Image: APneunzehn74 / CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
In short: Autumn 2026 brings many new electric cars to the German market: the VW ID. Polo from €24,995, the Audi A2 e-tron from €38,200, the new BMW i3 saloon with up to 912 km of range and the electric Mercedes GLC with up to 715 km. Toyota adds the C-HR+ and bZ4X Touring. On 20 October 2026, negotiators in the European Parliament agreed to soften the planned 2035 combustion phase-out, but nothing is final yet.
Key new models
| Model | Status | Price from | Range up to (WLTP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW ID. Polo | pre-sales since 29 April 2026 | €24,995 | 454 km |
| Audi A2 e-tron | orders since 10 Sept., deliveries from Dec. 2026 | €38,200 | 646 km |
| Toyota C-HR+ | on sale since April 2026 | €38,990 | 607 km |
| BMW iX3 | orders since March 2026 | €63,400 | 806 km |
| BMW i3 saloon | premiered 30 Sept. 2026 | €59,900 | 912 km |
| Mercedes GLC electric | deliveries since spring 2026 | €64,736 | 715 km |
Why now?
New platforms (BMW's Neue Klasse, VW's MEB+), cheaper LFP batteries and strict EU fleet CO₂ targets all push manufacturers to launch more EVs. Toyota offers a broad line-up instead, from the Urban Cruiser (€29,990) to the new bZ4X Touring (€49,990), and plans to use solid-state batteries from 2027/28; whether that timeline holds remains open. The electric GLC charges from 10 to 80% in about 22 minutes. Read more about the VW ID. Polo, the Audi A2 e-tron and the BMW i3 and iX3.
Key terms
- WLTP: the standard test cycle; real-world range is usually 10–30% lower.
- LFP vs NMC: LFP is cheaper and durable, NMC stores more energy.
- 800 V: higher voltage for faster charging.
- Bidirectional charging: the car can power devices (V2L), a home (V2H) or the grid (V2G).
The 2035 debate
Under current EU law, only zero-emission new cars may be registered from 2035. The new parliamentary compromise would require a 95% CO₂ cut versus 2021, or 87.5% with green steel, keeping new combustion and hybrid cars legal. Committee votes come first, the plenary is expected in December, and member states must agree afterwards.
Buying advice
Tight budget: ID. Polo 37 kWh or Toyota Urban Cruiser. Efficiency: Audi A2 e-tron. Long distance: BMW i3, iX3 or electric GLC. More in our Autos section.
Sources
