Once a symbol of the decline of oil, San Antonio is becoming a pioneer in electric mobility. Electric vehicles reduce pollution, urban heat and harmful emissions, while gaining in popularity with residents and businesses alike.
US network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, with more than 500 sites operational by 2020.
Electric vehicles, a forgotten past
Around 1900, electric cars were already outperforming petrol models, but they were soon eclipsed, explains the San Antonio Express-News. At the time, starting a petrol car required a lot of force and could cause serious injury to drivers. The invention of the electric starter in 1912 and the low cost of petrol made internal combustion cars popular.
Oil dependency revealed
The oil crisis of 1973-1974 demonstrated the fragility of America’s dependence on oil. San Antonio was at the centre of the modern concept of “peak oil”, thanks to geologist M. King Hubbert in 1956. Although shale oil has extended the fossil age, the conversation is now focused on sustainability and public health.
Burning fossil fuels worsens climate change and degrades air quality. San Antonio and Bexar County violate federal air quality standards because of automobile emissions. Thermal cars also generate heat, accentuating the heat island effect in streets and neighbourhoods.
The rise of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles account for almost 10% of sales in the United States and emit no tailpipe pollution. They are more energy efficient, reduce waste heat and improve local air quality. Batteries are improving, prices are falling, and the recharging infrastructure is gradually developing in San Antonio.
Growing adoption by residents and businesses
According to the San Antonio Express-News, many residents are already opting for electric vehicles, and businesses are adopting fully electric fleets. The city is committed to electrifying its vehicles through the Climate Action & Adaptation Plan. CPS Energy is supporting this transition with subsidies and an expanded public charging network.
Electric buses for VIA Metropolitan Transit and the San Antonio Independent School District reduce maintenance costs. This transition is also helping to improve air quality and reduce urban heat. In this way, San Antonio is becoming a pioneer, promoting electric mobility and the long-term health of its residents.
As we enter 2025, the French automotive industry is stepping up its efforts to adapt to the energy transition. Between technological advances, the development of recharging infrastructures and regulatory changes, the electromobility landscape is undergoing major transformations.
Young man recharging his electric car, reflecting the roll-out of recharging infrastructure in France.
Since January, French manufacturers such as Renault and Stellantis have continued to invest in the development of high-performance, affordable electric vehicles. Renault, a European leader in electric cars, is continuing to invest in V2G technology. This technology enables energy to be redistributed on the electricity grid (Vehicle to Grid). It can also power electrical appliances (Vehicle to Load). Renault continues to invest in research and development to further improve its technologies and meet the challenges of the energy transition.
Stellantis, for its part, is developing modular platforms dedicated to electric vehicles. The aim is to diversify its offering while keeping production costs under control. This automotive group is one of France’s leading innovators. It is France’s leading patent filer, with 1,289 patents registered in 2024. These figures come from the rankings announced by the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle (INPI).
This year, Vinci Autoroutes is also testing an “electric motorway” capable of recharging vehicles by induction on a two-kilometre stretch of the A10 near Paris. This project, led by Vinci Autoroutes in collaboration with Gustave-Eiffel University and industrialist Hutchinson since 2023, aims to test the energy efficiency of this innovative technology. The device is buried a few centimetres beneath the carriageway. It could reduce the number of stops required for recharging. It could also reduce the size of the batteries needed, thereby contributing to the decarbonisation of transport, particularly for heavy goods vehicles.
A fast-expanding recharging network
The rollout of charging infrastructure is gathering pace in France. From 1ᵉʳ January 2025, new obligations require car parks in buildings open to the public to be equipped with charging points, in accordance with the provisions of the French Mobility Orientation Act (LOM). Non-residential buildings with more than 20 parking spaces must now install charging points for electric vehicles, with at least 5% of spaces equipped, including spaces for people with reduced mobility. This should satisfy electric motorists: “This is a necessary change to support the transition to electric mobility. The lack of charging points was a major obstacle for many drivers. With these new requirements, it will finally be easier to recharge your vehicle on a daily basis”, explains Thomas, a resident of the Paris region.
