The New South Wales Government has announced plans to overhaul road laws affecting medicinal cannabis users, paving the way for eligible drivers to avoid losing their licences solely because they test positive to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

The proposed changes, which will be introduced to State Parliament, aim to create a new framework for drivers who legally use prescribed medicinal cannabis while maintaining existing penalties for motorists found to be impaired behind the wheel.

Under the current rules, drivers can lose their licence if roadside testing detects THC, regardless of whether they are impaired at the time. The proposed reforms would introduce a three-strike system for registered medicinal cannabis patients.

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Drivers enrolled in the scheme would still be required to undergo roadside drug testing and would face an immediate 24-hour driving prohibition if a sample is taken. However, if testing shows THC levels below a prescribed threshold, no further action would be taken.

Drivers who record THC levels above the threshold would receive a warning letter for a first or second detection within a two-year period. A third detection within the same timeframe could result in fines of up to $704 and a minimum three-month licence suspension.

Standard drug-driving penalties would continue to apply where alcohol is detected, multiple drugs are present, or a driver is found to be impaired.

The changes follow years of advocacy from medicinal cannabis patients and supporters who argued existing laws unfairly penalised people using legally prescribed medication.

Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who has publicly spoken about his own medicinal cannabis use, previously argued that patients were being forced to choose between following medical advice and retaining their ability to drive.

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann welcomed the proposed reforms, describing them as long overdue given medicinal cannabis has been legal in Australia for a decade.

Premier Chris Minns said the government was attempting to balance patient needs with community safety.

To qualify, drivers would need to register with Transport for NSW, provide evidence of a valid medicinal cannabis prescription and complete an online education program focused on cannabis and road safety.

The proposed scheme would apply only to unrestricted licence holders. Learner and provisional drivers, as well as commercial vehicle operators, would remain excluded.

Drivers involved in serious crashes would still be subject to blood and urine testing, and the reforms would be reviewed after their first year of operation.

Nissan and Chery have officially announced that they are investigating contract manufacturing, which would see Chery cars built on Nissan’s UK assembly line.

The announcement details a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding. Essentially, the first stage in a working relationship between the two companies.

Nissan stresses that the Sunderland factory in England’s north-east would remain wholly-owned by Nissan, and that the factory’s employees would remain employed by Nissan, and not by Chery.

Nissan’s restructuring program has seen it close seven production sites around the world, leaving 10 in operation.

In May, Nissan UK revealed that production of the Juke, Leaf, and Qashqai would be consolidated to one of Sunderland’s two production lines. Recent figures reveal that Sunderland is currently operating at roughly half its 500,000 vehicle annual production capacity.

No indication has been given as to which Chery models could be built at the Sunderland site, however the line-up may not be restricted to Chery-badged cars, with the Chinese company also selling its Jaecoo, Omoda, and Lepas brands in the UK.

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Nissan’s own ambition for Sunderland is to transform the site into a “flagship EV hub” for the brand, including production of the Leaf and new Juke EV, but that doesn’t necessarily limit the contract production potential to EVs only, with Chery production to be isolated to its own production line.

In a statement, Massimiliano Messina, chairperson of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania, said, “This is an important step forward for our operations. We are looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

All Chinese-sourced vehicles sold in the UK are covered by a 10 per cent import levy. UK assembly would avoid this tax, but also open the door to wider European distribution, with UK-built vehicles attracting no additional taxes when sold in the European Union.

The confirmation of talks with Chery also ends speculation that Nissan would offer factory space to its Chinese joint-venture partner, Dongfeng. That partnership remains unchanged and sees Dongfeng produce a number of Chinese-market Nissan models in China.

Nissan has targeted the 2027 financial year for the start of production of Chery vehicles at Sunderland.

Electric vehicles don’t make sense to everyone for every purpose. But, one segment they make absolute sense in, is the city-focused medium SUV segment. With most owners living and driving in the city, a range as long as 530km is more than capable of doing what owners will want their SUV to do. When that SUV delivers on a premium feel with attention to detail, and the asking price is still sub-$50,000, it’s even more noteworthy, considering the popularity of this segment.

