BRIEFLY: Kia, BYD, Oil Shocks & more | 27 Apr 2026
About this episode
Kia is leaning into a deliberate price-cutting push to close the gap with Chinese EV rivals in Europe, while BYD is showing off a very different kind of halo car: a 1,000-hp electric supercar aimed at Europe and due for a Goodwood appearance. The episode also ties rising oil prices to stronger EV economics, highlights UK data showing plug-in hybrids often cost more than comparable EVs, and notes mixed fortunes for Chinese brands in Europe, from GWM’s UK exit to Leapmotor’s aggressive pricing and MG’s possible Spanish production plans.
It's EV News Briefly for Monday 27 April 2026, 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
KIA CUTS EUROPE PRICES TO FIGHT CHINESE
Kia CEO Song Ho-sung announced a deliberate price-cutting strategy at the company's Investor Day, narrowing the price gap with Chinese rivals like BYD from 20–25% to 15–20%. Despite reporting a quarterly profit decline on 24 April due to higher European sales incentives, Kia says its solid profit base can sustain the strategy, with the upcoming EV2 small SUV set to challenge the BYD Dolphin Surf directly.
BYD DENZA Z TAKES AIM AT TESLA
BYD unveiled the production Denza Z at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show — an all-electric supercar with around 1,000 hp, a sub-two-second 0–60 mph claim, and three variants including a coupe and convertible. Estimated at around $65,000 in China, it targets the Tesla Roadster 2 and is prioritised for European sales, with a Goodwood Festival of Speed debut planned and full technical details due in July 2026.
OIL SHOCK COULD SPEED UK EV UPTAKE
Rising oil prices following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz are shifting the economic case toward EVs, accelerating a consumer tipping point already supported by better batteries. A large EV fleet could transform UK grid stability through vehicle-to-grid systems, with Ofgem estimating that half of projected EVs on V2G by 2030 could provide 16GW of flexible capacity — five times the projected output of Hinkley Point C.
PHEVS COST MORE TO BUY AND RUN
ECIU data shows eight of the UK's 10 best-selling PHEVs carry a higher sticker price than comparable EVs, with an average gap of £4,150 or 10%, even as the average new EV has fallen below the average new petrol car for the first time. Real-world PHEV fuel costs run 490% above official figures, pushing annual fuelling costs to around £1,030 — £620 more per year than an equivalent EV — making total cost of ownership over £1,000 per year higher than going fully electric.
OMODA & JAECOO HITS ONE MILLION SALES
Omoda & Jaecoo reached one million cumulative global sales in April 2026, just three years after its international debut, recording monthly sales of over 60,000 units in March and operating across 69 markets with 1,364 dealers. Europe drove 41.5% of total global sales, with a 246% year-on-year rise in March, and the brand ranked sixth in the UK with a 4.7% market share — with Omoda & Jaecoo now targeting one million annual sales by 2027.
GWM PULLS ORA 03 FROM UK
GWM has withdrawn the Ora 03 electric hatchback from the UK market after only 542 units were registered across all of 2025 and just 26 in Q1 2026, ending a four-year run for the model originally launched as the Funky Cat. No new stock will be supplied, with the car available only from existing dealer inventory as GWM shifts focus to a broader European growth strategy.
LEAPMOTOR B05 TARGETS EUROPE WITH LOW PRICES
Leapmotor's B05 compact hatchback will launch in Europe starting at €26,900 in Italy, undercutting every major rival by at least €10,000, including the Volkswagen ID.3 at €40,990, the BYD Dolphin at €35,000 and the MG4 at €34,000. At 4,430 mm long with rear-wheel drive, 160 kW, a 0–100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds and DC fast charging peaking at 174 kW, it combines size, performance and price in a package that directly targets the mainstream European EV market.
US EV MAKERS PRESS DIRECT SALES FIGHT
US EV makers including Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are escalating efforts to bypass the dealer franchise model, which still controls 96% of new-vehicle deliveries, using new legal strategies and ballot initiative threats — though the three brands combined held less than 4% of the US light-vehicle market in 2025. The bigger industry fear is not EV startups but legacy or foreign brands like Volkswagen's Scout Motors breaking the model open for all manufacturers, which could fundamentally reshape US auto retail.
