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  • Electric and hybrid cars: contrasting growth in a crisis-hit automotive market

    Electric and hybrid cars: contrasting growth in a crisis-hit automotive market

    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 fleet of modern multi-coloured SUVs at a dealership, illustrating the fast-changing French car market.
    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 to make major electric vehicle announcement on 11 August

    Ford to make major electric vehicle announcement on 11 August

    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.

    Jim Farley, Ford CEO, announces new electric strategy on 30 July 2025
    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.

  • Chevrolet relaunches the Bolt: return expected in 2027

    Chevrolet relaunches the Bolt: return expected in 2027

    General Motors (GM) has confirmed that the Chevrolet Bolt will make a comeback in 2027, with a commercial launch scheduled for 2026.

    Chevrolet Bolt 2027 LED headlights with redesigned look
    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.
    Chevrolet Bolt 2027 NACS socket for fast charging
    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.

    Aerodynamic black wheels for the Chevrolet Bolt 2027
    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.

  • Tesla Superchargers: at the heart of fast charging

    Tesla Superchargers: at the heart of fast charging

    Tesla, a multinational company founded in 2003 by a group of engineers and led by Elon Musk, was founded with the ambition of moving the world towards a more sustainable way of travelling. A leader in electromobility, Tesla has not stopped at building high-performance 100% electric vehicles: the company has also created a fast-charging network that has become emblematic: Superchargers.

    Close-up of a Tesla Supercharger station in operation
    Zoom in on a Tesla Supercharger, the symbol of fast, intuitive charging. (Credit: Tesla)

    The mission of Tesla Superchargers

    Eliminate the fear of running out of battery power, reduce the recharging time for electric cars (EVs), and thus enable motorists to travel long distances without constraint. Launched in 2012, initially in the United States, the Supercharger network has expanded at breakneck speed to keep pace with the growing popularity of electromobility. These ultra-fast recharging stations can recover hundreds of kilometres of range in just a few minutes – a major advance that has made a significant contribution to the democratisation of the electric vehicle.

    Constantly improving recharging technology

    Superchargers have come a long way since their launch. While the first versions were already capable of quickly recharging an electric car, with a power of up to 150 kilowatts, Tesla has taken things a step further in 2019 with the V3 Superchargers.

    This third generation offers much higher performance: a maximum power of 250 kW per vehicle, with no sharing between the charging points, enabling much more efficient recharging, even when several cars are connected simultaneously. In concrete terms, a vehicle can recover up to 120 kilometres of range in just 5 minutes, and reach 80% of its battery in less than 25 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and the model.

    Since 2021, this charging solution is no longer exclusive to Tesla: electric vehicles of any brand can benefit from it, via the Tesla app.

    More recently, Tesla began installing an even faster version, called V4, capable of delivering up to 500 kW. This new generation of charging points will be available from the third quarter of 2025, and will be used to recharge powerful vehicles (Cybertruck, as well as certain Hyundai, Porsche and Kia models, etc.). The new charging points are also designed to accommodate the technologies of tomorrow, such as two-way charging (V2G – Vehicle-to-Grid), which will enable vehicles to return electricity to the grid when needed. However, current vehicles, whether Tesla or not, are limited to a charging capacity of 250 kW and will not yet be able to take advantage of this maximum power.

    Tesla Supercharger stations installed in an urban car park
    Several Tesla charging points installed in a car park accessible to the public. (Credit: Tesla)

    Massive international deployment

    Since their launch, the deployment of these charging solutions has been impressive: by the end of the first quarter of 2025, Tesla had more than 60,000 Superchargers at over 6,000 stations worldwide. This network covers North America, Europe, Asia and certain strategic areas in Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.

    This dense network represents one of the largest ultra-fast charging networks in the world, and above all one of the most reliable, with an availability rate of over 99%.

    France is not to be outdone

    France, a pioneer of electromobility in Europe, is no exception to the trend. France benefits from a particularly well-developed Tesla network. In May 2025, the network of Tesla Superchargers in France exceeded 3,000 fast-charging stations, spread across some 180 locations across the country.

