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.
Sony is leaving the show floor to take to the pavement – a major first for the renowned tech brand. After Xiaomi’s arrival on the market with its YU 7 and SU7 Ultra, it’s Sony’s turn. The Japanese brand, historically known for its televisions, consoles and cameras, is taking an unprecedented step into the automotive sector. It is now entering the pre-production phase of the Afeela 1, its first 100% electric car.
Designed and built in partnership with Honda, assembly of the model began on Wednesday 30 July 2025. It will take place at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio, USA. This is a decisive step in making the project a reality.
The Afeela 1 electric saloon, the fruit of collaboration between Sony and Honda (Credit: Sony)
Presented in prototype form at CES in Vegas in 2023, and then in a near-complete version in January 2025, the Afeela 1 was until then no more than a “promising concept”. It is now becoming a concrete industrial product in the making, with deliveries scheduled from mid-2026 for the first American customers.
A strategic turning point for Sony
This is the first time that Sony has entered the automotive industry in such a concrete way. And it’s no mean feat. The company is bringing to this project its expertise in key areas: sensors, on-board software, interfaces, AI – everything that is shaping the future of the connected car today. The Afeela 1 is as much a saloon car as a digital terminal on wheels. With screens all over the dashboard, facial recognition at the entrance, high-level in-car entertainment and cutting-edge driver assistance systems, technology is not just an add-on, it’s at the heart of the project.
Where are we now?
This entry into pre-production is much more than a simple test phase. In this pivotal phase, the engineers go through every stage of assembly with a fine-tooth comb. They check the fit of the parts, the quality of the materials, the precision of the welds and the robot chains. This is when we check that what has been designed on screen can actually be mass-produced, without a hitch or error. In concrete terms, we move from theory to practice. We test the vehicle, but above all we test the factory itself. Because a car as technologically advanced as the Afeela cannot tolerate any approximations. Pre-production allows us to correct any remaining faults. It also serves to fine-tune industrial processes and anticipate sticking points before the launch. In short, this is the stage that transforms a concept into a reliable product.
Immersive digital interface on board the Afeela 1, with a real-life driver. (Credit: Afeela)
In designing this vehicle, Sony could not have gone so far without Honda. The two companies signed a partnership agreement in 2022 with the creation of Sony Honda Mobility, forming an unprecedented collaboration between the tech and automotive industries, which, given the cross-fertilisation of these two sectors, could inspire other companies to join forces. The launch of pre-production shows that the collaboration is working. The assembly lines are in place, assembly tests are beginning, and the production rate will be gradually increased over the coming months.
An example paving the way for new alliances?
Behind the scenes, this initiative is also sending out a message to the general public: the energy transition is no longer just a matter for traditional car manufacturers. The growing involvement of technology players like Sony is helping to accelerate the integration of electric cars into the public arena. And if other companies of this calibre follow suit, world opinion could move more quickly towards mass adoption, making electric mobility truly universal.
Too much technology?
The fact remains that this rise in technological power is not universally accepted… In barely two decades, the automotive world has moved from a world centred on the driving experience, mechanical sensations and the feel of the chassis to an environment increasingly controlled by technology, where panoramic screens, on-board algorithms and voice assistants now play a central role in the driving experience. Emotion, on the other hand, cannot be downloaded. It remains to be seen whether this energy transition will really lead to the end of the car that moves.
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.
Mercedes is preparing an unprecedented offensive with 32 new models between 2026 and 2027, half of which will be 100% electric. This marks a strategic shift for the German manufacturer as it seeks to revive its commercial momentum and catch up with the competition.
The Mercedes EQS, an electric luxury saloon, illustrates Mercedes-Benz’s growing commitment to the electrification of vehicles, photographed in Istanbul in May 2022.
A response to falling sales
Mercedes is going through a difficult period, with sales down by 3% in 2024 and 6.2% in the first half of 2025. To reassure its investors and counter the rise of Tesla and Chinese brands, the manufacturer is betting on the most ambitious product plan in its history.
From 2026, 18 models will be launched, followed by a further 14 in 2027. Of these, 15 will be 100% electric vehicles, across all segments.
Electrification across the range
Mercedes is planning a complete overhaul of its range. At entry level, the new GLA, GLB and CLA Shooting Brake will be offered in both internal combustion and electric versions.
At the heart of the range, the brand is preparing an electric GLC (presented at the Munich Motor Show 2025) and a zero-emission C-Class, both based on the new MB.EA platform.
The top of the range is not to be outdone, with ten launches planned, including a restyled EQS, a new small electric G-Class, and an electric version of the AMG GT 4-door.
Cross-section of the battery of the Mercedes EQC 400 4Matic, the electric SUV presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, which showcases the technology of Mercedes’ EQ range.
End of the EQ range announced
Mercedes is also planning to rethink its design approach. The aesthetic differences between combustion and electric models will disappear, marking the gradual end of the EQ range. Eventually, all vehicles will share the same styling language, whatever their engine.
