A general rise inautonomy electric vehicles
Autonomy, a key indicator of technological maturity
The range of an electric vehicle is now much more than a sales argument: it illustrates the degree of mastery of the technological chain, from battery chemistry to aerodynamics and software management.
Every kilometre gained is the result of coordinated progress across several disciplines:
- Increased energy density of cells (more energy stored for the same weight)
- Software optimisation of engine efficiency and regenerative braking
- Weight reduction through the use of aluminium or composites
- Improved drag coefficient (Cx) for greater efficiency aerodynamics
These combined advances have led to a spectacular increase in average range on the world's main markets.
Rapid progress in both markets in recent years
In 2023, according to theEuropean Environment Agency, the average range of an electric vehicle sold in Europe was 430 km.
Two years later, in 2025, this average will rise to 563 km, an increase of +30.9 % in just three years.
In China, the trend is similar: according to data from the China EV100, the average range of locally-produced models has risen from 450 km to over 580 km, driven by the widespread use of high-density LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) and NCM batteries.
This parallel progression illustrates a major fact: energy performance is no longer the privilege of a single continent. The two markets inspire and influence each other, fuelling global technological emulation.
Common factors for improvement: energy density, thermal management, weight, aerodynamics
These figures reveal a global technological convergence, driven by shared priorities:
- Energy density: new cells are now reaching 250 to 300 Wh/kg by 2020, and some are already exceeding 350 Wh/kg in the laboratory.
- Advanced thermal management: heat pumps, liquid cooling and on-board intelligence optimise battery temperature, guaranteeing longer range even in cold weather.
- Weight reduction: the 100 % electric platforms eliminate the constraints of the old thermal chassis.
- Aerodynamic efficiency: optimising the design (closed grilles, full rims, flat floors) to gain between 5 and 7 % of range.
These advances are the foundation of the new generation of electric vehicles, designed to last, consume less and fit in better with company fleets.
Trends in the Chinese market
An integrated, pragmatic industrial model
Today, China remains the world's leading laboratory for battery.
Thanks to a massive, integrated industrial policy, the country has been able to combine innovation, large-scale production and cost reduction.
Chinese manufacturers have focused on standardisation and control of the entire cycle, from lithium extraction to recycling.
1) LFP and alternative chemistries: pragmatism in the service of autonomy
This chemistry, which is slightly less energy-intensive than European NCMs, stands out for its exceptional durability, a major advantage for company fleets.
Local brands are also experimenting with semi-solid batteries and cell-to-pack architectures, eliminating intermediate modules to save space and reduce weight.
2) Innovation in fast recharging
The Chinese strategy is based not only on battery capacity, but also on recharging speed.
800 V charging points are becoming the norm, allowing 300 km of range to be recovered in less than 10 minutes on certain models.
This model favours agile mobility: less need for very large batteries, so lighter, more economical vehicles that are better suited to urban or regional fleets.
3) Integrated ecosystem
China benefits from a complete value chain, from lithium extraction to production and recycling.
This vertical integration reduces costs, minimises supply disruptions and ensures continuous improvement in performance.
This model, combining pragmatism and speed of execution, is a competitive advantage over Europe.
European market trends
Europe, for its part, is moving forward with a strategy focused on technological quality, sustainability and energy sovereignty.
1) Upmarket technology
European manufacturers prefer NCM batteries (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese), supported by sophisticated management systems (BMS).
The aim is to maximise energy performance without sacrificing safety or lifespan.
800V architectures (Volkswagen Group, Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz) are becoming the new standard, bringing Europe into line with the Asian pace.
2) An R&D strategy focused on reliability
The European priority: ensuring stable performance over time.
The vehicles retain more than 90 % of their capacity after 200,000 km, making them preferred options for long-life corporate fleets.
This reliability, combined with battery warranties of 8 to 10 years, increases the residual value and therefore the overall TCO of the vehicles.
3) Public policy and regulatory incentives
Europe benefits from strong regulatory support:
- The "Fit for 55" pact requires a gradual reduction in emissions.
- The Loi d'Orientation des Mobilités (LOM) encourages companies to electrify their fleets.
- Massive investment in gigafactories (Northvolt, Verkor, ACC) is aimed at reducing Asian dependence.
This structural framework is conducive to a coherent and sustainable expansion of the market.
Real autonomy: the difference between figures and usage
The range values quoted by manufacturers are measured according to the WLTP cycle, but the reality in the field may differ by 10 to 20 %.
The main reasons for the difference are :
- Outside temperature: cold weather reduces battery performance by 15 to 25 %.
- Driving style: sudden acceleration or high speeds have an impact on fuel consumption.
- On-board weight and accessories (air conditioning, heating, payload).
- Mission profile: urban, suburban or motorway journeys do not affect the battery in the same way.
Fleet managers must therefore rely on real operating data (telemetry, software analysis) to adapt their charging and usage scenarios.