    With a high concentration along major motorway routes (A6, A10, A7, A1, etc.), but also in shopping centres and suburban areas, these stations are strategically located, making it easier for motorists to access recharging facilities.

    Simplified use

    What sets Tesla Superchargers apart, beyond their performance, is their ease of use, designed from the outset to be fluid, intuitive and almost invisible. For Tesla owners, all they have to do is park, plug the cable into their vehicle… and that’s it. No badge, no bank card, no application to manipulate: the vehicle is identified automatically and billing is linked directly to the user account.

    Tesla Supercharger cable connected to a recharging electric car
    Close-up of the Tesla charging cable connected to an electric car (Credit: Tesla)

    Even for drivers of electric vehicles of other makes, the experience remains seamless via the Tesla app, which enables users to locate a charging point, check its availability in real time and launch a charging session in just a few clicks. Payment is made simply by credit card registered in the app, with rates adjusted according to whether the user recharges on a one-off basis or opts for a monthly subscription. It’s a seamless process that makes recharging a pleasant experience, without the smells or the noise.

    Towards an electric future

    Tesla Superchargers embody more than just a recharging network: they illustrate an ecosystem that has been thought through in its entirety, where every detail is at the service of a fluid, rapid and accessible energy transition. Through this global deployment and ease of use, Tesla is redefining what electric mobility should be: not an alternative, but a matter of course.

  • Audi A6 e-tron Sportback: A German saloon has never been so aero…

    Audi A6 e-tron Sportback: A German saloon has never been so aero…

    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.

    Audi A6 e-tron Sportback front and side view, aerodynamic design
    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.

    Audi A6 e-tron Sportback 2025 rear view, aerodynamic diffuser
    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.

  • Electric mobility’s key figures in 2024-2025

    Electric mobility’s key figures in 2024-2025

    The year 2024 marked a major milestone in electric vehicles (EVs) expansion worldwide. 17.1 million EVs were sold globally, representing an impressive +27% increase compared to 2023. Development is mainly driven by three key markets: The United States, Europe, and China, which together represent over 90% of all EV sales globally. This rapid growth is backed by a thriving business ecosystem, with nearly 14,000 start-ups exclusively focused on electric vehicles and electric mobility worldwide. In Europe alone, the EV market is expected to generate $224.9 billion in revenue by the end of 2025.

    Europe: The North is spearheading

    Several European countries are showing particularly high EV adoption rates. Norway, of course, continues to lead the continent (and the world), with 88.9% of new car sales in 2024 being electrified. Denmark follows with 51% and Sweden with 35%.

    Electric vehicle driving in a city street, global EV adoption
    Forte adoption des véhicules électriques dans les centres urbains en 2024-2025 (Credit: redcharlie)

    Infrastructure is also expanding rapidly. As of spring 2025, the Netherlands leads with 183,000 public charging stations, followed by France (160,000) and Germany (153,000). On a per-capita basis, the Netherlands stays at the top with 10.04 chargers per 1,000 inhabitants, followed by Belgium (6.54) and Iceland (6.48).

    The electric mobility startup scene is vibrant, particularly in the United Kingdom, home to 1,100 startups in the sector. Germany follows with 700, and France with 400. 

    Public incentives also play a crucial role in the EVs market growth. Norway, for instance, offers VAT exemptions for EVs priced below €44,000. In France, buyers can receive up to €4,000 for an EV priced under €47,000. The Netherlands, on the other hand, provides multiple tax breaks for both buyers and companies, including deductions for businesses that install charging stations.

    Rest of the world: China and its underdogs 

    The EV shift is also accelerating in other parts of the world. In China, 25% of vehicles sold in 2024 were 100% electric (almost 50% electrified), making it the world’s largest EV market in terms of volume. Canada followed with 11,4% and the USA with 8%.

    In terms of charging infrastructure, China still dominates with 3.2 million public charging stations, well ahead of South Korea (405,000) and the United States (200,000). South Korea has the best EV-to-charger ratio in the world, with just 1.7 vehicles per public charger, followed by China (2.5) and Mexico (20).

