BRIEFLY: BMW M EV, Cupra Raval, GM Energy & more | 21 Feb 2026
About this episode
Highlights include BMW confirming electric versions of the M3 and X3M for 2027 with authentic engine sounds, and SEAT/CUPRA launching the urban electric CUPRA Raval after major factory investments in Spain. GM Energy plans to lease vehicle-to-home hardware to reduce upfront costs. Audi reveals a plug-in hybrid RS5 Sportback and Avant with a 26kWh battery and 52-mile electric range. IONITY opens a 600kW charging station in France, while Mercedes teases a luxury electric people carrier with a 115kWh battery. Updates on BYD Seal and Rivian’s Apple Watch app also featured.
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 21 February 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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BMW M LINES UP ELECTRIC M3 AND X3 M https://evne.ws/4tW4R7K
CUPRA RAVAL TO START PRODUCTION IN 2026 https://evne.ws/4kJmXW5
GM ENERGY PLANS MONTHLY LEASE FOR V2H KIT https://evne.ws/4aJytwj
AUDI RS 5 GOES PLUG-IN HYBRID https://evne.ws/4tNjcmJ
IONITY OPENS EUROPE’S FIRST 600 KW CHARGER https://evne.ws/4cFtajT
IONITY SWITCHES ON FIRST MEGAWATT CHARGERS IN FRANCE https://evne.ws/4b1nPCc
MERCEDES VLE TEASES RANGE WITH ROME RUN https://evne.ws/4atl6l1
BYD SEAL 2026 UPDATE ADDS POWER AND SPACE https://evne.ws/46NUZ5O
RIVIAN ADDS APPLE WATCH APP FOR GEN 2 https://evne.ws/3MTNmnF
BMW M3
"Electric next year in 2027 have confirmed an electric M3 and an electric X3M."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that people like to drive. Soon, BMW will make a version that runs on electricity instead of gas, coming in 2027.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its sporty handling and powerful engines. An electric version planned for 2027 indicates BMW's move toward electrification of its performance lineup.
BMW X3M
"Electric next year in 2027 have confirmed an electric M3 and an electric X3M."
The BMW X3 M is a sporty SUV that is fun to drive and good for carrying things. BMW plans to make an electric version in 2027, which will run on batteries instead of gas.
The BMW X3 M is the high-performance version of BMW's X3 SUV, combining sporty driving dynamics with utility. An electric version planned for 2027 shows BMW's intent to electrify its SUV performance models.
acoustic feedback
"The CEO, Frank Van Meel, says acoustic feedback helps drivers feel bonded with the road and connect with familiarity."
Acoustic feedback means the car makes certain sounds to help the driver feel more connected and aware while driving, especially since electric cars can be very quiet.
Acoustic feedback refers to sound signals generated by a vehicle to provide the driver with sensory information, enhancing the driving experience and connection to the car, especially in electric vehicles that are naturally quieter.
Cupra Raval
"SEAT and CUPRO will launch a series production of the CUPRO Reval soon."
The CUPRA Reval is a new electric car made for city driving by the CUPRA brand, which is part of a big car company called Volkswagen Group.
The CUPRA Reval is an upcoming urban electric vehicle from the CUPRA brand, part of the Volkswagen Group, focusing on compact, city-friendly electric cars.
VW ID Polo
"It'll be the first of the urban electric models from Volkswagen Group that includes things like the VW ID Polo and the Schodder Epic."
The VW ID Polo is a small electric car made by Volkswagen to be easy to drive in cities and use electricity instead of gas.
The Volkswagen ID Polo is an electric urban vehicle from Volkswagen's ID series, designed as a compact city car with electric powertrain technology.
GM Energy
"GM Energy wants to lease you their vehicle to home hardware and even their home battery system as well."
GM Energy is a part of the car company General Motors that works on ways to use electric cars to help power homes and store energy.
GM Energy is a division of General Motors focusing on energy solutions such as vehicle-to-home technology and home battery systems integrated with electric vehicles.
vehicle to home (V2H)
"Because purchasing could be up to $27,000 if you spec the battery and V2H kit as well."
Vehicle to home means your electric car can send electricity back to your house to help power it, especially when you need extra energy.
Vehicle to home (V2H) technology allows electric vehicles to supply power back to a home, acting as a backup energy source or to reduce electricity costs.
Audi RS5 Avant
"Audi's unveiled the new plug-in hybrid version of their RS5 Sportback and the Avant version which is one of the most beautiful things I've seen."
The Audi RS5 Avant is a fast car with a big back area for carrying stuff. It also uses both gas and electric power to help you drive farther and save fuel.
The Audi RS5 Avant is the wagon (estate) version of the RS5, combining high performance with the practicality of extra cargo space. The plug-in hybrid variant adds electric driving capability.
plug-in hybrid
"Audi's unveiled the new plug-in hybrid version of their RS5 Sportback and the Avant version which is one of the most beautiful things I've seen."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electricity. You can plug it in to charge the battery so it can drive using electricity for a while before using gas.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows for some driving on electric power alone, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
WLTP range
"It is 500kg heavier than the outgoing version because it's added a 26kWh battery pack WLTP range at 52 miles or 84km electric only power."
