BRIEFLY: Alpine, BMW M3, Tesla & more | 24 Jan 2026
About this episode
Alpine's new A290 model is driving significant sales growth, now comprising 75% of their business. The electric BMW M3 promises impressive performance with four motors and customizable exhaust sounds that mimic classic BMW engines. Meanwhile, Tesla's Berlin factory is experiencing a workforce reduction, raising questions about its future capacity. BYD plans to introduce ultra-rapid chargers in the UK, while Volvo adjusts its EV strategy, considering long-range plug-in hybrids. VW reports strong financial results, and Pure Bev leads in battery swaps in Europe.
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 24 January 2026, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
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ALPINE TURNS ELECTRIC GAMBLE INTO SALES SURGE https://evne.ws/49APMQM
ELECTRIC BMW M3 TO PIPE V10 NOISE INTO CABIN https://evne.ws/4q7nT84
TESLA SHRINKS BERLIN AS EUROPEAN DEMAND SOFTENS https://evne.ws/45psATc
BYD PLANS 300 ULTRA-RAPID EV CHARGERS IN BRITAIN https://evne.ws/4jTFmiC
FORD CALLS FOR CHINA EV BOYCOTT AS OTTAWA STALLS https://evne.ws/3NzWxtz
GEELY DUMPS THE RUSSIAN DOLL LOOK FOR ITS PHEV https://evne.ws/3NzWxtz
VOLVO BETS ON LONG‑RANGE PLUG‑IN HYBRIDS AS EV BRIDGE https://evne.ws/4rbSmmi
VW CASH SURPRISE BUYS TIME, NOT COMFORT https://evne.ws/4rbSmmi
WARM HOMES PLAN IS ALSO AN EV POLICY https://evne.ws/4qWsP0N
NIO’S EUROPE BATTERY SWAPS GAIN SPEED, HIT CEILING https://evne.ws/45Yq6v2
Alpine A290
"Well, first up, the new Alpine A290 is now 75% of Alpine's business. They're relatively, well, it is a very small car maker."
The Alpine A290 is a small electric car made by Alpine, a company that focuses on sporty vehicles. This model is important for them as they are selling more cars since they started making electric vehicles.
The Alpine A290 is a compact electric vehicle from the French manufacturer Alpine, known for its sporty designs and performance-oriented cars. This model represents a significant shift for the brand as it embraces electric mobility and aims to capture a larger market share.
BMW M3
"The electric BMW M3 looks like it's going to be a bit of a monster. Four motors, Neue-class of platform and just huge performance."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car made by BMW. The new electric version will be very powerful and exciting to drive, just like its gasoline-powered predecessors.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. The upcoming electric version aims to combine this performance with electric vehicle technology.
Neue-class platform
"Four motors, Neue-class of platform and just huge performance. But they're also going to add to it lots of poppy, bangy exhaust noises..."
The Neue-class platform is a new design for cars that helps make them better and more efficient, especially for electric vehicles. It allows for different types of engines and better handling.
The Neue-class platform refers to a new generation of vehicle architecture that allows for improved performance, efficiency, and flexibility in design, particularly for electric vehicles. This platform is designed to support multiple powertrains and enhance driving dynamics.
V8
"...they are modeling V10s and V8s, they say from BMW's heritage, so that you'll feel the experience of driving an EV."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders, which helps it produce a lot of power. It's popular in many fast cars and trucks because it can make them go really fast.
A V8 engine is an internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. Known for its power and performance, the V8 is commonly used in muscle cars, trucks, and performance vehicles.
V10
"...they are modeling V10s and V8s, they say from BMW's heritage, so that you'll feel the experience of driving an EV."
A V10 engine has ten cylinders that help it produce a lot of power. It's often used in fast cars to make them go really fast and sound great.
A V10 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with ten cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This configuration allows for a balance of power and smoothness, often found in high-performance sports cars and supercars.
BYD
"BYD wants to put in their ultra rapid charges to Great Britain. They work at a thousand kilowatts."
BYD is a company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are trying to set up fast charging stations in Great Britain.
BYD is a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer known for producing electric cars, batteries, and renewable energy solutions. They are expanding their presence in various markets, including the UK, with their charging infrastructure.
ultra rapid chargers
"BYD wants to put in their ultra rapid charges to Great Britain. They work at a thousand kilowatts."
Ultra rapid chargers are special charging stations that can charge electric cars very quickly. This helps drivers get back on the road faster after charging.
Ultra rapid chargers are high-powered charging stations designed to quickly charge electric vehicles, often providing significant range in a short amount of time. They are essential for supporting the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
flash charges
"They call them flash charges. So you flash new motor on your flash charger, 300 off them."
Flash charges are a way to charge electric cars very quickly, so drivers don't have to wait long to get back on the road.
Flash charges refer to a type of ultra rapid charging technology that allows for extremely fast charging of electric vehicles. This technology can significantly reduce the time needed to recharge an electric vehicle's battery.
Dodge Charger
"...sh charges. So you flash new motor on your flash charger, 300 off them. Whoa, by the end of the year."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. It's popular because it has a lot of room inside and is fun to drive, making it a good choice for people who want a mix of family car and sports car.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular design. It has a rich history dating back to the 1960s and has evolved into a modern vehicle that combines practicality with high-performance options, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and families alike.
plug-in hybrid
"...they're restyling their plug-in hybrids, even though they use loads of the same parts as the all-electric EX5. For instance, the Star Ray EMI plug-in hybrid from Geely."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it like an electric car, but it also has a regular engine if you need to drive further without charging.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. This allows the car to run on electric power alone for a certain distance before switching to gasoline, offering flexibility in fuel usage.
Geely Galaxy EX5
"...even though they use loads of the same parts as the all-electric EX5. For instance, the Star Ray EMI plug-in hybrid from Geely."
The Geely EX5 is a fully electric SUV made by a Chinese company called Geely. It runs only on electricity and is designed for everyday use.
The Geely EX5 is an all-electric SUV produced by the Chinese automotive manufacturer Geely. It is designed to offer a practical electric driving experience with modern features and technology.
Geely Starray EM-i
"...For instance, the Star Ray EMI plug-in hybrid from Geely. When it arrives in Britain, we'll look different."
The Star Ray EMI is a car made by Geely that can use both electricity and gasoline. It’s designed for people who want the benefits of both types of fuel.
The Star Ray EMI is a plug-in hybrid vehicle from Geely, designed to offer a combination of electric and gasoline power. It aims to provide a balance between performance and efficiency, catering to consumers who prefer the flexibility of both fuel types.
Volvo
"...Volvo have backed away slightly from their 100% EV promise and said, we think people might want long-range plug-in hybrids and I think they're probably right."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that is famous for making safe and reliable cars. They are now focusing on making more electric cars.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety, quality, and sustainability. The brand has been transitioning towards electric vehicles and has made commitments to electrify its lineup in the coming years.
VW
"So VW had a great year last year. They made 6 billion euros in net cash. They're 4 billion euros in a better off place than they predicted."
VW is a car company from Germany that makes many different types of cars, including popular models like the Golf and Jetta.
Volkswagen, commonly referred to as VW, is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the iconic Beetle and Golf models. The company has been focusing on electric vehicles and sustainability in recent years.
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