Freight transport and electromobility: an electric truck travelling on an Alpine road, illustrating high-performance, sustainable electric vehicles.
Accessibility of charging in condominiums
Similar measures have been put in place in condominiums to facilitate access to recharging for residents. According to the fourth IRVE Barometer published by Avere-France, AFOR and Enedis, more than 10,000 condominiums are now equipped with charging stations. In addition, 33,880 condominiums have validated their plans to install charging infrastructure. These initiatives are designed to encourage the adoption of electric cars. They improve the accessibility and convenience of recharging. They also address concerns about range and infrastructure.
“Thanks to these measures, I can finally recharge my car in my car park. Before, I had to leave my car more than ten minutes from home, which was very tiring. I went to great lengths to ensure that we could have these recharging facilities,” says a delighted Laura, who owns an electric car. Although the figures are rising, the deployment of charging infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the growth in the electric vehicle market. According to the barometer, there are 269,000 apartment blocks with car parks in France, but only 3.94% of them currently have a collective recharging solution.
Changing financial incentives
On the regulatory front, the French government plans to cut support for the purchase of electric vehicles by a third by 2025. The budget will be cut from €1.5 billion to €1 billion. On 2 December 2024, the conversion allowance was abolished. This bonus provided aid for the purchase of a less polluting vehicle by scrapping an old car. This reduction is explained by the falling cost of electric vehicles and their growing market share. As a result, the need for subsidies has been reduced.
The remaining funds will be prioritised for low-income households to ensure a fairer transition.
The government is stepping up penalties on vehicles with high CO₂ emissions, lowering emission thresholds to 113g CO₂/km in 2025, then to 106g in 2026 and 99g in 2027. These measures are designed to encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicles and accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility.
A sector still facing challenges
The year 2025 marks a turning point for the French automotive sector. Industry players are focusing on sustainability, safety and innovation. However, challenges remain. They concern the affordability of electric vehicles, the densification of recharging infrastructures and the management of the environmental impact of battery production and recycling.
Research is continuing into alternative technologies, such as solid batteries and hydrogen. These innovations aim to improve range and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. The industry will also need to be structured to ensure that batteries are more recyclable. It will also have to minimise their environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
Collaboration between public authorities, manufacturers and consumers will be key to overcoming these obstacles. It will help to position France as a leader in electromobility in Europe.
The Zeekr 9X, China’s plug-in hybrid SUV, stands out for its luxurious design and its exceptional power of over 1,300 bhp. Its record-breaking 70 kWh battery promises a long range, but its weight limits its real efficiency.
The Zeekr 9X, China’s plug-in hybrid SUV, boasts record batteries and a luxurious design inspired by large saloons.
Luxurious design inspired by large saloons
The Zeekr 9X is an eye-catcher with a design reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce, but it’s 100% Chinese. This hybrid SUV is 5.2 metres long, 2 metres wide and 1.82 metres high. Its 3.2-metre wheelbase maximises passenger space and comfort.
Gigantic batteries for a world record
The Zeekr 9X has a 55.1 or 70 kWh CATL battery, the largest ever fitted to a plug-in hybrid. It provides a maximum range of 302 km according to the CLTC cycle, or around 250 km according to the WLTP standard. Thanks to its 900 V and 420 kW architecture, the vehicle can be recharged from 20% to 80% in just nine minutes.
Impressive power and performance
Under the bonnet, a 2-litre internal combustion engine develops 275 bhp with a thermal efficiency of 46%. Three electric motors add their power for a total of 1,381 bhp. So, despite weighing in at over three tonnes, the SUV reaches 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.
Questionable effectiveness
Despite its huge batteries, electric range is limited by the vehicle’s weight and size. According to a conservative conversion of the CLTC cycle to a European standard, the Zeekr 9X’s range could be around 250 km. This puts it closer to massive vehicles like the Hummer EV than to energy-efficient models.
