BRIEFLY: Hyundai/Kia, MG, AMG GT & more | 08 Mar 2026
About this episode
Hyundai and Kia are scaling back their US EV plans due to tariff concerns, with delays and cuts to performance models. MG plans to unveil a compact urban EV concept at Goodwood, while Mercedes-AMG reveals a screen-heavy interior for its new electric GT. Ferrari is entering the electric crossover market with a powerful new model. Ireland expands grants for zero-emission heavy vehicles, and the UK sees a surge in electric truck registrations. Stellantis threatens to reduce UK operations over EV mandates, while Volkswagen starts production of an autonomous ID Buzz. UK greenhouse gas emissions hit a historic low, boosted by EV adoption.
It's EV News Briefly for Sunday 08 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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HYUNDAI AND KIA PULL BACK US EV PLANS
Hyundai and Kia are scaling back their US EV ambitions due to slowing sales, affordability pressures, and tariff uncertainty, with Hyundai cutting the Ioniq 6 to only the high-performance N variant and Kia indefinitely delaying the EV6 GT and EV9 GT. South Korean-built vehicles face a 15% US tariff that could rise to 25%, while US-built models from Kia's Georgia plant continue unaffected.
MG TEASES MG 2 SMALL EV FOR 2027
MG will reveal a concept car at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July previewing the MG 2, a small EV expected to measure around four metres long and sit below the MG 4 Urban in price and size. Due at the end of 2027, the MG 2 will target rivals like the Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin Surf, using the E3 platform and potentially a semi-solid-state battery.
AMG SHOWS GT 4-DOOR PRODUCTION INTERIOR
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the production interior of the GT 4-Door electric car ahead of its full unveil, featuring a 10.2-inch driver display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger screen targeting Chinese market tastes. The car is built on AMG's new AMG.EA electric platform and delivers 1,360 hp, proven during an eight-day 300 km/h endurance run at Nardo.
FERRARI TEASES LUCE EV AHEAD OF DEBUT
Ferrari has released a brief nighttime teaser video of its upcoming Luce EV, which is set to debut next month and is expected to be a crossover slightly smaller than the Purosangue with a Jony Ive-designed interior. The Luce uses a bespoke in-house platform with a structural battery pack, four electric motors producing around 1,000 hp, and an anticipated range of over 310 miles.
IRELAND EXPANDS ZERO-EMISSION TRUCK AND BUS GRANTS
Ireland has expanded its ZEHDV grant scheme to include a second funding stream, offering companies up to €500,000 per year for zero-emission truck and bus purchases and up to €300,000 for depot and hub charging infrastructure. The expanded programme aims to close the price gap with diesel alternatives while building out the charging network needed to support fleet electrification.
UK HITS 1,000 ELECTRIC HGV MILESTONE
The UK reached 1,000 registered electric heavy goods vehicles in 2025, with eHGV registrations rising 171% year-on-year, though zero-emission trucks still represent just 1.4% of the total HGV market. GRIDSERVE's Electric Freightway programme supplied over a quarter of all new electric truck registrations and has opened the first publicly accessible eHGV charging hubs, with more sites planned through 2026.
MAN PUTS LION'S COACH 14 E THROUGH -30°C TEST
MAN Truck & Bus has completed winter testing of its first battery-electric coach, the Lion's Coach 14 E, in conditions as low as -30°C in northern Sweden and Turkey, focusing on battery performance, thermal management, and interior heating. The coach offers 320–480 kWh of usable energy and a range of up to 650 km under optimal conditions, seating up to 63 passengers with luggage capacity matching its diesel equivalent.
STELLANTIS WARNS UK SALES RETREAT OVER ZEV RULES
Stellantis has warned it may reduce its UK sales operations unless the government reforms the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, arguing the rules force manufacturers to lose money while giving Chinese importers a competitive advantage. Chinese brands now hold 14% of the total UK market and 17% of the UK EV segment, while Stellantis faces potential fines of £12,000 per car for missing its compliance targets.
VW STARTS ID. BUZZ AD PRE-SERIES BUILD
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has begun pre-series production of the autonomous ID. Buzz AD at its Hanover plant, with around 500 vehicles planned before the end of 2026 for deployment in European and US projects. Developed with subsidiary Moia and Israeli partner Mobileye, each vehicle receives a roof module with cameras, radar, and lidar after the main production line, with full series production set for 2027.
