Category: News

On 16 July 2025, Porsche celebrated its one millionth Macan rolling off the production line at the Leipzig plant. A historic number. The Macan has always been seen as a sporty compact SUV that helped Porsche establish its commercial success back in 2014.

Eleven years later, the one millionth car to leave the factory is no longer powered by an internal combustion engine, but by an electric motor. Since 2024, the revival of the world’s best-known German carmaker has mirrored the global transition. With this milestone reached, Porsche is proving that electromobility is no longer a gamble, but an industrial reality adopted on a large scale, even by the most emblematic manufacturers in motorsport.

The electric Macan takes the lead

Unveiled at the beginning of 2024, the new generation Macan will be sold exclusively as a 100% electric version. And the figures confirm the craze: although the old combustion-powered Macans are still available in Porsche’s catalogue, in the first half of 2025, more than 60% of Macans sold were electric, according to official Porsche figures. Better still: according to Porsche’s press release of 8 July 2025, the electric Macan outsold the legendary 911 in 2024… Further proof of a shift in demand, even among the German brand’s demanding and loyal customers.

Optimised production for clear ambitions

The electric Macan is assembled at the Leipzig plant, which has been completely modernised to accommodate the production of electric vehicles. Porsche has invested more than half a billion euros to adapt its production lines to the PPE (Premium Platform Electric), developed in partnership with Audi. In concrete terms, Porsche produces electric cars using a technical base developed in partnership with Audi called PPE. The ‘PPE’ platform is to Audi and Porsche what the ‘STLA Medium’ platform is to Stellantis: a common base (chassis, battery location, etc.; in other words, the car’s ‘skeleton’, etc.). This means that production can be carried out faster, more efficiently and with shared top-of-the-range technologies.

As a result, the Macan’s electrical production is based on a line derived from that of the internal combustion models, but radically modernised to accommodate the PPE platform, illustrating the desire for flexibility and rapid industrial ramp-up.

A 100% electric future

With two 100% electric models already in the catalogue (the Taycan, now the Macan), the recent 911 type 992.2 adopting a slight hybridisation and finally a potential zero emission version of the Cayenne for 2026, the objective is clear. More than 80% of Porsche sales will be 100% electric by 2030, announced Oliver Blume (CEO of Porsche AG) in March 2022.

This millionth electric Macan is therefore much more than just a milestone: it’s a message, both to competitors and to the global market, and the message is clear: yes, it is possible to combine performance, design and electrification. And yes, electromobility is gaining ground, including among the historic manufacturers.

And what about performance?

The success of this electric Macan 4 is no accident:

• 408 hp,
• 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds,
• 612 km range claimed,
• Ultra-fast 100 kW recharge (10-80% in 21 minutes).

This performance confirms that electric is no longer synonymous with compromise, but with progress and sportiness.

The Canadian federal government recently blocked the entry into the national market of the world’s cheapest electric vehicles (EVs), manufactured in China, by imposing 100% customs duties. In response, electric mobility advocates are calling on Canada to make it easier to import affordable models from Europe, which are currently held back by technical standards.

Why it’s difficult today

European vehicles are not easily imported into Canada, as they do not meet certain Canadian certification requirements. Foreign certification rules are not automatically sufficient to meet the safety needs of Canadian road users, due to a distinct road environment, generally larger vehicles, and specific conditions.

Modifications may include bumpers, headlights or other technical features. This process can be long and costly, which discourages importers.

Press to open

Daniel Breton, President of Electric Mobility Canada, is calling for vehicles approved in Europe to be able to enter Canada without having to be recertified or modified. He believes that the Canadian requirements are unjustified, since “if these cars are safe enough for European roads, they are safe enough for ours “.

A survey of 2,585 Canadians conducted by Clean Energy Canada in June 2025 shows that 70% of them are in favour of opening up the market to approved European vehicles.

A tense business environment

This desire for openness comes against a backdrop of growing commercial pressure. The North American market is unstable: the withdrawal of subsidies in Canada, 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs, and the Trump administration’s decisions in the United States are complicating access to affordable vehicles.

The Canadian government is considering this option to diversify its sources of supply and meet growing demand for compact models that are currently unavailable, such as the Volkswagen ID.3, or brands that are absent from the Canadian market (Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, etc.).

