Author: Marceau Nio

On 16 October 2025, Brazilian electric motor giant WEG announced that it had acquired 54% of Tupi Mob (Tupinambá Energia), a start-up specialising in software for managing charging points. The deal was worth 38 million reals, or just over 6 million euros.

This strategic investment shows that the future will lie as much in digital software and services as in pure vehicle components.

WEG is already a recognised leader in the manufacture of electric motors in Latin America. But obviously, the takeover strategy is a carefully considered one. With this acquisition, the Brazilian company has changed scale and is now positioned in the complete recharging chain, offering both hardware and management software.

It is also picking up a well-stocked customer base: a platform connected to more than 370,000 users and more than 1.3 million recharging sessions already carried out with Tupi Mob. All of which should keep the company going.

A strategy that’s already going international

This acquisition is by no means a local or isolated move. In a press release, WEG clearly states its ambitions:
– To produce terminals locally, but for a global market.
– To enter the European market in 2026.
– Work on an ultra-powerful 1 MW charger, designed in particular for heavy goods vehicles.

In other words, WEG is proving that Brazil doesn’t just want to keep up with global electromobility, it wants to be part of it, really.

Europe must look to

This takeover sends out an important signal: it is no longer enough to look only at what Asian countries or the United States are doing. From now on, the whole world wants to be among the leaders in this constantly evolving industry. Here, a non-European player is positioning itself in one of the most strategic segments of the energy transition: recharging infrastructure.

What’s more, where Europe has often concentrated on developing batteries and creating new vehicles, it has sometimes neglected an essential part of electromobility, an essential building block: the development of software intelligence to hold an efficient recharging network.

If we don’t master these building blocks, we run the risk of being technologically dependent on another country, once again.

In conclusion

By becoming the main owner of Tupi Mob, the Brazilian electric motor giant WEG is announcing a clear ambition: to do more than just make motors work, to get the whole electric mobility ecosystem up and running.

This announcement comes at a time when the players are positioning themselves on the electromobility stage… but where their positions are not yet fixed.

On Wednesday 22 October 2025, an electric HGV was able to recharge by induction while driving on the A10 motorway thanks to the Charge as you Drive project, a technology that enables electric vehicles to be recharged directly while in motion. Already being trialled in other countries, this innovation could profoundly change the way we look at electric vehicles.

Underground technology

Called Charge as you Drive, the project is based on a revolutionary principle: 900 copper coils have been installed under the road surface. Powered by the electricity grid, they generate an electromagnetic field capable of inductively transmitting energy to vehicles fitted with receivers. Thanks to this process, the car recharges as it drives along.

The project is being tested on a 1.5-kilometre stretch of the A10. This test phase, involving four prototypes (HGV, bus, car and light commercial vehicle), should enable us to measure energy efficiency, safety and the possibility of integrating the system into traffic on a permanent basis.

The latest tests are conclusive: the electricity has a maximum power of over 300 kW and an average power of over 200 kW. That’s enough for a heavy goods vehicle to recharge 1 kilometre in the same distance travelled, and 3 kilometres for a car.

An alliance of players

Led by Vinci Autoroutes, the project also brings together Electreon, VINCI Construction,Université Gustave Eiffel and Hutchinson.

Once again, this cooperation illustrates the developments in the sector. Electromobility is attracting interest and large-scale projects are being developed day by day.

Why this changes everything

This system could address several major obstacles to the adoption of electric vehicles:
– Reduced range anxiety
– Significant reduction in the time lost during “traditional” recharging
– Accelerating the electrification of heavy goods vehicles, which are particularly concerned by long-distance journeys

Road transport alone accounts for 95% of mobility in France and nearly a third of greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study carried out by Carbone 4 for VINCI Autoroutes, this technology would significantly reduce CO₂ emissions linked to goods transport.

A project that follows the European dynamic

This test is in line with European strategies to develop Electric Road Systems (ERS) on major roads. The busiest motorway sections are at the heart of European plans to decarbonise heavy transport.

