New E-Car Generation: The Upcoming Car Generation Changes Everything

The Answer to Your Questions: Yes, Electric Cars Are Finally Practical for Everyday Use

The upcoming e-car generation delivers what previous models promised: Thanks to 800-volt technology, modern electric vehicles charge in 20 minutes for 400 kilometers—shorter than your coffee break. Real highway ranges of 500-600 kilometers make long-distance travel relaxed. And yes, electric cars are finally becoming affordable: Models under €25,000 will hit the market in 2026. This car generation marks the turning point: E-mobility is no longer the future, but the present—reliable, practical, and economically sensible for everyday use.

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The Historic Turning Point: From Tesla to Mass Market Maturity

E-mobility is undergoing its decisive transformation. After years of pioneering work with Tesla, the first ID models, and EQ vehicles, the upcoming e-car generation reaches a new level of maturity. What skeptics doubted is becoming reality: The new car generation combines technological innovation with genuine practicality.

The first wave of electric vehicles convinced visionaries and tech enthusiasts. The upcoming e-car generation targets every driver. German manufacturers are responding to international pressure with fundamental innovations—not just in powertrains, but in the entire vehicle architecture.

Mercedes describes the new CLA as the "smartest Mercedes of all time." BMW speaks of a "revolutionary platform" with the Neue Klasse. This new car generation breaks with old compromises and establishes new standards.

What Makes This Upcoming E-Car Generation Truly Different?

The technological advancements are measurable and immediately noticeable in everyday use. Where charging breaks of 45+ minutes used to test patience, 20 minutes now suffice for the next 300 kilometers. Where range anxiety complicated every vacation plan, modern electric vehicles enable relaxed travel without constant charging concerns. And where an electric car used to mean premium prices, affordable models are now entering the market.

The upcoming car generation finally answers the three critical questions with a "yes." First, reliability: Over 500 kilometers of real-world range are possible, even in winter. Second, practicality: 20 minutes of charging time suffice for the next leg of the journey. Third, affordability: With models starting at €19,990, the total costs are even lower than those of combustion vehicles.

Key Technologies: What Is Specifically Improving

800-Volt Architecture: Halved Charging Times, More Freedom

The 800-volt technology fundamentally revolutionizes the charging experience of the upcoming e-car generation. The Mercedes CLA Electric charges with up to 320 kW peak power—adding up to 325 kilometers of range in ten minutes. The BMW Neue Klasse even reaches up to 400 kW. For comparison: Current 400-volt systems manage a maximum of 150-170 kW.

The advantage goes far beyond speed. The higher voltage reduces energy losses during charging, improves thermal efficiency, and enables lighter cables. The result of this car generation: less weight, more space in the vehicle, and better overall performance.

Ultra-Fast Charging with 300+ kW: Long-Distance Travel Without Stress

The new e-car generation makes long-distance travel as relaxed as with combustion vehicles. With charging powers of 300-400 kW, you can gain enough range for the next 250-350 kilometers in the time it takes for a bathroom break.

The difference in everyday life: Previously, an 800 km trip meant two 45-minute charging stops. With the upcoming car generation, it’s two stops of 20-22 minutes—the same break time you’d take for rest anyway. At modern Electra stations with 300+ kW charging power, you can already experience this new charging speed today.

Real Ranges: 500-600 km on the Highway Becomes Standard

The WLTP figures are approaching reality. The Mercedes CLA 250+ achieves up to 792 kilometers according to WLTP. Improved aerodynamics (drag coefficient of 0.21 for the CLA) and optimized powertrain technology with a two-speed transmission make the difference. The combined energy consumption is between 12.2 and 14.1 kWh per 100 kilometers—a top value.

BMW promises similar progress with the Neue Klasse of this e-car generation: The new iX3 achieves up to 805 kilometers of WLTP range with its 108.7 kWh battery. The efficiency improvement means concretely: fewer charging stops, less time lost, more spontaneity in travel.

The new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and BMW’s Panoramic iDrive show how software defines the upcoming car generation. The systems automatically optimize:

Route Planning: The navigation system integrates available fast-charging stations with real-time availability and plans the optimal route with charging stops. You don’t have to worry about anything.

Battery Management: Preconditioning before charging ensures the battery is at the ideal temperature upon reaching the station—for maximum charging speed without manual intervention.

Energy Efficiency: Adaptive regeneration recovers braking energy, predictive climate control uses navigation data for optimal consumption. The multi-source heat pump in the Mercedes CLA saves about one-third of the energy compared to previous technology.