WLTP range is a way to measure how far an electric or hybrid car can go using just electricity. It helps people know how far they can drive before needing gas or charging.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, a standardized method to measure electric vehicle range and fuel consumption. The WLTP range indicates how far a car can travel on electric power alone under standardized testing conditions.
IONITY
"IONITY has opened up a new 600kW charging station in France on the A7, very busy travel corridor."
IONITY is a company that builds fast charging stations for electric cars, so you can charge your car quickly when traveling long distances.
IONITY is a joint venture of major automakers to build a high-power charging network for electric vehicles across Europe, enabling faster and more convenient long-distance travel.
600kW charging station
"IONITY has opened up a new 600kW charging station in France on the A7, very busy travel corridor."
A 600kW charging station is a very fast charger for electric cars that can fill up the battery much quicker than normal chargers.
A 600kW charging station is an ultra-fast electric vehicle charger capable of delivering up to 600 kilowatts of power, enabling very rapid battery charging compared to typical chargers.
megawatt charging system
"This is actually an Alpetronic 1000kW, a megawatt system that will dynamically split the power over 6 dispensers."
A megawatt charging system is a super fast charger for electric cars that can fill up the battery very quickly, much faster than regular chargers.
A megawatt charging system refers to an electric vehicle charger capable of delivering power at the scale of one megawatt (1000kW), enabling extremely fast charging speeds for compatible vehicles.
Alpetronic
"This is actually an Alpetronic 1000kW, a megawatt system that will dynamically split the power over 6 dispensers."
Alpetronic makes very powerful chargers for electric cars that can fill the battery really fast.
Alpetronic is a company that manufactures high-power electric vehicle charging systems, including ultra-fast chargers capable of delivering up to 1000kW (1 megawatt) of power.
XPeng G9
"Maybe you've got a car that will charge quickly like a Lotus in Maya, X-Pung G9, new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne."
The XPeng G9 is an electric SUV that can charge its battery quickly and has lots of tech features.
The XPeng G9 is an electric SUV from Chinese automaker XPeng, featuring advanced technology and fast charging capabilities.
Porsche Macan
"Maybe you've got a car that will charge quickly like a Lotus in Maya, X-Pung G9, new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne."
The Porsche Macan is a small luxury SUV that Porsche makes, and soon it will have an electric version that charges quickly.
The Porsche Macan is a compact luxury SUV from Porsche, with upcoming electric versions expected to support fast charging.
XPeng G6
"Maybe you've got a car that will charge quickly like a Lotus in Maya, X-Pung G9, new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne."
The XPeng G6 is a smaller electric SUV that can charge quickly and has modern features.
The XPeng G6 is an electric SUV from XPeng, positioned below the G9, also featuring fast charging and modern technology.
Lotus Emeya
"Maybe you've got a car that will charge quickly like a Lotus in Maya, X-Pung G9, new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne."
The Lotus Emeya is a new fast electric car that can charge quickly and go fast.
The Lotus Emeya is an upcoming electric performance sedan from Lotus, designed to offer high power and fast charging capabilities.
Porsche Cayenne
"...new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne. They'll all take big power, IX3 on Neuerklasse, ..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that drives more like a sports car than a typical big family vehicle. People talk about it because it’s fast and comfortable, making it special among SUVs.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV known for blending sports car performance with SUV practicality. It has been a significant model for Porsche, helping the brand expand its market and profitability. The mention likely relates to upcoming powerful variants or new technology integrations in the luxury SUV segment.
Audi Q6
"Maybe you've got a car that will charge quickly like a Lotus in Maya, X-Pung G9, new X-Pung G6 Porsche McCann, Audi Q6 forthcoming Cayenne."
The Audi Q6 is a new electric SUV that can charge its battery quickly and is made by Audi.
The Audi Q6 is an upcoming electric SUV from Audi, expected to support high-power fast charging and advanced electric drivetrain technology.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
"IX3 on Neuerklasse, Mercedes GLC 400kW, you still won't give the charger a workout,"
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a fancy small SUV that can use both gas and electric power and can charge its battery fairly fast.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a luxury compact SUV, with plug-in hybrid and electric variants capable of relatively high charging power.
400kW charging
"IX3 on Neuerklasse, Mercedes GLC 400kW, you still won't give the charger a workout,"
400kW charging means a charger that can fill an electric car's battery very quickly by giving it a lot of power.
400kW charging refers to electric vehicle chargers capable of delivering up to 400 kilowatts of power, enabling fast battery charging for compatible vehicles.
iX3 (G08)
"... forthcoming Cayenne. They'll all take big power, IX3 on Neuerklasse, Mercedes GLC 400kW, you still won..."
The BMW iX3 is an electric version of a regular BMW SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gas. It’s a fancy car that’s part of BMW’s plan to make more electric vehicles.