MG WEIGHS SPAIN FOR EUROPEAN EV PLANT
MG Motor reportedly favours Spain — particularly Galicia — over Hungary for its first European EV manufacturing plant, driven largely by Galicia's strong shipping links to the UK, MG's most important European market. No final decision has been made, but the move is driven by SAIC facing the EU's highest Chinese automaker tariff rate of 35.3%, even as producing cars in Europe will cost more than manufacturing them in China.
AVERAGE EV RETAINS 97% OF ITS RANGE AFTER THREE YEARS
Recurrent's 2026 EV Market and Trends Report found that the average EV retains 97% of its range after three years and 95% after five years, with five brands — Cadillac, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes and Rivian — showing zero apparent range loss over five years. Used EV demand surged 53.9% between February and March 2026, with the average used EV now priced at $34,653 — just $1,012 below an equivalent ICE vehicle — while average new EV range for 2026 models rose 11% to 325 miles.
Kia
"If you haven't got time for the full-on podcast today, Kia's CEO announced a deliberate price cutting strategy... narrowing the price gap with Chinese rivals like BYD..."
Kia is trying to sell EVs for less so they can compete with cheaper Chinese EVs in Europe. They’re balancing lower prices with still making enough profit to keep investing.
Kia is laying out a deliberate EV pricing strategy to narrow the price gap versus Chinese automakers in Europe. The idea is to use lower pricing to stay competitive while still maintaining a “profit base” to fund the push.
price cutting strategy
"Kia's CEO announced a deliberate price cutting strategy... narrowing the price gap with Chinese rivals..."
A price cutting strategy means the company lowers EV prices to sell more cars. It’s a way to compete when other brands are offering lower prices.
A price cutting strategy in EVs is when a manufacturer intentionally lowers prices to win market share, often to close the gap with cheaper competitors. It’s especially relevant in Europe where incentives and pricing pressure can swing demand quickly.
BYD
"...Chinese rivals like BYD... BYD, unveiling anything but a cheap EV. The production version of their Denzer Zed..."
BYD is one of the biggest Chinese EV companies. In this segment, they’re not just making budget EVs—they’re also pushing into high-performance territory.
BYD is highlighted as a major Chinese EV maker using aggressive product and pricing positioning. The segment also mentions BYD’s new high-performance EV supercar concept moving toward production, showing BYD isn’t only competing on low cost.
D9 Denzer
"... but a cheap EV. The production version of their Denzer Zed at the Beijing Auto Show, an all-electric su..."
The D9 is an all-electric car that’s being positioned as a cheaper EV. It’s connected to a vehicle shown at the Beijing Auto Show, and the podcast is likely talking about whether the final car will be affordable and ready for real customers.
The D9 is described in the podcast as a low-cost, all-electric vehicle tied to a production concept shown at the Beijing Auto Show (the Denzer Zed). It’s the kind of EV that matters in EV news because lower pricing can broaden adoption beyond early adopters. The discussion likely focuses on how close the production version is to the concept and what that means for affordability and scale.
Beijing Auto Show
"BYD, unveiling anything but a cheap EV. The production version of their Denzer Zed at the Beijing Auto Show..."
The Beijing Auto Show is a big car event in China where companies show off new cars. Here, it’s where BYD revealed this EV.
The Beijing Auto Show is a major event where automakers debut new vehicles and concepts. In this segment, it’s used as the stage for BYD’s production EV supercar reveal.
0 to 60 time
"...an all-electric supercar with 1,000 horsepower and 0 to 60 times less than two seconds. Three variants including a coupe and a convertible."
“0 to 60” measures how fast a car can go from standing still to 60 mph. Faster numbers usually mean stronger acceleration and a more exciting launch.
