Category: News

Who would have bet that a phone manufacturer, Xiaomi, would come and beat Porsche on its favourite home turf, the Nürburgring ?

In the space of just a few months, Xiaomi, the Chinese consumer electronics giant, has turned the established codes of the automotive industry on their head with an extra-fast time at the Nürburgring… But to fully understand the significance of this dazzling achievement, we need to look back at the chronology.

The SU7, Xiaomi‘s first electric GT sports car, went on sale in China in March 2024. At the same time, a much more extreme prototype called the SU7 Ultra (more powerful, lighter and optimised for the track) was tested on the legendary German circuit the following summer. On 28 October 2024, a prototype of this SU7 Ultra completed the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 6 minutes and 46 seconds… A disconcerting time for the German competitors, but achieved with a vehicle that was not really up to standard… Roll-over bar, racing tyres and specific components not available on the production version! In short, this version achieved an incredible time, but is not part of any championship, and therefore has no official value… (in this case, the category is ‘Electric Production Cars’).

A record at the Nürburgring, a royal entry into the big leagues for Xiaomi

The real record came just a few months later. On 1 April 2025, Xiaomi took another lap of the track with a production SU7 Ultra in just 7 minutes 04 seconds, this time validated in the Electric Production Cars category. It’s a feat that sent shockwaves through the world, as the time above dethroned the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT! (The former queen of the category…) So it’s at this precise moment that Xiaomi strikes hard. On its very first attempt, a very young car brand has surpassed one of the most emblematic names on the Nürburgring. The Nürburgring has always been dominated by European manufacturers, and Porsche has reigned supreme here for decades as a national symbol of performance and precision.

But to achieve such a result, Xiaomi has spared no expense. The SU7 Ultra packs more than 1,500bhp from three electric motors, as well as Pirelli semi-slick tyres, carbon-ceramic brakes and a chassis that’s sharper than ever. Features that make this model much more than just a GT sports car: it’s a real technological showcase, demonstrating China’s ambitions in the high-performance electric sector.

A young American company, Dacora Motors, has just presented its first neo-retro concept car, inspired by the cars of the inter-war years, modernised and 100% electric.

If there’s one thing that car enthusiasts, whether they run on watts or benzine, can agree on, it’s their love of concept cars. And the one that Dacora Motors, a young American company founded by Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll, an engineer, and her husband Eric, has just presented is likely to put everyone on the same wavelength. It combines the slightly Art Deco elegance of 1930s design with 100% electric performance and modern standards.

With its long, solid walnut bonnet, a cabin crammed with analogue dials, backlit buttons and wood veneers, and dizzyingly massive curves reminiscent of an old Cadillac, it almost feels like you’re on the streets of a mafia-ridden Chicago at the height of Prohibition, but certain technical and technological details, notably the screens and haptic buttons, take us back to 2025. Still at the concept stage, this large saloon, which could well be driven by any Batman villain, could nonetheless go into production very soon, according to Dacora Motors.

Dacora Motors, 800 bhp, 600 km range and… 500,000 dollars!

In terms of power, this Dacora develops the equivalent of 800 bhp and has a claimed range of 400 miles (643 kilometres), enough to cover the distance between Los Angeles and Las Vegas without recharging, despite weighing almost three tonnes. That’s if you’ve still got a bit of change to put in the red at the roulette wheel, because to buy the Dacora you’ll have to shell out 500,000 dollars. At that price, owners will be able to personalise their cars, from the livery to the colour of the leather and the wood types. The least they can do.

Electricity seems to have given the traditional manufacturers the runaround, and on the whole they are playing it safe with minimalist, futuristic and repetitive designs, gradually losing their visual identity. So it’s rather refreshing to see young upstarts like Dacora Motors going in the opposite direction with a car with such an assertive character. It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to overshadow Rolls-Royce and its electric Spectre, which costs almost €400,000. For that to happen, the Dacora saloon would have to go from concept to production. And while it’s important to remain cautious, the buzz around this type of neo-retro model is very strong, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the first Dacora Motors leave the factory in a small production run. Indeed, according to Kristie and Eric, pre-orders have already exceeded their production capacity! One thing’s for sure: it will be made in the United States, with the added expertise of Pininfarina… and that’s saying something!

Genesis, the top-of-the-range brand from the Korean Hyundai group, is preparing to set up shop in France. The first deliveries are scheduled for early 2026, and this little-known manufacturer on the Old Continent will be taking its first steps here in 100% electric form!

