BRIEFLY: Ford, BYD, Anti-EV Propaganda & more | 10 Mar 2026
About this episode
Ford updates its all-electric Puma Gen E with longer range and Blue Cruise hands-free driving in Europe. BYD plans international rollout of ultra-fast 1.5 MW flash charging stations, enabling 10-70% charge in five minutes. A UK poll reveals widespread EV misinformation, with anti-EV propaganda linked to fossil fuel interests. Mercedes-Benz and MG announce new EV models with advanced battery tech and software. Octopus Energy expands dynamic pricing to France, while Porsche considers merging Taycan and Panamera lines. Volvo launches its software-defined EX-60, and Redwood Materials innovates with second-life battery storage solutions.
It's EV News Briefly for Tuesday 10 March 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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FORD UPDATES PUMA GEN-E
Ford has updated the all-electric Puma Gen-E with a redesigned battery lifting WLTP range from 376 km to 417 km (260 miles), alongside new BlueCruise hands-free driving, audio, connectivity, and colour updates. BlueCruise can be bought outright or via subscription, with all capable Puma models receiving a free three-month trial.
BYD TO EXPORT FLASH CHARGING BY 2026
BYD plans to roll out its 1,500 kW Flash Charging network internationally before the end of 2026, starting with a push to 20,000 stations across China and then expanding to plants in Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary. The system charges second-gen LFP Blade Battery vehicles from 10% to 70% in five minutes, with each unit also functioning as an on-site 200–300 kWh battery pack to protect local grid infrastructure.
POLL FINDS EV KNOWLEDGE GAP
A YouGov poll for the ECIU found that over half of non-EV drivers scored two or fewer correct answers out of ten on basic EV facts, with nearly half wrongly believing EVs catch fire more often than petrol cars. A House of Lords committee described the situation as a "concerted campaign of misinformation," warning that false narratives and deliberate anti-EV propaganda by some in the media are a major barrier to EV uptake in the UK.
MOST UK BUYERS MISS EV GRANT
Carwow research found that 64% of in-market UK car buyers were unaware of the Government's EV grant, despite 73% of those who did know about it saying a full £3,750 discount would make them more likely to choose an EV. EVs now account for just under a quarter of new car sales, with only 8 of the 46 qualifying models eligible for the maximum grant amount.
MERCEDES SETS OUT 2026 GLA PLAN
Mercedes will launch the third-generation GLA later in 2026 on its MMA platform, offering hybrid and fully electric variants with an 800V system, a new vehicle supercomputer, and over-the-air update capability. The flagship GLA 250+ pairs an 85 kWh battery with a 262 bhp rear motor targeting up to 420 miles WLTP range, and the cabin features a 14.5-inch touchscreen with AI-powered MBUX voice recognition.
MG 4 EV URBAN SET FOR AUSTRALIA IN 2026
MG will bring the MG 4 EV Urban to Australia from April 2026, featuring LFP batteries in 43 kWh and 54 kWh options and a front-wheel-drive-only layout on the newer E3 platform. Pricing has not been confirmed, but UK figures suggest it could land closer to A$30,000, putting it in direct competition with BYD's Dolphin Essential at $29,990.
OCTOPUS EXPORTS PLUNGE PRICING EV CHARGING TO FRANCE
Octopus Energy is extending its dynamic Plunge Pricing public charging model to France via Electroverse, offering up to 50% discounts on charging costs when wholesale power prices fall due to high wind and solar output. The launch covers around 7,000 ultra-rapid Powerdot charge points, with Electroverse already connected via roaming to roughly 97% of France's 172,000 public charging points.
PORSCHE CONSIDERING TAYCAN PANAMERA MERGER
Porsche is exploring merging the Taycan and Panamera into a single model line offering petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants, following €1.8 billion in write-downs tied to delayed SSP Sport platform development. The merged line could follow the Macan and Cayenne model, where parallel ICE and EV versions share a name despite using distinct platforms.
SK BATTERY AMERICA CUTS 958 GEORGIA JOBS
SK Battery America has cut 958 workers — 37% of its workforce — at its Commerce, Georgia plant, citing weak US EV market conditions. The plant had supplied cells for the Ford F-150 Lightning, Volkswagen ID.4, and Hyundai and Kia models, with Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff blaming the losses on the Trump administration's stance on EVs.
VOLVO EX60 BETS BIG ON CENTRAL SOFTWARE
Volvo has positioned the all-electric EX60, due for customer deliveries in September, as Europe's first "true" software-defined vehicle, combining in-house batteries, motors, core software, and the new SPA3 platform under one roof. The centralised software architecture replaces dozens of supplier ECUs and kilometres of wiring, with Volvo claiming the freed-up space gives the D-segment SUV cabin room comparable to older E-segment cars.