    Electric taxi driving in New York City street, 2025
    Taxi électrique circulant dans les rues de New York en 2025, symbole de la transition vers la mobilité durable. (Credit: Paul Cuad)

    When it comes to innovation, the United States leads with 2,500 startups dedicated to electric mobility, followed closely by India (1,800) and China (1,700).

    Last year saw some interesting growth in emerging markets, with Vietnam posting a +197% increase in EV sales between 2023 and 2024, Indonesia +104%, and Brazil +90%.

    Some countries are also setting bold ambitions for the future. India aims for 80% of two-wheelers to be electric by 2030. Ethiopia has banned the import of combustion vehicles and is now importing 100,000 electric vehicles every month. Meanwhile, Singapore has set its sights on a 100% electric vehicle fleet by 2040.

  • Tesla: sales down by mid-2025; far from alarming, but worrying…

    Tesla: sales down by mid-2025; far from alarming, but worrying…

    In the second quarter of 2025, Tesla saw several of its financial indicators fall: sales down 12%, net profit down 16% and free cash flow in freefall… While the company remains financially solid, it is facing increasingly fierce competition, particularly in Europe and Asia, but above all it is confronted with the loss of momentum of its flagship models. The first six months of the year confirm the trend: overall deliveries are down 13% on 2024…

    Tesla Model 3 Performance rear view, sporty design
    Rear view of the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the American manufacturer’s flagship model (Credit: Tesla)

    Figures down, solidity preserved

    Over the last three months (April to June), Tesla posted sales of $22.5 billion, down 12% on the second quarter of 2024. Net profit, meanwhile, followed the same downward slope, falling by 16% to $1.17 billion. The operating margin fell to 4.1%, compared with over 6% a year earlier.

    More worryingly, free cash flow plunged 89% in one year, to just $146 million. This means that, despite its significant sales and investments, the company is creating little new cash over this period. However, with almost $37 billion in available cash, Tesla has a solid financial reserve to see it through this difficult phase. This kitty enables it to continue investing and operating without any immediate constraints, even if the results for a given period are poor…

    Deliveries down, model in question

    Tesla delivered 384,122 vehicles in the second quarter, around 14% more than in the first quarter, but down 13% on the same period in 2024. Models 3 and Y still account for the overwhelming majority of sales (almost 95%), reflecting the lack of diversity in the range at a time when the competition is stepping up the number of vehicle launches.

    Tesla Model Y mid-range electric SUV
    The Tesla Model Y, a compact 100% electric family SUV (Credit: Tesla)

    Over the first half of the year as a whole, Tesla sold 720,803 vehicles, compared with 830,766 over the same period last year. This represents a fall of 13.2% over one year, which is having a serious impact, particularly in Europe, where registrations are plummeting in the face of the meteoric rise of Asian rivals such as BYD. Market share is eroding, particularly in France, where deliveries were down by almost 40% in the second quarter compared with the same period last year… The slowdown in sales may also be explained by a price war unleashed by Tesla itself, which is squeezing its margins to stimulate demand.

    In addition, revenues from carbon credits were halved in one year (from $890 million to $439 million), which must have had a major impact on their cash flow (or free cash flow).

    An accepted but risky transition

    Faced with these results, Elon Musk speaks of a “transition period”, assuming several difficult quarters before a rebound expected in the second half of 2026. The stakes are high: Tesla will have to stabilise its deliveries, preserve its cash flow, and successfully make the shift to more varied models, while defending its technological leadership in a market that has become ultra-competitive.

    In concrete terms, even though Tesla will need to return to more robust results in the medium term to ensure its growth and preserve its cash position, the company has a piggy bank that is colossal enough to afford this kind of slippage. However, this trend must be reversed in the long term, or risk seeing the American company’s reserves melt away.

  • Honda makes the N-ONE e official: a new electric city car for the Japanese market

    Honda makes the N-ONE e official: a new electric city car for the Japanese market

    Honda officially presented the N-ONE e, a 100% electric version of its minicar, at a press conference in Japan on 29 July. This model, which comes from the “kei car” segment, is intended for urban use and marks a new stage in the manufacturer’s electrification strategy.

