Green Machines | Recycled Range Rovers, some electric BMWs get £3,750 grant and Ford teams up with Geely – Sustainability news July 2026

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) recently teased an all-new electric model, the Range Rover GT, but this is not the only way the brand is looking to be more environmentally friendly. JLR is also investing in the circular economy to recycle materials and help reduce the carbon footprint of its vehicles. By working with over 40 suppliers, JLR has created a Cornerstone concept vehicle which showcases 49 components made using a range of recycled, bio-based and low-impact materials. According to JLR the carbon dioxide emissions saving is equivalent to a passenger flying from Paris to New York. The project has resulted in new headlamp technology, lower-emission steel, recycled glass and recycled seat foam which will all be used in future models. JLR isn’t the only manufacturer making progress with circular practices as we found out when we visited Toyota’s Circular Factory in Derbyshire.

BMW has announced selected versions of the iX1 and iX2 are now eligible for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. For these models to qualify BMW has reduced the recommended retail price and introduced a new entry-level variant of the iX2. Due to BMW’s price changes, buyers can effectively save £10,240 on the iX1 eDrive Sport, the iX1 eDrive20 xLine and the iX1 eDrive20 M Sport with the range starting from £33,315 once the grant is applied. The iX2 line-up will also start at the same price with the freshly launched iX2 eDrive20 Sport, or there’s the iX2 eDrive20 M Sport which will now cost £38,065 once the grant is deducted – a saving of £11,640 on the previous price.

Ford and Geely have agreed on a joint venture which will enable both brands to manufacture vehicles at Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain. Ford’s facility currently manufactures the Kuga, but the venture would make manufacturing at the Spanish plant more cost-effective by maximising capacity. Assuming the agreement gets regulatory approval, Geely plans to manufacture two new electric SUVs at the plant, while Ford would continue to produce the Kuga and introduce a new Bronco model designed for Europe. Additionally, an all-new crossover designed by Ford and jointly developed with Geely would also be built in Valencia. This new model would be scheduled to arrive in 2028 and is expected to feature both electric and hybrid power options.

We’ve already seen a preview of the all-new Smart #2, a modern reincarnation of the iconic ForTwo, but now this all-electric two-seater has been spotted in testing ahead of the full unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in October. Fully wrapped in camouflage, the Smart #2 is undergoing testing in a range of conditions to ensure it is safe, agile and tuned for city driving. The programme is specifically working on maximising electric range and making the #2 refined and quiet to drive by reducing rattles, wind noise and road noise. We look can’t wait to try out the Smart #2 for ourselves when it eventually arrives.