Tesla has officially unveiled the Model Y L, a longer, six-seater version of its star electric SUV. For the moment, this version is only available on the Chinese market, with deliveries scheduled for September 2025.
The Tesla Model Y L in China: an electric family SUV with six seats and a spacious boot
A longer, roomier SUV
The Model Y L is 4.98 metres long, 18 centimetres longer than the standard version. Its wheelbase stretches to 3.04 metres, improving legroom and interior comfort. What’s more, its height has increased slightly to limit the effect of the plunging roof on the third row. As a result, the vehicle seats six passengers in three rows of two seats each.
The maximum load volume is 2,539 litres with the seats folded, compared with 2,138 litres previously. All seats are heated, and middle passengers have retractable armrests and climate controls. Finally, an improved audio system and individual charging ports complete the on-board comfort package.
Performance and autonomy
Under the bonnet, the Model Y L retains a dual-motor powertrain delivering 456 bhp. It reaches 100 km/h in just 4.3 to 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 201 km/h. Thanks to its 82 kWh battery, the claimed range is 751 km according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. However, on the European WLTP cycle, it should be closer to 600 km, comparable to the current Model Y Long Range.
Pricing and sales strategy
Prices start at 339,000 yuan, or around 40,450 euros, a limited extra cost for the six-seater version. In comparison, Chinese competitors such as BYD Tang and Onvo L90 offer cheaper six- and seven-seater SUVs. For the moment, Tesla has not announced any European sales, but examples are already on the road on the continent.
With this extended version, Tesla is clearly targeting families looking for space and comfort. The Model Y L could also indirectly replace the Model X, which is absent from several international markets. So, despite local competition, Tesla is strengthening its presence in the large electric SUV segment.
From 2026, Formula 1 will undergo a major transformation with the introduction of new regulations focusing on electrification, sustainability and safety. These changes are designed to make the sport more efficient, more environmentally friendly and more spectacular.
The public attend a Formula 1 Grand Prix, an event that attracts thousands of spectators every year and contributes to the international reputation of motor sport.
Redesigned hybrid power unit
The new regulations retain the 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine, but do away with the MGU-H. It has been replaced by a more powerful MGU-K, capable of generating up to 350 kW – a threefold increase in electrical power compared with the current generation. Each car will thus be able to produce more than 1,000 horsepower while reducing its fuel consumption to 70 kg per Grand Prix, compared with 100 kg in 2020.
100% sustainable fuel
All engines will run exclusively on 100% sustainable fuels. These fuels are produced from non-food sources, municipal waste or even captured from the atmosphere. This initiative is part of Formula 1’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2030.
The 2026 cars will be 30 kg lighter, with a minimum weight of 768 kg. The width will be reduced by 10 cm and the length by 20 cm. This reduction is intended to improve handling and make overtaking easier.
Active aerodynamics for more spectacle
Drag reduction systems (DRS) will be replaced by active front and rear wings. Drivers will have a manual mode to temporarily increase electric power, making overtaking easier.
The structure of the single-seaters will be strengthened, with stricter safety tests. High-voltage electrical components will be integrated into the safety cell, reducing the risks in the event of an accident.
Arrival of new manufacturers
Audi, Honda, Ford and General Motors are joining the competition. Audi has acquired the Sauber team, while GM will take part under the Cadillac brand, which is still looking for its star driver.
In June, a federal judge forced the Trump administration to release funds for the NEVI programme, which had been frozen since February. This plan, adopted under Joe Biden, provides for five billion euros over five years to install fast-charging stations.
Donald Trump presents new NEVI guidelines for electric charging stations
The Department of Transportation announced new rules in August, simplifying procedures but removing several obligations. States can now access the funding, including California and New York. The changes could speed up deployment, but they also radically alter the programme’s initial framework.
Freeze suspended by the courts
In February 2025, the Trump administration suspended the national NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) programme. Several states went to court, claiming that the freeze violated the law passed by Congress. In June, a federal judge in Washington ordered the freeze lifted. The injunction allowed more than fourteen states to access the frozen funding.
New federal directives
In August, the Department of Transportation (DOT), headed by Sean Duffy, published an “Interim Final Guidance“. This document removes several obligations imposed under the previous administration. The following are no longer required: the siting of a proportion of kiosks in rural, disadvantaged or underserved areas, consumer protections, emergency evacuation plans, environmental criteria, clauses aimed at small minority or women-owned businesses, as well as safety and training standards for installers.
A market under pressure
Uncertainties linked to the financing freeze had weighed on the electric vehicle market. LG Energy Solutions reported a slowdown in demand for batteries. In July 2025, the average price of electric vehicles in the US fell by 2.2%. Tesla reduced its prices in anticipation of the scheduled end of the $7,500 federal credit, scheduled for 30 September 2025.
Renault and Geely are strengthening their industrial cooperation. The French carmaker will use the Chinese group’s GEA platform. The aim is to produce electric and rechargeable hybrid SUVs. These models will be developed in China, but will also be destined for other markets. South-East Asia and Latin America are the priority targets.
Renault and Geely are joining forces to design electric and hybrid SUVs for Asia and Latin America.
A new platform for Renault
Geely’s GEA platform, already in use in China, will be shared with a foreign manufacturer for the first time. Renault will be responsible for the exterior design, while the technical aspects will be based on solutions already tried and tested by Geely. The aim is to reduce development costs and enable new models to be launched more quickly.
The SUVs will be manufactured in China but will not be driven on European roads. They will be aimed primarily at South-East Asia and Latin America, where Renault has a solid sales network. Geely will also be able to take advantage of this local presence to accelerate its expansion.
