BRIEFLY: Renault, Waymo, Deepal In UK & more | 28 Feb 2026
About this episode
Highlights include Renault's popular electric models benefiting from UK grants, Polestar's new live lane guidance feature, and Waymo expanding its autonomous robo-taxi service to four US cities with improved sensor tech. The episode also covers Germany's potential social subsidy scheme for EVs facing EU material sourcing rules, the UK launch of Changan's DPAL S05 crossover, and Madrid's plan for a 4MW ultra-rapid EV charging hub repurposing an old petrol station. A Scania engineer's European roadshow with electric trucks and progress on solid-state battery partnerships round out the news.
It's EV News Briefly for Saturday 28 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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RENAULT 5 E-TECH WINS 2026 UK CAR OF YEAR https://evne.ws/3OAv77q
POLESTAR ADDS LIVE LANE GUIDANCE TO DRIVER DISPLAY https://evne.ws/4bcjzQm
WAYMO LAUNCHES ROBOTAXIS IN FOUR NEW US CITIES https://evne.ws/4cieaIK
EU “BUY EUROPEAN” DRAFT PUTS GERMAN EV AID AT RISK https://evne.ws/4aGfqEk
CHANGAN DEEPAL S05 UK SALES START MARCH 1 https://evne.ws/4l2iv55
ACCIONA TO BUILD 4MW EV HUB INSIDE M-30 https://evne.ws/4bdCJp1
SCANIA ENGINEER TAKES ELECTRIC TRUCK THROUGH 21 COUNTRIES https://evne.ws/4aG1DO7
FACTORIAL TAPS KOREAN PARTNER TO SCALE SOLID-STATE CELLS https://evne.ws/3N2jhCx
Renault 5
"They love the Renault 5, the retro modern styling."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by a French company called Renault. It was first made a long time ago and is famous for its cool old-school look. Recently, they made a new version that looks like the old one but with modern parts.
The Renault 5 is a small hatchback produced by the French manufacturer Renault, originally launched in the 1970s. It is known for its compact size, distinctive retro styling, and popularity in Europe, with a modern reinterpretation released recently that blends classic design with contemporary features.
UK car grant
"The price, which also now comes with the full almost £4,000 or $5,000 off with our UK car grant, but pointing out that all the winners were electric."
The UK car grant helps people buy electric cars by giving them money off the price, so the cars cost less.
The UK car grant is a government incentive program that offers financial discounts to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, making them more affordable for consumers.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"but pointing out that all the winners were electric. Oh, that's rather inconvenient for the never-bevers who tell me that EVs won't happen and they love their petrols and diesels."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel, so they don't pollute the air like regular cars.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries instead of traditional petrol or diesel engines. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are becoming increasingly popular due to environmental benefits and government incentives.
Alpine A290
"...s, with the Kia EV4, the Skoda L-Rock, the Alpine A290, Citroën, EC3 Aircross, Hyundai Arnick 9, Audi A..."
The Alpine A290 is a new kind of sports car that uses electricity instead of gas to move. It’s special because it’s fast and fun to drive but also helps the environment. People talk about it because it’s one of the new electric sports cars coming out.
The Alpine A290 is a modern electric vehicle from the French brand Alpine, known for combining sporty performance with electric powertrains. It stands out as part of the shift towards electrification in sports cars, offering a unique blend of heritage and innovation. Its mention highlights emerging electric sports car options.
Kia EV4
"...ery good cars. Because the winners, with the Kia EV4, the Skoda L-Rock, the Alpine A290, Citroën, EC3..."
The Kia EV4 is a small electric car that runs only on batteries, so it doesn’t use gas. It’s popular because it’s easy to drive, has good battery life, and doesn’t cost too much. That’s why it’s being talked about as a good electric car choice.
The Kia EV4 is an all-electric compact SUV that represents Kia's commitment to affordable and practical electric vehicles. It's gaining attention as a winner in electric car categories due to its range, features, and value. This model helps broaden the appeal of EVs to everyday drivers.
Audi A6
"...e A290, Citroën, EC3 Aircross, Hyundai Arnick 9, Audi A6 and more, all electric winners in our car of the ..."
The Audi A6 is a fancy car that people like because it looks good and has lots of smart features. Recently, Audi has made versions that use electricity instead of gas, which is better for the environment. That's why it might be talked about as a good electric car.
The Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, refined design, and strong performance. The mention of electric winners suggests a focus on the A6's electric or hybrid variants, highlighting Audi's push into electrification. It's significant as a premium option in the electric vehicle market.