How much does the MGS6 EV cost to buy?

With a driveaway price from launch of $49,990, MG is delivering a lot of electric medium SUV for the money, and despite the undeniable appeal of the more expensive AWD, the RWD still stands out.

The AWD model costs $56,990 drive away, with the large glass roof the chief visible difference between the two. Keep in mind, the two competitors firmly in MG’s sights, are the Tesla Model Y and BYD sealion 7, both more expensive than the RWD S6, but the BYD undercuts the AWD S6.

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In MG-parlance, Essence is a high trim grade and as such, the S6 features an extensive list of standard equipment. They include: 20-inch alloy wheels, a tyre repair kit, automatic LED headlights, auto high-beam, electric tailgate, heated power-folding exterior mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth key, digital radio, on-board satellite navigation, 11-speakeraudio system, 50W wireless phone charging, heated, leather trimmed steering wheel, one touch up and down power windows, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, six way electric driver seat and four way electric passenger seat, combination leatherette/suede trim, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, and two front USB-C outlets and two rear USB-C outlets.

How powerful is the MGS6 EV?

While the AWD S6 has undeniable performance credentials that are hard to ignore – two electric motors and 266kW, 485km WLTP-claimed range, 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds and average energy consumption of 16kWh/100km – the RWD still stands out.

The RWD generates 180kW and 350Nm from its single electric motor, with RWD and a 0-100km/h run of 7.3 seconds. Using a WLTP-claimed 14.5kWh/100km, it has a claimed range of 530km. Both models can charge from 10-80 percent in 38 minutes at the maximum 144kW DC fast charge rate, with 11kW AC charging also available.

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The S6 is enjoyably unfussy to drive. I turned the regenerative braking down to its second lightest setting, and settled on ‘Normal’ driving mode. There’s also ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, ‘Snow’ and ‘Custom’ to choose from. The ride quality – S6 is on 20-inch rims – is excellent, and even sharp speed humps can’t unsettle the sense of calm inside the cabin. There’s a pleasing lack of wind and tyre noise, even at highway speed.

We’d like the electronic driver aids – like the attention monitor and speed limit warning – to be a little less intrusive in default settings, but that’s a minor gripe. Steering, braking, ride quality and insulation, then, are all exactly where this segment demands they be.

The AWD feels rapid, even in the default Normal driving mode. You certainly don’t need the power and performance it offers for around town running, so if you’re on a tight budget, don’t feel like you’re missing out by opting for the RWD. In fact, the sharp pricing of the RWD model, makes it our pick, and it’s fast enough to still feel sharp on the road. Given the only real difference, drivetrain aside is the glass roof, the RWD retains all the appeal of the AWD, especially in regard to the cabin finishing.

How energy efficient is the MGS6 EV?

Our AWD used 17.5kWh/100km on test, and cranked up to the fastest charge rate when plugged into a 150kW charger. Removed the extended highway run we do for Wheels testing, and you’ll use very close to the WLTP claim. The lightweight chassis, and compact battery design, improve range, but also chassis control and dynamic ability. You do of course also get one-pedal drive mode if you want, as well as vehicle-to-load capability as is becoming the norm.

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Is the MGS6 EV practical?

Thanks to the depth of the standard level of equipment, the S6 feels like a premium cabin, with quality materials, solid fit and finish and attention to detail. The controls, whether they be those on the steering wheel, the panel below the 12.8-inch touchscreen or the touchscreen itself – are all easy to decipher and use. We found the screen to be responsive to touch inputs, and while there’s plenty you can control once you start delving into the menu systems, it’s not so complex that you’ll be stuck there for hours working it out.

Two cabin finishes are available, the lighter colour scheme a $500 option, with both appealing for different reasons. I’d go for the dark finish if I had kids for example. Features like heated and vented front seats and heated outboard rear seats, add a touch of luxury.