France joins other pioneering countries that are already demonstrating these technologies on the road, including Sweden, Germany and Italy.

Challenges to overcome

It’s an ambitious innovation which, on paper, has everything it takes to develop on a larger scale. But there are still a number of challenges to overcome before it can become widespread:
– Reducing installation costs, which are currently high.
– Adapting electric vehicles to this technology so that they can all benefit from recharging.
– Establishing a viable economic model for charging for energy in motion.

An infrastructure that could become an energy source

If the Charge as you Drive project sees the light of day and develops so that everyone can benefit from it. The motorway will become nothing more than a traffic lane. If the results are conclusive, the technology could help to free electric mobility from its current constraints once and for all.

On 15 October 2025, China officially lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against India. The reason: subsidies granted by New Delhi to Indian manufacturers of electric vehicles and to the battery industry, deemed to discriminate against foreign companies.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the measures introduced by India as part of its PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme excessively favour local manufacturers to the detriment of Chinese imports. Beijing considers that this aid violates world trade standards, including the principle of national treatment, and constitutes import substitution subsidies, which are explicitly prohibited under multilateral trade rules.

China has therefore requested the opening of official consultations with the WTO (World Trade Organization), the first stage in a procedure that could last months or even years. In the meantime, China is calling on New Delhi to “rectify its practices”.

An industrial and geopolitical showdown

This trade dispute comes at a time when India too is aiming to become a global commercial hub for electric cars, in order to emancipate itself from Chinese domination. This is a strategic battle in which Beijing is determined to defend its national champions such as BYD, CATL and Xpeng, who are already facing restrictions in the United States and Europe.

China was trying to increase sales of its vehicles in India, at a time when relations between the two Asian giants have just warmed up after five years of tensions due to the military stand-off in Eastern Ladakh.

Electromobility, an industrial war

This complaint illustrates one thing: competition in electromobility now extends far beyond carmakers, touching on raw materials, the battery ecosystem and industrial sovereignty. It can become conflictual and create tensions between different industrial policies.

Electric globalisation under strain

At a time when many countries and regions around the world are also stepping up their support for local production, China has filed similar claims against Turkey, Canada and the EU.

The WTO, for its part, faces a new challenge: arbitrating an energy transition that is gradually becoming both economic and geopolitical.

For the first time, 100% electric vehicles are outstripping petrol combustion models in terms of registrations. Buoyed by record figures, the French market for electrified vehicles confirms a trend once thought impossible.

France speeds up and overtakes petrol for the first time

“Electric mobility is off to a strong start this autumn, breaking two all-time records”, said Clément Molizon, General Delegate of Avere-France, in the monthly report on electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle registrations for September 2025 published by Avere-France and Colombus Consulting. And indeed, although long held back by reservations about costs and range, French electric mobility seems to have entered a new era. September 2025 saw the hierarchy of the automotive world change: for the first time, the number of registrations of 100% electric vehicles exceeded those of petrol models. According to the barometer published by Avere-France and Colombus Consulting, the market share of electrified vehicles has reached 26.5% (20.8% all-electric + 5.7% rechargeable hybrids). By way of comparison, the share of petrol combustion engines has fallen by 1.9 points to 19.8% of the market.

Record figures

This 26.5% market share represents 45,171 new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered in September. An increase of 11.5% compared with the same period in 2024. It was also the best month of the year in terms of volume of registrations.

100% electric vehicles are once again well represented. Registrations rose by 16.6%, with 35,456 units sold, while plug-in hybrids fell slightly (-3.9%, with 9,715 vehicles).

Since 1 January, 315,766 electrified vehicles have been registered in France. Compared with the same period last year, the electrified car industry is ahead of the two previous years (2023: +6.2% and 2024: +20%).

The momentum is particularly strong for 100% electric vehicles, whose market share has now exceeded the levels seen in 2023 and 2024 for three consecutive months.