Availability and prices
The Zeekr 9X can already be pre-ordered in China for between €72,000 and €108,000. Its arrival in Europe remains uncertain, but the launch is scheduled for the third quarter of this year. With its blend of luxury, power and limited range, this record-breaking hybrid SUV has divided electric enthusiasts.
This summer, charging points were used more than ever in France. According to Avere-France, activity rose sharply in July 2025. The data confirms that electric cars have taken centre stage among holidaymakers. With charging sessions on the rise, record consumption and a reliable network, all the indicators are green.
A driver charges her electric vehicle at a public charging point, a symbol of the boom in electric cars.
Figures that reassure drivers
In July 2025, each chargepoint recorded an average of 29.5 charging sessions, compared with 16.9 a year earlier. This rise can also be explained by a 22% increase in the number of chargepoints across the country. Powerdot also noted a 92% increase in usage over the first weekend in August, confirming that electric vehicles are being used more and more during the holidays.
Sharp rise in energy consumption
Total consumption at charge points in France is estimated at 109 GWh in July, compared with less than 60 GWh in September 2024. This figure clearly illustrates the growth in the number of zero-emission cars on French roads, and confirms the growing popularity of electric vehicles during the summer months.
According to Avere-France, 70% of charging points were available 99% of the time in July. What’s more, immediate access remains stable at 95%, enabling drivers to plug in as soon as they arrive.
An expanding but uneven network
France now has 174,574 stations, an average of 259 per 100,000 inhabitants. However, their distribution varies greatly: the Île-de-France region dominates with 6,893 stations, while French Guiana has just 30. This territorial inequality shows that some regions remain less well served despite the general extension of the network.
The majority of charging points are installed in shops (44%), followed by car parks (28%) and on roads (16%). In terms of power, 47% deliver between 7.4 and 22 kW, while 32% offer less than 7.4 kW. Lastly, very high-power charging points, in excess of 150 kW, account for 11% of the network. Of these, 9% deliver between 150 and 350 kW, while 2% deliver 350 kW or more, mainly on motorways and in commercial car parks.
American carmaker Ford is transforming its Louisville plant to launch affordable, high-performance electric vehicles. The aim of this strategy is to strengthen its position in the face of global competition.
The Louisville plant is preparing to produce the next Ford electric vehicles. (Credit: AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
A historic transformation for the Louisville plant
After 70 years of producing petrol cars, the plant will be converted to produce electric vehicles. CEO Jim Farley has described the project as a “Model T moment” for the company. According to him, this transformation will change the way vehicles are designed and built in the United States.
The electric pick-up will be the star of the new range
The first vehicle to be produced will be a four-door mid-size pick-up, scheduled for 2027. It will offer enough space for five adults and performance close to that of an EcoBoost Mustang. Cheaper batteries will be sourced from Ford’s Michigan plant, reducing costs.
Faster, cheaper production
The new universal platform will enable several models to be produced from a single base. Ford is announcing 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners and 40% fewer workstations. The plant will adopt an ‘assembly tree’ with three simultaneous lines, replacing the traditional long conveyor. This will cut assembly time by 15%, while maintaining quality and performance.
CEO Jim Farley presents Ford’s electric vehicle strategy at the Louisville plant. (Credit: AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Massive investment to secure jobs
The $2 billion investment will guarantee 2,200 hourly jobs in Louisville. Combined with the Michigan battery plant, Ford anticipates nearly 4,000 direct jobs and many indirect jobs. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear hailed the project as a reinforcement of the 100-year partnership with Ford.
Ford faces international competition
Chinese manufacturers are expanding rapidly with affordable electric vehicles. However, Farley says Ford is focused on a profitable and sustainable business, not volume. In his view, the new pick-up will offer a better solution than what is available in China.
A risky but strategic ambition
The CEO acknowledges that the project involves risks, recalling past failures in the sector. However, Ford wants to break the cycle of losses and create affordable vehicles that are popular in the United States. The company is counting on innovation and the modernisation of its production lines to guarantee competitiveness and profitability.
Ford is banking on the standardisation of platforms to produce several electric models on a large scale. Reducing the number of parts and optimising assembly lines will help to cut costs. In this way, the brand hopes to offer a vehicle that is affordable, profitable and competitive with international models.
