While the price of fuel is soaring, TotalEnergies has decided to offer a discount at the pump in its stations located in rural areas in France. A logical choice, because in the countryside, we only have the car to get around, a little less bicycles and trams. At checkout, customers will be granted a deduction in the amount of 5 euros for 50 litres, 2 euros for 20 litres. A measure which will be effective for three months in 1,150 rural stations, located in municipalities with less than 6,000 inhabitants. The discount of 10 cents per liter on petrol and diesel will take place from tomorrow, February 14.
Europe wants to review the type approval for plug-in hybrids
In anticipation of 2025, the European Union is currently working on a new approval process for plug-in hybrid vehicles. The aim is to give more realistic consumption figures than the current WTLP cycle. Currently, the consumption is measured in the laboratory with the batteries full at the start, and over an insufficient distance to empty them. Here’s why big 4x4s achieve less than 2 liters per 100 kilometers and less than 50 g/km of CO2. But in fact everyone knows that these vehicles consume more, especially if they are not recharged. This does not help manufacturers, because plug-in hybrids currently allow them to keep CO2 quotas very low, even with powerful engines. And that risks rushing the arrival of 100% electric even more.
Renault and Valeo will produce electric motors in France
The diamond brand and the automotive supplier have signed a memorandum of understanding. This relates to the design, co-development and production in France of a new-generation automobile electric motor. A more powerful engine but which will above all eliminate rare earths. The partners will share the design of the two key parts of the electric motor: the rotor and the stator. This 200 kW engine will become a reality in 2027. Production will take place for Renault’s needs, at its Cléon plant in Normandy.
And then, a world rally champion at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Sébastien Ogier will race for the stable of Richard Mille, the watch manufacturer. The 38-year-old who won an eighth World Rally Championship title last November could have been aiming for a ninth WRC crown and equaling Sébastien Loeb. But, he preferred another challenge; The Frenchman will be part of a crew that will drive an Oreca-Gibson LMP2. He will share his seat with two other drivers, including a 20-year-old woman. And his employer wasted no time. He took out a watch in the name of Sébastien Ogier