AMG enters the electric era without abandoning the V8
The AMG sports division will accompany the transition with new electric models, including a high-performance SUV and a saloon derived from the GT XX concept. At the same time, Mercedes has confirmed the return of the naturally-aspirated V8 from 2027, which will remain in the catalogue “until the middle of the next decade”.
A strategic shift, but not a break with the past
Contrary to its earlier plans, Mercedes will not be phasing out combustion engines in 2030. The manufacturer prefers to use a mix of technologies, in response to the diversity of markets and geopolitical uncertainties.
With this dual strategy – ambitious electrification and the retention of combustion engines – Mercedes hopes to regain ground in a premium market that is more competitive than ever.
Tesla is adjusting its prices in France for the Model Y and Model 3, taking advantage of the new CEE bonus scheme, now financed by energy suppliers via Energy Savings Certificates.
The Model Y is becoming more affordable thanks to the CEE bonus, with up to €4,200 in assistance depending on the profile (Crédit : Mathis Miroux)
Model Y: substantial discounts
Previously excluded from the environmental bonus, the restyled Model Y (“Juniper”) is now eligible for the “electric vehicle incentive”. The rear-wheel drive version drops from €44,990 to €41,810, and even €40,790 for the most modest households. The Grande Autonomie Propulsion version, meanwhile, drops to €42,790.
These offers are accompanied by an attractive LOA (lease with purchase option), from €299 per month over 36 months, with an initial deposit of €8,450 for a resident of Hauts-de-France.
Model 3: a direct price cut
Produced in China and excluded from the main incentives, the Model 3 benefits from a direct discount of €3,100 granted by Tesla, reducing its entry price to €36,980, or even €36,554 with a ‘small’ CEE bonus of €350.
Offers are valid for all orders placed before 31 December 2025 (Model Y) with deliveries until 30 June 2026, or 27 September 2025 (Model 3), with deliveries before 30 of the same month.
The new French car market is going through a complicated period. In July 2025, sales were still 7.7% down on last year. Even though the government is proposing subsidies to encourage electric cars, the sector is not really picking up. On the other hand, electric and hybrid cars continue to sell well, or at least better than conventional cars.
A wide choice of modern SUVs in a dealer fleet, reflecting current trends in the French car market.
A declining overall market
Just over 116,000 new cars were sold in France in July, according to figures published on Friday by the French car manufacturers’ association (PFA). Since the start of the year, fewer than one million cars have been purchased, which is a fairly low figure compared with previous years. All types of buyer have been affected: private individuals are buying fewer cars, as are businesses, AAA Data said in a press release. The exception is car rental companies, which are selling more vehicles on a short-term basis.
Petrol and diesel cars down sharply
Traditional cars, which run on petrol or diesel, are seeing their sales fall sharply. In 2025, petrol sales fell by 34% and diesel sales by 41% compared with the previous year. This trend shows that buyers are gradually turning away from these engines.
Hybrid and electric cars are gaining ground
Hybrid cars, which combine a combustion engine with an electric motor, now account for more than half of all sales (53% in July). These models are becoming increasingly popular, as they consume less fuel.
100% electric cars are also making progress, accounting for around 17% of the market in July, with sales up by 15%. This increase is mainly due to purchases by companies. However, private customers are still somewhat reluctant to switch to electric cars, despite the financial assistance available.
Brands and their performance
Renault remains the leader in electric cars in France, with sales up sharply by 24.4%. BMW, Mini, Ford, MG and BYD are also making good progress, thanks in particular to their new electric or hybrid models. On the other hand, some brands such as Peugeot and Tesla are seeing their electric car sales fall.
What are the prospects?
The French car market is still fragile. The new ecological bonus and the electric leasing scheme are due to arrive in September. They could encourage more private customers to buy electric cars. But for the moment, the recovery is not yet visible.
In the meantime, hybrid cars remain the preferred choice for many buyers. They represent an intermediate solution between conventional cars and 100% electric cars.
Ford is preparing to mark a historic turning point in its electric adventure. Jim Farley, the American manufacturer’s CEO, announced a key date during a conference call on 30 July. According to him, August 11 will be a crucial day for the company. A major announcement relating to electric vehicles is scheduled for that day. Farley believes that this event could be as significant as the launch of the legendary Model T in 1908.
Ford CEO Jim Farley outlines the carmaker’s new electric strategy at a conference on 30 July 2025. (Credit: Ford)
At the event, Ford will unveil its plans for the design and manufacture of a revolutionary electric vehicle and a new platform, all developed on American soil, in the state of Kentucky to be precise.
This new family of vehicles promises to combine technological innovation, fuel efficiency, optimised interior space and advanced features to meet market expectations while competing with the advances of Chinese manufacturers.
An ambitious strategy in the face of Chinese competition
Jim Farley was particularly impressed by the progress made in China in the field of electric vehicles. During a recent visit, he highlighted the fact that the American industry is lagging behind its Chinese competitors, going so far as to say that without a rapid response, the battle would be lost. He also revealed that he drives a Chinese model, the Xiaomi SU7, on a daily basis, and praises its qualities.
