm (211 in) by 2000 mm (78.74 in), with a wheelbase of 3200 mm (126 in). Both have a drag coefficient of 0.195Cd.
The “God’s Eye” A system includes three ultra-long-range lidars, five millimeter-wave radars, 13 HD cameras, and 12 ultrasonic radars for Level 2+ autonomous driving without high-precision maps.
The EV variant has four electric motors producing 960 kW (1,287 hp) and 1,680 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 270 km/h. Its 135.5 kWh BYD Blade battery provides a CLTC range of 720 km and supports DC dual-gun fast charging up to 500 kW, charging from 30% to 80% in 20 minutes.
The PHEV adds a turbocharged engine to its four motors and uses a smaller 52.4 kWh battery. It offers an electric range of up to 200 km and a total range of about 1,000 km. It supports DC single-gun fast charging at up to 230 kW, charging from 30% to 80% in just 10 minutes.
The e4 platform enables two-way rear-wheel steering with a tight turning radius of 4.85 meters. The DiSus-Z suspension uses magnetic motors instead of hydraulic shock absorbers and can lift a flat tire, allowing the car to drive on three wheels at up to 80 km/h (50 mph) for up to 30 km (18.64 miles).
CHANGAN E07 ELECTRIC VEHICLE SET FOR EUROPEAN DEBUT
The Changan E07 was created to bypass China’s urban pick-up truck restrictions. By combining pick-up and SUV elements, it counts as a regular car in China. One button press slides the rear window and roof back, creating a pick-up-like cargo bed.
The E07 is part of Changan’s upcoming electric lineup for Europe. Changan markets it as a “brand-new car species,” highlighting its novelty in Europe where electric pick-ups are rare.
In Europe, the E07 will be classified as a passenger car, not a commercial vehicle. While European pricing isn’t official yet, in China the BEV version starts at RMB 319,900 (£34,000). European prices are expected between £30,000 and £40,000 for the base BEV model. The European launch is scheduled for early 2026.
SKODA TO UNVEIL ELROQ VRS ELECTRIC CROSSOVER
Skoda will launch the Elroq vRS, its second electric performance model, on Thursday, April 3, followed by a showcase at Milan Design Week. This vehicle enters the competitive sporty electric crossover segment.
A teaser image reveals the Elroq vRS features black trim accents, distinguishing it from the standard model. While full specifications aren’t confirmed yet, the Elroq shares its platform with the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born. The vRS version will likely use similar performance components as these related models.
The Cupra Born VZ and Volkswagen ID.3 GTX use Volkswagen Group’s ‘AP550’ rear motor, delivering 322 horsepower (241 kW). This means the Elroq vRS will have less power than the dual-motor Skoda Enyaq vRS with its 335 horsepower (250 kW).
Despite being larger, the Elroq should reach 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in under 6.0 seconds, faster than the gas-powered Skoda Octavia vRS. The similar Born and ID.3 models achieve this sprint in 5.6 seconds.
BMW LAUNCHES NEUE KLASSE PRODUCTION IN HUNGARY
BMW has launched the assembly line at its Hungary factory in Debrecen for the ‘Neue Klasse’ iX3. BMW calls this “starting the sprint to the finish line.”
Test vehicles have been made at Debrecen since November 2024, but not on the final assembly line. This launch gives the factory about six months to optimize before moving from pre-series to full production.
The assembly process adds parts and systems to painted vehicle bodies. BMW expects ‘Neue Klasse’ to boost efficiency through better modularization, fewer connecting elements, and simpler wiring installation.
Component modularization has improved. Pre-assembled parts need fewer connecting elements, which BMW says have been “drastically” reduced in the ‘Neue Klasse.’
After starting in Debrecen, this streamlined approach will spread to other BMW sites. The Munich plant will begin making the ‘Neue Klasse’ i3 sedan using these same methods in 2026.
BMW ELECTRIC M3 PROTOTYPE TESTED AT NÜRBURGRING
An electric BMW M3 prototype was spotted testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, a 12.8-mile (20.6 km) track with 157 corners. The car shows BMW Neue Klasse design features, with distinctive headlights and a squared-off rear. It’s unclear if these are final body panels or test components.
The prototype has the wide wheel arches typical of M cars and bolt-on “overfenders” hiding wide tires. It’s expected to deliver more power than any previous M model.
Evidence of its electric nature includes no exhaust tips, a mostly closed front fascia, and silent operation captured on video by Instagram user @joelre98.
The obvious placeholder rear lights suggest these aren’t final production parts.
BMW hasn’t announced a release date for the electric M3. It will likely debut after the standard i3 sedan, probably in 2026, with the electric M3 possibly arriving in 2027.