Chevrolet has set a new world range record with its Silverado EV electric pick-up, covering 1,704 km on a single charge. A feat achieved under ultra-optimised driving conditions that are difficult to reproduce in everyday life.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV electric pick-up has broken a world range record, covering 1,704 km without recharging. (Credit: Chevrolet)
A technical feat in extreme conditions
The test was conducted by General Motors engineers on open roads near the Milford test centre in Michigan. What’s more, the Silverado EV Max Range has a giant 205 kWh battery, twice the capacity of a Tesla Model S. To beat the record, the average speed remained between 32 and 40 km/h, a far cry from everyday use. The tyres were inflated to maximum pressure and the alignment was optimised to reduce rolling resistance. The spare wheel was also removed and the body covered with a cover to improve overall aerodynamics. The air conditioning remained switched off, and no passengers were seated for most of the journey.
A much more modest official autonomy
On the market, the Max Range version claims an official range of around 740 km, according to the homologation results. This figure, already high, falls to around a third of the record in real traffic conditions. During the test, average fuel consumption was just 12 kWh/100 km, a remarkable score for a vehicle weighing 3.8 tonnes. By comparison, some electric saloon cars achieve this level at normal speed, but with a much lower weight and a more aerodynamic profile.
A symbolic record
Above all, this challenge shows the major impact of ultra-optimised driving on the range of electric vehicles. However, under normal conditions, it is impossible to hope to reproduce this figure without sacrificing speed, comfort and payload. Chevrolet concluded the event by using the Silverado to power a 3D printer making the record trophy.
The CEE Advenir Formations programme is launching a campaign at the main motorway service areas from 8 August 2025. The aim is to take advantage of summer traffic to reach as many motorists on holiday as possible. The campaign already took place at Whitsun with 32,000 kits distributed. It will return in August with a similar format and a presence every weekend.
Fun learning kits
Each kit contains two brochures explaining electric mobility. A family quiz card game invites you to test your knowledge. A simulator shows the ecological and economic benefits of electric vehicles. The fun format makes it easy to tackle a technical subject in an accessible way.
A measurable impact on motorists
According to the ROOLE media, a survey of 529 people carried out in June confirms the effectiveness of the approach. 40% of those surveyed were already using an electric vehicle before the operation. 85% said they had learned new information thanks to the kit they had received. Over 90% said that their perception of electric vehicles had changed for the better.
Distribution dates and locations
From 8 to 10 August: Sorgues, Narbonne Vinassan Nord, Saint Léger Est, Sainte Victoire.
From 15 to 17 August: Montélimar Est, La Riviera Française, Ambrussum Nord, Béziers Montblanc Nord.
From 22 to 24 August: Saint Rambert d’Albon Est, Vidauban Sud, Corbières Sud
From 29 to 31 August: Mornas les Adrets, Toulouse Sud, Poitou Charentes Nord.
500 km of range and a recharge in ten minutes. A start-up from Normandy is aiming to revolutionise electric mobility with a ground-breaking prototype.
LINE, the electric prototype designed by FacteurDix, promises record autonomy and energy efficiency (Credit: FacteurDix).
A response to the energy consumption of cars
In France, cars account for 30% of national energy consumption. Marc Guillemaud and Aurélien Roulleaux Dugage, two engineers from Normandy, want to change this equation. They founded FacteurDix in 2024 in Saint-Romain-de-Colbosc, near Le Havre. Their aim: to reduce the energy consumption of an electric vehicle by a factor of ten. The result: LINE, an aerodynamic, lightweight and ultra-efficient three-wheeler.
A sober design
LINE weighs less than 500 kg, thanks to composite materials from the boating and aeronautical industries. Its teardrop profile reduces air resistance and optimises efficiency. With a reduced frontal area, it achieves a drag coefficient of 0.28 m². By comparison, the best Tesla is 0.51 m². This design delivers record fuel consumption of 4 kWh/100 km.