    Honda N-ONE e compact Japanese electric city car front view
    The Honda N-ONE e, a new compact electric city car to be launched in Japan in 2025. (Credit: Honda)

    A range of over 270 kilometres

    According to data published by Honda, the N-ONE e has a range in excess of 270 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. It is based on the technical platform of the N-Van e, from which it takes its powertrain. The engine develops 47 kW (64 bhp) and 162 Nm of torque, which corresponds to the legal limits for kei cars in Japan.

    Fast charging is provided via a 50 kW DC port, enabling the battery to go from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. Honda has not yet released details of AC charging or the exact capacity of the battery, although it is estimated to be around 30 kWh due to its similarity to the N-Van e.

    Integrated V2L function

    The N-ONE e could also feature a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, enabling external electrical devices to be powered via a special adapter. This feature is available on other Honda models, but has not yet been officially confirmed for the N-ONE e.

    Streamlined interior design

    Inside, the city car features a minimalist dashboard with a horizontal layout. Depending on the version, it may not have a central screen, but a version with a 9-inch touchscreen compatible with the Honda Connect system will certainly be offered. The main controls are provided by physical buttons and a touch-sensitive gear selector. The rear bench seat can be folded in two (50/50) to maximise cargo space.

    Marketing and outlook

    The N-ONE e will go on sale in Japan in autumn 2025, following a pre-order phase which opened in August. The manufacturer has not yet announced an official price for the domestic market, nor confirmed the foreign markets targeted. However, Honda has announced that a European presentation is planned for the autumn, probably at the IAA in Munich.

    The model could thus form part of the brand’s electric expansion strategy in Europe, although no definitive technical specifications or pricing details have been released for the continent.

  • Mercedes steps up the pace on solid state batteries: 2030 target…

    Mercedes steps up the pace on solid state batteries: 2030 target…

    Mercedes-Benz has officially announced that it plans to market an electric vehicle with a solid electrolyte battery by 2030. Markus Schäfer, head of development at Mercedes, made the official announcement on 16 July 2025.

    Prototype Mercedes electric car with solid battery in 2025
    Mercedes’ first prototype electric vehicle equipped with a solid-state battery, presented in 2025. (Credit: Mercedes)

    A strategic partnership for the Mercedes solid state battery

    This is a major step in the automotive industry’s energy transition, and a real technological challenge for Mercedes-Benz. But the German firm is not going it alone. It has joined forces with the American start-up Factorial Energy, a pioneer in the development of solid-state batteries. Together, the two companies hope to gain a head start in the “super-battery” race. And the advantages of this new technology are numerous: up to 25% more range than conventional lithium-ion batteries, which are now ubiquitous in electric vehicles.

    Another major advantage: significant weight savings. A crucial point for the electric sports car industry, where every kilo counts. Less mass means more agility, more performance… and more efficiency.

    Mercedes EQS tested with a solid-state battery boasting a range of over 1,000 km
    The Mercedes EQS electric saloon in the test phase, with a solid battery and a range of over 1,000 km.

    When it comes to safety, solid batteries also score well. The absence of liquid electrolyte considerably reduces the risk of overheating or even fire. Last but not least, these batteries allow shorter recharging times because of their solidity and the fact that overheating is almost impossible at the moment. A decisive factor in the mass adoption of EVs.

    A prototype based on the EQS electric saloon has already been on test since early 2025. In terms of range, Mercedes claims a theoretical range in excess of 1,000 kilometres.

    With this announcement, Mercedes confirms its entry into the global race for the battery of tomorrow, alongside BMW and Stellantis, but above all in the face of a China that is already far ahead. Europe, for its part, is investing massively so as not to remain a spectator. Ultimately, this is where the real revolution in electro-mobility will come from: a lighter, safer, higher-performance battery…

  • “Electric cars are not a niche market” Pascal Hureau, Chairman of FFAUVE

    “Electric cars are not a niche market” Pascal Hureau, Chairman of FFAUVE

    Pascal Hureau, President of the Fédération Française des Associations d’Utilisateurs de Véhicules Electriques (FFAUVE) – an association formed in 2019 from the merger of several electric car owners’ associations – is a tireless campaigner for an accessible, pragmatic and user-centred energy transition. At a time when the electric car market is at a turning point, he talks to ECO MOTORS NEWS about his commitment, the current obstacles to the electrification of the car fleet and his vision of an electrified France by 2035.