The digital driver’s display, which is 10.25 inches is enhanced with the excellent head-up display. You can turn it off if you’d prefer, but we found it to be useful in testing. Most importantly, there’s a family-sized space on offer. The RWD gets an 86-litre frunk, while the AWD can store 67 litres. The boot space offers up 581 litres with the second row in use, expanding out to a hefty 1690 litres with the 60:40 split second row folded down. In the second row, the flat floor and sense of space at all points, makes for a comfortable long distance family hauler. MG quotes an ultra thin battery pack (110mm) as not just delivering power, but also adding to the cabin space.

What warranty covers the MGS6 EV?

The S6 is covered by MG’s seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with a service required every 12 months or 10,000km. The cost for the first five years of servicing in total is a competitive $1410.

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Should I buy the MGS6 EV?

After a week with the MG S6, there’s little doubt this new electric SUV has put a stake in the ground to be in the consideration for Wheels COTY judging later in 2026. The field this year – as it is every year – will be strong and competition will be fierce. MG has illustrated once again though, that with every new model it steps its game up both in design and execution.

We’d like the driver attention aids to be dialled down a little, but there’s previous little else to dislike about what is a well-designed, well-specified and enjoyable to drive medium SUV. Both models feature real-world useful driving range, and oodles of cabin space for the family. Once again, MG’s commitment to the electric vehicle market in this country is in full focus.

MGS6 EV features

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing LED headlights with auto high beam
• 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
• AM/FM/DAB radio, satellite navigation, voice control
• 10.25-inch instrument display
• Head-up display
• 50-watt wireless phone charging
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Synthetic leather-look and suede upholstery
• Six-way driver and four-way front passenger power-adjustable seats
• Heated outboard rear seats with backrest recline
• Leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power-operated tailgate with kick sensor
• Keyless entry with sit-in-seat, foot-on-brake start
• Ambient interior lighting
• 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer
• Power-folding side mirrors with heating, auto tilt in reverse
• Rear privacy glass
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane-centring assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• 360-degree camera
• Driver attention warning
• Speed sign recognition
• Seven airbags
• Front and rear parking sensors

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MGS6 EV Essence RWD – Specs

Rolls-Royce has revealed the Series II update for its Spectre large electric coupe with more power and torque, an 18 per cent longer driving range, 14 per cent faster charging and even more personalisation options than before. Originally revealed in 2022, the Spectre is the brand’s first electric vehicle and has been a massive commercial success, sitting in second place in Rolls-Royce’s global sales only below the Cullinan large SUV.

The biggest upgrade for the Series II version of the Spectre is new battery cell technology, which comes from parent company BMW. The new ‘Gen 6’ cells are the same fitted to the updated BMW i7, which have boosted range and charging speed thanks to greater energy density and better cooling than before.

As such, Rolls-Royce claims that the Spectre Series II’s range has been increased by 18 per cent to 628km and it charges 14 per cent faster than the previous model, allowing for a 10-80 per cent charge in under 30 minutes.

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As before, both the standard Spectre and sportier Spectre Black Badge exist and both are more powerful now. The Spectre produces 442kW of power and 1015Nm of torque, with the more powerful Black Badge now rated at 500kW and 1100Nm.

In addition to changes under the skin, the Spectre Series II introduces even more personalisation options for buyers to choose from. A new ‘Ethereal Blue’ colour has been developed solely for the Spectre, while new 23-inch forged alloy wheels and an iced black exterior package are also now available on the Black Badge model.

On the inside, a “significantly expanded” palette of colour options is also now available to choose from, including a new ‘Duality Twill’ trim, which is a rayon fabric made from bamboo and is embroidered with an artistic ‘Duality’ graphic. ‘Placed Perforation’ leather is also available for the Spectre Series II, where precision-cut patterns are created to reveal unique artworks using 78,138 perforations in three different sizes: 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm.

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There’s also a new high gloss ‘Brindled Walnut’ veneer option that’s sealed with a lacquer infused with a powder of glass flakes, while the ‘Interior Panel’ and ‘Clock Gallery’ now span the entire width of the fascia, joined by a new illuminated artwork.

Australian timing and pricing for the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II is yet to be announced, though the current model is priced from $800,000 plus on-road costs.