Performance worthy of a classic road car
LINE reaches speeds of 165 km/h and offers a WLTP range of over 500 km. It recharges from 20% to 80% in ten minutes using a 100 kW charging point. This performance means it can be driven on the motorway at 130 km/h for two to three hours.
Despite its small size, the car is still very safe, with airbags, ESP and ABS. The engine is compact and light, with torque close to that of a Lotus Elise.
An ambitious industrial project
The prototype is being built by Faster in Plaisir (Yvelines), a specialist in experimental vehicles. FacteurDix expects the vehicle to be approved in 2027, before going into production. Ten examples will initially be offered to investors and ambassadors. Between 2028 and 2029, the aim is to produce 500 vehicles a year. From 2030, production could reach 10,000 units a year.
An assertive positioning
The target price has been set at around €30,000. The start-up is targeting a public that is aware of climate issues and looking for something original. LINE could also be attractive as a second car or for professional fleets. FacteurDix aims to become a Mission Company by 2026. The company is committed to reparability, sustainability and local job creation.
France is banking on electric vehicles to secure its industrial and environmental future. In 2024, production of electric vehicles jumped by 68%, driven by iconic models such as the Renault 5 electric and the Peugeot e-3008. But in a market dominated by China and the United States, the French industry must redouble its efforts to remain competitive. Between innovation, relocation and economic pressure, the French electric vehicle industry is at a turning point.
Peugeot e-3008, a 100% electric SUV with a neat, modern interior design
The French government has set an ambitious target of 800,000 electric vehicle sales per year by 2027, up from around 300,000 in 2023. This will be accompanied by accelerated development of charging infrastructure, with a target of 400,000 charging points installed by 2030. To encourage consumers to take the plunge, schemes such as the ecological bonus and social leasing at 100 euros a month have been introduced. However, these incentives are gradually being reduced, a sign that the market needs to become more self-sufficient.
At the same time, French carmakers are investing massively to offer vehicles that are more efficient, more autonomous and more accessible to a wider customer base. However, there are still many challenges to be overcome, such as the still high purchase price, the cost of batteries, uncertainties over critical materials, and the resistance of some consumers to new powertrains.
Strategic investment for greater autonomy
Faced with Europe’s dependence on Asian imports of batteries and rare materials, France has embarked on a policy of industrial sovereignty. Several gigafactories are currently under construction, notably in the north of the country, with the aim of producing batteries locally and reducing logistical and environmental costs. In Dunkirk, a Franco-Chinese partnership between Orano (formerly Areva) and XTC New Energy Materials, announced in December 2024, plans to manufacture battery components. This €1.5 billion ambition, conceived as part of the NEOMAT project, raises both hopes and questions about technological dependence on China.
Map showing the sites planned for future gigafactories producing electric batteries in France
Raw materials are also a major issue. The energy transition depends to a large extent on rare metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, the extraction of which is highly concentrated in a few countries, particularly in South America and Africa. To secure these resources, France and Europe are seeking to diversify their supplies and invest in projects to recycle used batteries.
Fierce international competition
While electromobility in France is making progress, it faces intense competition. Tesla, with its plant in Berlin, is flooding the European market and dominating sales with its Model Y, which has become the benchmark electric SUV thanks to its range, performance and ultra-developed recharging network. This local presence enables Elon Musk’s brand to avoid customs duties and speed up deliveries in Europe, strengthening its dominant position.
China, meanwhile, despite French restrictions on aid for vehicles produced outside Europe, is making its mark with brands such as BYD and MG Motors. These manufacturers are banking on very competitive prices and advanced technologies, particularly in terms of batteries and energy efficiency. BYD, which develops its own lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, enjoys a strategic advantage by reducing its production costs and offering high-performance models at attractive prices. Blade Battery technology currently offers capacities of 61.44 kWh and 80.64 kWh, giving a range of between 433 and 552 kilometres according to the European WLTP homologation cycle. Chinese-controlled MG Motors is also attracting interest with its well-equipped, affordable vehicles, increasing the pressure on European manufacturers who are struggling to compete in the entry and mid-range segment.