Chinese manufacturer BYD is once again hitting the electric mobility industry with its Super e-Platform, a revolutionary 1,000 V architecture dedicated to ultra-fast electric charging. Combined with its new “Megawatt Flash Charger” charging point delivering up to 1,000 kW, it can recover no less than 400 km of range in just 5 minutes – that’s 2 km of range every second.

This performance is made possible by a special battery, designed to withstand very powerful recharging without overheating, and highly resistant electronic components that efficiently manage this enormous amount of energy. Recharging becomes as quick and easy as a trip to the petrol pump… At the launch in spring 2025, BYD unveiled two models compatible with this technology: the Han L saloon and the Tang L SUV, both capable of covering 400 km in 5 minutes. In terms of performance, the Han L has an engine running at 30,000 rpm and offers up to 788 bhp (580 kW), propelling it from 0-100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds…

Mass deployment in China

China is planning a national roll-out to match its ambitions… BYD has already installed more than 4,000 ultra-fast charging stations in the Middle Kingdom, with the first 500 arriving in April 2025. These kiosks are equipped with liquid cooling and a dual connector, capable of delivering up to 1,360 kW peak power.

And in practice?

Yes, it works… and very well indeed, at least in China, where the entire ecosystem has been designed with this in mind. The result: users can recharge with a smooth, reliable experience. The only limitation is that, for the moment, there are not many of these stations, and they are very expensive to set up… but the technology is there, fast, efficient, and already in daily use by thousands of drivers.

Impact on competition

BYD’s technology is shaking up the industry: Tesla, with its 250-350 kW superchargers (or even 500 kW in the future), is now lagging behind… European manufacturers (Mercedes, BMW, Renault) are also stepping up their efforts, but BYD’s leap towards the megawatt remains unparalleled.

What does this mean for Europe?

As far as Europe is concerned, BYD has clearly indicated its intention to bring this innovation to Europe. But feasibility will depend on the ability of electricity grids to support such high loads, and on the adoption of suitable charging stations. What’s more, only certain top-of-the-range models will be able to benefit from it, limiting the spread to the general public.

In concrete terms, with this breakthrough, BYD has brutally raised the bar for electric charging with its Super e-Platform and its network of megawatt charging stations, making charging almost as fast as filling up a petrol-powered vehicle. The brand is now ushering in a new era in which electro-mobility is no longer held back by range or charging time. It remains to be seen whether this revolution will quickly spread beyond China…

The 2025 Tour de France marks a turning point in the history of the Grande Boucle, not only in terms of sporting performance, but also in terms of its commitment to the environment. This year, the support vehicles, essential to the smooth running of the race, are adopting electric power on a massive scale, reducing their carbon footprint and noise pollution.

Škoda: a committed partner

For more than 20 years, Škoda has been the official supplier of vehicles for the Tour. For this 112th edition, the Czech brand has gone one step further by putting 225 100% electric or rechargeable hybrid vehicles on the road. Among them, the Škoda Enyaq iV and the new Škoda Elroq will take on the roles of lead car and steering car. In addition to their performance, these vehicles offer a silent, emission-free drive, contributing to a more pleasant experience for racers and spectators alike.

The advertising caravan goes green

Traditionally made up of noisy, polluting vehicles, the Tour de France publicity caravan is also changing. In 2025, several electric vehicles, including models from Volkswagen and Renault, will be integrated into the caravan, reducing the environmental impact of this emblematic event.

Cadillac: a first on the roads of the Tour

For the first time, the American brand Cadillac is taking part in the Tour de France by supplying electric vehicles to the EF Pro Cycling team. The all-electric Lyriq model will accompany the riders throughout the race, underlining Cadillac’s commitment to sustainable mobility and strengthening its presence on the European market.

Adapted infrastructures

To support this transition to electric vehicles, recharging facilities will be set up along the route. Rexel, a partner of the Tour, is providing a map of the charging points close to the route, making it easier to manage the electric vehicle fleet.

A greener race

This move towards electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles reflects a shared desire on the part of the organisers, partners and teams to make the Tour de France more environmentally friendly. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, the Tour de France 2025 is part of an eco-responsible approach, while retaining its festive and popular character.

In this way, the Tour de France 2025 is not just a high-level sporting event; it is also becoming a model of energy transition, showing the way forward for other large-scale events.