Hyundai took advantage of its presence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to announce the arrival of its premium brand in four new European markets. Genesis is thus preparing to land in France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, four years after it began its conquest of the Old Continent in Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

An electric trident for the arrival of Genesis in France

The launch of Genesis in France had to be 100% electric. That’s the way things have always been, but also, and above all, the way the market is heading. And the Korean manufacturer is not doing things by halves, as it has decided to launch three models. The GV60, a compact SUV that will go down as the brand’s first vehicle designed from the outset to be electric (which explains its sleek design), the eGV70, its XL version, and the eG80 large road saloon.

While Genesis has built up a fine reputation thanks to its innovations, both in terms of design and on-board technology, the brand still has a lot of work to do to raise its profile in France. All the more so as it intends to go hunting in the territories of the big European premium names, from BMW to Mercedes to Polestar, while taking on the Chinese manufacturers who are seeing their market share grow year on year. In short, we need to make up this shortfall in brand awareness, and to do this, Genesis plans to set up a dozen ‘studios’ in France. More than dealerships, these will be showrooms inspired by luxury boutiques which, according to Le Figaro, are due to open in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Lille, Strasbourg, Nice and Toulouse.

Genesis well placed in the price war?

As I said earlier, the competition looks set to be fierce for Genesis when it arrives in France. And while the customer experience of a tailor-made studio to choose your vehicle is a strong point, it is above all the quality/price ratio that will tip the balance when it comes to signing the cheque, even in the premium segment. Based on prices already known in Switzerland, and bearing in mind that prices are generally higher in Switzerland, we discover that the GV60, the cheapest of the three models that will be available here, starts at €68,000, which is in the same ballpark as the Mercedes EQB and the BMW iX2.

It remains to be seen whether the technological and comfort arguments put forward by Genesis, those that will make the difference more than the engine, will be able to surpass the two German giants in terms of quality, since in terms of price, it’s not certain that there will be a big enough difference to play in the Korean manufacturer’s favour. To find out for sure, we’ll have to wait until 2026 and the arrival on our roads of the first Genesis-badged cars for ECO MOTORS NEWS journalists to get their hands on them.

Genesis Magma, the sporting showcase

In the meantime, the brand is making a name for itself in France with its Genesis Magma programme. It’s no coincidence that Genesis announced its arrival on the French market during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The legendary endurance race is a prestigious showcase for the brand, which took part this year in the LMP2 category, ahead of its move into the hypercar category in 2026 with the GMR-001.

After unveiling their latest sodium-ion batteries in April 2025, CATL announced on 28 May 2025 a new advance on its “lithium-metal” batteries. These modifications to the composition of the cells could remove several obstacles to the adoption of electric cars, by improving both range and lifespan.

To understand what such a breakthrough represents in terms of electric batteries, it is essential to know who CATL really is. The brands equipped with ‘Lithium’ batteries from this company’s factories are very large. They include Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, the brands of the Stellantis group, Hyundai, Ford, Xpeng and even BYD. All these brands together account for around 57% of the global market for electric cars… CATL could therefore supply these new batteries to more than half the market!

A revolution in global auto electrics?

This new ‘lithium-metal’ battery is a radical step forward… Not only has range been doubled thanks to a record energy density of 500 Wh/kg (compared with 250/300 Wh/kg on average), but the battery’s longevity and lifespan have also been significantly improved compared with previous ‘lithium-metal’ batteries. In theory, this new prototype doubles the life of the cells, making it possible to achieve 483 recharge cycles before the battery’s capacity falls below 80%, compared with around 250 cycles previously. The biggest advantage is that the batteries will be able to store much more energy, without being heavier or bigger…

Eventually, this type of battery could enable electric vehicles to achieve mileages comparable to, or even greater than, those of many internal combustion models. However, these “lithium-metal” batteries do offer superior energy density, but they are sometimes limited in time. They face problems of premature wear and tear, particularly with the formation of dendrites and the gradual degradation of the electrolyte. After hundreds of recharging cycles, these dendrites end up neutralising certain lithium cells, which ultimately tarnishes the battery’s performance.

In practical terms, the battery gradually loses its autonomy, and it also becomes more difficult to deliver heavy acceleration or rapid charging without heating up or damaging the battery. Yes, that dead lithium always takes up space and cannot be used by the battery…

There is much speculation as to when the first CATL “lithium-metal” battery-powered vehicles could be put on the road as early as 2026-2027, with a ramp-up to 2027-2028, according to the Australian technology news website Discovery Alert.

