Tag Archives: EVs

News

BMW M3 EV Spied at Nürburgring—Here’s What We Know

The inevitable electrification of BMW’s M division is accelerating, and the icon that defines the brand’s high-performance DNA—the M3—is next in line. Recent spy shots from the Nürburgring reveal that the first fully electric BMW M3 is no longer a distant promise but a fast-approaching reality.

For the first time, an electric M3 prototype has been caught wearing what appears to be its production-spec body. Despite some strategically placed camouflage and deceptive panels on the hood, fenders, and trunk, the general shape and details are unmistakably M3—aggressive, athletic, and purposeful.

The prototype was spotted entering BMW’s M Test Center at the Nürburgring, where it’s expected to undergo further high-speed development. And it seems BMW isn’t holding back. The mule was being pushed hard, evident from a detail visible in a close-up image: a single rear brake disc—on the right side—turned blue from heat, a trait typically associated with titanium components under extreme stress.

Curiously, only that one brake disc showed signs of thermal abuse, raising questions. Was it a result of brake binding? Inadequate cooling? Or could it signal something more sophisticated, like BMW testing torque vectoring or a new vehicle dynamics controller that selectively brakes the inside wheel to aid rotation? Given that the Nordschleife runs clockwise, this could explain the heat buildup on the right rear.

Adding to the intrigue is the pale blue glow surrounding the charging connector, suggesting that the car is using finalized production hardware. The presence of production wheels, parking sensors embedded in temporary bumpers, and blue-painted front calipers (a hallmark of M cars) all point to a vehicle nearing the end of its pre-production journey.

Underneath that partially camouflaged shell lies something more potent than ever. Sources from Autoblog suggest the electric M3 will deliver between 700 and 750 horsepower, likely through a quad-motor setup or a dual-motor configuration with advanced torque distribution. Carbon-ceramic brakes, while not seen on this prototype, will be offered optionally—gold-painted calipers will distinguish them when equipped.

The electric M3 is expected to roll on 20-inch wheels as standard, with a staggered setup (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) available for enhanced performance and grip. Interestingly, BMW may introduce flax fiber composite materials in this model—an eco-conscious, lightweight alternative to carbon fiber—highlighting the brand’s push toward sustainability alongside performance.

While the sedan will launch first, sources suggest that a Touring wagon variant is also in the pipeline, though not yet officially confirmed in internal documentation.

Production is scheduled to begin in March 2027, but the full reveal could come as early as mid-2026. One thing is certain: the future of the M3 is electric, and it’s looking fast, focused, and thoroughly futuristic.

Source: Autoblog

News

ZF Unveils Innovative EV Powertrain Promising Up to 30% More Winter Range

The German engineering powerhouse ZF has revealed a breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technology that could significantly reduce one of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption: winter range loss. With its newly developed Select modular powertrain, ZF claims electric vehicles could achieve up to 30% more range in extreme cold conditions.

Tackling EVs’ Achilles Heel: Cold Weather Efficiency

Cold weather is a well-documented nemesis for EVs. When temperatures drop, so does efficiency—sometimes alarmingly. Range losses of up to 30% are not uncommon, leaving drivers frustrated and anxious during the winter months. These losses stem largely from battery inefficiencies and the increased energy demand of cabin heating systems in frigid temperatures.

Manufacturers and research institutions have long been searching for a remedy. Now, ZF, globally recognized for its sophisticated transmission systems, may have brought the industry closer to a solution.

Inside the Select Modular Powertrain

ZF’s new Select drive unit is a modular, fully integrated system combining an electric motor, inverter, converter, gearbox, and intelligent software. The components are not only designed to work seamlessly together but are also interchangeable, allowing automakers to tailor the setup for specific vehicle platforms and performance needs.

But the real headline is ZF’s magnetless motor technology. Known as the I²SM (In-Rotor Inductive-Excited Synchronous Machine), this motor eschews rare-earth permanent magnets in favor of a more sustainable, space-efficient design. The result? A unit that’s lighter by up to 5 kilograms and capable of squeezing into tighter spaces—ideal for compact EV architectures.

Despite shedding weight and magnets, performance hasn’t been sacrificed. The I²SM motor produces up to 300 kW (408 hp) and a staggering 5,500 Nm of torque, all while reducing energy losses by more than 25% at steady highway speeds—a critical factor in long-distance winter driving.