Launched with great fanfare on 1 January 2024, social leasing for electric cars was a victim of its own success. The government scheme, which enables low-income households to lease an electric vehicle for as little as 100 euros a month, will make a comeback from 30 September next year, the Ministry of the Economy announced on 15 July 2025. The aim is to widen access to electromobility while supporting the growth of the French automotive industry.

A better prepared recovery

The scheme was a huge success from the outset, with around 90,000 applications registered in just six weeks, for just 25,000 vehicles available. Faced with this saturated situation, the government suspended the scheme just a month and a half after its initial launch, on 15 February 2024… The government has therefore taken the time to structure the scheme and, above all, to coordinate with the players in the market concerned to ensure that social leasing is implemented effectively from the following year, 2025.

This time, the executive is thinking bigger: 150,000 vehicles will gradually be made available over the next two years. Manufacturers, for their part, are being encouraged to offer models produced in France or Europe in order to benefit from the public aid, in a bid to promote industrial sovereignty. Renault, Stellantis and others should therefore be adapting their offerings from the autumn.

More social electrification

Reserved for low-income households that use their car mainly for home-to-work journeys, social leasing is also intended to bridge a persistent divide: the gap between those who can afford to buy an electric car and those who can’t… The scheme targets French people whose annual household income is less than €15,400 per participant, who drive more than 8,000 km a year, and who also live a long way from public transport… The criteria are certainly numerous, but this scheme can probably resolve a few thousand situations…

In the midst of the energy transition, this relaunch of the social electric leasing programme is an attempt to speed up the conversion of the French car fleet while taking social realities into account. It remains to be seen whether the available supply will match demand. For the executive, the challenge is clear: electric cars must not remain a luxury.

MG, through its new premium electromobility brand “IM Motors”, has officially unveiled two new electric vehicles at the Goodwood Festival of Speed : the IM5 saloon and the IM6 SUV coupé. The presentation marks an important step in MG’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the premium electric vehicle segment.

MG IM5: a high-performance, efficient electric saloon

The MG IM5 is a 5-door saloon with an 800-volt electric architecture that optimises performance and recharging times. The carmaker offers two battery configurations: a standard battery of around 75 kWh and a Long Range version of 100 kWh, offering a claimed range of around 655 kilometres according to the official WLTP cycle.

This high-voltage architecture also means that the IM5 can be recharged very quickly, from 10% to 80% in just 17 minutes, provided that compatible charging points are used. In terms of performance, MG has announced a Performance version capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 3 seconds, positioning the IM5 as a direct competitor to current premium models on the electric market.

MG IM6: a powerful electric SUV coupé

The second model presented, the MG IM6, is a coupé SUV that combines sporty design and high performance. It is powered by a 750 hp engine and has a 100 kWh battery. MG has announced a range of 555 kilometres, according to the WLTP cycle, putting it on a par with the best in the segment.

Like the IM5, the IM6 uses an 800-volt electric architecture, guaranteeing very fast recharging times and optimised energy efficiency. MG also highlights the quality and technology on board this SUV coupé, aimed at customers looking for an electric vehicle that is both powerful and elegant.

Marketing and target markets

MG has stated that the IM5 and IM6 models will be sold mainly in certain international markets, notably the UK. To date, no official launch has been announced in France. This commercial strategy appears to be aimed at maximising the brand’s impact in markets where demand for premium electric vehicles is growing strongly.

In a nutshell

With the IM5 and IM6, MG IM Motors is taking a new step forward by offering top-of-the-range electric vehicles that combine performance, range and advanced technologies, all based on a modern 800-volt electrical architecture. Although their availability is limited to certain countries for the time being, these models demonstrate the Chinese manufacturer’s ambition to emerge as a key player in premium electric mobility.

Against a backdrop of sluggish electric car sales, the UK government announced on 14 July 2025 the return of a scheme to support the purchase of electric cars by private individuals. The scheme will come into effect on 16 July 2025. The aim is to revive flagging sales momentum, while the UK is still aiming to ban the sale of new combustion-powered cars by 2035.

A bonus of up to £3,750 for the “greenest” vehicles

The £650 million (approx. €750 million) scheme will enable buyers of 100% electric vehicles costing up to £37,000 (approx. €43,000) to benefit from a purchase discount. This can be as much as £3,750 (around €4,500) for models deemed to be the “greenest”, with optimised emissions and energy efficiency levels.