The return of private individuals and territorial dynamics

And these figures come at a key time: the return of private individuals as buyers. During this period, private individuals accounted for 46% of electric vehicle buyers, compared with 54% for legal entities (companies, public authorities).

This rebalancing is synonymous with the gradual return of households to the car market, even before social leasing has made a comeback.

Regionally, Île-de-France leads the way with over 11,200 registrations, followed by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (5,466) and Hauts-de-France (4,115). The southern regions (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie) confirm that the people of the south are also going electric, with almost 4,000 registrations each.

The power of Tesla, Renault still a magnet

Tesla continues to top the rankings with its Model Y, which remains the most-registered electric vehicle of the month with 4,845 units sold. Behind it, the Renault 5 confirms its commercial success since its launch (+133% compared with September 2024). The Mini sold 1,626 units, showing strong growth (+49%). In fourth place, the Peugeot 208, long a segment benchmark, is marking time (-17%), while the Citroën ë-C3 suffered a spectacular fall in September (-69%). The Dacia Spring, on the other hand, exploded (+145%), confirming that the market for affordable electric cars is finally catching on.

In light commercial vehicles, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech was a big hit (up 373%), with 702 vehicles sold, a sign that French businesses are also going electric.

Infrastructure: steady progress

Of course, what would electric cars be without recharging infrastructure? The upward trend in registrations is partly due to the fact that France is increasingly equipped with charging points. As of 31 August 2025, France had 177,180 public charging points, according to figures from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Avere-France. A number that ranks France as the 2ᵉ country in Europe with the most charging points, behind the Netherlands.

Fast and ultra-fast stations are gaining ground, providing better coverage of major roads, even though some rural areas are still lagging behind. These figures are rising steadily, in line with the growing number of electrified vehicles on the road, now estimated at over 2 million.

A confident third quarter

The third quarter of 2025 confirms the strength of the French electromobility market.

The momentum is being driven by the return of private customers, but also by the diversification of the range and the arrival on the market of electrified vehicles at affordable prices. Social leasing, which has been in place since the beginning of October, may well speed up the adoption of electrified vehicles in France.

If the trend continues, 2025 will be remembered as the year when electric vehicles took over in France and carbon-free mobility ceased to be an exception.

While the electromobility sector continues to become increasingly competitive, more niche brands are struggling to make their mark. Such is the case of Turkish carmaker TOGG. So, to make a splash, the brand presented its brand new model to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at an official ceremony.

The high-profile event took place in Istanbul on 13 September 2025, at the Dolmabahçe Palace. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a fervent supporter of the TOGG project since its inception, was handed the keys to a T10F model. The latter, adorned with a red presidential plaque, is a 100% electric fastback designed and assembled in Turkey.

In front of the cameras and government representatives, the Head of State hailed “a historic step for national industry”.

This handover of the vehicle immediately sparked a flood of comment in the Turkish and international press: would Erdoğan now be driving exclusively in this national, electric vehicle? Nothing has been confirmed to date. But several clues suggest that this will be the case:

• At the official handover to Erdoğan, the T10F was held at Dolmabahçe Palace, a highly symbolic venue used for important state announcements.
• The event was covered by the public media (TRT, Anadolu Agency) and relayed by presidential communications, a rare occurrence for a simple industrial launch.
• In the official images, the car bears a red presidential plate with the golden 16-star emblem, usually reserved for vehicles in the motorcade.

All these clues suggest that this new version from the Turkish manufacturer is not just an industrial gift, but a vehicle destined to feature in the presidential fleet.

A vehicle full of promise

The vehicle in question, the TOGG T10F, is fitted with a 52.4 kWh battery with a range of 335 km in its standard version or 88.5 kWh for a range of 623 km in its long-range version. It takes 28 minutes to go from 20% to 80% battery. As for the powertrain, here too the Turkish brand is giving its customers a choice. The engine is the same for both the standard and long-range versions: 160 kW (218 bhp) for a 0 to 100 time of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 172 km/h. And when you think of an electric car, you think of speed and responsiveness. That’s why the T10F is available in a sports version (AWD). Equipped with the same battery as the long-range version, its 320 kW motor develops 435 bhp and accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

In terms of equipment, it has nothing to envy of its internationally-renowned counterparts: sleek, futuristic design, an interior featuring a large panoramic touchscreen, a locally-developed operating system and full connectivity. Features that have earned the brand five stars in Euro NCAP tests. The brand is delighted with this certification, which is a sign of seriousness, placing the saloon in the big league alongside European and Asian manufacturers.

