Episode Details

It's ev.news Briefly for Saturday 01 August 2026, everything you need to know in 4 minutes if you haven't got time for the full show.

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EV SALES SPREAD AS CHINA SLOWS
Global EV sales rose 35% in Q2 2026 with record sales in 50 countries, while more than 90 countries posted year-on-year growth despite a 5% decline in overall car sales. The IEA now forecasts EVs will account for 29% of global sales in 2026, driven by growth beyond China and the US in markets like Australia, Brazil, India, Korea and Vietnam, though China's EV sales are expected to stagnate year-on-year for the first time this decade while still representing over 60% of new cars sold there.

EUROPEAN BEV SHARE HITS RECORD IN JUNE
European new car registrations rose 13% year-on-year in June with BEV registrations climbing 50.7% to capture a record 25.7% market share of 359,300 units. Combustion vehicles fell 13.6% to 27% market share, while Tesla led EV rankings but growth broadened across Renault, BMW, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Volvo and BYD.

RIVIAN BEATS, BUT R2 COSTS MOUNT
Rivian posted Q2 2026 revenue of $1.658 billion with record gross profit of $179 million and 11% gross margin, improving for five consecutive quarters, but the R2 mid-size SUV ramp added $100 million in extra costs. The company raised full-year delivery guidance to 65,000-70,000 vehicles and narrowed adjusted EBITDA loss guidance to $1.8-2.0 billion, requiring roughly 42,000-47,000 deliveries in the second half.

RIVIAN SEES STRONG EARLY R2 CONVERSION
Rivian reported R2 Launch Edition reservation-to-order conversion is running meaningfully above expectations, signaling strong demand at the premium price point. The company expects broader R2 trim availability in early 2027, which could drive better momentum when lower-priced versions become available.

VW URGES FAST EU TARIFFS ON CHINESE PHEVS
VW Group CEO Oliver Blume called for the EU to quickly apply 35% tariffs on Chinese plug-in hybrids similar to those on Chinese battery electric vehicles, citing undercutting of European car makers. Chinese brand sales in Europe rose 101% in H1 2026 to 685,990 units with 9.5% market share, up from 5% a year earlier, with BYD models dominating the PHEV top sellers list.

DENZA OPENS UK BAO 5 ORDERS
DENZA opened UK orders for the BAO 5 plug-in hybrid SUV priced from £69,500 to £78,880, featuring a dual-motor system delivering 544PS combined power with 62 miles of electric range and up to 100kW DC charging. The entry Elegance trim includes premium features like a 15.6-inch central screen with Google, leather upholstery, panoramic roof and a 18-speaker Devialet audio system.

MERCEDES FACES YEARS OF CHINA PRICE PRESSURE
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius warned that China's EV pricing war will persist for years as Chinese brands like BYD push aggressively into the luxury segment, challenging models such as the S-Class and G-Class. Mercedes recorded a 30% second-quarter sales drop in China, though the company is cutting costs and maintaining strength in its top-end luxury and AMG segments.

GENESIS PRICES GV60 MAGMA AT $71,495
Genesis priced its first performance EV, the GV60 Magma, at $71,495 with deliveries starting in select US states, targeting Mercedes-AMG and BMW M buyers with 600hp in normal use and 641hp in Boost Mode for under four-second 0-60mph acceleration. The car uses an 84kWh battery with 800V architecture enabling 10-80% charging in about 20 minutes and features an electronic limited-slip differential, Drift Mode and simulated engine sounds.

CHINESE TRUCK MAK