Smarter Thermal Management with “TherMas”

Perhaps equally important as the new motor is ZF’s enhanced thermal management solution. Dubbed TherMas, the system integrates a compact cooling loop and a propane-based heat pump, delivering superior heating efficiency in subzero temperatures.

According to ZF, at -7°C, the Select system extends EV range by 15% compared to current systems. Push that to -25°C, and the gain rises to a remarkable 30%. For drivers in northern climates or alpine regions, this could be the difference between a confident winter commute and a compromised one.

A Step Toward Broader EV Adoption

ZF’s innovation arrives at a pivotal time. As governments tighten emissions regulations and automakers race toward electrification, solving the issue of cold-weather range anxiety is critical. By rethinking both motor design and thermal efficiency, the Select powertrain addresses this challenge head-on.

With scalability, modularity, and sustainability built into its core, ZF’s Select system could become a key enabler for the next generation of electric mobility—especially in the markets that need it most during winter’s worst.

Source: ZF Friedrichshafen

News

Porsche Cayenne Electric: Record-Breaking SUV That Tows Like a Truck

As Porsche edges closer to the launch of its second all-electric SUV, the brand has begun peeling back the camouflage—literally and figuratively—on what might be its most versatile EV to date. The upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric has entered the final stages of global testing, and it’s already making headlines. A near-production prototype recently shattered a hill climb record, hauled vintage metal across the English countryside, and offered an early glimpse at what electrified performance and practicality can really look like.

Electrified Heritage Meets British Motorsport

The stage for this electric debut? None other than the legendary Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb—a motorsport relic dating back to 1905. Nestled in Worcestershire, England, the narrow and notoriously technical track played host to a filming project featuring the new Cayenne Electric, with none other than Gabriela Jílková, simulator and development driver for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, behind the wheel.

Gabriela Jílková

Facing gradients of up to 16.7% and corners barely wider than a city alley, Jílková piloted the prototype SUV to a record-breaking 31.28-second run—over four seconds faster than the previous SUV best.

“The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes,” she remarked. “But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times.”

Precision Meets Power: Porsche Active Ride

Much of that confidence stems from Porsche Active Ride, a new active suspension system debuting in the electric Cayenne. Designed to keep the body flat and composed under hard braking, acceleration, and cornering, it ensures a refined yet dynamic driving experience—crucial for a vehicle straddling the line between sports car agility and SUV practicality.

According to Michael Schätzle, Vice President of the Cayenne product line, the technology “significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort.” And the numbers back it up. From a standstill, the SUV blasted past the first 60-foot marker in just 1.94 seconds, a figure typically reserved for open-wheel race cars fitted with slicks.

A Utility Vehicle That Means It

But raw speed isn’t the only metric Porsche is gunning for. While performance grabs headlines, Porsche hasn’t forgotten what made the Cayenne a global success over two decades: usability and versatility. During the filming in England, automotive presenter Richard Hammond put the prototype to a different kind of test—hauling a two-tonne, 100-year-old classic car on a trailer from Hereford to his garage.

Despite a combined towing load of nearly three tonnes, the Cayenne Electric performed the task with ease. Hammond summed it up succinctly:

“We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn’t know it – the Cayenne handled it effortlessly.”

That’s no coincidence. Porsche confirms that the Cayenne Electric is being engineered to offer a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes, matching its combustion counterparts—a rare feat in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) world.

A Glimpse Into Porsche’s Electrified Future

The Cayenne Electric isn’t just a performance statement—it’s a manifesto. Schätzle emphasized Porsche’s commitment to offering combustion, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains well into the next decade. Yet, he acknowledged that only electrification could unlock the unprecedented blend of power, efficiency, and refinement showcased at Shelsley Walsh.

“The Cayenne Electric will set new standards—without compromising on everyday usability and practicality,” he said.

With its global launch drawing closer, the Cayenne Electric is shaping up to be more than just an evolution—it could be a revolution for luxury electric SUVs. Blending track-taming agility, trailer-hauling muscle, and road-trip-ready comfort, it stands as a compelling argument that the age of electrification doesn’t mean leaving utility behind.

Source: Porsche

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Porsche Cayenne Electric: Record-Breaking SUV That Tows Like a Truck