    Portrait of Pascal Hureau, Chairman of the FFAUVE, campaigner for electric mobility in France
    Pascal Hureau, Chairman of the Fédération Française des Associations d’Utilisateurs de Véhicules Électriques (FFAUVE). (Credit: DR)

    What is the FFAUVE?
    Pascal Hureau: First of all, it’s not a car club! It’s the only association in France that represents electric vehicle users. We defend their interests, a bit like the UFC Que Choisir for electromobility. We have the advantage of being a federation of regional associations, which means we can keep in touch with the realities on the ground.

    What made you decide to go electric?
    Pascal Hureau: In a word: pleasure. The pleasure of driving, the silence, the comfort. As we often say at FFAUVE, if you try an electric car, you’ll love it! Of course, I also wanted to reduce my environmental impact: I was fed up with burning fossil fuels. Then, finally, with an electric vehicle, you gain real autonomy, you can recharge at home or elsewhere, without having to rely on a service station.

    But there’s still a big step to be taken between adopting electric cars and committing oneself as you’re doing…
    Pascal Hureau:
    I’ve developed a passion for the subject. The range of vehicles on offer has grown, but demand has yet to mature, so I’ve been looking for a way to participate in the rise of the electric car: supporting this transition, informing, defending and proposing. And that’s what we’re doing at FFAUVE.

    You are also active politically as deputy mayor of Montrouge, in the Paris region.
    PH:
    Yes, I am deputy mayor for digital transition, e-administration and European relations, but for a long time I was responsible for roads and urban development. I initiated the installation of the town’s first charging points, and today Montrouge is one of the best-equipped towns in the inner suburbs of Paris.

    On a national scale, what is your assessment of the coverage of charging points?
    PH:
    We’ve almost reached 160,000 charging points accessible in public spaces. There’s been a real boom in shops, supermarket car parks, cinemas and so on. Motorway service areas are 100% covered. In reality, it’s mainly condominiums that are lagging behind: just 10-15% are equipped. That’s another of our missions, to help these co-ownerships install charging points in their car parks.

    “It’s vital to combat misinformation”.

    In your opinion, what are the current obstacles to more widespread adoption of electric cars by the French?
    PH: The price of vehicles is still too high for some people, especially those living in blocks of flats. This goes some way to explaining why there are so few recharging points in large housing estates… But the fear of autonomy is receding. Coverage is good and new technologies mean that recharging can be done very quickly. And we have to get away from the fantasy that we sometimes wait longer at the pump than at a fast-charging point. At least, that’s what we saw over the long Easter weekend. One thing is certain, we have to stop thinking that electric cars will be a niche market: they are the future of the motor industry.

    There are also misunderstandings about the charging ecosystem…
    PH: Yes, it’s a big issue. There have been too many cards, too many systems. We need to move towards “plug and charge“, as Tesla is doing. Alliances like the SPARK Alliance are working in this direction. Simplicity is the key: bankcard or automatic authentication.

    “We must not give up on the end of fossil-fired power in 2035”.

    What are the FFAUVE’s plans for 2025?
    PH:
    First of all, we are going to publish a new version of our white paper – which can be downloaded directly from our website – and launch a specific guide for local authorities with a view to the 2026 municipal elections. We will also be stepping up our fight against misinformation, sometimes spread by influential media. We recently won a complaint to the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (ARCOM). Finally, the FFAUVE will continue to work with dealers to ensure that they are better trained to sell electric cars.

    Finally, what do you think France will look like in 2035, in terms of electric cars?
    PH: Electric vehicles at the same price as combustion engines. Electric charging points everywhere. A rich second-hand market, thanks in particular to corporate fleets. More versatile and affordable models. And a stable, non-punitive, clear industrial policy that we stick to. The deadline is clear: 2035, the end of new combustion engines. And that’s something we must not give up!