Citroën ë-C3 Aircross
"...EV4, the Skoda L-Rock, the Alpine A290, Citroën, EC3 Aircross, Hyundai Arnick 9, Audi A6 and more, all..."
live lane guidance
"Polestar is adding live lane guidance to the driver display, integrating Google Maps live lane guidance, starting in the US and Sweden to kick it off."
Live lane guidance is a feature in some cars that shows you on the screen which lane you should be in while driving, so you don't get lost or miss your turn.
Live lane guidance is a driver assistance feature that provides real-time visual directions on the vehicle's display to help the driver stay in the correct lane, often integrated with navigation systems like Google Maps.
Polestar
"Polestar is adding live lane guidance to the driver display, integrating Google Maps live lane guidance, starting in the US and Sweden to kick it off."
Polestar is a car company from Sweden that makes electric cars that are fast and have lots of new technology.
Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand focused on electric performance cars, originally spun off from Volvo and known for integrating advanced technology and design in their vehicles.
Waymo
"Now, Waymo has launched its fully autonomous robo-taxi service in four more cities."
Waymo is a company that makes self-driving cars and runs robot taxis that drive themselves without a human driver.
Waymo is a leading company in autonomous vehicle technology, operating self-driving taxi services in multiple cities across the US.
fully autonomous robo-taxi service
"Now, Waymo has launched its fully autonomous robo-taxi service in four more cities."
A fully autonomous robo-taxi is a self-driving car that you can ride in like a taxi, but it doesn’t have a driver because the car drives itself.
A fully autonomous robo-taxi service is a transportation system where driverless vehicles provide rides to passengers without human intervention. Companies like Waymo operate such services in select cities.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"You'll be seeing more of those iPaces and, increasingly, those IONIQ 5s with a much smaller sensor suite on top, no longer comedically large."
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's popular for self-driving car projects because it has good tech and can charge quickly.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a modern all-electric crossover SUV with advanced technology and fast charging capabilities. It is increasingly used in autonomous vehicle fleets.
Jaguar Ipaces
"You'll be seeing more of those iPaces and, increasingly, those IONIQ 5s with a much smaller sensor suite on top, no longer comedically large."
The Jaguar I-Pace is a fully electric SUV, meaning it runs only on electricity and has no gas engine. It's used in some self-driving car services because it has good technology and range.
The Jaguar I-Pace is an all-electric luxury SUV known for its performance and range. It is one of the electric vehicles used in autonomous vehicle testing and robo-taxi services.
sensor suite
"IONIQ 5s with a much smaller sensor suite on top, no longer comedically large."
A sensor suite is a group of devices on a self-driving car that help it see and understand what's around it, like cameras and radar.
A sensor suite refers to the collection of sensors used on autonomous vehicles to perceive their environment. This can include cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors.
social subsidy scheme for EVs
"because Germany wants to roll out a social subsidy scheme for EVs, which will give lower income families access to drive EVs,"
It's a plan by the government to help people with less money buy electric cars by giving them discounts or money back.
A government program designed to provide financial assistance or incentives to lower income families to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and accessible.
European Union materials and cells requirement
"subsidies if the EVs have a significant proportion of EU materials built in Europe and also in time with European cells."
Rules that say electric cars need to have many parts and batteries made in Europe to get government help.
Regulations requiring that electric vehicles eligible for subsidies must have a significant portion of their materials and battery cells sourced or manufactured within the European Union to support local industry and supply chains.
Deepal S07
"The UK is now going to get another Changan car, the next DPAL, the first one launched last year, that's the S7."
The Changan DPAL S7 is a type of electric car made by a Chinese company called Changan. It's designed to be affordable and is now available in places like the UK.
The Changan DPAL S7 is an electric vehicle model launched by the Chinese automaker Changan, aimed at affordable mobility solutions. It is part of Changan's DPAL series, targeting markets like the UK with competitively priced electric cars.
Audi S7
"...PAL, the first one launched last year, that's the S7. DPAL's S05 is launching, well, tomorrow, if you..."
The Audi S7 is a fast and stylish car that is nicer and more powerful than regular cars. People like it because it looks cool and drives really well. It’s being talked about because there’s a new version coming out soon.
The Audi S7 is a sporty, high-performance version of the A7 luxury sedan, combining sleek design with powerful engines and advanced technology. It's often discussed for its blend of performance and luxury, appealing to enthusiasts who want both speed and comfort. The context suggests a recent launch or update, keeping it relevant in the market.