REDWOOD SHIFTS EV BATTERIES INTO SECOND-LIFE STORAGE
Redwood Materials is expanding into second-life battery energy storage after finding that incoming used EV packs are retaining more capacity and arriving in better condition than originally modelled. The strategy centres on a 12 MW/63 MWh second-life BESS project in Texas — claimed as the world's largest — with Redwood targeting GWh-scale deployments for data centres, renewables, and utility-scale installations.
Ford Puma
"Ford is updating the all-electric Puma Gen E in Europe with a redesigned battery, lifting the range, WLTP certified."
The Ford Puma Gen E is a small electric SUV made by Ford. It has a new battery that lets it drive farther on a single charge.
The Ford Puma Gen E is an all-electric version of the Puma compact SUV available in Europe. It features a redesigned battery that improves its driving range, certified by the WLTP standard.
WLTP
"Ford is updating the all-electric Puma Gen E in Europe with a redesigned battery, lifting the range, WLTP certified."
WLTP is a test that checks how far a car can go and how much pollution it makes, so people know what to expect in real life.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure, a global standard for measuring vehicle emissions and range to provide more realistic and comparable data.
Blue Cruise
"Another 41 kilometers, that's a total of 260 miles of range now, alongside adding Blue Cruise, hands-free driving, better audio, more connectivity and new color choices as well. Blue Cruise can be bought outright or via subscription in Europe."
Blue Cruise is a system from Ford that helps the car drive itself on certain roads without the driver needing to hold the steering wheel all the time.
Blue Cruise is Ford's hands-free driving technology that allows semi-autonomous driving on compatible highways. It can be purchased outright or accessed via subscription in Europe.
flash charging
"BYD will roll out its 1,500 kilowatt, that's 1.5 megawatt flash charging, internationally before the end of this year. They'll start at home in China with 20,000 stations targeted by the end of the year. They have plants in Thailand, Brazil and Hungary all looking to make the flash charging hardware that uses an LFP blade battery in the vehicles that will charge 10-70% in five minutes and do a 97% charge in nine minutes."
Flash charging means charging an electric car's battery very quickly, so you don't have to wait long before driving again.
Flash charging refers to ultra-fast electric vehicle charging technology that can replenish a large portion of the battery in just a few minutes, greatly reducing charging downtime.
BYD
"BYD will roll out its 1,500 kilowatt, that's 1.5 megawatt flash charging, internationally before the end of this year. They'll start at home in China with 20,000 stations targeted by the end of the year. They have plants in Thailand, Brazil and Hungary all looking to make the flash charging hardware that uses an LFP blade battery in the vehicles that will charge 10-70% in five minutes and do a 97% charge in nine minutes."
BYD is a company from China that makes electric cars and batteries. They are working on super-fast charging stations that can charge cars very quickly.
BYD is a Chinese automotive company specializing in electric vehicles and battery technology. They are developing 1.5 megawatt flash charging stations and use LFP blade batteries in their EVs.
LFP blade battery
"They have plants in Thailand, Brazil and Hungary all looking to make the flash charging hardware that uses an LFP blade battery in the vehicles that will charge 10-70% in five minutes and do a 97% charge in nine minutes."
An LFP blade battery is a type of safe and long-lasting battery used in electric cars that helps them store power better and stay cooler.
LFP blade batteries are lithium iron phosphate batteries designed in a blade shape for improved safety, energy density, and thermal management in electric vehicles.
EV grant
"Car wow research found that 64% of people buying a car here were unaware of the money available. The EV grant, 73% of those who did know about it saying that the almost £4,000 off a new EV makes them more likely to choose an EV."
An EV grant is money the government gives to people who buy electric cars to help make them cheaper.
The EV grant is a government incentive that provides financial discounts or rebates to buyers of new electric vehicles, making EVs more affordable and encouraging adoption.
MMA platform
"Mercedes-Benz will launch the third generation GLA in 2026, sitting on the MMA platform using"
The MMA platform is a special base that Mercedes-Benz uses to build small electric and hybrid cars more easily and efficiently.
The MMA platform is Mercedes-Benz's modular architecture designed for compact electric and hybrid vehicles, allowing flexible design and improved efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
"Mercedes-Benz will launch the third generation GLA in 2026, sitting on the MMA platform using"
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a small luxury SUV. The next version coming in 2026 will use a new platform that helps with electric and hybrid car designs.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact luxury SUV. The third generation, launching in 2026, will be built on the new MMA platform designed for electric and hybrid vehicles.
800 volts architecture
"So 800 volts architecture, a new vehicle supercomputer over the air updates, 85 kilowatt hour battery pack..."