Behind the scenes, Ford has set up a specialised, relatively independent team to develop a new electric platform. This should enable the mass production of vehicles that are more compact, less costly to manufacture, yet profitable enough to ensure the company’s long-term future.
If Ford succeeds in offering small, affordable and profitable electric vehicles, it could profoundly change the car industry. This shift would be comparable to that represented by the Model T at the beginning of the 20th century.
The date is set for 11 August. Car enthusiasts and observers alike are waiting with bated breath to find out more about this electric strategy. It could reshape the mobility landscape for a long time to come.
General Motors (GM) has confirmed that the Chevrolet Bolt will make a comeback in 2027, with a commercial launch scheduled for 2026.
Redesigned vertical LED lights for the 2027 Bolt (Credit: Chevrolet)
Although the model was discontinued at the end of 2023 after years of production, GM is responding to demand. The manufacturer is offering a modernised version based on the Ultium. The first teaser images show that the new Bolt shares a chassis, roof and windscreen with the Bolt EUV. At the same time, it adopts a revised design: a redesigned grille and bumper, more pronounced rear lights and refined black wheels. The brand says that more details will be revealed this autumn.
New technical developments
NACS (North American Charging Standard)charging port now standard, providing direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, a more economical and longer-lasting technology than the lithium-ion batteries of the previous model. Estimated range of around 300 miles (~480 km EPA).
Significantly improved DC fast charging. Capacity much higher than the 50-55 kW of the old Bolt, reaching around 150 kW.
New NACS connector compatible with Tesla charging stations (Credit: Chevrolet)
Production and price positioning
Production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2025 at the Fairfax Assembly site (Kansas City, Kansas).
Deliveries are expected to start in mid-2026, before going on sale as a 2027 model.
Although the official price has not been announced, GM is targeting a price of around USD 30,000, similar to that of the original Bolt.
What it changes
The new Bolt retains its compact crossover/hatchback format. It brings a number of notable improvements, including a reworked design, faster charging and lower running costs. The direct integration of the NACS port facilitates access to Tesla charging points, the densest network in the United States. The LFP battery, which is simpler and more durable, also reduces costs and maintenance.
Redesigned wheels for improved aerodynamics (Credit: Chevrolet)
In short, the Chevrolet Bolt returns as a 2027 model with a neat restyling and technical updates focused on accessibility. It is based on the Ultium platform and features the NACS port, an LFP battery and improved fast charging. The new model is positioned as an affordable and efficient electric solution, with an estimated price of around USD 30,000. Expected to hit dealerships in 2026, the Bolt is aimed at customers looking for a reliable, easy-to-maintain vehicle that is also technologically advanced.
With a coefficient of drag (Cx) of 0.21, Audi has produced its most aerodynamic car ever. A concrete step towards greater electric efficiency. The new A6 e-tron Sportback boasts an extremely low coefficient of drag, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars on the European market – and the most aerodynamic ever produced by the Volkswagen Group.
Front and side view of the Audi A6 e-tron Sportback, with its flowing design and elegant light signature (Credit: Audi)
A body that approaches aerodynamic perfection
To put this figure into perspective, the lower the Cx, the less air resistance the vehicle encounters. The result: lower energy consumption, and therefore greater range. By way of comparison, a combustion saloon like the Audi RS6 has a Cx of around 0.35, while the Tesla Model S, often cited as a benchmark, has a Cx of 0.20…
2,800 simulations, 1,000 hours in the wind tunnel: the quest for detail
Audi has left nothing to chance. To achieve this level of aerodynamic finesse, the brand carried out 2,800 digital simulations, followed by 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing. Every detail of the bodywork was studied, rethought and optimised.
Notable innovations include:
Smoothed rims, designed to reduce turbulence around the wheels.
A lower body equipped with air deflectors, which channel the air and guide it fluidly under the car.
A flat bottom coupled with a refined rear diffuser, accelerating airflow to reduce drag.
All these improvements give the new A6 2025 a silhouette worthy of a drop of water in the air, naturally the most aerodynamic shape.
Rear view of the A6 e-tron Sportback, with diffuser and sculpted aerodynamic lines. (Credit: Audi)
750 kilometres of range: when form meets function
Beyond the raw numbers, this quest for efficiency is reflected in concrete terms on the road. Thanks to its advanced aerodynamics and optimised energy management, the A6 e-tron Sportback is claimed to have a range of up to 750 kilometres. A symbolic threshold that repositioned Audi as a serious player in top-of-the-range electric competition.
A strong signal for the future of electric mobility
With this saloon, Audi confirms that the future of electromobility lies not only in batteries and engines, but above all in the shape of the vehicles themselves. In the all-electric era, the bodywork is becoming a key element of performance. So the A6 e-tron Sportback is more than just a styling exercise: it’s the symbol of a strategic shift, where every hundredth of a Cx becomes a kilometre gained.
