Paris Motor Show 2026: the 10 electric cars to see, judged at the charger

From 12 to 18 October, Porte de Versailles hosts the 91st edition of the Paris Motor Show, with more than sixty carmakers confirmed and a notable return of brands that skipped the last few years. We sorted the new models using one criterion, ours: what happens once you plug in. Electrical architecture, accepted charging power, real-world stop time. Published on 26 August 2026.

Two notes on method. This selection only includes cars born fully electric, built on a dedicated platform. Models offered as both electric and combustion or hybrid, such as the DS N°7, the Lancia Gamma or the Fiat Grizzly, are left out, even though they will be on the stands. And the charging figures quoted are the ones released by the manufacturers as of publication: several will be firmed up during the show. Prices quoted are the entry-level figures released to date and may vary from market to market.

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What this show tells us about charging

Before the list, one thing jumps out as soon as you line up the spec sheets. The 2026 Paris Motor Show tells two opposite stories.

At the top of the range, the switch to 800 volts is done. Volvo and Mercedes are showing cars that take 320 to 400 kW and cover the 10 to 80 % window in sixteen to twenty-two minutes. The charging stop genuinely becomes a coffee break.

In the affordable segment, on the other hand, European carmakers all stop at the same point: around 105 kW, on 400 volts. From the Volkswagen ID. Polo to the Škoda Epiq, via the Cupra Raval and the Audi A2 e-tron, the ceilings are practically identical. The Chinese newcomers are the exception, and that is one of the lessons of this show. In other words, at this show your stop time depends far less on the badge than on the budget.

The five fastest-charging cars at the show

Volvo EX60

Volvo returns to Paris with its new large electric SUV, and it is the charging champion of the show. An 800-volt architecture, up to 400 kW accepted depending on the version, and a 10 to 80 % window claimed at sixteen to nineteen minutes. Batteries run from 83 to 117 kWh, for a claimed range of up to 810 km on the top version. The stated consumption of 16.1 kWh/100 km is measured at the socket, charging losses included, which is why it does not match a simple battery-to-range calculation. Prices from €66,500, on sale in 2027.

Mercedes electric C-Class

Read the name carefully: this is not a version of the combustion C-Class, but a car built on the MB.EA platform, which cannot take a combustion engine. On 800 volts, it accepts 330 kW and claims the 10 to 80 % window in twenty-two minutes, with a 94.5 kWh battery and up to 762 km of range. A family car that charges as fast as a sports car is genuinely new.

smart #2

This is the most solidly confirmed world premiere of the show: the organiser has confirmed that the production version will be unveiled on 12 October. The city car claims an LFP battery of around 35.7 kWh for roughly 300 km, and above all a 10 to 80 % window under twenty minutes. In this format, that would be remarkable. The exact charging power has not been released yet, and that is precisely the figure we will be chasing on the stand.

Audi A2 e-tron

Audi’s electric compact is expected in Paris for its first public appearance, even though the brand has so far only confirmed a reveal « in the autumn ». On charging, the information shared during the prototype drive points to 105 kW and twenty-six minutes from 10 to 80 % on the LFP version of around 61 kWh gross. A modest figure on paper, but the car claims consumption of 15.6 to 12.8 kWh/100 km depending on the version, which changes the whole equation: at that low a consumption, every minute of charging returns far more kilometres.

Leapmotor B05

The electric compact from the Chinese brand distributed by Stellantis accepts 140 kW with its 56.2 kWh LFP battery, for 401 km of range and a price of €25,400. It is the best charging power in its price bracket at this show, and the only affordable model to clearly beat the European 105 kW ceiling. Leapmotor is also announcing the European premiere of the B03 in Paris, whose charging figures have not been published yet.

The five newcomers in the affordable segment

Volkswagen ID. Cross

Revealed in July, it reaches dealerships in October, right as the show opens. Net batteries of 37 and 52 kWh, up to 427 km, a 10 to 80 % window claimed at around twenty-three to twenty-four minutes, from roughly €27,995. Volkswagen has not released the charging power in kilowatts, which is surprising for a model of this volume.

Volkswagen ID. Polo

The electric replacement for the Polo accepts 90 kW with the 37 kWh LFP battery and 105 kW with the 52 kWh, for 329 to 455 km and a 10 to 80 % window of twenty-three to twenty-four minutes. The announced entry price is €24,995. A GTI version also exists, whose charging specifications have not been detailed yet.