The T10F has been available for pre-order in Turkey and Germany since the end of last month, with prices starting at €34,300 for the standard version and around €50,000 for the top-of-the-range version.

TOGG, betting on industrial independence

Founded in 2018 at the instigation of the Turkish government, TOGG (Türkiye’nin Otomobili Girişim Grubu) was created by a consortium of several major national industrial groups, including Anadolu Group and Turkcell. The stated aim is very clear: to create a brand capable of competing with Tesla, BYD and Renault, while promoting “Made in Türkiye”.

And to remain true to its ambitions, in 2022 the manufacturer inaugurated its ultra-modern plant at Gemlik, where the T10X and now the T10F models are produced.

In the space of just a few years, TOGG has become a symbol of national pride, because the brand does not limit itself to car production. It innovates in the fields of EV batteries, recharging infrastructure and digital software for its vehicles. This diversity of technological activities has enabled the company to position itself as a regional industrial and technological hub.

Politics as ambassador

Inevitably, for a national brand, what better ambassador than its ultra-mediatised president? President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 71, confided his pride and joy to a crowd of journalists after taking the car for a spin to check out the little toy on offer.

Presenting a vehicle in this very solemn setting demonstrates the President’s commitment to his country’s industries. Turkey’s head of communications, Burhanettin Duran, was also on hand, and Erdoğan’s reaction was not long in coming. He took to his Twitter account to add another layer of communication.

He’s not the first political leader to show off an electric vehicle in public. In France, Emmanuel Macron recently received the new DS N°8 Présidentielle. This is a unique example made available to the Presidency before the commercial launch.

These are major communication initiatives that highlight national innovations, in this case a locally-built vehicle. The aim is not only to enable these companies to compete with the world leaders, but also to enable the public to discover mobility solutions in the run-up to the European restrictions that will come into force in 2035.

EQUIP AUTO Paris has long been a meeting place for the automotive aftermarket and traditional mechanical innovations, but this year is different. The shift is clear: electric mobility is taking centre stage, to say the least. Between battery technologies, high-voltage maintenance and connected tools, the 2025 edition represents the advance of low-carbon mobility.

50 years of a benchmark show

Created in 1975, EQUIP AUTO brings together all the players in the automotive ecosystem. It includes manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors, repairers and start-ups. Held every two years, the event has evolved with the times to keep pace with changes in the market. It is now regarded as a major player in developments in the automotive world.

For its 2025 edition, synonymous with its fiftieth anniversary, the show is expecting 100,000 professionals and will be bringing together 1,400 exhibitors and brands over an area of more than 100,000 m². The programme includes eight themed villages. These include energy management, retrofitting, connectivity and the rebuilding and recycling of parts. This is a first.

2025: an electric edition

As the official programme clearly shows, this year it’s electrified mobility that’s dominating the debates. From energy converters and charging stations to thermal management systems and diagnostic software for electric vehicles, electromobility technologies are everywhere.

According to the organisers, more than 60% of the exhibitors at this year’s show will be presenting solutions related to electrified mobility. This is a record since the show’s inception. Major equipment manufacturers such as Valeo, Bosch and Mahle are also present, symbolising the significant changes taking place in the vehicle fleet.

Valeo, symbol of an industry in transition

Among the most prominent French exhibitors was Valeo, automotive supplier and leader in the aftermarket. The group was awarded the EQUIP AUTO 2025 Grand Prix International de l’Innovation Automobile for its remanufactured DQ250 dual wet clutch, intended for more than five million vehicles on the road in Europe.