How do you go from 100 to over 450 recharges?

Until now, lithium-metal batteries have struggled to exceed 100 recharge cycles before losing performance. CATL has succeeded in pushing back this limit by modifying the composition of the electrolyte (the liquid that allows lithium ions to circulate in the battery). Normally, some of the lithium and salt (LiFSI) present in this liquid is lost with each recharge, which wears down the battery. By better stabilising this electrolyte and forming a thin, more even protective layer inside the battery, CATL has succeeded in limiting these losses and significantly extending the life of its lithium cells.

As the electric car gradually gains ground, the government is stepping up its support for the installation of charging points. The aim is to make life easier for motorists, remove disincentives to recharging, and ensure equitable access across the country.

400,000 terminals in the pipeline: France moves up a gear

With more than 168,000 public charging points in May 2025, France is aiming for 400,000 by 2030, including 50,000 fast charging points. From cities to rural areas, all locations are covered: car parks, motorways, supermarkets… so that every French person can recharge easily, wherever they live.

This is in response to the strong growth in sales of electric vehicles and the forthcoming ban on combustion-powered cars, voted by the European Parliament for 2035.

Home terminal: soon simpler, faster

In conjunction with Enedis, the government is preparing a plan to simplify the installation of charging points in communal housing: the aim is to have less than six months between the agreement of the co-ownership and commissioning.

To lighten the bill (between €1,500 and €2,500), the State provides financial assistance, in particular via the Advenir programme, to encourage private individuals to take the plunge.

Smart tariffs and cars that give energy back

To continue to attract new users, preferential tariffs should be introduced at times of peak renewable energy production (“solar hours”), as well as at night and at weekends.

The government is also pushing ahead with the development of V2G, an innovative technology that allows cars to return electricity to the grid when consumption peaks. The government’s aim is to roll out V2G across Europe by 2026.

Reliable terminals, available 24 hours a day: a promise of trust

With a technical availability rate of 93%, the French network is already performing well. But to go even further, the government intends to strengthen its partnerships with operators to ensure a seamless service, with terminals that are maintained, repaired quickly and accessible 24 hours a day.

A challenge to match climate ambitions

Supporting the rise of the electric car is much more than a matter of comfort: it’s a necessity if we are to meet the climate targets set at European level. Because a clean car is worth nothing… without a charging point nearby.

The government plans to increase the amount of the ecological bonus for the purchase of electric vehicles, while introducing a new method of financing. This reform could come into force as early as 1 July 2025, according to a draft order to be presented to the Conseil supérieur de l’énergie on 17 June.

A bigger environmental bonus

The amount of the ecological bonus, currently 4,000 euros for low-income households or those in “fuel poverty”, would be increased to 4,200 euros. For other households, the bonus would rise from €2,000 to €3,100, according to Les Echos. The aim of this increase is to make electric vehicles more accessible, at a time when the cost of these models remains a major obstacle for many households.

The reform is also designed to speed up the decarbonisation of the car fleet, at a time when sales of electric vehicles are slowing down.

One of the reasons for this reform is that the budget for the bonus for 2025 is almost fully committed. A new method of financing is therefore deemed necessary to guarantee the continuity of the scheme.

Financing based on energy suppliers

Rather than relying entirely on public finances for this support, the government would like to mobilise energy saving certificates (CEE). This mechanism obliges energy suppliers (such as EDF or TotalEnergies) to finance actions to reduce energy consumption in France.

Until now, CEE has mainly been used to help people renovate their homes (by changing an old boiler or insulating a roof, for example). The government now wants the scheme to be used to fund support for electric cars, such as the bonus or social leasing.

Each year, the CEE represents between 4 and 6 billion euros. The government wants to use some of this to help with the transition to electric cars, while continuing to support housing renovations.

A decision on the ecological bonus expected in mid-June

Not everyone is in favour of this strategic reorientation. Some players in the energy renovation sector fear that the funds allocated to work on housing, such as thermal insulation or the replacement of heating systems, will be reduced.

The government, for its part, is defending a more balanced approach to the energy transition. It believes that reducing emissions in the transport sector should now be given the same priority as reducing emissions in the residential sector.