Lightweight Design and Aerodynamics: Every Detail Counts

Modern materials and thoughtful design significantly reduce the energy consumption of the upcoming car generation. The Mercedes CLA officially consumes 12.2 kWh/100 km at its best—a top value for the compact class.

The optimizations affect every detail: from closed wheel arches to continuous underbody cladding to active air flaps. In the BMW Neue Klasse, the battery’s steel casing takes on load-bearing functions in the body structure. The goal of this e-car generation: maximum range with minimal battery use.

The Models: Concrete Offers of the Upcoming E-Car Generation

Premium Mid-Size: Mercedes CLA and BMW Neue Klasse Set Standards

The Mercedes CLA Electric is available for order from May 2025. The base model CLA 250+ with rear-wheel drive costs €55,858 and offers an 85 kWh battery, 200 kW (272 hp), and up to 792 kilometers of WLTP range. The all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC delivers 260 kW (354 hp) and starts at €60,380. At the end of 2025, a cheaper model with a 58 kWh LFP battery will follow, while the mild-hybrid versions are already available from €46,500.

BMW starts the new era with the iX3 in spring 2026. The iX3 50 xDrive costs €68,900 and offers 108.7 kWh battery capacity, 469 hp system power, and up to 805 kilometers of WLTP range. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.9 seconds. An entry-level model called iX3 40 with rear-wheel drive is expected to follow in 2026 for around €60,000. Production takes place at the new CO₂-neutral plant in Debrecen, Hungary. In the first six weeks after its introduction, BMW received over 3,000 orders in Germany alone.

The Mercedes GLC EQ completes the premium offering with a 94 kWh battery and 360 kW power. With 713 kilometers of WLTP range and a charging time of about 22 minutes from 10 to 80 percent at 330 kW charging power, the model is positioned in the upper segment for around €70,000.

Affordable Entry-Level Models: The €25,000 Class Makes E-Mobility Accessible

The VW ID.2, also known as the ID. Polo, will launch in 2026 at a price of around €25,000. At 4.05 meters long, it offers Golf-like space and up to 450 kilometers of range. Production will take place alongside the Cupra Raval at the Spanish plant.

Renault already has the 5 E-Tech Electric in its portfolio. The model starts at €27,900 and promises 400 kilometers of range with 120 to 150 hp. The announced €24,900 version with a smaller battery is delayed. Particularly interesting: The V2G technology enables bidirectional charging.

More affordable models will follow in 2026: Kia will introduce the EV2 for under €25,000 with over 400 kilometers of range. Hyundai positions the Ioniq 2 also under €25,000 with up to 400 kilometers of range. Renault plans the new Twingo for under €20,000, while Skoda promises the Epiq from €25,000 with up to 440 kilometers of range.

Chinese Challengers: BYD and MG Democratize E-Mobility

BYD sets new price standards with the Dolphin Surf. The Active version currently costs only €19,990 in promotional pricing until June 2025. For this, buyers get 95 hp and over 300 kilometers of range. The more powerful Boost version with 176 hp is available for €24,990. This makes the BYD Dolphin Surf currently the cheapest electric car on the German market.

MG positions the MG4 Electric from €32,000 with up to 480 kilometers of range in the market. The Volvo EX30 combines Swedish design with Chinese production efficiency from the Geely Group, starting at €39,790. BYD is already developing the second generation of its Blade Battery for 2025, which should enable even faster charging.

Global Competition Drives Innovation and Prices

China’s Role: Constructive Pressure Creates Better Cars for Everyone

BYD, Xpeng, MG—Chinese brands are setting new standards in price, range, and charging speed. BYD is currently building a €4 billion factory in Hungary, which will start production at the end of 2025 and produce up to 200,000 vehicles annually.

The second generation of BYD’s Blade Battery promises ultra-fast charging from 2025. This technology is also making its way to European manufacturers through joint ventures. Mercedes sources components from Geely for mild-hybrid engines, and VW cooperates on software topics.

Europe’s Response: Platforms, Partnerships, and Investments

German manufacturers are responding with new platform strategies. Mercedes is developing the MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture) for electric cars and hybrids. BMW is focusing on the Neue Klasse (NCAR) exclusively for electric powertrains and invested €2 billion in the new Debrecen plant. VW is expanding MEB to MEB+ for affordable front-wheel-drive variants like the ID.2. Stellantis is working on various STLA platforms for different segments.