Cupra Raval

Same technical base as the ID. Polo, same order of magnitude: 90 to 105 kW depending on the version, 37 and 52 kWh batteries, 328 to 444 km, from €30,150. The VZ version claims 440 km with a distinctly sportier setup.

Škoda Epiq

Škoda’s small electric SUV offers three charging levels depending on the battery: 50 kW on the entry version, 80 kW in the middle and 105 kW on the 52 kWh version. Range of 310 to 440 km, prices from €26,470 to €32,070. Between the entry version and the 52 kWh, charging power doubles while range gains one hundred and thirty kilometres. It is the most consequential choice in the line-up, and the only one that really changes motorway use.

Renault Twingo E-Tech

Already on sale, it will be displayed on a 2,500 m² Renault stand. A 27.5 kWh LFP battery, 263 km, from €19,490. One important point for motorway use: fast charging is not standard. It comes via the €500 Advanced Charge pack, which unlocks 50 kW and a 10 to 80 % window in thirty minutes. Without that pack, the car only charges on alternating current, which restricts it strictly to city use.

What we will be checking on site

Two models are worth the detour without making the selection, because their charging figures are still missing.

The electric Alpine A110 will be there as a prototype, with a confirmed 800-volt architecture and a battery split into two packs, front and rear. Neither the capacity, nor the charging power, nor the range has been released. Alpine promises « new information » during the show.

The electric Citroën 2CV is due to be revealed in Paris, after a simple silhouette shared in May. Announced at under €15,000 for 2028, it has yet to deliver a single technical specification. It also remains to be confirmed whether its platform will be electric only.

The Citroën ë-C3 Aircross and the other B-segment newcomers will have to be confirmed on site, as several carmakers have yet to finalise their exhibition lists.

The absences, finally, are worth flagging for anyone interested in fast charging. BMW, Mini and Porsche will not be in Paris according to the specialist press, with no statement from the manufacturers to date. The new BMW iX3, quoted at 400 kW and measured at twenty-one minutes over the 10 to 80 % window, will therefore not be on show. The BYD Atto 3 Evo, on the other hand, will be there: 800 volts, 74.8 kWh, 220 kW accepted and twenty-five minutes claimed from 10 to 80 %, for 510 km WLTP in rear-wheel drive. It is the first 800-volt model in a segment this affordable.

Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Paris Motor Show

When is the 2026 Paris Motor Show?

From 12 to 18 October 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, for the 91st edition. 12 October is press day, with public opening following.

Which electric newcomer charges fastest at the show?

The Volvo EX60, with an 800-volt architecture, up to 400 kW accepted and a 10 to 80 % window claimed at sixteen to nineteen minutes.

Are there any world premieres at the 2026 show?

Yes, the production smart #2 is confirmed for 12 October by the organiser. The Audi A2 e-tron is expected, with no official confirmation from the manufacturer to date.

Why do electric city cars cap out at 105 kW?

Because they use a 400-volt architecture and small-capacity batteries, for which higher power would deliver little gain while costing significantly more.

How many Chinese brands will be present?

Around twenty, against about ten in 2024. Denza is making its first public French appearance, alongside BYD, which was already there in 2024.

What we take away from this show

The 2026 show marks a clear shift at the top of the range: 800 volts is settling in, and with it stops of sixteen to twenty-two minutes that bring the experience close to filling a tank. In the affordable segment, European carmakers settling around 105 kW shows they have chosen to prioritise price and range over charging speed, while the Chinese brands are betting the other way. This is not a retreat: on a small battery, 105 kW is plenty, and efficiency matters more than peak power. That is exactly the bet the Audi A2 e-tron is making with its 12.8 kWh/100 km.

We will update this article during the show, as manufacturers publish the missing figures.

Whether you leave the show with an 800-volt car or a 105 kW city car, our fast charging stations deliver up to 400 kW per charging point and adapt to whatever your car can take. With Autocharge, charging starts automatically, with no card and no app.

Electra+ Essential: €1.99 a month with no commitment, and €0.10 off per kWh on every charge on the Electra network.

Electra+ Smart: €4.99 a month with no commitment, and €0.20 off per kWh on every charge on the Electra network.

Both plans also give you access to a preferential rate at Atlante, Fastned and Ionity, detailed on our pricing page. Paying annually cuts the subscription cost by 16 %.

Source: *Electra pricing* and *Electra+ page*, accessed on 26 August 2026.

To find out what your next car will really accept at the charger, read our guide to fast charging and our charging times table. The stations near you are on the Electra map.

The programme and the exhibitor list are published by the organiser on the official Paris Motor Show website.