The draft decree will be presented to the Conseil Supérieur de l’Energie on 17 June. If the text is adopted, the new eco-bonus rules will come into force on 1 July 2025.

Presented at the Shanghai Motor Show from 23 April to 2 May 2025, the new Denza marks a turning point for the top-of-the-range subsidiary of Chinese giant BYD.

With its sleek design and low-slung silhouette worthy of a GT sports car, this newcomer is impressive. But where it comes as a surprise is its price, estimated at around 60,000 euros including tax in France… a price well below that of the rivals against which it intends to compete, starting with the Porsche 911 and its many variants. With its sharp lines, aggressive front blade and oversized rear spoiler, BYD reveals a clearly assertive sporty style.

Performance

The Chinese firm is remaining discreet about its technical specifications, but everything suggests that it intends to hit hard. Its parent company, BYD, which is well on the way to dethroning Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric cars, has been developing top-quality batteries for some years now. This latest model could be inspired by the Denza Z9GT, a 950-horsepower station wagon developed entirely by BYD.

Technical side

For the moment, what we do know is that this technological jewel, unveiled in Shanghai, features a new adaptive magnetic suspension capable of reacting in less than 10 milliseconds. This new sports car also features ‘steer-by-wire’ steering, an innovative system with no direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels. Everything is managed with the help of artificial intelligence. The result is greater precision when cornering, making the car more accessible on the racetrack, and enhanced suppleness, whether driving in the city or on the motorway. It can also adjust the resistance of the steering wheel according to the situation and reduce vibrations, for unprecedented driving comfort. Still at the concept stage, the latest Denza could go into production as early as 2026.

Since its beginnings, BMW has cultivated a distinctive image, built on a distinctive driving experience and a recognisable visual identity. As the internal combustion engine reaches the end of its life cycle, a major change is on the horizon. More than just a technological shift, BMW is planning an in-depth transformation from 2025 onwards.

Vision Neue Klasse”: a strong new identity

Like its German competitors, BMW plans to stop selling combustion-powered vehicles by 2035. This transition to electric vehicles has already begun with a solid range (iX, i4, i7, etc.), and will accelerate with the arrival of the Neue Klasse in 2025. Initial sketches were unveiled in 2023, followed in 2024 by a first version of the Vision Neue Klasse. The style adopted is marked by strong ambition, symbolising a new era focused on innovation. BMW is not content simply to develop the engine, but is also completely rethinking the vehicle platform and interface.

On the programme:

● New electric technology, BMW’s 6th generation, with cylindrical batteries providing up to 30% more range and a 30% reduction in recharging time.

● A centralised electronic system that adjusts driving in real time (braking, acceleration, energy recovery) for greater fluidity and responsiveness.

● A more intuitive and personalised interface, with a redesigned head-up display (“Panoramic Vision”) covering the full width of the windscreen.

● Advanced semi-autonomous driving functions, capable of taking over certain journeys.

● Optimised energy management, adapted to the journey, the driver’s habits and the road conditions.

With a sleek interior design and a focus on connectivity and intelligence, this new generation aims to appeal to both purists and new users.

A drastic change of face

This development raises questions, as BMW has long been built around a loyal community, often attached to the sensations of combustion engines and the traditional aesthetics of the brand. This transition represents a challenge, particularly in terms of exterior design and visual identity.

The Vision Neue Klasse concept features a futuristic front end, praised for its slim lines and the integration of LED headlights. However, the rear end and overall silhouette drew mixed reactions. Some consider the lines less dynamic and the rear-view mirrors more massive than in the past. On social networking sites, some consumers have expressed their disappointment, saying that the styling is a far cry from what they expected from a BMW.

A necessary and well-considered development

With the Neue Klasse, BMW is showing its intention to look to the future. This choice is not an abandonment of the past, but an evolution. By focusing on increased autonomy and maintained performance, the brand wants to demonstrate that it is possible to maintain the pleasure of driving in a different way. The success of this transition will depend in part on BMW’s ability to bring together its longstanding customers and new electric mobility enthusiasts.

A bridge between tradition and modernity

The dialogue between BMW purists and new fans could be based on proposals such as that of independent Korean designer Ihn Lee. He has imagined a fusion between the iconic 1980 M3 E30, a benchmark in automotive design, and the first visuals of the Neue Klasse. The result is a compact two-door that combines elegance and character: four round lights at the front, this time LED, a wide grille inspired by the era but modernised, a more pronounced front bumper, and square side panels and arches reminiscent of classic BMW styling. The rear end is clearly inspired by the Neue Klasse, while retaining its 80s heritage. This proposal illustrates how tradition and innovation can be reconciled.