This means the car's battery system uses a higher voltage which helps it charge faster and work better.
An 800 volts electrical architecture refers to the high-voltage system used in electric vehicles that allows for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to the more common 400 volts systems.
over the air updates
"So 800 volts architecture, a new vehicle supercomputer over the air updates, 85 kilowatt hour battery pack..."
This means the car can get new software or fixes through the internet, like updating your phone apps.
Over the air (OTA) updates allow vehicles to receive software improvements and new features remotely without needing to visit a dealership.
MG 4 for Urban
"MG, bringing the MG for Urban. That's the one in China that you can get a semi-solid state pack in. We have it here as well in right hand drive."
This is an electric car made by MG that has a special type of battery and is sold in places like Australia.
The MG 4 for Urban is an electric vehicle model from MG, notable for offering a semi-solid state battery pack in China and available in right-hand drive markets like Australia.
semi-solid state battery
"That's the one in China that you can get a semi-solid state pack in."
This is a newer kind of battery that can store more power and is safer than regular batteries.
A semi-solid state battery is a type of advanced battery technology that uses a semi-solid electrolyte to improve energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
LFP batteries
"Made in China, going on sale in April, LFP batteries, either 43 or 54 kilowatt hours."
These are batteries made with a special material that makes them last longer and be safer.
LFP stands for lithium iron phosphate, a type of battery chemistry known for its safety, longevity, and lower cost, commonly used in electric vehicles.
dynamic plunge pricing
"Octopus Energy is extending its dynamic plunge pricing to France, offering 50% discounts on charging when it's windy or sunny."
This means charging your electric car costs less when there is lots of wind or sun making electricity.
Dynamic plunge pricing is a strategy where prices for services like electric vehicle charging are reduced significantly during times of excess renewable energy generation, encouraging usage when supply is high.
Porsche Taycan
"Porsche might merge Taycan and Panamera into a single model line, offering both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions."
This is a fast electric car made by Porsche.
The Porsche Taycan is Porsche's fully electric sports sedan, known for its performance and advanced electric drivetrain technology.
Porsche Panamera
"Porsche might merge Taycan and Panamera into a single model line, offering both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions."
This is a fancy Porsche car that has four doors and can use gas or a mix of gas and electric power.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan available with traditional combustion engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
plug-in hybrid
"Porsche might merge Taycan and Panamera into a single model line, offering both plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions."
This is a car that uses both gas and electricity, and you can charge the battery by plugging it in.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source.
software-defined vehicle
"Volvo has positioned the all-electric EX-60 as Europe's first software-defined vehicle."
This means the car's features and how it works can be changed or improved by updating its software.
A software-defined vehicle is designed with a focus on software to control many functions, allowing for easier updates and customization compared to traditional cars.
EX60
"Georgia Senator John Ossoff blaming the losses on Trump's stance on renewables and EVs. Volvo has positioned the all-electric EX-60 as Europe's first software-defined vehicle. Customer delivery start in September."
The Volvo EX60 is a new electric car that runs only on battery power, so it doesn't use gas. It's special because it can get better over time through software updates, like how your phone gets new apps or fixes. This car shows how car companies are making cleaner, smarter vehicles.
The Volvo EX60 is an all-electric SUV positioned as Europe's first software-defined vehicle, meaning it relies heavily on software updates to enhance features and performance over time. It represents Volvo's push into the electric vehicle market with a focus on sustainability and advanced technology. The EX60 is significant as it highlights the industry's shift towards electrification and digital integration.
Volvo EX-60
"Volvo has positioned the all-electric EX-60 as Europe's first software-defined vehicle."
This is a new electric SUV from Volvo that uses a lot of software to control how it works.
The Volvo EX-60 is an all-electric SUV positioned as Europe's first software-defined vehicle, emphasizing advanced software integration and modular architecture.
SBA3 platform
"They combine Volvo batteries, Volvo motors, Volvo software on the new SBA3 platform, which is just for Volvos..."
This is the special design Volvo uses to build their electric cars, making everything fit and work well together.
The SBA3 platform is Volvo's dedicated electric vehicle architecture designed to integrate batteries, motors, and software efficiently for their electric models.
Second Life Battery Energy Storage
"EV batteries are coming in to be recycled, but they're too good to tear down, so they're using them in Second Life as they are."
Sometimes EV batteries can't be used in cars anymore but still work well enough to store energy for other uses. This is called Second Life Battery Energy Storage.
Second Life Battery Energy Storage refers to the practice of reusing electric vehicle (EV) batteries that are no longer suitable for vehicle use but still retain enough capacity for less demanding applications like stationary energy storage.
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