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As electric cars gain ground, a long-postponed question is now confronting governments: how can road maintenance be financed when fuel taxes disappear? Tried or planned in the UK, California, Switzerland and New Zealand, the kilometre-based tax applied to electric vehicles is emerging as a pragmatic solution. It’s an explosive subject, but one that is becoming less and less avoidable, and one that is beginning to enter the French and European debate.

The transition to electric vehicles is overturning a long-standing pillar of public finance. For decades, maintenance of the road network has been largely based on the taxes levied on petrol and diesel. The more motorists drove, the more fuel they consumed, the more they indirectly contributed to the infrastructure. With the electric car, this link disappears almost completely.

Each electric vehicle on the road represents several hundred euros less tax revenue each year. As long as electric cars remain in the minority, the effect will be limited. But with the gradual fall in sales of combustion engines and the challenges of the 2035 deadline being constantly reshuffled and rediscussed, the problem is becoming structural and forcing governments to review their strategy.

Fragile taxation and pilot countries

Faced with this programmed erosion of revenue, governments are looking for a new tax base capable of replacing fuel taxes without jeopardising the energy transition. Charging for the actual use of the road rather than the energy consumed seems an attractive direction. The principle is simple on paper: each vehicle would contribute in proportion to the number of kilometres travelled, regardless of its engine. For electric cars, the amounts quoted are generally around 2 to 4 euro cents per kilometre, giving an estimated annual contribution of between 240 and 300 euros for an average driver travelling 12,000 to 15,000 kilometres.

The British government plans to introduce an “Electric Vehicle Excise Duty” from 2028, with a per-kilometre tax rate around half that currently applied to internal combustion vehicles via fuel. The aim is to maintain revenues without brutally penalising electric vehicles. In California, the logic is even more assertive. The state is testing pilot projects for charging per kilometre for electric cars in order to make up for a colossal shortfall in revenue. Nearly 80% of California’s road maintenance budget is based on petrol tax.

A growing debate in France and Europe

In France, no specific kilometre-based tax for electric cars has yet been officially agreed. However, there are a number of signs that some thought is already being given to the matter, notably the plan to tax the heaviest electric vehicles from 2026. At European level, the issue is becoming unavoidable. The target of ending sales of new combustion-powered vehicles by 2035 is forcing Member States to plan ahead for a new road-financing model. Among the scenarios studied, kilometre-based taxation appears to be the most credible option for decoupling taxation and motorisation in the long term.

Other countries have made more discreet progress. Switzerland, Iceland and New Zealand have already introduced or experimented with kilometre-based charges or specific taxation for electric vehicles. The central argument is neutrality: electrification must not create a hole in infrastructure funding. In these countries, the kilometre-based tax is presented not as a sanction against electric vehicles, but as the gradual end of a tax exception deemed temporary. It is expected to become part of a contributory framework comparable to that for other uses of the road.

Technical details and a political equation

There remains the question of implementation. The simplest solution would be to record the mileage at the roadworthiness test and then charge for the distance travelled since the previous reading. But this approach would probably mean increasing the frequency of checks, at the risk of reinforcing the rejection of motorists. Technological solutions, such as the installation of on-board telematics boxes, offer more accurate measurement, but raise serious concerns. Data protection, respect for privacy and the monitoring of drivers’ movements are becoming major points of contention.

For governments, the argument remains to guarantee stable, long-term funding for road infrastructure and to ensure that all vehicles contribute to wear and tear on the network. For users, the risk is clear: an ill-calibrated kilometre tax could undermine the economic advantage of electric cars, which are already more expensive to buy, and heavily penalise heavy drivers. More than a question of principle, the kilometre tax now appears to be a question of timing, acceptability and dosage.

Sources: www.capital.fr – Reuters

On Saturday 20 December 2025, a major blackout plunged San Francisco into darkness, the fault of a fire that broke out in a Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) electrical substation. The incident left around 130,000 homes and businesses without power, bringing parts of the city to a standstill, including autonomous cars.