It was a decision that sent shockwaves through the environmental community: low-emission zones (ZFE) were abolished by the National Assembly on Wednesday 28 May 2025. This measure, designed to limit pollution in large conurbations, was buried as part of the bill to simplify economic life.

An unlikely political resonance

Initially, it was the Rassemblement National (RN) that launched the offensive against the ZFEs, in the name of “freedom of movement” for all vehicles, regardless of their Crit’Air sticker… But this crusade on behalf of cars has found an unexpected echo even in the ranks opposed to the far right. On the left of the political spectrum, La France insoumise (LFI) also voted to abolish these zones, denouncing a socially unfair measure. According to the Insoumis, the EPZs primarily penalise low-income workers who depend on their vehicles to get to work or, quite simply, to do their job (in certain sectors of activity).

Dejection for the Greens…

Marine Tondelier, national secretary of Europe Écologie Les Verts (EELV), had this to say about the decision, which she described as a “dramatic turning point”. On her X account (formerly Twitter), she expressed her indignation: ” This is the worst week for ecology in a long time. She points the finger at a motley majority, ranging from the RN to LFI, via a few Macronist MPs, who voted to abolish the EPZs, adopted by 98 votes to 51.

A step backwards for the environment?

The abolition of the EPZs is part of a wider trend to question environmental policies, which are often criticised for being technocratic or out of touch with social issues. The political signal, however, is unequivocal: in the midst of a climate crisis, France is choosing to ease an ecological constraint in the name of economic accessibility, even if it means compromising the long-term dynamic initiated several years ago.

Ironically, however, these zones were supported by President Emmanuel Macron and implemented under the government of Édouard Philippe. In 2022, our Head of State announced, following his re-election: ” The policy I will pursue over the next five years will be ecological or it won’t be. ” Three years on, the ecological course set by the presidential party raises questions.

On Tuesday 3 June, Emmanuel Macron visited Douai to inaugurate the AESC Gigafactory, a huge factory specialising in the production of batteries for electric cars. The Gigafactory, developed in partnership with the Chinese group Envision AESC, is part of the Renault ElectriCity industrial cluster, dedicated to 100% electric vehicles.

Designed to produce batteries for the new Renault electric range, this “gigafactory” will eventually produce an annual energy capacity of between 24 and 30 GWh… By way of comparison, that’s enough to power an average town of 5,000 inhabitants for a year. In reality, this new “Gigafactory” alone will supply batteries for around 200,000 electric cars a year by 2030. It will produce batteries for Renault’s reinvented iconic models, such as the R5 and the future electric R4.

A national industrial and ecological ambition

The inauguration of the AESC Gigafactory in Douai is part of a wider strategy of reindustrialisation and energy transition called “Renault ElectriCity”, with a total investment of almost €2 billion, including €1.3 billion for the Douai plant alone.

Launched in 2021, this project brings together three strategic sites in Hauts-de-France: Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz, with the ambition of making the region the centre of gravity for electric cars in Europe. The aim of the project is to produce up to 400,000 electric vehicles a year at the three production plants, and to relocate some of the manufacturing to France. “Renault ElectriCity” aims to create a complete ecosystem, from battery manufacture to final vehicle assembly, with the support of key partners such as Envision AESC.

This inauguration marks a further step forward for Renault, which is affirming its determination to make Hauts-de-France the nerve centre of its 100% electric ecosystem, as part of its “Renaulution” transformation strategy. These initiatives illustrate the drive to strengthen France’s industrial sovereignty, with the aim of reducing its dependence on imported Asian batteries.

On the financial side, the European Commission has authorised €48 million in aid to support the construction of this lithium-ion battery plant, underlining its importance to France’s economic development and competitiveness in this field. The Douai site alone is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs by 2030.

A major socio-economic impact

In Douai, Emmanuel Macron also stressed the importance of initiatives of this kind for the economic revitalisation of the region, which has historically suffered from industrial decline. The Head of State even went so far as to say: ” There’s no need to be fatalistic or gloomy. Times are tough, but what you are embodying here today shows that ecology and the economy can go hand in hand if we invest, if we have a long-term strategy and consistency. “