BRIEFLY: Cupra Tindaya, Geely EX5, ID.Golf, TESLA BERLIN & more | 16 Sep 2025
EV News Daily - Technology and Business of EVs
BRIEFLY: Cupra Tindaya, Geely EX5, ID.Golf, TESLA BERLIN & more | 16 Sep 2025
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Step 1, download rocket money.
Step 2, link your accounts and see every subscription you're paying for.
Tap 1 you don't use and cancel it.
That's money back every month.
Step 3, create a financial goal.
$50 every paycheck.
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In a week, you'll forget you set it up.
In a month, you'll see real dollars piling up.
In a year, you'll be shocked at how much money you've saved.
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It's EV News briefly for Tuesday, September 16th.
Everything EV in less than five minutes.
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Cupra unveiled the Tindaya concept at the Munich Motor Show.
Not only a successor to the Formentor successful vehicle,
but also showcasing how the VW Group could use their SSP platform
in a range-extended way because rather than going pure EV with that,
the Chinese markets might need some range extenders to sell there.
Geely is launching the EX-5.
Now, obviously, they've got a lot in their locker.
Polestar, Volvo, Lotus, etc.
But under their own brand name, EX-5 comes to the UK today.
Pre-ordering is now open, starts at £31,990 for this mid-size electric SUV.
VW is said to postpone the production of the ID Golf by a couple of years,
pushing it back to 2030.
Also shifting around where the production of combustion cars goes.
That was meant to go to Mexico and moving things around.
In November, they'll do their next five-year plan
and will know what's being made and when.
Berlin is going to raise the output at Tesla.
They say that the production targets are being increased
in response to anticipated market strength.
Now, historical market strength puts them down 44%.
According to the Carmakers Association in Europe so far this year.
39% down in Germany in the month of August alone.
So, they're not increasing Berlin because they need to.
On historical, but clearly they're seeing some early shoots of growth.
And that's good news for Tesla.
And all electric Audi RS6 might not happen.
E-tron version is going to be a question mark over it.
A plug-in hybrid version, though, is more likely to happen,
according to reports.
Spy shots have shown still the electric version testing.
Hong Kong is pursuing local Chinese production.
The likes of FAW could move production there.
Some companies like CATL are using the financial structures
of Hong Kong and setting up headquarters there.
Lucid will expand to Asia,
but the interim CEO Mark Winterhoff says
he has no desire to go and compete
at the cheap end of China's market.
Yeah, that's true.
But there's a lot of the high end of China's market.
On our spinoff show, EV News China,
we're always talking about cars that are 50, 60, 70,
100,000 US dollars equivalent.
And they're selling really well.
But he knows his business better than I do
and Lucid will not be going to China.
The Australian EV tax exemption,
I think he's up for review or ending soon,
now a new report says that if you end the fringe,
benefits tax exemption,
you could stop 1.5 million extra electric vehicles
hitting Aussie roads in the next 10 years.
Nissan and ChargeScape are doing a new pilot
in Silicon Valley, a vehicle to grid
using Nissan's EVs to power the grid.
Sadly, still a pilot project.
Can't wait for V2G to be more widely adopted.
Ford will stick with LFP technology,
lithium-ion, phosphate, at least for now,
at their Blue Oval Michigan plant from 2026.
The VP Ford, Lisa Drake,
talking about how they're flexible on battery chemistries,
but for now, very much wedded to LFP.
Here in the UK, the legal entity here, Toyota Motor UK,
pre-tax profits have fallen sharply,
revenues down over 135 million,
and they now just make 462,000 pounds profit
as of the last financial year.
Of course, with Zef Mandates
and the UK being one of the biggest EV markets,
if not the biggest in Europe, it's us in Germany,
but Toyota don't really have anything too compelling
to sell, more reviews from them are coming.
The used EV tax credits of $4,000
is, of course, going at the end of September.
There are some stellar deals.
A reminder, you've got two weeks on the clock,
and UK insurers say they require Chinese car manufacturers
to beef up their security,
where here, significantly more cars are stolen
than back at home in China.
That's briefly.
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you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference.
That's why hands down you count on Granger for auto-reordering.
With on-time restocks,
your team will have the cut-resistant gloves
they need at the start of their shift.
And you can end your day knowing they've got safety
well in hand.
Call 1-800-GRANGER, click Granger.com
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About this episode
Cupra's Tindaya concept makes waves at the Munich Motor Show, hinting at the VW Group's future with range extenders. Geely launches the EX-5 in the UK, while VW delays the ID Golf's production to 2030. Tesla plans to ramp up production in Berlin despite market challenges, and the future of an all-electric Audi RS6 remains uncertain. The episode also covers Nissan's vehicle-to-grid pilot, Ford's commitment to LFP battery technology, and the impact of the UK EV tax credit expiration.
Original notes
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 16 September 2025, everything you need to know in less than 5 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.
Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily
CUPRA TINDAYA IS VW’S ANSWER THE CHINESE RANGE EXTENDERS https://evne.ws/3KopUgD
GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK https://evne.ws/4n4e0ae
VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030 https://evne.ws/4pH14Jp
TESLA BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP https://evne.ws/3IdI1p2
ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR https://evne.ws/3I32pJw
HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE https://evne.ws/41RwmTA
LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA https://evne.ws/41UAceF
EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION ADDS 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS https://evne.ws/3JXn5mR
NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT https://evne.ws/464rMUm
FORD’S MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES https://evne.ws/46ofcy6
TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000 https://evne.ws/4goz5K1
USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON https://evne.ws/4mfAZxS
UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/3K58IN8
CUPRA TINDAYA PREVIEWS EV FORMENTOR REPLACEMENT AND RANGE EXTENDER PLANS
Cupra unveiled the Tindaya concept at the Munich motor show, hinting at a Formentor successor and showcasing Volkswagen Group’s SSP platform with range-extender EV capability for increased market flexibility, especially in China. The sporty, composite-bodied SUV pairs dual motors and a petrol engine for 300 km range, with a production debut expected around 2027 or 2028.
GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK
Geely has launched its EX5 electric SUV in the UK, starting at £31,990 and offering up to 267 miles of range on a lithium-iron-phosphate battery with rapid charging. Featuring trims up to £36,990, the EX5 targets fleet buyers, includes a six-year warranty, and will begin deliveries in late October.
VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030
Volkswagen has postponed production of its ID. Golf and ID. Roc EVs to 2030, with the ID. Roc debuting first on the new SSP platform, followed by the ID. Golf. The delay triggers a reshuffle of its plant allocations, with related internal combustion and EV model moves now set for clarification in annual planning later in the year.
BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP
Tesla’s Berlin Grünheide factory is increasing its production targets in response to anticipated market strength, despite ACEA reporting a 44% sales drop in the EU and a 39% decline in German registrations through August. Tesla attributes the downturn to Model Y design updates disrupting sales, with Norway showing strong growth and production revised upwards for Q3 and Q4.
ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR
The fully electric Audi RS6 e-tron may be canceled, even as prototypes continue road testing, with Audi expected instead to launch a plug-in hybrid RS6 alongside its traditional combustion model. Both vehicles were planned to share RS6 design cues but sit on different platforms, and initial plans had the EV debuting before the plug-in hybrid’s 2026 arrival.
HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE
Hong Kong is negotiating with multiple Chinese carmakers, including FAW Group, to establish local EV production facilities as part of a push for strategic industry and international expansion. High local costs and China’s overcapacity drive suppliers to Hong Kong’s financial sector, with major players like Contemporary Amperex Technology already setting up headquarters and listing on the city's stock exchange.
LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA
Lucid Motors plans expansion into Asian markets but will avoid China, citing heavy subsidies and overcapacity as reasons for staying out. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff expressed confidence in Lucid’s technology and competitiveness while focusing future models on the $50,000 segment and higher, not the low-cost market.
EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION COULD ADD 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS
Extending Australia’s EV fringe-benefits tax exemption to 2035 could add 1.5 million electric cars to Australian roads, according to Electric Vehicle Council modelling. The policy has driven over 100,000 additional EV sales since 2022, with further benefits possible for plug-in hybrids and the second-hand market.
NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT
Nissan and ChargeScape have launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot in Silicon Valley, using Nissan EVs and Fermata Energy bidirectional chargers to support grid demand for local data centers. The project aims to set a model for broader V2G integration through California’s virtual power plant network and beyond.
FORD TOUTS MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES
Ford will manufacture lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at its BlueOval Michigan plant from 2026, using CATL technology for future vehicles including a mid-size pickup. LFP batteries offer lower cost and better safety, though less energy density, and Ford remains open to evolving battery chemistry based on market needs and possible new plants.
TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000
Toyota Motor UK’s pre-tax profits fell sharply to £462,000 with revenues down over £135m, attributed to fleet mix management and compliance with tighter ZEV mandates. Despite a drop in market share, Toyota will expand its EV offering next year, including the all-electric Urban Cruiser SUV debuting in late 2025.
USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON
The U.S. federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit, worth up to $4,000 for electric or plug-in hybrid cars priced under $25,000, expires September 30. The credit drove significant price declines and saw models like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt become notably affordable, making immediate purchases attractive for eligible buyers.
UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS
UK insurers have required Chinese car manufacturers to improve their vehicles’ anti-theft devices and locking systems to better meet local standards amid rising theft rates, now at 102,000 annually. Brands like BYD have worked with regulators and added advanced technology to boost security as Chinese car sales surge in Britain.