Autonomous taxis have turned into immobile obstacles. At intersections with no traffic lights, these normally fluid vehicles came to a screeching halt with their blinkers on, forcing other motorists to manoeuvre around them as best they could. This rare and comical situation highlights the city’s dependence on ageing infrastructure, even as it adopts cutting-edge technologies.

According to a PG&E press release, the fire damaged essential substation equipment, causing massive power outages in the city centre, South of Market and surrounding areas. To isolate the incident and begin repairs, emergency crews were dispatched to the site and worked throughout the night, in coordination with the municipal emergency services. The authorities have confirmed that there were no casualties and that the cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Intersections without traffic lights, traffic rapidly coming to a standstill

The breakdown had an immediate and visible impact on the streets of San Francisco. More than a dozen intersections were left without traffic lights and quickly became gridlocked, making traffic dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike. To deal with this unusual situation, the police were mobilised to regulate traffic in the most critical areas, and residents were asked to avoid all non-essential travel until the network was fully restored. The fire that broke out in a PG&E electricity substation also had an impact on the entire public transport network, which suffered significant delays.

Waymo forced to temporarily suspend its robot taxis

As briefly mentioned above, one of the most striking effects of the blackout was the immobilisation of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. Waymo is an American brand that has been operating in San Francisco since August 2021 with the launch of its robotaxi service for “trusted testers”. Since June 2024, the autonomous robotaxi service has been available to everyone in San Francisco.

As a result of the power cut, many autonomous and therefore driverless taxis became stuck at intersections due to a lack of traffic lights, leading the company to temporarily suspend its operations in San Francisco as a safety precaution. This interruption exacerbated the traffic disruption in the city.

The dependence of autonomous vehicles on urban infrastructure

The local authorities stressed that this incident highlighted the fragility of certain infrastructures in a city that claims to be a world showcase for technological innovation. For the time being, the majority of users had their electricity back after several hours, although thousands of customers remained without power until the following day. Many shops were forced to close early, restaurants struggled to save perishable foodstuffs, and residents dependent on medical equipment required assistance from the emergency services.

When power was restored, attention turned to issues of preparedness and coordination between energy operators, municipal services and technology companies. Officials announced an audit to assess response protocols and consider measures to reduce the risk of similar outages in the future. For many residents, the blackout was a reminder that at the heart of even the most advanced cities, a reliable power supply remains the foundation of public safety, transport and daily life.

With the VLE, Mercedes-Benz is preparing to open a new chapter in premium electromobility. This large electric luxury MPV, due to be unveiled worldwide on 10 March 2026 in Stuttgart, will inaugurate the brand new VAN.EA platform. Its stated ambition is to combine the comfort of a limousine, the space of a van and the technological standards of the next decade.

A clear will of your own

Mercedes is no longer hiding its intentions. The future ELV will not simply be an electrified derivative of the current V-Class, but a model in its own right, designed from the outset for electric power and for the very top end of the market. Halfway between a large family MPV and a luxury commuter, it is clearly aimed at premium customers looking for comfort, space and cutting-edge technology. This positioning is in line with a fundamental trend in the market, where the van is becoming a credible alternative to the classic limousine. For Mercedes, it’s also a way of regaining control of a segment where new players, particularly from Asia, are beginning to impose their standards in terms of on-board experience and luxury features.

The date is official: the Mercedes VLE will be presented on 10 March 2026 in Stuttgart. The brand has already started distilling teasers. Above all, the launch will mark a major world first: that of the VAN.EA platform in its production version. The VLE will be the very first vehicle to be based on this architecture dedicated to electric vans. This pioneering role gives it particular importance in Mercedes’ electrification strategy. VAN.EA is intended to serve as the basis for a whole family of vehicles, from top-of-the-range family vans to the most luxurious VIP shuttles.