Impacts for electric fleet managers
What increased autonomy means for day-to-day operations
Increased autonomy is changing the game for company fleets:
- Fewer intermediate recharges, so fewer mission interruptions.
- Greater logistical flexibility, particularly for regional tours.
- Reduced autonomy stress for drivers.
It paves the way for the complete electrification of certain missions previously reserved for internal combustion engines.
Reduce recharging costs and improve TCO
A more efficient battery also means fewer kWh consumed for each kilometre driven: for a fleet of 20 vehicles driving 30,000 km/year, an average reduction of 2 kWh/100 km represents a saving of around €1,200 a year on the energy bill.
Overall TCO also benefits from slower battery wear, extending the operational life of vehicles.
New room for manoeuvre in fleet composition
With ranges in excess of 500 km, managers can :
- extend the use of electric power to tasks previously reserved for internal combustion engines,
- reduce the proportion of plug-in hybrids,
- optimise the size of the fleet without fear of energy shortages in rural areas.
Criteria for the future:
1. Battery technology (chemistry, life cycle, recyclability)
2. Charging infrastructure (power, compatibility, cost of use)
3. After-sales services and connectivity (predictive maintenance, energy performance monitoring)
Optimised scenarios for corporate fleets
The increase in average range and the growing diversity of offers on the Chinese and European markets are now paving the way for more intelligent, modular and economically efficient fleet strategies.
A strategic mix: China + Europe
Managers can take advantage of the complementary strengths of Chinese and European vehicles. This mixed approach combines the best of both worlds: the competitiveness and high autonomy of Asian models on the one hand, and the build quality, safety and brand image of European models on the other.
- Chinese models with high range and competitive cost for long or inter-regional journeys.
- European models chosen for their reliability, CSR compliance, extensive after-sales service and employer brand image.
This approach enables us to maximise economic performance while respecting our environmental commitments.
Examples of fleet composition scenarios :
Scenario 1: regional services company
- 60 % of European vehicles for commercial tours,
- 30 % Chinese long-distance vehicles,
- 10 % of hybrid vehicles for areas where there are still few charging points.
Scenario 2: inter-regional logistics fleet
- 70 % Chinese vehicles for high battery capacity and fast 800 V recharging,
- 20 % of European vehicles for urban missions with a strong brand image,
- 10 % heavy-duty electric vans in Europe.
This diversification approach makes the fleet more agile, adaptable to refuelling constraints, mission profiles and financial objectives.
Towards global technological convergence
For years, China and Europe have followed different paths in the development of electric vehicles. One focused on mass production and industrial competitiveness, the other on sustainability, regulation and technical performance.
Today, these two approaches are tending to converge as a result of the globalisation of supply chains and the growing worldwide demand for zero-emission mobility.
Technological frontiers are gradually disappearing, giving rise to a new era of industrial cooperation and technology standardisation. Innovations from every continent are crossing paths, mutually enriching each other and redefining global market standards.
Battery technologies now shared
The globalisation of supply chains and industrial collaboration are accelerating convergence:
- Chinese LFP batteries are making their way into European factories.
- European 800 V platforms are inspiring Asian manufacturers.
- Partnerships (CATL-Stellantis, BYD-Mercedes) are creating unprecedented synergies. European start-ups specialising in materials or thermal management are working with Asian giants to speed up the marketing of new-generation batteries.
A shared vision of tomorrow's mobility
Beyond technology, the Sino-European convergence reflects a shared ambition: to make electric mobility more accessible, more efficient and more sustainable.
Priorities are changing: autonomy is no longer a luxury, but a prerequisite. The real challenge is becoming energy sobriety, energy efficiency and sustainable development.carbon footprint production and the circularity of batteries.
By 2030, the technological maturity of the two continents should have reached equilibrium. Chinese and European vehicles will offer average ranges of over 650 km, with full recharges in less than 10 minutes.
But the difference will lie elsewhere: in the quality of service, software management and the ability to integrate vehicles into intelligent, connected mobility ecosystems.
For fleet managers, this prospect opens up a whole new horizon: that of truly global electric mobility, where performance no longer depends on the vehicle's continent of origin, but on the integration, management and sustainability strategy adopted by the company.
Conclusion: Autonomy, a new strategic lever for company fleets
The race for autonomy is not a competition between continents, but a global collaboration for more efficient mobility.
In just two years, the global average has risen by more than 30 %, opening up new prospects for low-carbon professional mobility.
For company fleets, this convergence means greater freedom of choice, better control of costs and an accelerated energy transition.
Chez BeevWe support companies in this transformation, from mobility audits to the implementation of mixed, high-performance and sustainable fleets.
Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the European and Asian markets, our experts can help you select the right models, the right infrastructure and the right recharging strategy to anticipate tomorrow's needs.
The range of electric vehicles is no longer a limit: it's now a strategic lever for modern corporate fleets.
