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GM joins race to build batteries for AI data centers and the grid
GM is developing an entirely new sodium-ion battery chemistry for use in everything from data centers to its own factories.
BMW’s all-new iX3 has claimed top honors in one of the world’s largest real-world EV range tests, traveling an impressive 485 miles (781 km) on a single charge. Yet the biggest surprise of the event may have come from a Chinese electric minivan that dramatically exceeded its official range rating.
The results come from the latest summer edition of the “El Prix” range test, conducted by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) and Motor magazine. Held twice annually, the test is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous real-world EV range evaluations because vehicles are driven until their batteries are fully depleted under identical road and weather conditions.
BMW’s Neue Klasse EV takes the crown
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, built on BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform, delivered the longest range of any vehicle in the 2026 summer test, reaching 781 km (485 miles) before stopping. The result slightly exceeded the SUV’s official WLTP range rating, outperforming the manufacturer’s claim by approximately 1.5%.
The performance reinforces BMW’s ambitious claims about the Neue Klasse architecture, which combines an 800-volt electrical system, sixth-generation battery technology, and improved efficiency. The iX3 carries a usable battery capacity of 108.7 kWh and supports charging speeds up to 400 kW, allowing rapid long-distance travel.
While the BMW topped this year’s rankings, it did not surpass the all-time El Prix record set by the Lucid Air during the 2025 summer test, when the luxury sedan traveled 517 miles (832 km).
The real winner may be Xpeng
However, range alone does not make the El Prix test valuable. EV Evolution notes that one of the event’s most closely watched metrics is how closely real-world results match official WLTP ratings. By that measure, the standout performer was the Xpeng X9.
The Chinese electric MPV traveled 646 km (401 miles) despite carrying an official WLTP rating of 580 km (360 miles). That translates to an 11.4% improvement over its stated range, the largest positive deviation recorded in this year’s test.
For consumers, that figure may be even more meaningful than absolute distance. It suggests the vehicle consistently delivers better real-world efficiency than its official certification suggests.
The result is not entirely unprecedented for Xpeng. The company’s G9 SUV also posted one of the strongest performances relative to its official rating during earlier editions of the Norwegian test.
Why these tests matter
Real-world range testing has become increasingly important as electric vehicles enter the mainstream. While standardized WLTP testing provides useful comparisons between models, actual range can vary significantly depending on weather, speed, terrain, and driving style.
Norway’s El Prix tests have gained global attention because they expose how different EVs perform under identical conditions outside laboratory environments. For buyers concerned about range anxiety, the results offer a practical benchmark that often proves more useful than manufacturer specifications alone.
Beyond the BMW and Xpeng, strong performances also came from the Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, all of which exceeded 400 miles (644 km) during the test.
As battery technology improves and range figures continue to rise, the latest El Prix results suggest the industry is entering a new phase in which efficiency and accuracy may matter just as much as headline mileage numbers.