An already fruitful cooperation
Renault is already marketing the Grand Koleos in South Korea. This SUV is based on a Geely platform, and its results have been encouraging. Geely also owns 34% of Renault Korea Motors and a minority stake in Renault Brazil.
Renault has access to a new generation of technology while limiting its investments. For its part, Geely is able to cross Chinese borders more quickly thanks to its partner’s local experience. However, projects for Europe remain totally independent of this collaboration.
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.
The transition to electric cars knows no borders, but nations approach this shift with varying energy, strategies, and goals. In France, electrification of the vehicle fleet is progressing, driven by public incentives, growing demand, and gradual engagement from automakers. But in this global race, the question remains: can France keep pace with giants like China, the undisputed leader in electromobility, Germany, methodical and powerful, or the United States, recently energized by massive investment plans?
The global market is evolving rapidly. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric vehicle (EV) sales grew by over 25% in 2024, reaching 17.1 million units—nearly one in four cars worldwide. British consultancy Rho Motion predicts sales could rise another 17% in 2025, surpassing 20 million units. China alone absorbs almost two-thirds of the market. Meanwhile, Europe struggles to keep pace amid industrial, social, and environmental challenges, while the U.S. has strategically turn toward industrial and energy sovereignty.
In this landscape, France brings its strengths and ambitions, but also its vulnerabilities. To understand its position, we must observe how other major players are progressing—in factories, on roads, in batteries, and in public policies.
France: Progress Underway but Still Fragile
Verkor’s battery gigafactory in France, part of Europe’s push for EV and energy sovereignty.
In 2024, one in five new cars sold in France was electric. This steady rise is supported by incentives like the ecological bonus, low-emission zones (ZFE), and the 2035 ban on new combustion vehicle sales. Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën have multiplied their announcements, firmly setting the course.
Renault emerged as the hybrid leader in France in 2024, with 118,591 units sold and a 24.7% market share. On the fully electric front, Renault registered 55,309 units, a 37.5% increase, holding 17.4% of the market.
Yet, challenges remain. The range of 100% French electric models is limited, particularly for entry-level vehicles. Charging infrastructure, though strengthened with over 155,000 stations installed, remains unevenly distributed. The industrial apparatus is reorganizing around sites like Douvrin, Flins, and Douai, but must further accelerate.
On batteries, France is trying to catch up. Dependence on Asia remains high, though three gigafactories (ACC, Verkor, ProLogium) are under construction. However, ProLogium has delayed its launch to 2028. France is progressing but is not yet a leader, seeking its model between ecological ambition, industrial competitiveness, and social acceptance.
China: The Electric Giant
China is the undisputed champion. Early political will, massive subsidies, and an unparalleled industrial network have propelled it forward. In 2024, nearly two-thirds of global EV sales were in China, with a 40% year-on-year growth. According to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), China sold 10.9 million hybrid or electric models—a record representing almost half of all vehicles sold nationally.
Local manufacturers like BYD, NIO, Xpeng, and Li Auto dominate. BYD even surpassed Tesla in both sales and revenue ($107.2 billion vs. $97.7 billion). Chinese brands master the full value chain—from battery to embedded software—while CATL supplies much of the world’s batteries.
China continues expanding its EV charging network, with over 12 million stations by the end of 2024.
Charging infrastructure is booming, with 12.82 million charging points by end-2024. According to the China Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Promotion Alliance (EVCIPA), public chargers rose 49% year-on-year, with one charging point for every 2.7 EVs. China plans to add 73,000 new stations and over 1 million public chargers in 2025.
This expansion supports rapid market growth: in 2024, new energy vehicles (NEVs) made up 40.9% of new car sales. At this pace, 50% could be reached by 2025. Yet, this dominance stirs tensions: the U.S. and EU accuse China of unfair practices and are imposing trade barriers that may intensify.
Germany: The Industrial Method
Germany was not the fastest to embrace EVs, but advanced rigorously. Major automakers (Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW) reoriented post-Dieselgate, investing heavily in electrification. Volkswagen alone invested over €100 billion in EV production.
Germany also focuses on industrial sovereignty, with several battery factories underway and partnerships with France (ACC) and Sweden (Northvolt, which recently filed for bankruptcy).
Its charging network expands rapidly thanks to initiatives like Ionity. However, the German EV market shows signs of slowdown. The end of public subsidies led to an 18% drop in new EV registrations in 2024. Exports to China and the U.S. struggle.
Volkswagen EVs ready for delivery from the Wolfsburg factory, the heart of Germany’s auto industry.
Overproduction now exceeds demand, creating wage pressures, job cuts, and factory closure fears. German unions push for a “fair” transition to avoid massive layoffs. Industry morale is low, similar to pandemic levels. Still, some observers remain optimistic. According to them, the temporary slump could lower EV prices, which might boost demand and benefit consumers.
United States: Biden’s Electric Shock
Long behind, the U.S. is back in the game thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a $369 billion investment plan favouring domestically made EVs and batteries.
Tesla remains the U.S. flagship, far ahead of Ford, GM, and Rivian, though they are catching up. In 2024, 1.2 million EVs were sold—a 49% increase from 2023—with EVs now making up 7.6% of new car sales.
Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to expand, now open to other brands. The main challenge remains infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and adoption varies greatly between states. California leads with more electric chargers than gas stations. According to Governor Gavin Newsom, California had 178,549 charging units by 2024—almost 50% more than gas stations.
Tesla showroom in Las Vegas, part of the EV giant’s expanding U.S. network.
However, political shifts could threaten momentum: a new Trump administration could slow EV adoption. In many regions, like the Midwest and South, combustion engines still dominate.
Culturally, large electric SUVs top sales, while compact models lag. In 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book, the average EV price was $50,789, though prices are gradually falling thanks to Tesla’s cuts and government incentives.