UK EMISSIONS HIT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1872
UK greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.4% in 2025 to 364 MtCO2e, the lowest since 1872, driven largely by the closure of the last coal-fired power plant and a 56% drop in coal demand. The UK's nearly three million electrified vehicles now save over seven million tonnes of CO2 annually, with transport remaining the country's largest emitting sector and the primary focus for future cuts.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"Hyundai and Kia pull back US plans, scaling back their US ambitions, they blame affordability pressures and rising tariff uncertainty with Hyundai cutting the Ioniq 6 to only the high-performance N variant."
The Ioniq 6 N is a fast and sporty electric car made by Hyundai. It's a special version that is more powerful than the regular model.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is a high-performance electric variant of Hyundai's Ioniq 6 sedan, focusing on sporty driving dynamics and enhanced power.
Kia EV6
"And Kia delaying the EV6 GT and EV9 GT indefinitely, facing at least 15% US tariffs that could rise."
The EV6 GT is a fast electric SUV made by Kia. It has more power and is designed to be sportier than the regular EV6.
The Kia EV6 GT is a high-performance electric crossover SUV variant of the EV6, offering enhanced power and sportier handling.
Kia EV9
"And Kia delaying the EV6 GT and EV9 GT indefinitely, facing at least 15% US tariffs that could rise."
The EV9 GT is a powerful electric SUV from Kia that is sportier and faster than the regular EV9.
The Kia EV9 GT is a high-performance electric SUV variant of the upcoming EV9 model, focusing on greater power and performance.
MG2
"MG will reveal a concept car at Goodwood this year, the Festival of Speed in July. It's the MG2, a small EV, 4m long, perfect for urban situations. In fact, sitting below the MG4 Urban, a car actually called Urban, not only in size but in name as well."
The MG2 is a small electric car made by MG. It's designed to be easy to drive and park in cities.
The MG2 is a small electric vehicle concept by MG, designed to be compact and suitable for urban environments.
Mg4 Urban
"In fact, sitting below the MG4 Urban, a car actually called Urban, not only in size but in name as well. Due in 2027, watch out Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, sir, if I reckon."
The MG4 Urban is an electric car made by MG that is a bit bigger than the MG2 and good for city driving.
The MG4 Urban is an electric vehicle by MG positioned as a compact urban car, slightly larger than the MG2.
5 Renault 5
"...size but in name as well. Due in 2027, watch out Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, sir, if I reckon. Mercedes-AMG ..."
The 5 E-Tech Electric is a small electric car coming out soon that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's made to be easy to drive and good for city trips, similar to other small electric cars you might have heard about.
The 5 E-Tech Electric is Renault's upcoming compact electric car expected in 2027, positioned to compete with models like the Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin. It represents Renault's continued commitment to affordable, efficient electric vehicles in the small car segment.
BYD Dolphin
"Due in 2027, watch out Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, sir, if I reckon."
The BYD Dolphin is a small electric car made by BYD, good for city driving and saving energy.
The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric vehicle from Chinese automaker BYD, designed for urban use with efficient range.
Renault 5
"Due in 2027, watch out Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin, sir, if I reckon."
The Renault 5 is a small car that is coming back as an electric car, good for driving in cities.
The Renault 5 is a classic small hatchback being reimagined as a modern electric vehicle, aimed at urban drivers.
Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen
"You're out of luck. Think Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen? Yeah, just all the way across, but more on steroids, just screens for every passenger."
The Hyperscreen is a big digital screen inside some Mercedes cars that shows information and controls for both the driver and passengers.
The Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen is a large, curved digital dashboard that spans almost the entire width of the car's interior, integrating multiple displays for driver and passengers.
Ferrari Luce EV
"Ferrari is next. They haven't got screens everywhere, but they do have enough tech on board to perhaps bother a few of the gas-scuzzling aficionados, but they are going electric with their Luce EV, debuting next month. A crossover, a bit smaller than a PuroSange, now we find out range should be over 300 miles and horsepower over a thousand from four electric motors."
The Luce EV is a new electric SUV from Ferrari that is very powerful and can drive a long distance on a single charge.
The Ferrari Luce EV is Ferrari's upcoming electric crossover SUV, featuring over 1000 horsepower from four electric motors and a range exceeding 300 miles.
Ferrari Luce
"...cionados, but they are going electric with their Luce EV, debuting next month. A crossover, a bit smal..."
The Ferrari Luce is a new electric car that looks like a small SUV and doesn't use gas. It's Ferrari's way of making a fast, fun car that runs on batteries and can carry more people or stuff.
The Ferrari Luce is Ferrari's first electric crossover, marking the brand's entry into the electric vehicle market with a smaller, more practical model. Debuting soon, it blends Ferrari's performance heritage with modern electric technology in a compact SUV form.