“0 to 60” is shorthand for how quickly a car accelerates from 0 mph to 60 mph. It’s a common performance metric used to compare how “fast” a vehicle feels, especially for EVs where instant torque can make launches very quick.
Goodwood's Festival of Speed
"They're going to show it off at Goodwood's Festival of Speed. Rising oil prices following the US-Israeli strikes..."
Goodwood’s Festival of Speed is a famous car event in the UK. Mentioning it suggests the EV is being marketed to car fans, not just sold as a tech product.
Goodwood’s Festival of Speed is a high-profile UK motorsport and automotive culture event. The segment notes the EV will be shown there, which signals a push to reach European enthusiasts and media beyond just straight-to-market pricing.
oil shocks
"Rising oil prices following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and closure of the strait of Hamouz are shifting the economies of scale towards EVs..."
An “oil shock” is a sudden disruption that drives up oil prices, often from geopolitical events or supply interruptions. Higher oil prices can make EVs more attractive economically by increasing the relative cost of gasoline and diesel.
economies of scale
"...closure of the strait of Hamouz are shifting the economies of scale towards EVs as the war continues. It accelerates the consumer demand tipping points..."
Economies of scale means the average cost per unit drops as production volume increases. The hosts suggest that as EV adoption grows, EV manufacturing can become cheaper and more competitive, reinforcing the shift away from oil-dependent transport.
consumer demand tipping points
"It accelerates the consumer demand tipping points already supported by the technology improvements like better batteries and longer range."
A demand “tipping point” is when consumer behavior shifts rapidly—often once enough people believe the product is good enough and the value is clear. In EVs, the segment links tipping points to battery improvements and longer range that reduce buyer hesitation.
better batteries and longer range
"...supported by the technology improvements like better batteries and longer range. Also, a large EV fleet could do more to shift the world away from being dependent on oil..."
Battery improvements and longer range are key EV adoption drivers because they reduce range anxiety and improve day-to-day usability. Better batteries can also support faster charging and more consistent performance as technology matures.
grid storage
"The move to EV means there'll be more potential grid storage available if those EVs become"
Grid storage refers to ways the power grid can store electricity for later use, smoothing out supply and demand. EVs can contribute indirectly by acting as flexible loads (and potentially via vehicle-to-grid in some systems), increasing the value of storage as renewable generation grows.
grid-connected
"grid-connected, which is a self-reinforcing technology loop, which means fewer and fewer fossil fuels will eventually be needed."
“Grid-connected” just means the electricity comes from the power grid. Instead of being a standalone system, it plugs into the same network that powers homes and businesses.
“Grid-connected” means an EV charging system or energy source is tied into the electric utility grid rather than operating independently. The host frames it as a reinforcing loop: more grid-connected charging and renewable generation can reduce reliance on fossil fuels over time.
plug-in hybrids
"The ECIU data out today shows eight of the UK's best-selling plug-in hybrids are more expensive on sticker price than their comparable EV. There's an average gap of 4,150 pounds, that's 10%, even as the average new EV price has fallen"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on electricity, but it also has a gasoline engine. The episode is saying that, in many cases, the hybrid costs more to buy than a similar fully electric car.
The segment compares plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) to fully electric vehicles (EVs) using “sticker price” and “comparable EV” language. It highlights that, in the UK, PHEVs can cost more upfront than an equivalent EV, even as EV prices fall.
ECIU
"The ECIU data out today shows eight of the UK's best-selling plug-in hybrids are more expensive on sticker price than their comparable EV."
ECIU is referenced as the source of data about UK plug-in hybrid pricing versus EV pricing. For listeners, it’s a reminder to look at the specific research organization behind “best-selling” and pricing claims.
Estalantis
"Leap Motor are doing well though, with Estalantis investment and their joint venture. The B05 is a compact hatchback, that is launching in Europe"
This sounds like the hosts are talking about Stellantis, a big car company. They’re saying that investment and a partnership can help smaller brands sell more cars in Europe.
“Estalantis” appears to be a mis-transcription of “Stellantis,” the major automaker formed from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA. The episode ties Stellantis investment to Leap Motor’s European progress.