BMW Australia has revealed local pricing and specifications for the heavily updated 7 Series luxury sedan, which will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. Revealed in April, the updated 7 Series introduces new styling, new features, more driving range for the electric i7 and a new dashboard layout with three screens. Pricing starts at $277,900 plus on-road costs for the 740 and $306,900 +ORC for the i7.

The exterior of the new 7 Series has received subtle but effective changes, including revised lighting elements, an updated grille and new wheel designs. BMW has also expanded the customisation options for the 7 Series with new paint finishes and a $16,500-optional two-tone exterior.

Inside, the 7 Series receives a new dashboard layout, including the panoramic screen below the windscreen from the new iX3, while there’s also a new 17.9-inch central touchscreen with the brand’s latest Operating System X software.

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Australian 7 Series buyers will be given the choice of two powertrains: Either a 280kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six 740 or a 400kW/745Nm dual-motor electric i7 60. The 740 hits 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h, while the i7 60 is faster to the mark at 4.8 seconds and top whack of 240km/h.

The i7 60 features a 112.5kWh lithium-ion battery for a claimed WLTP range of between 581km and 727km depending on wheel size. The i7 60 can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 28 minutes on a DC fast charger and is rated at between 18.2kWh/100km and 21.9kWh/100km for energy consumption (WLTP).

2026 BMW 7 Series pricing (excluding on-road costs):

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BMW 740 standard features:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive air suspension
• Automatic LED exterior lighting, including illuminated grille
• Automatic wipers
• Automatic bootlid
• Keyless entry with push button start and phone key functionality
• Electric front seat adjustment
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Heating and massaging front and outboard rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Merino leather upholstery
• Panoramic glass roof
• Soft-close doors
• 3D head-up display
• 17.9-inch touchscreen, separate screen under the windscreen
• Ambient lighting
• Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos
• M Sport Package
• 5-year BMW Service Inclusive

BMW i7 60 model adds to 740:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic doors
• Executive lounge seating
• Rear-seat entertainment screen
• AC-to-AC charging cable
• BMW Iconic Sounds

The updated BMW 7 Series will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Sales of large SUVs in Australia have hit reverse, despite increased competition from nine new models not offered in 2025.

Sales of large SUVs, as defined by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) are divided into two classes: mainstream Large SUVs under $80,000 and premium Large SUVs over $80,000. In 2026, both sales classes have posted lower sales figures.

According to the FCAI’s VFACTS sales report, Large SUVs under $80k accounted for 50,867 new cars sold in Australia to the end of May 2026, down 6557 compared to 2025’s result, a setback of 11.4 per cent.

Some of the segment’s biggest sellers felt the pinch. The top-selling Ford Everest (below) fell 6.6 per cent (8957 units YTD), and the second-placed Toyota Prado (main) slumped even further, down 45 per cent compared to last year (7372 units YTD).

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The third-placed Isuzu MU-X (below) bucked the trend slightly, reporting a 5.4 per cent increase with 6.95 sales YTD, while fourth place fell to the BYD Sealion 8 PHEV, a new entrant to the segment with no 2025 data to compare.

The premium large SUV segment was harder hit. Over the same period, 59,944 Large SUVs over $80k were reported as sold, down 13.2 per cent, or 7936 units.

While the premium sales leaders weathered the storm slightly better, the top-selling Land Rover Defender still saw a 2.1 per cent decline (with 1608 sales YTD), and the BMW X5 dropped 4.5 per cent (1507 units YTD).

The segment’s third-best seller, the Lexus RX, gained ground with a 19.4 per cent boost, landing 911 sales for the year so far.

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In the under $80k class, eight new competitors have entered the segment. The BYD Sealion 8, Chery Tiggo 9, Deepal E07, Denza B5, Jaecoo J8, Omoda 9, Subabru Trailseeker and Volkswagen Tayron are all new nameplates in the segment, not offered in the first half of 2025.

Toyota will join with the bZ4X Touring this month, but added competition and lower sales in the segment overall could be a warning shot that the segment has passed its peak.

The forecast looks similar for the over $80k Large SUV class. While the MG IM6 is 2026’s only new entrant so far, the larger IM8 is set to join it, and new additions like the Geely M9 and Zeekr 8X could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027, putting further pressure on the segment.