Less ‘virtuous’ but still eligible vehicles will be eligible for a more modest bonus of up to £1,500 (€1,755). The aid will be paid directly to the dealer, reducing the cost to the consumer.

A response to market stagnation

This aid reflects a worrying situation: after sustained growth between 2020 and 2023, sales of electric vehicles in the UK are stalling. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), private customers will account for just 40% of EV sales in 2025, compared with 55% in 2022. Business fleets now dominate the market.

In addition to its other measures, the government intends to boost private demand by investing a further £63 million in developing the network of charging points, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

A return to subsidies… two years after they were abolished

Until June 2022, the UK already offered a plug-in grant of £1,500. This was abruptly withdrawn in the name of “sufficient market maturity”, according to the authorities at the time. The reality is quite different: the transition to electric cars is still fragile and consumers are struggling to take the plunge, not least because of the still high price of new models. This revival of subsidies, welcomed by many players in the sector, marks a pragmatic U-turn. It remains to be seen whether it will be enough to convince private customers to electrify their garages.

Škoda is refining its ambitions in the consumer electric market with a new model, the Epiq, expected for the end of 2025. Presented as a concept in 2024, this “mini SUV” has already been seen during road tests in Spain, near the production plant, at the beginning of July 2025. With a length of 4.10 m, it is positioned in the affordable compact SUV segment, also coveted by Renault with its R4 E-Tech, Citroën with the ë-C3, and Volkswagen with the ID.2. Spotted recently in Spain under camouflage, the Škoda Epiq is now entering its active phase of road tests.

Low prices, high ambitions

Škoda has promised that the Epiq will target a starting price of around €25,000 , excluding the environmental bonus. This psychological threshold is the one that all manufacturers are targeting in order to democratise electric cars without ruining motorists. To achieve this, some concessions will no doubt have to be made on the equipment of entry-level versions. However, the manufacturer insists that this is a practical, connected family car, not a low-cost product.

Solid design for a new Škoda era

The design of the Škoda Epiq does not go unnoticed, even under camouflage. It inaugurates the new ‘Modern Solid’ design language, already visible on the brand’s latest concepts. It has a compact, almost muscular silhouette, with a flat bonnet, taut lines, T-shaped headlamps and a clearly visible ŠKODA name at the rear, in place of the traditional logo. Even under canvas, the Epiq clearly displays its positioning: a robust, practical yet modern urban SUV.

Up to 400 km range and two-way charging

Although Škoda has not yet released the full technical specification, the Epiq concept unveiled in spring 2024 claimed a range in excess of 400 km WLTP. A credible figure, even if the first marketed versions could offer a slightly more modest range depending on the battery chosen.

Bidirectional charging (V2L or V2G) will also be on the programme. Still a rare feature in this price range, it can be used to power appliances or even feed electricity back into the home network, appealing to users concerned about their energy footprint.

An SUV designed for Europe and made in Spain

The Epiq will not just be a concept: it is based on the new dedicated MEB Entry platform, designed for the Volkswagen Group’s entry-level electric vehicles. Unlike other Škodas produced in the Czech Republic, this model will be assembled in Pamplona, Spain, alongside the Volkswagen ID.2 and Cupra Raval. This strategic choice aims to contain costs while ensuring 100% European production. It remains to be seen how quality will be affected by this change of plant and the reduction in costs.

Uncluttered interior, bordering on the simplistic

On board, Škoda’s Epiq concept relies mainly on a large central screen. This is in line with the VAG group’s approach with Audi and Volkswagen: a minimum of physical buttons for essential functions, and recycled materials such as plastic used for the dashboard and centre console. A futuristic style that may confuse some drivers.

In terms of load capacity, Škoda has announced a boot capacity of 490 litres, which is surprisingly generous for a city car, making it particularly attractive to young families.

A key model for Škoda and the VAG Group

The stakes are high for the Czech brand. The Epiq is set to become one of the pillars of Škoda’s electric range, with a stated target of 70% electric sales in Europe by 2030. More broadly, this compact SUV should enable the Volkswagen group to catch up in the affordable electric segment, in the face of the rise of Chinese offerings, as well as those from Renault, Fiat and Citroën.