MG4
"but it still beats the equivalent VW ID3, BYD Dolphin, even MG4."
MG4 is an electric hatchback. The hosts are using it as another example of an EV that the B05 is trying to beat on price.
MG4 is mentioned as another compact EV rival that the B05 is positioned against on price. The point is competitive pressure: newer models aim to offer similar size/role at lower cost.
BYD Dolphin
"but it still beats the equivalent VW ID3, BYD Dolphin, even MG4."
The BYD Dolphin is an affordable electric car. The hosts are saying the new B05 is even cheaper than the Dolphin.
BYD Dolphin is cited as one of the EVs the B05 undercuts on price. The Dolphin is known as a value-focused compact EV, so it’s a natural comparison point in a “starting price” discussion.
Volkswagen Id3
"but it still beats the equivalent VW ID3, BYD Dolphin, even MG4."
The Volkswagen ID.3 is a popular electric hatchback. The hosts are using it as a benchmark to show that the new B05 is cheaper.
The episode compares the B05’s pricing to the Volkswagen ID.3, a mainstream compact EV hatchback. This is used to show how new entrants are trying to beat established EV models on cost.
Tesla
"US EV makers like Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are continuing their efforts to bypass the dealer franchise model, which controls 96% of new vehicle deliveries, there's new legal strategies"
Tesla is mentioned as an EV company that wants to sell in a way that doesn’t rely on traditional car dealers. The episode connects this to how new-car sales are controlled.
Tesla is referenced as one of the US EV makers trying to bypass the dealer franchise model. This matters because distribution and pricing structure can affect how EVs are sold and regulated.
Rivian
"US EV makers like Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are continuing their efforts to bypass the dealer franchise model, which controls 96% of new vehicle deliveries, there's new legal strategies"
Rivian is another EV brand trying to sell cars without the traditional dealer system. The hosts are talking about the business rules and lawsuits around that.
Rivian is grouped with Tesla and Lucid as US EV makers attempting to bypass the dealer franchise model. The episode frames this as a legal and business strategy issue rather than a product one.
Lucid
"US EV makers like Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are continuing their efforts to bypass the dealer franchise model, which controls 96% of new vehicle deliveries, there's new legal strategies"
Lucid is an EV company mentioned in the context of selling cars differently than traditional dealerships. The episode is focusing on the legal/business side of that change.
Lucid is mentioned as part of the group of EV makers pursuing alternatives to the dealer franchise model. This highlights how EV companies are challenging traditional retail structures in the US.
dealer franchise model
"US EV makers like Tesla, Rivian and Lucid are continuing their efforts to bypass the dealer franchise model, which controls 96% of new vehicle deliveries, there's new legal strategies"
The dealer franchise model is the traditional system where car brands sell through local dealerships with special agreements. The episode says EV companies are trying to change that system using new legal approaches.
The “dealer franchise model” refers to the US system where licensed dealerships have exclusive rights to sell certain brands in specific territories. The host claims it controls most new vehicle deliveries and notes that EV makers are using legal strategies to change or work around it.
Chinese tariffs
"MG Motor is eyeing up Spain to make their vehicles in Europe to avoid some of those Chinese tariffs, and that's briefly."
Tariffs are extra taxes on imported products. If tariffs make imported cars more expensive, companies may build cars locally in Europe instead.
Tariffs are taxes added to imported goods, and they can change which countries automakers choose to build in. When Chinese tariffs apply, companies may shift production to Europe (like Spain) to lower costs and avoid those extra charges.
MG Motor
"MG Motor is eyeing up Spain to make their vehicles in Europe to avoid some of those Chinese tariffs, and that's briefly."
MG Motor is a car brand that’s trying to sell more cars in Europe. They’re looking at building cars in Spain so the cars aren’t hit as hard by import taxes.
MG Motor is a Chinese automaker brand that’s expanding manufacturing and market presence in Europe. In this segment, they’re considering Spain as a production base to reduce the impact of Chinese import tariffs.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.