The ambition for premium comfort

Unlike the current EQV, which is still based on an internal combustion platform, VAN.EA has been designed exclusively for electric vehicles. This choice will enable much better integration of the batteries, optimised volumes and much greater design freedom. The aim is an even more spacious cabin and a better compromise between range, performance and comfort. The other key element of this platform is undoubtedly its 800-volt architecture. A technology that is still rare in this type of vehicle, but essential for offering very high recharging power. Mercedes has already mentioned capacities of up to 350kW, which would place the ELV among the segment’s best performers in terms of fast charging.

On board, the VLE clearly sets itself apart from the traditional commercial image. The integration of the batteries in the floor frees up space and enables an interior architecture geared towards comfort and modularity. Mercedes promises a cabin where every centimetre is optimised for passenger comfort. The van will be able to accommodate up to eight people, with configurations suited to both demanding families and top-of-the-range business use. Initial descriptions suggest a ride worthy of a limousine, plenty of freedom of movement and plenty of storage space, all in a resolutely premium ambience.

An assertive design for a new-generation van

In terms of looks, the Mercedes VLE does not play the discreet card. The first teasers reveal a distinctive front end, with a large closed grille and daytime running lights featuring a star motif directly inspired by the Vision V. A lighting signature designed to assert the vehicle’s status. With this VLE, Mercedes is not content to simply electrify an existing van. The brand is redefining its vision of zero-emission premium transport by offering a credible alternative to traditional limousines and the new players in electric luxury. A key model, destined to become the technological and statutory showcase for Mercedes vans of the future.

Sources: Press release dated 24 July 2025 – Mercedes-Benz / mondial.paris / www.mercedes-kroely.fr /

Cheaper, longer-lasting and now more efficient, new-generation LFP batteries are slowly but surely emerging as a key solution for bringing down the price of electric vehicles in Europe. Behind this chemistry, long confined to the entry-level range, lies a major industrial, economic and strategic shift for European carmakers.

Price, the Achilles heel of electric vehicles

For more than a decade, the democratisation of the electric vehicle has come up against a simple but complex reality. The battery remains its most expensive component. In Europe, it still accounts for 30-35% of the total cost of a vehicle, an economic burden that limits access to electric models for a large proportion of motorists. Despite public subsidies, the entry ticket is still high, particularly when compared with combustion vehicles, which are still cheaper to buy.

Against this backdrop, every technological development capable of lowering the cost per kWh is closely scrutinised by the industry. And over the last two years, one chemistry has come back to the fore with unexpected force: Lithium Iron Phosphate (or LFP). Long perceived as less efficient, LFPs have undergone profound changes: today, their production cost is around 15 to 25% lower than NMC (nickel, manganese, cobalt) chemistries, with an average price of between 90 and 100 dollars per kWh, compared with 110 to 130 dollars for traditional batteries. On an industrial scale, this difference makes all the difference.

Long underestimated, now at the heart of the game

LFP batteries have long been shunned in Europe, primarily because of their lower energy density. Less compact, they offered a more limited range, a criterion considered to be a redhibitory factor in a market still obsessed by the number of kilometres travelled. But this structural weakness is now being overcome. The latest generations of LFPs now exceed 200 Wh/kg, a threshold that makes them fully competitive for entry-level and mid-range vehicles. Industrial innovations such as Cell-to-Pack and Cell-to-Chassis reduce unnecessary structural elements, optimising the integration of the battery in the vehicle.

The results are tangible: some platforms now achieve theoretical ranges of over 700 km in the WLTP cycle, as with CATL’s Shenxing Pro technology, while retaining the historic advantages of LFP. Increased safety, high thermal stability and much slower degradation over time. Where an NMC battery sees its performance drop progressively, an LFP can withstand up to 12,000 charge cycles and aim for a lifespan of 20 years or almost a million kilometres. A decisive argument for fleets, heavy-duty private users, and also for the second-hand electric vehicle market.

Immediate savings for everyone

The economic impact of this transition is major. On a vehicle sold for between €25,000 and €35,000, switching to an LFP battery would save an estimated €2,000 to €4,000 per unit. This margin can be reinvested in equipment, range… or simply passed on to the final price. This is precisely the lever that European carmakers are now seeking to activate, faced with double pressure.