Mitsubishi has also confirmed that the Pajero off-roader will return to Australia late in 2026, although it’s not yet known if the new model will fall into the mainstream or premium class by the time it goes on sale.

A Volkswagen board member has told European media that electric cars will eventually take the place of internal combustion (ICE) vehicles, as a natural, rather than enforced, progression.

In an interview with Auto Express, Martin Sander, Volkswagen’s board member for sales, marketing, and aftersales, made the prediction – citing the early 20th-century changeover from horses to cars as an example of how electric vehicles (EVs) will find favour.

Sander broke with the strictly professional ambience usually expected of a board member interview as he asked, “Do you know when horses were banned? When was it forbidden to buy horses?”

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His point, somewhat unusually, is that discussions around banning internal combustion (ICE) vehicles are counterproductive to finding the best fit for EV adoption.

“Everyone is just talking about the ICE ban.” Sander said,  “How do you convince customers about a new technology if you’re only talking about when there will be a date when you are not allowed to use these [ICE] vehicles?”

Instead, the VW board member likens the natural progression from using horses to the wider adoption of cars, as analogous to how EVs will take the place of ICE cars over time.

“Over time, more and more customers will be convinced. Then, if by 2035 or whatever, there’s three, four, five per cent of customers who still want to buy a vehicle with a combustion engine…”

“Let’s talk about what we need to do to actually convince customers: the charging infrastructure; talk positively about the advantages of electric vehicles, and possibly do something around the energy prices.”

The prediction comes as electric vehicle adoption has started to show signs of slowing in key markets. While China still sees widespread EV adoption, reduced incentives have led to EV sales tanking in the USA. Europe’s evolution away from zero-emission mandates to ‘reduced emissions’ goals has opened the door to a wider range of plug-in hybrid and range-extender tech.

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Despite the European changes, Volkswagen is pursuing a largely regional approach to powertrain management. While the brand has EVs like the ID. Polo, ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID. Buzz in its European line-up, Chinese showrooms feature more tailored, region-specific products, including a range of larger SUVs.

When asked if those bigger products and the new range-extender hybrid powertrains offered with them could join Volkswagen’s European lineup, Sander replied, “There is a market in China. In Germany or in Europe at the moment, I don’t really see that opportunity,” Sander said.

Battery-electric vehicles captured a record share of Australia’s new-car market in May, accounting for one in every five vehicles sold, according to the latest VFACTS sales data.

A total of 100,206 new vehicles were delivered during the month, down 4.8 per cent compared with May 2025. Despite the overall decline, sales of electrified vehicles continued to grow, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) collectively accounting for 46 per cent of all new vehicle sales.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said the figures highlight a significant shift in consumer buying habits as Australians increasingly opt for lower-emission powertrains.

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The trend was most evident in the SUV segment, Australia’s largest vehicle category. Compared with May 2025, electric SUV sales increased by 167 per cent, while plug-in hybrid SUV sales surged 377 per cent. Over the same period, petrol-powered SUV sales fell 31 per cent and diesel SUVs declined by 41 per cent.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said consumer preferences were changing rapidly.

“The shift is particularly evident in the SUV segment, where consumer preferences are changing rapidly. Today’s SUV buyer is increasingly choosing hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options,” Weber said.

Toyota remained Australia’s best-selling automotive brand in May with 16,342 sales. Chinese manufacturer BYD continued its rapid growth, finishing second overall with 8,211 sales, ahead of Ford (7,195), Hyundai (7,007) and Kia (6,761).

Several newer entrants also posted strong gains. BYD’s sales were up 155 per cent year-on-year, while Omoda Jaecoo recorded growth of 729 per cent and Geely increased sales by 416 per cent.

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The FCAI said growing EV adoption would place increased pressure on Australia’s charging network and called for continued investment in public infrastructure.

“As the number of EVs on the road continues to grow, charging infrastructure must become more of a priority,” Weber said.

The industry body also pointed to the influence of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), arguing the policy is encouraging manufacturers to introduce a broader range of low-emissions vehicles to Australia.

