BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Various international motoring news outlets have reported that Ford will henceforth offer two different battery chemistries on its electric vehicles (EV).
This comes as the company introduces a lower-cost, shorter-range alternative to the battery pack currently used.
Ford made it clear though, that customers, of whom many were new to EVs, would not be burdened with having to make difficult decisions as to which type would be more suitable for their needs as the options will be woven into already-established configurations based on battery range.
Currently, Ford is using batteries in its EVs that contain nickel cobalt manganese chemistry but come spring, they will offer the less expensive lithium iron phosphate chemistry on its Mustang Mach-E. In 2024, it will also be introduced into the company’s F-150 Lightning.
Not only are these batteries low cost, but they are more durable and recharge faster, which is ideal for vehicles that are used for short trips, as opposed to nickel cobalt manganese batteries, which offer a longer range and are more energy dense. The latter are more suitable for customers who need to make long trips, tow or haul.
Customers would, however, continue to only have to make the simple choice between a standard-range or extended-range battery. Standard range will automatically get the lithium iron phosphate version, while extended range will get the nickel cobalt manganese version.
While rising fuel prices often trigger spikes in interest around electric vehicles, Volvo Car South Africa believes the real reasons South Africans are starting to consider EVs go far beyond the petrol pump.
MG has opened a new engineering centre in Frankfurt as part of its “in Europe, for Europe” approach. The facility will focus on developing vehicles suited to European conditions, including climate, roads and driving habits. It will work alongside existing teams in the United Kingdom (UK) and London design hub.
Europe’s used electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a notable surge as the Iran conflict drives up global oil prices and pushes petrol costs sharply higher across the continent.