On the one hand, price-conscious consumers. On the other, aggressive Chinese competition, able to offer low-cost electric vehicles thanks to complete control of the battery chain. LFPs also respond to a more realistic use of electric cars. They are better able to withstand 100% loads, reduce the risk of premature deterioration and simplify the day-to-day user experience. A seemingly minor detail, but a key factor in overcoming the reluctance of drivers who are still hesitant.

Industrial adoption accelerating in Europe

The European market for LFP batteries is currently growing rapidly. Estimated at just over 2 billion dollars in 2024, it could exceed 4.3 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of over 14%. This rise in power is automatically driving down costs, with packages now flirting with the symbolic 100 dollars per kWh mark.

Renault’s subsidiary Ampere has opted for controlled industrial integration, assembling packs in Douai, France, from cells supplied by LG and CATL. Stellantis, for its part, is going one step further by teaming up directly with CATL to build an LFP gigafactory in Spain, in which it has an equal stake. CATL is also stepping up its industrial presence on the continent, with plants in Germany, Hungary and soon in Spain, giving this chemistry a long-term foothold in Europe.

Industrial sovereignty: a still fragile balance

A central concern remains Europe’s dependence on Asian players. Today, almost 99% of LFP batteries are produced by Chinese companies, an imbalance that raises obvious geopolitical issues. The recent bankruptcy of Northvolt, a European player historically focused on NMC batteries, was a reminder of the fragility of the local ecosystem.

But Europe is not giving up. Local production strategies, industrial partnerships and investment in R&D are on the increase. The aim is clear: to secure supplies, control costs and build a credible European battery industry capable of meeting the continent’s environmental, social and industrial requirements.

The LFP as a strategic pivot for the EV

In the short and medium term, LFP batteries appear to be the strategic pivot for achieving a goal long thought to be out of reach: a reliable, long-lasting European electric car selling for around €25,000. Without this chemistry, the price battle against low-cost imports would remain largely unbalanced. By reconciling cost, safety, longevity and sufficient performance, LFPs are not completely replacing NMC batteries, but they are redefining the core of the market.

For the European automotive industry, the message is clear: the electric transition will not be won solely on the basis of maximum range or power, but on the ability to offer vehicles that are accessible, locally produced and technologically sober. And in this area, new-generation LFP batteries are becoming a decisive asset.

Sources: www.connaissancedesenergies.org – www.mordorintelligence.com – battery-tech.net

With its future 100% electric GT, Jaguar is not simply trying to keep up with the times: the British brand wants to redefine what an ultra-premium electric saloon should be. More than 1,000bhp, up to 770km of range, lightning-fast recharging and almost total silence. This new-generation Jaguar promises to be as much a technological showcase as a styling manifesto.

A new era without compromise

Jaguar is preparing to turn a decisive page in its history. From 2026, the British brand will launch a large 4-door GT saloon, 100% electric, designed as the starting point for a completely redesigned range. This car will embody Jaguar’s radical strategy. To reduce its catalogue to three very high-end electric models by 2030. Based on the brand new Jaguar Electric Architecture platform, this GT boasts extraordinary ambitions. The target power output is in excess of 1000hp, the target range is up to 770km in WLTP cycle, and the electric architecture places it directly in the circle of the most advanced electric cars on the market. Jaguar has embraced its objective of once again becoming a desirable brand, with technology and status that are close to ultra-luxury.

Beneath the sleek bodywork of this future GT lies a three-engined configuration, with two engines on the rear axle and one at the front. This architecture paves the way for very fine torque vectoring, capable of managing power almost surgically, wheel by wheel. To power this arsenal, Jaguar is aiming for a battery pack of over 100 kWh, probably around 120 kWh on current prototypes. The aim is to offer a range that is truly compatible with electric touring, without sacrificing performance. The brand is already announcing the possibility of recovering around 300 km of range in just 15 minutes of fast charging, which implies charging powers of up to 350 to 400 kW.