With this Škoda Epiq, the Czech brand is not just offering another compact SUV. It is a strategic model, a decisive turning point in the electrification of their range. Škoda is moving forward in a field pioneered by Renault (Dacia) in Europe: a reasonable price, credible range, European manufacturing and modern design. Pending its official unveiling at the end of 2025, this small electric SUV promises to be a serious competitor to the Dacia Spring and the latest Renault 4 E-Tech.

Lucid Motors has broken a world range record with its Air Grand Touring electric saloon, covering 1,205 kilometres without recharging. The journey, made between St. Moritz (Switzerland) and Monaco in Bavaria (Germany), was certified by Guinness World Records at the beginning of July 2025. The aim was to demonstrate the energy efficiency of its electric propulsion system.

A cross-border route, a global performance

The performance was achieved at the beginning of July 2025 by Turkish pilot Umit Sabanci, aboard a production Lucid Air Grand Touring. The journey covered 1,205 km in real-life conditions, without recharging or modifying the vehicle. The departure point was in St. Moritz, Switzerland, and the arrival in Munich (Monaco of Bavaria), Germany.

The feat was officially validated by Guinness World Records, which confirmed that the vehicle was genuine, that the distances were respected and that no recharging was required during the journey.

A technical record to match

The Lucid Air Grand Touring has a useful 112 kWh battery, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Its propulsion system is based on a 900-volt architecture, giving it high energy efficiency. The vehicle also boasts a coefficient of drag (Cx) of 0.197, one of the lowest on the market.

The model is approved in Europe and is among the electric saloons with one of the longest ranges currently available.

A life-size demonstration

The record is part of a strategy to demonstrate Lucid technology in real-life conditions. The driver complied with speed limits and traffic regulations on open roads. No external charging or assistance devices were used, in line with Guinness World Records requirements.

“This range record is a significant milestone. It’s another clear demonstration of the technological leadership that defines Lucid,” said Eric Bach, Senior Vice President of Product and Chief Engineer at Lucid Motors.

A benchmark in the electric vehicle market

Lucid has now surpassed the previous record set by Mercedes with the Vision EQXX, which covered 1,045 km on a single charge. Unlike the Mercedes prototype, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is a marketed model, available in Europe from 2023.

This record not only validates Lucid’s technological ambitions, but also shows that production electric vehicles are now capable of covering distances worthy of the best combustion-powered saloon cars. A symbolic but very real milestone for electromobility.

Paris, 14 July – It’s official: today, the President of the Republic opens the 14 July parade aboard the Renault Rafale, symbolising the emblematic return of the brand to the Élysée Palace garage. This choice marks a new stage in the history of French motoring.

A prestigious return to our roots

For the first time since 2012, a Renault vehicle is being used as the official car of the Head of State, taking over from the DS 7 Crossback Élysée. This return reinforces Renault’s historical ties with presidents dating back to the Renault 40 CV in 1920. This presidential version has a specific dark blue body, a tricolour grille and armouring that meets the Élysée’s safety standards.

High-performance, efficient hybrid powertrain

Based on the CMF-CD platform, the Rafale offers two E-Tech engines. The 200hp front-wheel drive version combines a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver a combined output of 200hp, 410Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 8.9s, fuel consumption of 4.7 to 5.0l/100km and CO₂ emissions of around 105g/km.

The 300hp E-Tech 4×4 plug-in hybrid version combines a second electric motor on the rear axle and a 22 kWh battery, providing up to 105 km of 100% electric range, 1,000 km of total range, 0-100 km/h in 6.4 s, extremely low combined fuel consumption (~0.5-0.9 L/100 km) and emissions of 15-19 g/km CO₂.

A technological and responsible interior

The cabin is modern and connected, with a dual 12″ OpenR Link screen (instrumentation + infotainment), Android Automotive with Google Maps and voice assistant. The system includes driving aids such as Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise control and the 4Control advanced system with controlled suspension for maximum comfort.

Options such as the Solarbay® opaque panoramic roof, Alpine Esprit seats, 21″ wheels and Alpine luxury trim complete the premium experience.

A strong political image

The choice of the Renault Rafale as the presidential car is a clear affirmation of the desire to promote the French automotive industry, by combining prestige, innovation and ecological commitment. This presidential vehicle reflects a modern Republic that cares about its image, looks to the future and respects its environmental commitments.