Ionity expands charging network in France

Ionity is expanding its electric vehicle charging network in France, with 181 stations and nearly 1,380 charging points currently available. On average, each station has nearly eight charging points, and the company plans to add two to eight more points to about 25 percent of its existing stations over the next four to five months.

Ionity’s growth plans and financing

In addition to upgrading existing stations, Ionity plans to open about twenty new stations each year. The company has secured bank financing of up to 600 million euros from nine banks, aiming to reach about 13,000 charging points across Europe by 2030.

Strategic positioning and partnerships

Aurélia Boscher, Ionity’s head in France, discussed the company’s strategy, including negotiations with oil companies and how the charging network is positioned in relation to gasoline prices. The company prioritizes expanding along highways, focusing on both the placement of stations and the cost per kilowatt-hour.

SNCF updates bicycle rules on trains

Starting December 13, 2026, TGV Inoui and Intercités trains operated by SNCF will no longer allow bicycles longer than 185 cm or with tires wider than 6 cm. This change effectively bans fatbikes, bicycles with more than two wheels, gyropodes, and hoverboards from being brought on board.

Restrictions on other devices

Scooters with a seat, those that cannot be folded, or those with tires exceeding 6 cm will also be rejected. These devices join an already extensive list of excluded items, while standard bicycles remain unaffected. Users are advised to check their bike dimensions before booking travel.

BYD Bao 8 SUV performs wheelie on street

A BYD Bao 8 SUV was filmed in China climbing a commercial street on three wheels, with the fourth wheel raised in the air despite a wheel lock being attached. This feat is attributed to the vehicle’s DiSus-P Ultra hydraulic suspension, which can lift a single wheel by 30 centimeters.

BYD Bao 8’s specifications and pricing

The BYD Bao 8, sold outside of China as the Denza B8, is a 5.2-meter rechargeable hybrid with a 2.0 turbo engine of 272 hp and two electric motors for a total of 550 kW. It has a 46.7 kWh battery and an announced combined range of about 1,380 km. The Flash Charge version starts at 419,800 yuan in China, or about 56,000 euros.

Hutchinson introduces lightweight electric pump

Hutchinson, a French company known for bicycle tires, has launched the FlashAir, an electric pump weighing 130 grams. The pump can inflate up to 120 psi and displays measured and target pressure on a digital screen, stopping automatically once the desired pressure is reached.

FlashAir’s features and limitations

The pump includes Presta and Schrader valves, USB-C charging, overheating protection, and an LED light. It has a battery capacity of 300 mAh at 7.4 volts, but the company does not specify how many tires can be inflated on a single charge.

Surge in used Chinese electric car sales in Europe

Used Chinese electric cars are experiencing a surge in sales in Europe, with a 280 percent increase in used car sales to European customers between January and September 2026, reaching 7,900 units. This increase is attributed to the fact that European compensatory duties apply only to new cars.

Cost considerations for used Chinese electric cars

While used cars exceeding 6,000 km only pay the base 10 percent customs duty, savings from purchasing used cars may be offset by costs related to customs, charging, and maintenance.