Extreme acceleration, delivered with elegance

The first tests carried out by the specialist press give a very clear idea of the character of this Jaguar. Yes, the acceleration is dazzling. But unlike some ultra-sporty electric cars known for their ‘catapult’ effect, Jaguar has made a different choice. The acceleration is described as overwhelming but progressive, almost subdued, without jerking or mechanical brutality. The chassis plays a key role in this experience. Despite its long stature and substantial weight, the GT is surprisingly agile, thanks in particular to rear-wheel steering of up to 6 degrees. The air suspension, combined with twin-valve dampers, gives the car a controlled, assertive roll, in keeping with the DNA of the great thermal Jaguars, which are more geared towards supreme comfort than radical sport.

At high speeds, including over 200 km/h on the track, air and road noise remain extremely contained. The absence of vibrations and mechanical noise plays a full part in the positioning of this GT, which seeks to compete more with a Rolls-Royce Spectre than with a Tesla Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Jaguar clearly claims a vision of electric luxury based on serenity, comfort and continuity of effort. It’s an approach that stands in stark contrast to the raw spectacularity of some of its rivals, and one that could appeal to customers looking for refinement rather than demonstration.

Statutory design and controlled timetable

In terms of styling, the production version will take up the spirit of the Type 00 concept, while adapting it to a 4-door configuration. The silhouette is more reminiscent of a long coupé than a traditional saloon, with a very long bonnet, reduced overhangs and radical proportions. The British manufacturer wants to make its mark and visually assert its move upmarket. The first production models are expected from 2026, although Jaguar remains cautious about the final timetable. What is certain, however, is the message being sent. With this electric GT, Jaguar is not trying to survive electrification. It wants to use it as a lever for a renaissance, reaffirming a very British vision of automotive luxury, where extreme power is combined with silence, smoothness and a form of timeless elegance.

Sources: www.jaguar.fr – www.topgear.com – www.motortrend.com

The French brand is offering an electric motor designed for light cruising yachts, combining the advantages of a fixed pod with the simplicity of a pop-up outboard. It’s a modular solution, with no need to drill holes in the hull, as part of a wider strategy to democratise plug & play electric propulsion, from dinghies to coastal cruisers.

A concrete response

Electrifying a 7 to 9 metre sailboat is still a tricky business. Fixed pods require extensive work, including drilling below the waterline, while thermal outboards are noisy, polluting and difficult to integrate. TEMO has positioned the OutPod 1000 precisely in this middle ground. Presented as a genuine ‘simplified inboard’ electric motor, the OutPod is based on hybrid architecture. We have a submerged pod-type motor unit, powered by 48V, mounted on an external sliding mast that can be raised. The whole unit is attached to a slide rail on the transom or skirt, with no need for any structural work on the hull. For both owners and boat builders, the promise is clear: electrify without having to convert.

The OutPod’s main innovation is this synthesis of two worlds. Once reassembled, it generates no drag under sail, reduces fouling and makes maintenance and wintering easier. Another notable feature is that the drive shaft pivots through 180 degrees. This rotation considerably improves manoeuvrability in port and opens the way to hydrogen generation under sail, a powerful argument for coastal sailors seeking energy autonomy. TEMO also places great emphasis on weight distribution. The engine unit weighs just 8 kg on the transom, with the rest of the weight inside the boat.

A system designed for real-life use

The OutPod 1000 is fully integrated into the SEASIDE ecosystem developed by TEMO. It currently covers a power range from 450W to 6kW. In the case of the OutPod, three power levels are available: 500W, 1kW and 3kW, so that the motorisation can be precisely adapted to the boat’s programme. In terms of power, TEMO offers a choice of 2.3 kWh modular battery cassettes or a 48V stationary battery, developed in partnership with Powertech. The remote control and cockpit display make for intuitive operation, in keeping with the brand’s philosophy. The aim is not pure speed, but a reliable, silent propulsion system designed for manoeuvring in and out of harbours.

