Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Breaks Three World Records with 0.158 Cd Aerodynamics

Volkswagen has rewritten the rulebook for electric vehicle efficiency with the debut of the Volkswagen Mission Efficiency. As the world’s most efficient near-production electric car, this ground-breaking prototype shatters existing benchmarks, proving that mass-market technology can achieve hyper-miling feats previously reserved for bespoke laboratory concepts.

Developed at Volkswagen’s German Development Centre in Wolfsburg by Kai Grünitz and his team, the Mission Efficiency leverages accessible hardware from the upcoming ID. Polo and ID. Cross, utilizing the front-wheel-drive MEB+ platform.

Three World Records That Redefine EV Efficiency

The Mission Efficiency prototype made global headlines by capturing three distinct world records:

  • Record 1 (Aerodynamics): A phenomenal drag coefficient ($\text{Cd}$) value of 0.158, establishing a new benchmark for road-approved cars.
  • Record 2 (Ideal Consumption): An ultra-low energy consumption rate of 6.48 kWh/100 km during an ideal steady-state test at a constant 68 km/h with auxiliary systems deactivated.
  • Record 3 (Real-World Economy): Crowned the most economical near-production electric car in its class, backed by a grueling real-world endurance test.

The 1,278-Kilometer Real-World Test Drive

To prove its everyday usability, the prototype undertook a meticulously documented endurance run from Wolfsburg, Germany, passing through Poznań (Poland) and Olmütz (Czech Republic), before finishing in Vienna (Austria).

Covering a total distance of 1,278.36 km at an average speed of 67.72 km/h (with a top speed of 138 km/h), the vehicle recorded a real-world consumption of 7.51 kWh/100 km including charging losses (6.89 kWh/100 km without losses). Remarkably, the 54.9 kWh net battery was charged only once during the entire trip, leaving a remaining range of 164.0 km upon arrival in Vienna.

Engineering Masterclass: Aerodynamics and the MEB+ Platform

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, emphasized the philosophy behind the project: “Mission Efficiency is the ideal way to demonstrate what distinguishes Volkswagen in the electric age: technology for the masses – not just for the few.”

Instead of relying on exotic materials or cost-prohibitive specialist technology, the prototype utilizes the 99 kW (135 PS) electric motor and high-voltage battery architecture drawn directly from the series-production ID. Polo.

Key Aerodynamic Innovations

Achieving a frontal area of 2.08 m² alongside the 0.158 Cd rating required obsessive engineering:

  • Teardrop Silhouette: A flow-optimized body heavily inspired by the legendary Volkswagen XL1.
  • Active Management: Integrated active cooling air flaps, fully clad underbody, and clad rear wheels.
  • Seamless Integration: Frameless door windows and flush door handles.
  • Advanced Wheel Architecture: Patented inner rim deflectors prevent turbulence, while tight wheel-arch tolerances and flat hubcaps minimize aerodynamic drag (wheels typically account for 25–30% of total aerodynamic resistance).

At speeds exceeding 80 km/h, the vehicle cuts consumption by over 30 percent compared to a standard ID. Polo. Strikingly, at 140 km/h, the Mission Efficiency consumes roughly the same energy as a standard ID. Polo does at 100 km/h.

Lightweight Architecture, Innovative Brakes, and Solar Integration

Measuring 4,775 mm long and 1,392 mm tall, the 2+2 coupé blends components of the ID. Polo with a self-supporting aluminum structure and high-strength carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aramid composites. It offers 481 liters of luggage capacity, complete with clever under-seat stowage.

Cutting-Edge Technical Features

  • Electromechanical Rear Brakes: Developed alongside AUMOVIO, this rear brake system reduces friction losses, saves fluid lines, improves recuperation, and sharpens cornering stability.
  • Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires: Designed alongside Continental based on the EcoContact 7, these custom tires feature a rolling resistance of just 4.9 kg/tonne—sitting 25% below the top EU tire label class A threshold.
  • Integrated Solar Roof: A 370 W photovoltaic system embedded into the glass roof and boot lid feeds the 12V electrical system, padding daily range by up to 30 kilometers depending on weather conditions.
  • Minimalist Interior: Weight-saving measures include lightweight paneling, a “Bring your own device” smartphone/tablet infotainment replacement, and a mobile Bluetooth box in lieu of traditional heavy speakers.

With full EU road approval meeting rigorous safety and crash standards, the Volkswagen Mission Efficiency serves as a rolling roadmap for the future of affordable, high-efficiency personal mobility.