Deepal S05
"DPAL's S05 is launching, well, tomorrow, if you fancy a trip to the dealer on Sunday to go kick the tyres and drive one, the S05 is a compact crossover, starting at 37,990, single motor or dual motor, and 303 miles, or almost 500 kilometres of range."
The Changan DPAL S05 is a small electric SUV that you can buy with either one or two motors. It can drive about 300 miles before needing to recharge.
The Changan DPAL S05 is a compact electric crossover SUV from Changan, offering options for single or dual motor configurations and a range of about 303 miles (almost 500 kilometers). It represents Changan's strategy to enter competitive markets with affordable electric crossovers.
dual motor
"the S05 is a compact crossover, starting at 37,990, single motor or dual motor, and 303 miles, or almost 500 kilometres of range."
Dual motor means the car has two electric engines, one in the front and one in the back, which helps the car drive better and faster.
A dual motor electric vehicle has two electric motors, typically one on each axle, providing all-wheel drive capability and improved acceleration and traction compared to single motor setups.
single motor
"the S05 is a compact crossover, starting at 37,990, single motor or dual motor, and 303 miles, or almost 500 kilometres of range."
A single motor means the car has one electric engine that makes the car move. It usually means the car is simpler and cheaper.
A single motor electric vehicle uses one electric motor to drive either the front or rear wheels. This setup is simpler and usually more affordable but may have less performance compared to dual motor setups.
compact crossover
"the S05 is a compact crossover, starting at 37,990, single motor or dual motor, and 303 miles, or almost 500 kilometres of range."
A compact crossover is a small SUV that is easy to drive in the city but still has space and some features of bigger SUVs.
A compact crossover is a type of SUV that is smaller in size, combining features of passenger cars and sport utility vehicles. They are popular for their versatility, fuel efficiency, and urban-friendly dimensions.
EV charging hub
"rolling out a four megawatt public EV charging hub, 20 ultra rapids, they're going to be 400 kilowatts,"
An EV charging hub is a place where many electric cars can plug in and recharge their batteries quickly. It's like a gas station but for electric cars.
An EV charging hub is a centralized location equipped with multiple electric vehicle chargers, allowing many vehicles to charge simultaneously. These hubs support fast charging to reduce wait times for electric vehicle users.
ultra rapid charger
"20 ultra rapids, they're going to be 400 kilowatts,"
Ultra rapid chargers are special plugs that fill up electric car batteries really fast, much faster than regular chargers.
Ultra rapid chargers are high-power electric vehicle chargers capable of delivering around 350 to 400 kilowatts of power, enabling very fast charging sessions compared to standard chargers.
repurposing petrol filling station site
"and the best thing is repurposing an old petrol filling station site."
This means changing old gas stations into places where electric cars can plug in and charge instead of filling up with petrol.
Repurposing petrol filling station sites means converting old gas stations into electric vehicle charging stations, making use of existing infrastructure and locations familiar to drivers.
Scania
"Love it. Now, a story of a 45-year-old engineer from Scania, the truck company, who took it upon himself to do a roadshow"
Scania is a company that makes big trucks and buses, and now they also make electric trucks that run on batteries instead of diesel.
Scania is a Swedish manufacturer known for producing heavy trucks, buses, and engines. They have been developing electric trucks as part of their efforts to reduce emissions in commercial transport.
public charging network
"talking about how he's been charging the Scania trucks at public charging network,"
A public charging network is a group of places where anyone with an electric car can stop and plug in to recharge their battery.
A public charging network is a system of electric vehicle chargers available for use by the general public, often spread across cities and highways to support EV travel.
solid-state batteries
"...and finally, factorial makers of solid-state batteries that are already running around in things like Mercedes-Benz EQS's..."
Solid-state batteries are a new kind of battery that can store more power and charge faster than regular batteries. They are safer and help electric cars go farther.
Solid-state batteries are a type of battery technology that uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, offering higher energy density, improved safety, and faster charging compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. They are considered a promising advancement for electric vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Eqss
"and finally, factorial makers of solid-state batteries that are already running around in things like Mercedes-Benz EQS's of test vehicles, doing a new deal to get them one step closer"
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a very fancy electric car that doesn’t use gas and has lots of new technology to make it go far and fast. It’s one of the first cars trying out new types of batteries that could be better than regular ones. People talk about it because it shows what future electric cars might be like.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a flagship luxury electric sedan featuring cutting-edge technology, including advanced battery systems like solid-state batteries in testing phases. It represents Mercedes' vision for the future of electric mobility with high performance and luxury. The mention of solid-state batteries indicates its role in pioneering next-gen EV tech.
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