Patreon supporters fund this show, get the episodes ad free, as soon as they're ready and are part of the EV News Daily Community. You can be like them by clicking here: https://www.patreon.com/EVNewsDaily
CUPRA TINDAYA IS VW’S ANSWER THE CHINESE RANGE EXTENDERS https://evne.ws/3KopUgD
GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK https://evne.ws/4n4e0ae
VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030 https://evne.ws/4pH14Jp
TESLA BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP https://evne.ws/3IdI1p2
ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR https://evne.ws/3I32pJw
HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE https://evne.ws/41RwmTA
LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA https://evne.ws/41UAceF
EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION ADDS 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS https://evne.ws/3JXn5mR
NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT https://evne.ws/464rMUm
FORD’S MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES https://evne.ws/46ofcy6
TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000 https://evne.ws/4goz5K1
USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON https://evne.ws/4mfAZxS
UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS https://evne.ws/3K58IN8
CUPRA TINDAYA PREVIEWS EV FORMENTOR REPLACEMENT AND RANGE EXTENDER PLANS
Cupra unveiled the Tindaya concept at the Munich motor show, hinting at a Formentor successor and showcasing Volkswagen Group’s SSP platform with range-extender EV capability for increased market flexibility, especially in China. The sporty, composite-bodied SUV pairs dual motors and a petrol engine for 300 km range, with a production debut expected around 2027 or 2028.
GEELY LAUNCHES EX5 ELECTRIC SUV IN UK
Geely has launched its EX5 electric SUV in the UK, starting at £31,990 and offering up to 267 miles of range on a lithium-iron-phosphate battery with rapid charging. Featuring trims up to £36,990, the EX5 targets fleet buyers, includes a six-year warranty, and will begin deliveries in late October.
VW DELAYS ID. GOLF AND ID. ROC TO 2030
Volkswagen has postponed production of its ID. Golf and ID. Roc EVs to 2030, with the ID. Roc debuting first on the new SSP platform, followed by the ID. Golf. The delay triggers a reshuffle of its plant allocations, with related internal combustion and EV model moves now set for clarification in annual planning later in the year.
BERLIN PLANT RAISES OUTPUT DESPITE SALES DROP
Tesla’s Berlin Grünheide factory is increasing its production targets in response to anticipated market strength, despite ACEA reporting a 44% sales drop in the EU and a 39% decline in German registrations through August. Tesla attributes the downturn to Model Y design updates disrupting sales, with Norway showing strong growth and production revised upwards for Q3 and Q4.
ALL-ELECTRIC AUDI RS6 E-TRON FUTURE UNCLEAR
The fully electric Audi RS6 e-tron may be canceled, even as prototypes continue road testing, with Audi expected instead to launch a plug-in hybrid RS6 alongside its traditional combustion model. Both vehicles were planned to share RS6 design cues but sit on different platforms, and initial plans had the EV debuting before the plug-in hybrid’s 2026 arrival.
HONG KONG PURSUES LOCAL EV ASSEMBLY BASE
Hong Kong is negotiating with multiple Chinese carmakers, including FAW Group, to establish local EV production facilities as part of a push for strategic industry and international expansion. High local costs and China’s overcapacity drive suppliers to Hong Kong’s financial sector, with major players like Contemporary Amperex Technology already setting up headquarters and listing on the city's stock exchange.
LUCID TO EXPAND IN ASIA, BUT NOT CHINA
Lucid Motors plans expansion into Asian markets but will avoid China, citing heavy subsidies and overcapacity as reasons for staying out. Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff expressed confidence in Lucid’s technology and competitiveness while focusing future models on the $50,000 segment and higher, not the low-cost market.
EXTENDING AUSTRALIAN EV TAX EXEMPTION COULD ADD 1.5 MILLION TO ROADS
Extending Australia’s EV fringe-benefits tax exemption to 2035 could add 1.5 million electric cars to Australian roads, according to Electric Vehicle Council modelling. The policy has driven over 100,000 additional EV sales since 2022, with further benefits possible for plug-in hybrids and the second-hand market.
NISSAN AND CHARGESCAPE LAUNCH V2G PILOT
Nissan and ChargeScape have launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot in Silicon Valley, using Nissan EVs and Fermata Energy bidirectional chargers to support grid demand for local data centers. The project aims to set a model for broader V2G integration through California’s virtual power plant network and beyond.
FORD TOUTS MOVE TO LFP BATTERIES
Ford will manufacture lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries at its BlueOval Michigan plant from 2026, using CATL technology for future vehicles including a mid-size pickup. LFP batteries offer lower cost and better safety, though less energy density, and Ford remains open to evolving battery chemistry based on market needs and possible new plants.
TOYOTA UK PROFIT FALLS TO £462,000
Toyota Motor UK’s pre-tax profits fell sharply to £462,000 with revenues down over £135m, attributed to fleet mix management and compliance with tighter ZEV mandates. Despite a drop in market share, Toyota will expand its EV offering next year, including the all-electric Urban Cruiser SUV debuting in late 2025.
USED EV CREDIT WORTH $4,000 ENDING SOON
The U.S. federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit, worth up to $4,000 for electric or plug-in hybrid cars priced under $25,000, expires September 30. The credit drove significant price declines and saw models like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt become notably affordable, making immediate purchases attractive for eligible buyers.
UK REQUIRES LOCK UPGRADES FOR CHINESE CARS
UK insurers have required Chinese car manufacturers to improve their vehicles’ anti-theft devices and locking systems to better meet local standards amid rising theft rates, now at 102,000 annually. Brands like BYD have worked with regulators and added advanced technology to boost security as Chinese car sales surge in Britain.
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