May’s results suggest electrified vehicles are continuing to gain ground, even as the broader new-car market softens.

BMW has revealed a new all-wheel drive version of the M2 sports coupe, which is the first time that it’s been available with a drivetrain that isn’t purely rear-driven. Using the brand’s ‘xDrive’ system, like most variants of the M3 and M4 that sit above it, the all-wheel drive M2 can still be driven purely in rear-drive mode for those who want it, but need all-wheel drive otherwise.

It’s yet to be confirmed for Australian sales, though we’d wager it being offered by the end of 2026. It’s already been confirmed for the UK, and adds £4000 (around A$7500) to the price, meaning that we could see it priced around $135,000 before on-road costs if it launches here.

The M2 xDrive uses the same ‘S58’ 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine as rear-drive models, making 353kW of power and 600Nm of torque, and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard – the six-speed manual in the rear-drive models is unavailable.

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Like all other M2, M3 and M4 models from July production, gains BMW’s new ‘M Ignite’ pre-chamber combustion process, which makes the engine more efficient and allows it to comply with tough new upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations.

Because of the all-wheel drive system’s extra grip, the M2 xDrive is 0.3 seconds quicker to 100km/h that rear-drive versions, with a claimed time of just 3.7 seconds, and its top speed is also electronically limited at 250km/h (or 285km/h with the optional M Driver’s Package).

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Other changes to the M2 include the debut of a new ‘Individual Borusan Turkish Blue’ colour shown in these press photos, with the colour range including five metallic and three solid variants, plus six options from the BMW Individual range. Staggered 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels are standard equipment, while track tyres will be available optionally as well.

The BMW M2 xDrive will go on sale in Europe later this year, with Australian plans yet to be confirmed.

The ongoing battle for tech supremacy in electric vehicles may have just had one of its biggest challengers step out of the ring.

The executive vice president of BYD Auto, Stella Li (bottom), has declared her company’s second-generation lithium-ion ‘Blade’ battery (below) as superior to much hyped solid-state batteries, despite BYD’s self-proclaimed ‘leading position’ in development of the advanced tech.

In an interview with Auto Express, Li said, “At this point in time, our second-generation Blade battery is much better in terms of efficiency and cost. I don’t think that solid-state is ready for the mass market yet.”

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Solid-state batteries, as suggested by the name, replace flammable liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes based on ceramic, glass or other ‘dry’ materials, and provide greater temperature stability and puncture resistance, while offering energy density more than double that of traditional batteries, by weight.

In automotive applications, that would mean either lighter batteries for equivalent EV range, or longer range from a similarly-sized battery, with the ability to charge faster, owing to greater thermal stability.

BYD, meanwhile, has recently unveiled its ‘Flash Charging’ network in China, and will roll it out globally, allowing ultra-rapid charging at up to 1500kW, almost four times faster than existing EV chargers, essentially matching theoretical solid-state charging speeds.

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As Chinese brands fight for technological superiority, BYD’s withdrawal from the solid-state race comes as a massive upset, suggesting that the brand may have reached a dead end in commercial-scale solid-state battery development.

BYD is not alone however, with CATL announcing last month that it has new-generation batteries compatible with 3000kW charging and higher energy density, allowing greater range. Rather than using solid-state tech, CATL has developed viable sodium-ion chemistry that it says will enter production before the end of 2026.

Chinese carmakers, including Changan, Chery, and Dongfeng, all claim to be in the testing phases of solid-state battery tech, while SAIC and Nio have already introduced semi-solid-state batteries as a bridging technology.

BYD’s claims that its Flash Charging-equipped models can recharge from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes, or to 70 per cent in as little as five minutes. Potentially close enough to solid-state performance to rule out the newer tech unless cost efficiency improves.

A report by Bloomberg at the end of 2025 revealed the cost of lithium-ion batteries manufactured in China could be as low as US$84 (A$117) per kilowatt-hour. Around the same time, battery manufacturer Sunwoda claimed to have reduced the cost of solid-state packs to US$281/kWh (A$391), approaching the current price of semi-solid-state battery tech.

No manufacturer has yet revealed a production solid-state battery in an automotive application.