At the same time, Valeo is presenting technical solutions directly linked to electromobility: thermal management systems for batteries and electric motors, as well as Ineez intelligent charging tools. The company is also focusing on training and technical support by setting up training platforms for technicians working on high-voltage vehicles.

A sector that is reinventing itself

As well as technology, the entire automotive world is being reinvented. And automatically, players in the industry have to adapt, and fast. With the reduction in the number of mechanical parts, the almost ubiquitous use of digital technology and the rise of on-board software, traditional business models are being redefined.

Some of the aftermarket SMEs present at the show are changing direction, such as SUSTAINera, a subsidiary of Stellantis, which has moved into battery reconditioning, Lormauto, which specialises in automotive retrofitting, Gruau for electric commercial vehicles, and LM Mobilité for light mobility.

EQUIP AUTO has become the spotlight for this industry. The industry is seeking to stabilise itself in this period of perpetual change.

A showcase for French expertise

This year’s show also highlights the national ecosystem. With stands from Verkor, Forsee Power and Stellantis, among others, France is well represented. It is showing that it intends to be a major industrial player in the transition to electricity.

Through this high-profile event, our French manufacturers want to prove that the European momentum in terms of low-carbon mobility is no longer limited to Germany.

A course that is becoming clear

The fiftieth anniversary of EQUIP AUTO confirms a trend: the automotive industry is now organised around electric vehicles. Major equipment manufacturers and young innovative companies are all converging towards a common goal. To make mobility cleaner, more connected and more sustainable.

Fifty years after its creation, EQUIP AUTO Paris bears witness to an industry undergoing a complete overhaul.

The Chinese automaker BYD is planning to establish its third European factory in Spain, according to sources close to the matter cited by Reuters. Spain is reportedly the favourite compared to other European candidates.

Strategic location

According to Reuters, this future factory would complement those already planned in Hungary and Turkey, and aligns with the Chinese giant’s aim to establish a long-term production presence in Europe. The goal behind this strategy is clear: as in Brazil, BYD wants to manufacture vehicles locally for the European market, reducing additional costs, avoiding customs barriers, and adapting to European regulatory requirements.

Why Spain?

While BYD considered other countries such as Germany, a source close to the matter, along with BYD’s national director for Spain and Portugal, Alberto De Aza, recently explained to Reuters why Spain would be an ideal location for BYD’s expansion in Europe.

• Spain has a qualified workforce of similar quality, but production costs are significantly lower than in France or Germany.
• The country already has an efficient logistics network, with ports and infrastructure enabling rapid distribution across Europe and worldwide.
• Since 2020, Spain has implemented an industrial policy supported by a €5 billion investment plan, according to Reuters, to attract electric mobility manufacturers.
• Spain and China have established strong diplomatic relations. Last year, Spain abstained in an EU vote on tariffs for Chinese-made electric vehicles.
• Most importantly, Spain’s energy is becoming increasingly “clean”, thanks to significant growth in solar and wind power.

All these factors make Spain a serious contender for BYD’s next European base.

A well-oiled global expansion strategy

For over two years, BYD has been accelerating its global expansion. This includes Europe, where the company has a clear ambition: producing locally to strengthen its market share.

Currently, Spain is under discussion, but BYD is already building a factory in Szeged, Hungary, which is set to begin production in 2026, and another factory will open in Turkey next year.

BYD’s European presence is guided by several objectives: reducing import costs, design and delivery times, transportation risks, currency fluctuations, and trade barriers, especially amid stricter regulations and greater pressure in Europe. Establishing a base in Europe allows BYD to adapt more quickly to European standards and requirements.

Reuters reports that BYD aims for the majority of its vehicles sold in Europe to be locally produced within three years.

Growth to dominate

Since its founding in 2003, the Chinese brand has grown exponentially. BYD has been selling vehicles in Europe since 2020. The figures speak for themselves, showing the company’s spectacular growth on the continent.

