A prototype of the upcoming Kia EV2 has demonstrated robust cold-weather performance in one of the world's most demanding real-world evaluations. During the record-breaking cold edition of the Norwegian Automotive Federation's El Prix Winter Test Drive, where temperatures plummeted to -31°C, the EV2 covered 310.6 kilometres before stopping. This event subjects electric vehicles to identical real-world driving and charging conditions on Norwegian roads, and this year's winter test was the coldest in its history.

The tested vehicle was a 'GT-line' variant equipped with a 61.0 kWh long-range battery and 19-inch wheels. Driven for over five hours in the mountainous Jotunheimen region with temperatures around -21°C, its achieved range represented a deviation of -24.81% from its target WLTP figure of 413 kilometres for this configuration. This unofficial result would place it ahead of all officially entered series-production models. While its prototype status excludes it from the NAF's formal report, it completed the route under the same stringent conditions as production vehicles.

The EV2 also showcased resilient charging capability in the extreme cold. Utilising its rapid DC fast-charging function, the prototype recharged from 10 percent to 80 percent state of charge in 36 minutes. This was only six minutes longer than its official target, underscoring the model's practical everyday usability. The car is based on Kia's 400V E-GMP architecture, supporting 11 kW AC, 22 kW AC and DC fast charging.

As Kia's second fully electric model to be manufactured at its European facility in Žilina, Slovakia, the EV2 is currently in production with a 42.2 kWh standard-range battery. The long-range battery version and the 'GT-line' variant are scheduled to follow from June 2026. Final, formal WLTP range figures, determined under standardised laboratory conditions, are anticipated in the third quarter of 2026.

This performance aligns with the proven capability of Kia's European-built EVs. In the same arduous winter test, the EV4 – the first electric model from the Žilina plant – with an 81.4 kWh battery and 19-inch wheels achieved 390 kilometres, ranking among the top overall performers and reinforcing the brand's consistent real-world electric vehicle performance in adverse conditions.

Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President – Product and Marketing, Kia Europe, said, “This result serves as proof that the EV2 will continue to deliver reliable range even in extremely low temperatures. Being the entry point to Kia’s EV lineup does not mean compromising; the EV2 offers customers throughout Europe an affordable yet reliable way to enter electric mobility.”

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LICO Materials, a battery circularity company, has received an eligibility grant from the Ministry of Mines under the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling. The scheme is a component of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).

The grant, issued via the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), identifies LICO as one of 58 companies selected to develop domestic mining capabilities in India.

LICO has committed an investment of INR 2.40 billion and qualifies for a 20 percent Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) subsidy. Additionally, the company will receive an Operational Expenditure (OPEX) subsidy linked to commercial sales through to FY2030–31. Selection for the scheme required proof of technical capability in chemical extraction; companies involved only in collection or shredding were excluded.

The project involves a brownfield expansion in KIADB, Karnataka. LICO plans to add 10,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of material extraction capacity across two plants. While, one facility will focus on the mechanical shredding of battery packs, the second will handle the chemical extraction of minerals. The company aims to recover lithium, nickel and cobalt at 99 percent purity from end-of-life batteries featuring LFP, LCO and NMC chemistries.

The NCMM scheme has a national outlay of INR 15 billion and aims to increase India’s recycling capacity from 100,000 TPA to 400,000 TPA by 2030. This initiative is intended to reduce reliance on mineral supply chains from East Asia and improve industrial security.

Gaurav Dolwani, CEO, LICO Materials, said, “This recognition by the Ministry of Mines and NCMM is government's validation that what we are building in Karnataka is what India needs. We are not just recycling batteries but are producing battery-grade lithium, nickel & cobalt on Indian soil, from Indian waste batteries, for India's cell and battery manufacturers. This is critical when global mineral supply chains are fracturing along geopolitical lines. We are grateful for this recognition and committed to delivering on every milestone.”

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Japanese automotive luxury carmaker Lexus has released details of the TZ, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and three-row SUV. The EV follows the theme ‘Discover Limitless’ and is based on a ‘Driving Lounge’ concept.

The interior features a movable panoramic roof and an audio system. For acoustics, the e-SUV uses sound directivity control to manage the cabin environment. Materials used in the construction include forged bamboo from Shikoku and recycled aluminium. The development of the TZ followed a philosophy focused on the core structure and ride quality.

The design features a spindle body and graphics to manage aerodynamics. According to Lexus, the model achieves aerodynamic performance levels for its SUV category as of May 2026. The vehicle includes a ‘Rear Comfort’ mode and ‘Interactive Manual Drive’ technology. Manufacturing processes for the model incorporate methods intended to manage environmental impact.

Takeshi Miyaura, Chief Engineer, Lexus International, said, “TZ was developed with the 'Driving Lounge' concept: a refined mobile space that brings smiles to the faces of drivers and families. To get there, the development team continually questioned and refined the vehicle's identity. We envisioned Lexus's target brand value – customers who value time and choose authenticity – and aimed to deliver a new Lexus experience through the TZ. Electrification (BEV) emerged as the method to realise these values because BEV it offers an ideal blend of driving enjoyment and driving evolution. In addition to the Lexus experience of ‘seeing,’ ‘riding,’ and ‘driving,’ we now offer the new value of ‘spending time’ inside the vehicle.”

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European commercial vehicle manufacturer DAF has started production of the XG Electric and XG+ Electric trucks.

The e-truck, built in Eindhoven, use powertrain technology and cab designs. The first vehicle, an XG+ tractor with an output of 350 kW, will be delivered to Hellmold & Plank, a logistics provider based in Germany.

DAF's range of electric vehicles extends from the 12-tonne XB Electric for distribution to the XG and XG+ Electric for haulage. These models share technology with the XD and XF Electric trucks, which were named ‘International Truck of the Year 2026’.

Hellmold & Plank has operated for 122 years and is based in Gieben. The company employs DAF electric models for shuttle transport and drugstore supply. The firm also utilises PACCAR charging equipment for its fleet operations.

The XG and XG+ Electric are intended for distance transport. Cabs provide a volume of 12.5 cubic metre for work and sleep. The vehicles use the PACCAR EX-D2 powertrain, which produces between 270 and 350 kW and torque of 2,400 Nm. It is powered by lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs fitted to the chassis. The e-trucks have a claimed range of 500 kilometres depending on the application.

Harald Seidel, President, DAF Trucks, said, “The start of production of the XG Electric and XG+ Electric, underlines our commitment to offering zero-emission solutions across a broad range of applications. Customers such as Hellmold & Plank demonstrate that our electric trucks are delivering strong efficiency and sustainable performances in everyday logistics operations.”

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced the launch of the TVS iQube S 4.7 kWh at INR 137,142 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The e-scooter is equipped with a 4.7 kWh battery that offers a claimed range of 175 km (IDC-certified). The variant introduces new colour options, including Magnificence Purple Beige, Harlequin Blue Beige and Titanium Grey Matte.

The TVS iQube is one of the most popular e-scooters sold in India. The e-scooters are currently available in more than 1,000 cities and 3,300 dealerships across India.

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