Summary
- Plugin EVs in France had a 22.4% market share in August
- Overall auto volume in France in August was 85,977 units, the weakest August since 2014
- The Tesla Model Y was the best selling BEV in France in August
- Traditional combustion-only powertrain sales in France are decreasing
- The EU regulations are not setting tougher emissions targets for 2024, impacting BEV growth in France.
Article
In August, the auto market in France saw plugin EVs at a 22.4% share, down from 25.7% year on year. Both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plugin hybrids (PHEVs) experienced a decline of over 33% each compared to the previous year, surpassing the overall market drop. The Tesla Model Y emerged as the best-selling BEV in France for the month. Overall auto volume was 85,977 units, marking the weakest August since 2014 and well below the seasonal norms of previous years.
The market data reveals a negative impact on EV progress in France due to various factors such as an incentive cut for non-European BEVs, the aftermath of a temporary social leasing program, and profit-protective tariffs imposed by the EU on Chinese imports. While BEV volume saw an initial increase from January to April, the figures for May to August show a decline. However, traditional hybrids (HEVs) have seen a rise in volume, mitigating the decrease in BEVs and PHEVs. On the other hand, combustion-only powertrain sales have decreased, with diesel-only volumes shrinking as well.
The top-selling BEV models in August included the Tesla Model Y, Peugeot e-208, and Renault Scenic. Despite the overall slow month for auto sales, the Tesla Model Y’s performance was significant, with over 2.4% of the market share. The Renault Scenic climbed to a record third position, displacing its older sibling, the Megane. Other BEV models experienced lower sales compared to previous averages, with some exceptions like the Skoda Enyaq and the new Ford Explorer BEV.
Looking ahead, the outlook for BEVs and the auto market in France remains uncertain. With the economy slowing down and inflation rates decreasing, there may not be significant growth in BEV sales for the rest of the year. The EU regulations setting emissions targets for 2025 could potentially lead to modest improvements in the adoption of EVs. In the long run, the trend suggests a shift towards electric vehicles and away from traditional combustion-only vehicles, especially as diesel market share continues to decline.
Overall, the French EV journey is facing challenges but also showing signs of progress. With ongoing developments in the auto industry and regulatory environment, the future of electric vehicles in France remains dynamic. The discussion on France’s EV market and the transition to sustainable transportation is ongoing, with stakeholders and enthusiasts sharing their thoughts and insights on ways to accelerate the shift towards cleaner mobility solutions.
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