• IEuropean sales have surged by 280% in the first eight months of 2025.
• In April 2025, BYD even surpassed Tesla in European sales of 100% electric cars (7,231 units versus 7,165 according to JATO Dynamics).
• In 2024, the brand sold nearly 57,000 vehicles in Europe, representing about 2.8% market share in the electric category.
• In August 2025, EU registrations nearly tripled year-on-year, reaching over 9,000 units in a single month.

These figures demonstrate how BYD could play a key role in Europe’s transition to fully electric vehicles by 2035.

Another challenge for European automakers

The arrival of this third factory would strengthen BYD’s presence against European giants already under pressure. Producing locally could also intensify competition in the SUV and family car segments. Indeed, the Chinese brand offers high-quality cars at highly competitive prices, while European brands struggle to provide affordable models.

By establishing a base in Spain, BYD sends a strong signal to manufacturers, policymakers, and Europeans. This move shows the company’s long-term commitment to the European market. It remains to be seen whether European authorities will welcome this news given the current challenging trade environment.

The Chinese manufacturer has unveiled some impressive sales figures.

XPeng has just published its vehicle sales report for September, marking the end of the third quarter of 2025. These figures confirm a trend that began a year ago: the brand is on the rise, gradually establishing itself as one of the major players in global electromobility. According to official figures released by the company, XPeng’s performance is well ahead of that seen in 2024.

In September 2025, the manufacturer delivered no fewer than 41,581 vehicles, a drastic increase of almost 95% on the 21,052 units delivered in September 2024. Over the third quarter of 2025 as a whole, the volume of vehicles delivered reached 116,007 units, an increase of 149% compared with the 46,176 vehicles sold in the third quarter of last year. With these figures, combined with the good mid-year results, XPeng has more than 313,000 deliveries in the first nine months of 2025, more than triple the 98,000 units delivered from January to September 2024.

Diversified geographical expansion

While China remains XPeng’s biggest market, the dynamic is also changing internationally. From January to August 2025, the company delivered 24,702 vehicles outside China, representing growth of more than 137% compared with the same period in 2024. These figures can be explained in part by the development of international sales outlets: 275 sales outlets in 46 different countries, compared with around 150 in 2024.

Geographically, Europe remains XPeng’s biggest buyer, followed by the Middle East and Asia. Latin America remains marginal, but initial export figures are beginning to emerge. A strategic expansion, at a time when the brand was still ultra-dependent on the Chinese market. This pattern is reminiscent of BYD, which has succeeded in establishing itself in Europe and the rest of the world, albeit with more modest volumes.

Models driving growth

Another factor behind this growth is the brand’s extensive catalogue. The Mona M03, a saloon designed to be accessible, has helped to broaden the customer base and rapidly generate volume. Its flagship model, the P7, meanwhile, has

passed the milestone of selling the 10,000ᵉ unit of its new version. Finally, the brand is targeting the top end of the market with the cutting-edge technology provided by its G7 Ultra.

Technology at the heart of the strategy

As well as volumes, XPeng intends to distinguish itself through innovation. The manufacturer recently presented its proprietary “Turing AI” chip, designed to improve autonomous driving performance. This is a strategic advance that will enable it to reduce its dependence on external suppliers. At the same time, XPeng has entered into a partnership with Volkswagen to develop an ultra-fast recharging network of more than 20,000 charging points in China. These initiatives show that the brand is not just looking to sell more cars, but is also investing in infrastructure and on-board intelligence to establish itself as a key player in the mobility of the future.

A manufacturer on the move

The figures for September 2025 confirm that XPeng has reached a decisive stage. Its strategy of international expansion, broadening its range and increasing its industrial output mean that it is outperforming most of its Chinese competitors, with the exception of the now giant BYD.

The company thus confirms the new wave of Chinese manufacturers: capable of innovation, penetrating diverse international markets and combining volume and technology, all at affordable prices. Having long been seen as a challenger, XPeng is now becoming a key player in the global automotive transition.