EVs and Beyond

The Government has opened a second round of zero-interest loans for public EV charging infrastructure, pushing on towards its target of 10,000 public charge points by 2030. Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Energy Minister Simeon Brown announced the new funding round on Friday, saying it builds on the first round of concessionary loans revealed in March, which will deliver 2,574 new charge points through partnerships with ChargeNet and Meridian Energy.

Zeekr’s three incoming models are locked in for New Zealand, with the 7GT and 9X expected to arrive between late this year and early 2027, NordEast Zeekr brand manager Michael Jones has confirmed to EVs and Beyond. “All three have been confirmed. Configuration regarding battery spec and timing is still being determined, but we’re hoping 9X and GT will be late this year, early next year,” says Jones, speaking on Saturday morning ahead of this month’s Zeekr On Ice event.

Mercedes-AMG’s new electric CLA 45 has set a Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap time of 7 minutes 32.070 seconds, putting it ahead of the Audi RS 3 and comfortably clear of the Honda Civic Type R. Kevin Berger at the wheel for the notarised run. The officially measured and notarised lap was completed by driver Kevin Berger on 28 July, using the full 20.832km Nordschleife layout.

BYD has filed six further solid-state battery patents, all attacking the same fundamental problem: keeping solid electrolytes and electrodes in reliable contact as a battery charges and discharges thousands of times.

Mercedes-AMG has added a ‘more affordable’ entry point to its new electric GT 4-Door Coupe range, though the GT 53 still produces 400kW and travels more than 800km between charges. The electric fastback uses two motors for all-wheel drive, with combined outputs of 400kW and 800Nm. Mercedes-AMG says it reaches 100km/h in 3.9 seconds using the conventional measurement, or 3.5 seconds with a one-foot rollout. Entry model status, but still 400kW.

Lodestone Energy has achieved first power at its fifth solar farm and first in the South Island, with the new Clandeboye facility in South Canterbury now connected to the grid. Located north of Temuka, the 27.7MW solar farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 6,000 homes once fully commissioned. It is the first grid-scale solar farm connected to Alpine Energy’s network, supplying locally generated renewable electricity into the region’s distribution network.

A number of battery electric light commercial vehicles feature on the shortlist for the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) 2027 award, highlighting the industry’s accelerating shift towards zero-emission transport. Five manufacturers representing nine light commercial vehicle models have been shortlisted for the award, with most finalists offering battery electric powertrains.

Leapmotor has taken the covers off its new B03 electric hatchback, which will likely join the brand’s New Zealand offering at some point. Local availability is yet to be announced, but the B03 is confirmed for the UK in early 2027, which locks in right-hand drive production. City-sized at a touch over 4.1 metres. The new B03 measures 4175mm long, 1790mm wide and 1560mm tall, on a 2605mm wheelbase. That puts it right on par with the likes of GAC’s Aion UT and the BYD Atto 1.

Ford has announced US pricing for the ‘affordable’ electric ute it has been teasing for some time, confirming the truck will be called the Fathom when pre-orders open in early 2027. And there is a strong New Zealand connection. The programme is headed by Kiwi executive Kay Hart, general manager of Ford Model e, the company’s electric vehicle division.

BMW has found itself in hot water over its vehicles’ interior functions again, although this time it is not about a subscription service. Owners across the United States report seeing an unsolicited ad for the new Spider-Man movie appear on their infotainment screens. The uninvited addition to the app grid. According to reports, a new Spider-Man tile has appeared among the apps. Pressing it starts the ad, showing a BMW driving through a city with Spider-Man swinging above it.