The BMW iX3 (G08) is an all-electric version of BMW’s popular X3 SUV, built on the same platform but with an electric powertrain. It represents BMW’s commitment to electrification within its established SUV lineup and competes in the luxury electric SUV market. The mention suggests it is part of a group of high-power electric SUVs including the Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes GLC.
115kWh battery
"Mercedes teasing the new VLE, that's their people carrier, with a 115kWh battery. That is significantly bigger than the 75kWh packs found in other people carriers..."
The 115kWh battery is like a big rechargeable battery in an electric car that stores a lot of power, so the car can drive longer before needing to be charged again.
A 115 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery refers to the energy storage capacity of an electric vehicle's battery pack, indicating how much electric energy it can hold, which directly affects driving range and performance.
Vauxhall Vivaro
"That is significantly bigger than the 75kWh packs found in other people carriers like the Citroënne Space Tourer and the Vauxhall Vivaro that'll shift 7 or 8 people or 9 people around in comfort."
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a van that can carry many people and has a battery to help it drive without using gas. It's made to be comfortable and useful.
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a versatile people carrier van that can transport 7 to 9 passengers comfortably, often equipped with a 75 kWh battery in electric versions.
Citroën SpaceTourer
"That is significantly bigger than the 75kWh packs found in other people carriers like the Citroënne Space Tourer and the Vauxhall Vivaro that'll shift 7 or 8 people or 9 people around in comfort."
The Citroën SpaceTourer is a van that can carry many people and has a battery that helps it drive without gas. It's made to be comfortable and useful.
The Citroën SpaceTourer is a multi-passenger van designed for comfort and practicality, typically equipped with a 75 kWh battery pack in its electric variants, suitable for transporting 7 to 9 people.
75kWh battery pack
"That is significantly bigger than the 75kWh packs found in other people carriers like the Citroënne Space Tourer and the Vauxhall Vivaro..."
The 75kWh battery pack is a medium-sized battery in electric vans that helps them drive a good distance before needing to recharge.
A 75 kilowatt-hour battery pack is a common size for electric vehicle batteries in people carriers, providing a balance between range and weight, typically enabling moderate driving distances.
Byd Seal
"And the BYD Seal, I've mentioned that's being updated for 2026, at least in the UK model year, by the way, and that is getting more space in the boot, a bigger frunk and some new colors. But underlying, it's the same vehicle, so 82.5kWh battery, 354 miles WLTP range"
The BYD Seal is a new electric car coming in 2026 that has more space for luggage, a bigger front storage area, and new colors. It has a big battery that lets it drive far on a single charge.
The BYD Seal is an electric vehicle updated for the 2026 UK model year, featuring improvements like more boot space, a bigger front trunk (frunk), and new colors, while retaining its 82.5 kWh battery and an estimated 354 miles WLTP range.
boot
"BYD Seal... that is getting more space in the boot, a bigger frunk and some new colors."
The boot is the back part of a car where you put your bags and stuff, like the trunk in other countries.
The boot is the British term for the rear storage compartment of a car, commonly called the trunk in American English.
frunk
"BYD Seal... that is getting more space in the boot, a bigger frunk and some new colors."
A frunk is a storage space at the front of an electric car where you can put things, like an extra trunk.
A frunk is a front trunk, a storage compartment located at the front of an electric vehicle where the engine would traditionally be, providing additional cargo space.
150kW peak charging
"and pretty slow charging by Chinese cars standards, at least in the sedan segment, 150kW peak."
150kW peak charging means how fast an electric car can get its battery filled up. The bigger the number, the faster it charges.
150kW peak charging refers to the maximum power output at which an electric vehicle can be charged, affecting how quickly the battery can be replenished.
Rivian R1T
"and pretty slow charging by Chinese cars standards, at least in the sedan segment, 150kW peak. And Rivian, now rolling out their dedicated Apple Watch app for R1-S and R1-T, gen 2 owners to make that more useful with the vehicle to lock-unlock and do vehicle functions."
The Rivian R1T is an electric truck that can handle tough terrain and has smart features like an app for your Apple Watch. It takes a bit longer to charge than some other electric cars, but it’s very modern and useful.
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that combines rugged off-road capability with modern electric vehicle technology. It shares many features with the R1S SUV, including a dedicated Apple Watch app for owners. Charging speeds are decent but somewhat slower compared to certain Chinese electric sedans.
Rivian R1S
"and pretty slow charging by Chinese cars standards, at least in the sedan segment, 150kW peak. And Rivian, now rolling out their dedicated Apple Watch app for R1-S and R1-T, gen 2 owners to make that more useful with the vehicle to lock-unlock and do vehicle functions."
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV that can go off-road and is packed with smart features, like an app for your Apple Watch to control it. It charges a bit slower than some other electric cars from China but is still a cool, modern vehicle.
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric SUV designed for both on-road comfort and off-road capability, representing Rivian's push into the electric adventure vehicle market. It features advanced technology like a dedicated Apple Watch app for enhanced user control. Its charging speed is competitive but noted as slower compared to some Chinese electric sedans.
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