Nissan, Tesla, NEVS, Hyundai, BMW, Kia.

Nissan Leaf a la Tesla: The next generation of the Japanese EV could be available with different battery size options, just like Tesla’s line-up, Kazuo Yaijima, head of electric vehicles at Nissan, told Autoblog. That could include a 60 kWh battery pack, allowing the Leaf to drive up to 550 km on one charge. The launch is scheduled for 2018.
autoblog.com (battery options), autocar.co.uk (60 kWh battery)

Tesla’s Chinese battery takes shape: Bloomberg reports that according to an insider, the EV maker has already signed a letter of intent to build a factory near Shanghai. Presumed partner Jinqiao Group is said to foot half of the 9bn dollar investment. Import taxes would then be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, Tesla a getting ready to launch in South Korea and is looking for personnel and office space in Seoul.
bloomberg.com (China), koreatimes.co.kr (Korea)

NEVS to kill Saab: The Swedish brand’s new owner wants to produce its EVs from 2017 under its own name, after all. The original plan was the offer the electric sedan based on the Saab 9-3 as such as well. But NEVS has so far had no problem winning multi-billion dollar deals without the familiar sounding name (we reported).
motorauthority.com, just-auto.com

Next i30 with Ioniq technology: According to Auto Express, the next generation of Hyundai’s compact car could boast the Ioniq drivetrain options and be available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric car. There could even be a fourth variant – a fuel cell drivetrain, currently used in the ix35 SUV.
autoexpress.co.uk

BMW i3 facelift priced: In the U.S., the next generation of the BMW i3 with more range will cost 1,200 dollars more than the current model. Moreover, the EV will (at least in the U.S.) only be offered as all-electric – a range extender is not an option.
insideevs.com

Kia recalls Soul: All Soul and Soul EV models in the UK build between 2014 and 2015 have to go back to the shop. A potential issue with the steering assembly could cause a loss of control. The adhesive used was allegedly not strong enough. 5.707 vehicles are concerned.
carscoops.com, autoexpress.co.uk