Pariser Autosalon, Lynk & Co, Honda, Cam-Am, Shimano and more

This week, the Paris Motor Show runs from October 14 to 20. Renault debuted several world premieres with retro designs, Volkswagen unveiled the new Tayron, Audi introduced the Q6 Sportback e-tron, Peugeot showcased the new all-electric e-408, Citroën presented the C5 Aircross Concept and facelifts for the ë-C4 and ë-C4 X, Alpine launched the A390_β, Micro Mobility revealed the production version of the Microlino Spiaggina, Xpeng unveiled the P7 Plus, BYD introduced the Sealion 7, Leapmotor presented the compact electric SUV B10, Mini showed two new all-electric John Cooper Works models, Xing Mobility introduced a prototype of a new cell-to-chassis battery, and ProLogium unveiled a new silicon composite anode. Check out the details of these new launches at the link below.

Lynk & Co has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle for the European market, the 02 model. This compact electric SUV offers a range of up to 445 kilometers and is built on Geely’s SEA2 platform. The 02 features a 200 kW power unit and supports fast charging at 150 kW, allowing the battery to charge up in just 30 minutes. The 200 kW motor can accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. A unique feature of the 02 is its built-in car-sharing function, allowing the vehicle to be shared with others via an app.

Honda has announced plans to launch seven new electric vehicles by 2030, with a range of up to 482 kilometers. These new models will be based on the "0 Series" platform, which is designed to be lightweight and efficient. Honda will also incorporate new manufacturing technologies, such as mega-casting, to reduce the weight and complexity of its vehicles. Production will take place in the U.S., with the first model, a sedan, set to hit the market in 2026.

Can-Am returns to the motorcycle market after more than 50 years with two new electric models: the street model "Pulse" and the off-road model "Origin." Both motorcycles offer 35 kW of power and a range of up to 160 kilometers. The liquid-cooled battery ensures consistent performance even in extreme temperatures, and fast charging from 20% to 80% can be completed in just 50 minutes. Key features include active regeneration and a connected interface via a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Shimano has introduced a new AI-driven gear shifting system called Q'Auto, set to launch in 2025. This technology, integrated into the bike’s hub, features a chip, shifting mechanism, and an 11-speed gearbox. The system automatically adjusts the gear based on speed, terrain, and the rider's behavior, improving the comfort of traditional bikes and offering an alternative to e-bikes. The AI-driven shifting system is expected to make pedaling easier, particularly uphill, making classic bicycles more appealing.

Italian saddle manufacturer Selle Royal has introduced Stracciatella technology, which reduces production waste and lowers the carbon footprint of bike saddles. The technology allows for the recycling of saddle production waste into new foam material. The first models featuring this sustainable innovation are the "Lookin" and "Lookin Evo" saddles. The Stracciatella technology is part of the company’s sustainability strategy, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

Nissan has announced plans to introduce bidirectional charging technology in Europe for select EVs starting in 2026. This system will allow electricity to be retransferred into the grid (vehicle-to-grid, V2G) and then be used in homes. The system will work with a special wallbox and an onboard charger. Nissan promises that the system will function with both AC and DC power, potentially cutting annual energy costs for EVs by up to 50%.

Mahle and Valeo have announced a partnership to develop magnet-free electric axles for EVs. The goal is to create high-performance, efficient solutions for premium vehicle segments. The two suppliers aim to develop an electric axle with up to 350 kW of power. The new motor is expected to reduce the CO2 footprint by up to 40%. Initial tests are planned for late 2024, with the technology promising significant improvements in power density.

Tesla introduced two new models at an event in Los Angeles: the "Cybercab," an autonomous robotaxi based on the Model 3, and the "Robovan," a futuristic self-driving bus. Tesla announced that both models are aimed at revolutionizing transportation and will continue to rely solely on camera-based autonomous driving systems, avoiding the use of expensive LiDAR technology.

Mercedes me Charge now covers more than two million global charging points, comprising more than 1,600 different charging station operators, according to Mercedes-Benz. Customers in 32 countries across four continents benefit from the service.

Tesla now offers the Model Y in Europe as a seven-seater, with the third-row option available exclusively for the Model Y Long Range with all-wheel drive.

U.S. fast-charging provider EVgo and charging station manufacturer Delta Electronics have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a "next-generation charging architecture." The new charging stations will be cheaper and more reliable, supporting up to 400 kW of power. Features include contactless payment interfaces, all-in-one power electronics, "advanced software," and longer charging cables to accommodate various EV charging port locations.