HYUNDAI LAUNCHES $12.6B METAPLANT AMERICA FACILITY
Hyundai has opened Metaplant America, a battery and vehicle assembly plant on the receiving end of a $12.6 billion investment. The facility aims to produce up to 500,000 electric and hybrid vehicles each year for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, with an initial capacity of 300,000 vehicles.
Hyundai stated, “On October 3, 2024, less than two years after breaking ground, the first vehicle — a Hyundai IONIQ 5 — rolled off the assembly line.” The Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row electric SUV is also in production at Metaplant America and will be joined by the first Kia model in 2026.
Hyundai’s investments in Georgia are expected to create nearly 40,000 direct and indirect jobs. According to the Center for Automotive Research, these investments will add $4.6 billion in annual earnings.
US TARIFFS LITTLE THREAT TO CHINESE EVS
Bernstein analysts see little risk for Chinese automakers from Trump’s new 25% tariff on foreign-made vehicles and parts starting April 3.
Chinese EVs already face 100% U.S. tariffs, up from 25% under Biden last year.
Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said these tariffs “have practically no impact on Chinese auto OEMs or EV players” as “none of the OEMs in our coverage have any immediate or medium plans” for U.S. market entry.
Roeska explained that “long-standing geopolitical tensions” keep Chinese carmakers out of the U.S. market. This began during Trump’s first term with his 25% tariff on Chinese vehicles in 2018.
This avoidance grew stronger under Biden, particularly after the Inflation Reduction Act labeled China a “foreign entity of concern,” restricting Chinese EV makers and their supply chains from the U.S. market.
U.S. automakers like GM, Ford, and Stellantis face greater impact from the new tariffs. Tesla is less affected since it makes all U.S.-sold vehicles domestically.
For Volvo, backed by Geely Holding Group, Bernstein estimates tariffs will impact about 30% of its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), casting doubt on its U.S. market future.
DAIMLER TRUCK ANNOUNCES TRUCKCHARGE NETWORK
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) says that about 35,000 fast charging stations with outputs of 800 kW or more are needed to meet the EU’s CO₂ reduction goals by 2030. Currently, there are fewer than 1,000 such charging points for heavy commercial vehicles in Europe.
To tackle this issue, Daimler Truck has created the TruckCharge network. The goal is to set up over 3,000 fast charging stations across Europe by 2030. Customers using TruckCharge can allow others to use their charging stations for a fee.
Depot owners in the network can share their charging stations when not in use, helping build a more reliable infrastructure for electric trucks. Daimler Truck plans to launch the TruckCharge network in the third quarter of 2025.
TruckCharge will connect site operators and fleet operators, making planning, booking, reservation, and payment easier.
IRS REVISES EV TAX CREDIT REPORTING
This spring, some electric vehicle buyers couldn’t claim their expected EV tax credit because dealerships did not report their 2024 purchases to the IRS using a new online portal. Reports had to be filed within three days of the sale, making it impossible for dealerships to fix errors after the deadline.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) announced a solution: the IRS now allows dealerships to report sales “for qualifying clean vehicle credit transactions that occurred in 2024,” waiving the three-day reporting requirement. This retroactive reporting feature began testing on March 25 and launched today.
NADA stated, “It is unclear how long the functionality will remain open but, according to the IRS, dealers can begin using the portal now.”
NADA also pointed out that some dealers were affected by this issue. Some dealerships offered the tax credit upfront, a new option in 2024, but failed to submit sales information to the IRS on time. In these cases, it was the dealers who lost thousands of dollars instead of the buyers.
To use the reopened portal, taxpayers must work with the dealership that sold them the vehicle. Only dealerships can register for the ECO portal and submit sales information to the IRS.
PORSCHE TAYCAN 4 CROSS TURISMO SURPASSES EPA RANGE
Porsche has improved its Taycan model with larger batteries and a more efficient powertrain, making the 2025 version terrific for road trips. The latest Taycan has exceeded its EPA range in several tests, and its long-range abilities have just been confirmed by Tom Moloughney from the State Of Charge YouTube channel.
Moloughney put the Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, which has a usable battery capacity of 97 kilowatt-hours, to a highway range test at 70 mph. The EPA-estimated range for this model is about 277 miles, an increase of 42 miles from last year. This vehicle had winter tires designed for snow traction rather than efficiency.
Given the winter tires, Moloughney thought the Taycan might not reach its EPA range. However, he drove it for 302 miles, exceeding the estimate by 25 miles. “I’m flabbergasted,” he said about the Taycan’s efficiency. He estimated that with standard summer tires, it could reach up to 320 miles on a single charge.
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