These platform strategies enable economies of scale and cost reduction. By 2027, BMW plans 40 new or revised models, and Stellantis is investing €30 billion by 2030 in electrification.

The Positive Effect for Buyers: More Car for the Money

International competition accelerates the progress of the entire car generation. Features that were luxuries two years ago are now becoming standard. Heat pumps are part of the standard equipment, matrix LED headlights are no longer rare, and adaptive dampers and comprehensive assistance systems round out the package, while head-up displays are increasingly available even in cheaper models.

The Last Hurdle: Infrastructure Must Keep Pace with the Car Generation

The Critical Factor: Charging Infrastructure Decides Success

The technological advancements of the upcoming e-car generation outpace the development of charging infrastructure. At the end of 2024, Germany has about 150,000 public charging points—but only 15% of them are fast chargers. This is not enough for the new car generation with 300+ kW charging power.

A Mercedes CLA with 320 kW or a BMW iX3 with 400 kW charging power remains below its potential if only 50 kW stations are available. The upcoming vehicle generation needs an equally modern charging network—otherwise, the potential remains untapped.

Electra: The Charging Infrastructure for the New E-Car Generation

This is where Electra comes in. Our network is growing strategically at the most important traffic hubs. With over 400 stations and expansion into nine European countries, we are creating the infrastructure that the upcoming car generation deserves.

Every Electra station is tailored to the new e-car generation. Ultra-fast charging with up to 300 kW per charging point is perfect for 800-volt vehicles. 24/7 operation ensures high availability, while well-lit, safe locations provide comfort. Transparent pricing comes without hidden costs.

EXCLUSIVE: Benefit from an exclusive price by charging via the app! The Electra app not only offers the best rates but also reservation options and real-time availability. Download now on Google Play Store or App Store.

Electra+ for Frequent Drivers: Maximum Savings on Regular Long-Distance Trips

For drivers of the upcoming e-car generation who regularly travel long distances, Electra+ offers maximum cost savings. With transparent monthly fees, you charge at significantly reduced kWh prices—as cheap as at home with a wallbox, but with the freedom of ultra-fast charging on the go.

Our current rates at a glance: The standard rate is €0.54/kWh. With the basic subscription for €4.99 per month, the price drops to €0.39/kWh. The Electra+ subscription for €19.99 per month even reduces the price to just €0.29/kWh. All details about our transparent prices can be found here.

The vision: By 2030, we aim to operate 2,200 stations in Europe and thus avoid 4.4 million tons of CO₂ emissions.

Collective Responsibility: Infrastructure for the Car Generation

The new car generation is technically ready. The vehicles are mature, reliable, and affordable. The final building block for the breakthrough is comprehensive fast-charging infrastructure. Operators like Electra are investing heavily, but expansion takes time.

Every new car buyer who chooses an electric vehicle from the upcoming e-car generation in 2025/26 drives this development forward. More electric cars mean more investment in charging infrastructure—a positive cycle that benefits everyone.

Conclusion: The New E-Car Generation Keeps Its Promises

The upcoming car generation marks the transition from innovation to normality. What Tesla started as a pioneer, established manufacturers are continuing with industrial consistency. The technology is mature, the models are attractive, and the prices are becoming affordable—and yes, electric cars are finally practical for everyday use.

Three developments characterize the new e-car generation. First, the technological quantum leap: 800-volt systems, over 500 kilometers of real-world range, and smart software are becoming standard. Second, the democratization of prices: International competition is driving down costs, with models under €25,000 arriving in 2026. Third, infrastructure expansion: Operators like Electra are creating the appropriate fast-charging network.

Is Now the Right Time to Switch?

Yes. The upcoming e-car generation provides all the prerequisites for worry-free e-mobility.

The vehicles are reliable with over 500 kilometers of real-world range, even in cold weather. They are practical with 20-minute charging stops that fit into any travel plan. They are affordable with models starting at €19,990 and total costs below those of combustion vehicles. And the infrastructure is growing: Fast-charging networks like Electra are expanding rapidly.

The decisive question is no longer "whether?" but "which model?" The selection is large, the technology is mature, and the network is getting better every day.

Every vehicle of the new car generation deserves a modern charging network. At Electra, you’ll find exactly that: ultra-fast, reliable, and transparent. Find your next Electra station and start your electric future—the upcoming e-car generation makes it easier than ever before.