The OutPod offers a number of significant advantages over a conventional internal combustion outboard. It eliminates local emissions, drastically reduces noise and vibration, and eliminates the need to store fuel on board. Compared with a fixed pod, it eliminates the main point of friction: the hull hole below the waterline, which is often a problem on existing boats. This intermediate position makes it a particularly attractive solution for electrical retrofitting, a rapidly expanding market. TEMO is clearly targeting yachtsmen who want to modernise their boat without making an irreversible commitment, as well as boatyards looking for a turnkey solution that can be industrialised and is reassuring for their customers.

A coherent industrial strategy

The OutPod 1000 is part of an industrial trajectory already well underway at TEMO. With more than 5,500 engines sold, French manufacturing in Vannes and a three-year warranty, the brand now has solid credibility. This recognition recently translated into an award at the Paris Nautic Show, where the OutPod was hailed as a major product innovation. A strong signal for a solution that aims to become the standard for light electrification under sail.

With the OutPod 1000, TEMO is seeking to offer a simpler, more accessible alternative. By combining modularity, energy efficiency and ease of installation, the brand is responding to a growing demand for a new way of sailing, without sacrificing practicality. The OutPod is a perfect illustration of the transition underway in the boating industry, where innovation is no longer just about power, but about intelligent use. It’s a well-thought-out electrification, designed for the real world, not just for show.

Sources: www.temofrance.com – figaronautisme.meteoconsult.fr

Despite an increasingly wide range of electric vehicles on offer and ambitious climate targets, the electric vehicle market remains profoundly unbalanced in Europe. Between the countries of the North, which have already entered the all-electric era, and the South-East, which is struggling to keep up, the transition is progressing at very different rates. This disparity calls into question both public policy and Europe’s industrial strategy.

Adoption varies greatly from region to region

On the face of it, sales of electric vehicles continue to grow in Europe. But behind this overall dynamic lies a much more fragmented reality. The continent is now divided between mature markets and others where electric vehicles remain marginal. In Northern and Western Europe, the electric vehicle has established itself as a credible, if not dominant, alternative. In the South and East, it is still often perceived as an expensive, restrictive product reserved for a minority. This structural gap is widening as some countries accelerate while others stagnate.

Norway remains by far the most spectacular case. In the first seven months of 2025, almost 94% of new car registrations in Norway were electric. This is an unprecedented level, made possible by a policy that has been consistently pursued for over a decade. Generous subsidies, ultra-favourable taxation, user benefits and a dense recharging network have gradually removed the barriers to adoption. The country has also used revenues from its sovereign oil fund to finance this transition. Electric cars are now the norm, even if growth is tending to slow as the market stabilises.

The South and East still lagging behind

At the other end of the spectrum, Southern and Eastern Europe are struggling to get the momentum going. In Croatia, for example, electric vehicles account for barely 1% of sales. This figure reflects not so much a rejection of the technology as a set of economic and practical constraints. The purchase price remains the main obstacle, in regions where purchasing power is more limited. Added to this is a shortage of recharging infrastructure, often concentrated in major cities, leaving vast areas with little or no coverage.

This delay comes at a time when the European Union is partially reviewing its plans. Faced with demand that is less buoyant than expected, Brussels has begun to relax some of the intermediate targets linked to the end of combustion by 2035, under pressure from carmakers. They are calling for more time to adapt their industrial facilities and secure their margins. For many players, regulatory stability is essential to speed up the transition.

Subsidies, terminals and the industrial battle

Where governments have invested massively in charging points and offered clear incentives, market share has taken off. Elsewhere, electric cars remain confined to low levels, often limited to a few percent. Another factor complicating the equation is the rise of Chinese manufacturers. Highly competitive on price, they benefit indirectly from European subsidies, sometimes to the detriment of local brands. Europe could find itself lagging behind technologically and dependent industrially. More than just an automotive issue, the electric vehicle reveals Europe’s economic and political fractures. Without a more homogeneous strategy, there is a risk that the transition will reinforce a two-speed Europe, where it should embody a common project.