The French industry is seeking to distinguish itself through the quality of its vehicles and their integration into a national energy ecosystem. The government is supporting this approach through the France 2030 plan, which aims to produce two million electric vehicles a year in France by 2030, by mastering cutting-edge technologies such as electric motors and batteries. Producing more affordable vehicles is one of the major challenges. Several projects aim to develop models costing less than €20,000, while guaranteeing satisfactory range and durability. For example, Renault plans to market an electric version of the Twingo in 2026 at a price of less than €20,000.
Public recharging station facilitating the mobility of electric cars in urban areas.
A key role for public policy
To support the industry while speeding up the ecological transition, subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles will be gradually reduced, from €1.5 billion to €1 billion by 2025. At the same time, stricter taxes on internal combustion vehicles are being introduced to encourage consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
France is investing in battery recycling to limit its environmental impact and reduce its dependence on imports of rare metals. Companies such as Verkor and Northvolt are developing innovative solutions to recover lithium, cobalt and nickel, reintegrating these materials into new batteries.
By focusing on the circular economy, the aim is to secure supply, reduce the carbon footprint and strengthen industrial autonomy. These initiatives are part of a wider strategy to make electric mobility more sustainable and competitive.
Making the transition more accessible
The development of electromobility in France must not be at the expense of accessibility for low-income households. Developing a range of low-cost vehicles and extending the recharging network, including in rural areas, are priorities. Electric vehicles must also be integrated into a broader framework of sustainable mobility, including car-sharing and improved public transport.
Another major challenge lies in training professionals and adapting infrastructures. The installation of charging points needs to be accelerated in condominiums and public spaces, while garages and technicians need to be trained in the specific features of electric vehicles to support their widespread deployment.
The next few years will be crucial in determining whether France succeeds in establishing itself as a major player in electric vehicles in Europe. With strategic investment, an ambitious industrial policy and a focus on consumer needs, the French automotive industry has a card to play in this global transition.
With its 21700 cylindrical cells, Samsung SDI propels the Lucid Air Grand Touring to the pinnacle of electric autonomy.
Samsung SDI’s 21700 cylindrical battery equips the Lucid Air Grand Touring, ensuring record autonomy (Credit: Samsung SDI)
A world record to validate a technology
The record set by the Lucid Air Grand Touring would not have been possible without the batteries developed by Samsung SDI. Powered by 21700 cylindrical cells, the electric saloon covered 1,205 kilometres on a single charge. This record has been approved by Guinness World Records. The journey, made in July 2025 between St. Moritz in Switzerland and Munich in Germany, demonstrated the vehicle’s real-world performance. It took place in a variety of conditions, including Alpine roads, motorways and secondary networks.
High-performance cylindrical cells
The 21700 cells used by Samsung SDI represent a major advance in terms of energy capacity. As a result, they also offer extended life and rapid recharging. This format, which is larger than conventional 18650 cells, offers higher energy density while improving thermal stability. These cells enable the battery to maintain high efficiency even under prolonged loads, an essential advantage for long-distance use.
An ultra-fast recharging system
The integration of this battery into Lucid’s electric platform is based on an advanced charging architecture. Thanks to this technological synergy, the pack can recover up to 400 kilometres of range in just 16 minutes. This recharging speed, unprecedented for a production model, is made possible by the optimisation of the cells, the pack and the power electronics developed jointly by Lucid and Samsung SDI.
A long-term technological partnership
Samsung SDI and Lucid have been working together since 2016, long before the launch of the brand’s first production model. This strategic collaboration led to the development of the first Lucid Air prototypes. It then led to marketed versions, such as the Dream Edition and the Grand Touring. Together, the two companies have refined an integrated technical solution that combines efficiency, reliability and safety.
A showcase for battery innovation
With this record, Samsung SDI is showing that its technologies are not reserved for prototypes or concepts. They are being deployed in production vehicles, accessible to consumers and approved for the road. The company intends to strengthen its presence in the global high-performance battery market. It will continue to invest in R&D (research and development), while consolidating its partnership with Lucid.