Source: Volkswagen

NEW CARS

BYD ETT 44 Electric Truck Takes Aim at Europe’s Long-Haul Truck Market

The race to electrify heavy-duty freight transport in Europe is heating up. While international attention has heavily focused on futuristic designs like the Tesla Semi, Chinese manufacturing giant BYD used the IAA Transportation 2026 trade fair in Hannover to showcase a heavy-duty contender that prioritizes raw performance and practical logistics: the BYD ETT 44.

Featuring a more traditional exterior aesthetic masking an advanced, purpose-built electric architecture, the new ETT 44 is engineered to challenge established European diesel giants and upcoming American imports alike.

Heavy-Duty Performance and Technical Specifications

Underneath its conventional commercial workhorse exterior, the ETT 44 4×2 utilizes BYD’s proprietary Ultra-safe Blade Battery technology. Powered by a massive 651 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack sitting on an 851-volt architecture, the vehicle delivers an impressive 742 hp (743 PS), with a peak output scaling up to 1,000 hp (1,000 PS).

  • Gross Combination Weight: Up to 44 tonnes (four tonnes higher than competing models like the Tesla Semi).
  • Unladen Weight: 10,950 kg.
  • Claimed Range: Up to 599 km (approx. 600 km) on a full charge.
  • Axle Options: Available in 4×2 configurations, with a 6×2 model also rolling out to broaden fleet versatility.

Megawatt “Flash Charging” Eliminates Fleet Downtime

One of the most persistent hurdles for long-haul electric trucking has been long charging windows. BYD addresses this directly by integrating high-power charging compatibility designed for commercial viability.

While conventional CCS2 chargers allow the truck to pull up to 420 kW (recharging from 20% to 80% in roughly an hour), hooking the vehicle up to a dedicated Megawatt Charging System (MCS) unlocks its true potential.

  • Flash Charging Power: Rates exceeding 1.5 megawatts.
  • Recharge Time: Boosts state of charge (SOC) from 20% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
  • Range Replenished: A quick 20-to-80% top-up adds an extra 399 km (approx. 400 km) of operational range.

Industry-Leading Warranty and Ecosystem Integration

To ease fleet operators’ anxieties regarding long-term asset depreciation, BYD has introduced an exceptionally strong warranty package. The Blade Battery is backed by a 10-year or 1.2-million-kilometer warranty, comfortably eclipsing the standard six-to-eight-year coverage windows common across the European commercial sector.

Beyond long-haul transport, the underlying platform is designed for scalable versatility. BYD plans to roll out the technology across rigid trucks and terminal tractors tailored for logistics hub maneuvering.

Inside the high-roof cab, long-haul drivers are catered to with a sleeping berth, a large 12.8-inch infotainment display, and seamless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Market Outlook: A Crowded European Landscape

BYD is entering a dense marketplace. Europe’s heavy transport sector already features heavyweights from Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, MAN, and Scania, while independent logistics disruptors like Sweden’s Einride have already committed to massive pre-orders of rival vehicles.

However, by offering an integrated ecosystem comprising vehicle manufacturing, proprietary battery tech, and high-power charging infrastructure, the BYD ETT 44 arrives with the specifications and backing necessary to fundamentally disrupt Europe’s freight corridors.

Source: BYD

NEW CARS

Volvo XC60 and XC90 Get Long-Range Plug-In Hybrid Powertrains

Volvo Cars has introduced new long-range plug-in hybrid versions of its XC60 and XC90 SUVs, bringing significantly greater electric range, updated styling and the latest in-car technology to European and American markets.

Volvo is giving its two most important SUV nameplates a substantial electrified upgrade. The new Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid can travel up to 200 kilometres on a single charge, while the larger Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid offers up to 160 km of electric range. Both figures represent more than two and a half times the range of their existing plug-in hybrid counterparts.

The new variants are part of Volvo’s strategy to maintain a strong plug-in hybrid offering while the company continues its transition towards an all-electric future. For drivers who can complete most daily journeys on electric power but still want the flexibility of a petrol engine, the new XC60 and XC90 could represent a compelling middle ground.

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid: More Electric Range, Sharper Design

The XC60, Volvo’s best-selling model of all time, receives the most comprehensive visual update of the two SUVs. The exterior changes are designed to give the mid-size premium SUV a more contemporary and dynamic appearance without abandoning the restrained Scandinavian design language that defines the brand.