GridServe
"GridServe, one of our national networks of fast charges, and I think some of the best sites have the Electric Freightway programme helping goods be delivered electrically."
GridServe is a company that runs quick charging stations for electric cars in the UK.
GridServe is a UK-based company operating a network of fast electric vehicle charging stations, focusing on sustainable energy solutions.
Electric Freightway programme
"GridServe, one of our national networks of fast charges, and I think some of the best sites have the Electric Freightway programme helping goods be delivered electrically."
This program helps trucks that run on electricity by giving them places to charge quickly and making it easier to use electric trucks.
The Electric Freightway programme is an initiative to support the electrification of freight transport by providing fast charging infrastructure and support for electric heavy goods vehicles.
MAN Truck and Bus
"MAN Truck and Bus, completing winter testing of their new big coach. If you want to shift, you know, 60, 70 passengers in electric power, they've just concluded their minus 30-degree Celsius testing in northern Sweden."
MAN Truck and Bus is a company that makes big trucks and buses, and they are working on electric versions.
MAN Truck and Bus is a German manufacturer specializing in commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, and is developing electric heavy-duty vehicles.
zero-emission vehicle mandate
"Stellantis is warning that it may reduce its UK operations unless the government bows to its demands to reform the zero-emission vehicle mandate,"
This is a rule that says car companies must sell more cars that don't pollute, like electric cars.
A zero-emission vehicle mandate is a government policy requiring automakers to sell a certain percentage of vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions, such as electric or hydrogen vehicles.
Ford
"Stellantis has been one of the more outspoken car makers alongside Ford and some of the others as well,"
Ford is a big car company from America that makes many types of cars and trucks. It's been around for a long time and is very popular.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and passenger cars. It has a long history and is a key player in the global automotive industry.
Stellantis
"Stellantis has been one of the more outspoken car makers alongside Ford and some of the others as well,"
Stellantis is a big company that makes many different car brands you might know, like Jeep and Dodge. It was created when two big car companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns many well-known car brands including Jeep, Dodge, Peugeot, and Citroën.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...s begun pre-series production of their autonomous ID Buzz. It's called the Buzz ID, and they're making it ..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW bus but uses electricity instead of gas. It's also being made to drive itself, which means it can move without a driver helping it.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van inspired by the classic VW Microbus, now updated with modern autonomous driving technology. Its pre-series production of the autonomous Buzz ID highlights VW's push into electric and self-driving vehicles, making it a significant step in urban mobility innovation.
autonomy
"This is proper autonomy. It's got the big sensor suite with the cameras, the radar, the LiDAR, full production next year, and full autonomy being the goal."
Autonomy means the car can drive on its own without a person controlling it, using cameras and sensors to see the road and other cars.
Autonomy in vehicles refers to the ability of a car to drive itself without human intervention, using sensors and software to navigate and make decisions.
radar
"It's got the big sensor suite with the cameras, the radar, the LiDAR, full production next year, and full autonomy being the goal."
Radar is a sensor that sends out radio waves to find out where things are around the car, helping it to avoid crashes.
Radar is a sensor that uses radio waves to detect objects and their speed around a vehicle, helping autonomous systems to avoid collisions and navigate safely.
LiDAR
"It's got the big sensor suite with the cameras, the radar, the LiDAR, full production next year, and full autonomy being the goal."
LiDAR is a special sensor that uses lasers to help the car see and understand its surroundings so it can drive itself safely.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor technology that uses laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the environment, crucial for autonomous vehicle navigation.
greenhouse gas emissions
"UK greenhouse gas emissions fell 2.5% last year, the lowest since 1872, driven by the closure of our last coal-fired plant, the UK's 3 million EVs now saving over 7 million tonnes of CO2 annually."
Greenhouse gas emissions are gases that make the Earth warmer by trapping heat, which can cause problems like climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions refer to gases like carbon dioxide that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
coal-fired plant
"driven by the closure of our last coal-fired plant, the UK's 3 million EVs now saving over 7 million tonnes of CO2 annually."
A coal-fired plant is a place where coal is burned to make electricity, but it creates a lot of pollution that harms the environment.
A coal-fired plant is a power station that burns coal to generate electricity, which produces significant carbon emissions contributing to pollution and climate change.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"the UK's 3 million EVs now saving over 7 million tonnes of CO2 annually."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity from batteries instead of gas, so they don't pollute the air when you drive them.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered by electric motors using energy stored in batteries instead of traditional gasoline or diesel engines, producing zero tailpipe emissions.
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