Daily EV news · France · 8 October 2026
Electric Vehicles
XPENG G9L enters production at Magna Austria facility ahead of Paris Motor Show debut
XPENG has completed the first production trial of its G9L AI flagship SUV at Magna's Graz plant in Austria, marking the fourth model built at the site alongside the G6, G9 and P7+. The pre-production vehicle will travel 1,324 kilometres from Graz to Paris for its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October. XPENG has now delivered more than 100,000 vehicles outside China, including over 60,000 in Europe and more than 6,000 in France since entering that market two years ago, with Q2 2026 overseas deliveries exceeding 20,000 units for the first time, up 81 per cent.
Why it matters
Local European production at Magna's Austrian facility reduces logistics costs and tariff exposure for XPENG, potentially improving price competitiveness in tenders and fleet deals. Growing volumes in France and across Europe signal rising demand for charging infrastructure to support XPENG's expanding installed base, particularly for high power DC charging compatible with the G9L's fast charging capability.
Grid & Energy
French startup repurposes used EV batteries for solar energy storage
A French startup is integrating reconditioned electric vehicle batteries into solar energy storage systems. After around ten years of automotive use, EV batteries typically retain 70 to 80 per cent of their original capacity, which is insufficient for vehicle range but adequate for stationary storage applications that face less demanding performance requirements than onboard automotive use.
Why it matters
Second life battery storage can lower the capital cost of grid scale and commercial solar installations, potentially reducing electricity costs for depot and forecourt charging operators. The technology also extends battery value chains, which may influence residual values and total cost of ownership calculations in fleet procurement.
Renault Group and EDF partner to accelerate bidirectional charging in France
Renault Group and EDF Group have launched a partnership in France to offer an integrated EV solution combining electric cars with home charging systems and smart charging capabilities, including bidirectional charging, vehicle to grid (V2G), and vehicle to home (V2H). The package will be available to private customers through Renault dealerships from summer next year, with home charger installation handled by EDF subsidiary IZI and smart charging management provided by DREEV. The partnership will expand to all bidirectional capable EVs within the Renault Group, including the Renault 5, Renault Twingo, and Dacia Spring.
Why it matters
This partnership creates a new integrated procurement route for home charging infrastructure in France, bundling hardware installation and smart charging services through a single OEM and utility collaboration. The focus on bidirectional technology positions EDF and Renault to capture value from V2G and V2H services, potentially reshaping how residential charging infrastructure is specified and deployed at scale.