The redesigned front end features an upgraded grille, a new front bumper, revised bonnet and front wings, and new wheel designs. The familiar Thor’s Hammer Matrix LED headlights have also been refined, giving the XC60 a more technical and sophisticated light signature.

At the rear, Volvo has redesigned the tailgate, LED lamps and bumper, with stronger horizontal lines creating a wider, more confident stance.

Inside, the XC60 benefits from a redesigned dashboard and door panels, wood décor and available Cardamom ventilated Nappa leather. Volvo says the upgraded interior illumination is intended to create a calmer, more sophisticated atmosphere, reinforcing the SUV’s Scandinavian luxury credentials.

Up to 200 Kilometres of Electric Driving

The biggest change is beneath the floor. The new XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids feature a larger-capacity, floor-integrated battery and a more powerful electric motor. The petrol engine remains available when additional range or performance is required.

Volvo has not yet disclosed every technical specification of the new powertrains, including battery capacity, charging times or total system output. However, the claimed electric range is a major improvement over the current plug-in hybrid models.

For many owners, that could mean completing school runs, commuting and local errands without using the petrol engine at all. Longer journeys remain possible without the need to plan around charging infrastructure.

Both SUVs will continue to be offered with mild-hybrid powertrains, giving customers several electrification options within the same model families.

XC60 Gets Volvo’s Latest Safety and Infotainment Technology

The updated XC60 also introduces Volvo’s latest active safety technology. When a potential collision is detected, the vehicle can warn the driver or intervene to help avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.

The system can assist with automatic emergency steering, apply automatic emergency braking and alert occupants to an approaching cyclist before a door is opened. Volvo says the technology is designed to help select the safest possible response in real time.

An upgraded sensing system, combining radars, cameras and other sensors, supports a range of driver-assistance features. These include lane change assist and a 360-degree camera with 3D view, helping drivers maintain better awareness around the vehicle.

The XC60 also gains an 11.2-inch infotainment screen running Volvo Car UX, the company’s latest user interface. Google Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant, is integrated into the vehicle, allowing drivers to use natural language to plan journeys, find stops and manage messages while on the move.

Volvo XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: Seven-Seat Luxury with Greater Electric Capability

The Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid retains its position as the brand’s large premium family SUV, combining seven-seat practicality with Scandinavian luxury and advanced safety technology.

With up to 160 km of electric range, the XC90’s new plug-in hybrid powertrain is designed to make everyday driving quieter and more efficient while preserving the flexibility expected from a large SUV.

The cabin continues to focus on comfort and relaxation, with premium materials, natural light and smooth wood décor creating an environment Volvo describes as restorative. An optional Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is available for owners who want a more immersive listening experience.

Like the updated XC60, the XC90 also features Google Gemini, bringing the same conversational AI capabilities to the larger SUV.

A Strategic Bridge to Volvo’s Electric Future

Volvo Cars describes the new long-range plug-in hybrids as an important bridge towards full electrification. The company is investing in its existing SUV line-up while expanding its range of electric vehicles, including the upcoming all-electric EX60.

Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said the XC60 and XC90 build on the legacies of two of the company’s most important models and, alongside the EX60, provide Volvo with a stronger electrified offering in the mid-size SUV segment.

The strategy also has a commercial rationale. By extending the appeal of established models, Volvo aims to maintain sales and profitability while customers gradually move towards fully electric vehicles.

Over-the-Air Updates and Black Edition Models

As with Volvo’s newer models, the updated XC60 and XC90 will benefit from regular over-the-air software updates. The company says this will allow vehicles to gain improvements and new capabilities over time rather than remaining fixed in their original specification.

Order books for the new XC60 and XC90, including Black Edition versions, are open from today in selected markets. Production is scheduled to begin later this autumn.

Volvo XC60 and XC90 Plug-In Hybrid: Key Highlights

ModelElectric rangeKey updates
Volvo XC60 plug-in hybridUp to 200 kmNew exterior design, upgraded interior, 11.2-inch infotainment screen, enhanced safety technology
Volvo XC90 plug-in hybridUp to 160 kmSeven-seat luxury SUV, long-range hybrid powertrain, Google Gemini, optional Bowers & Wilkins audio

The new Volvo XC60 and XC90 plug-in hybrids offer a significant increase in electric range, combining everyday zero-tailpipe-emission driving with the long-distance flexibility of a petrol engine. For buyers not yet ready to go fully electric, they could become some of Volvo’s most versatile SUVs.

Source: Volvo