Summary
- Plugin EVs had a 29.6% share in France’s auto market in December
- BEVs lost volume year on year due to upcoming tougher emissions requirements in 2025
- PHEVs and plugless HEVs saw year on year growth
- Overall auto volume increased by 1.5% year on year
- China’s auto market is leading in EVs, with a total share close to 50% and BEVs at price parity with ICE cars in many segments.
Article
December’s auto market in France saw plugin EVs at a 29.6% share, with BEVs at 16.1% and PHEVs at 13.5%. This slight decrease in BEV share was attributed to manufacturers holding back deliveries in anticipation of tougher emissions requirements in 2025. Despite this, overall auto volume increased by 1.5% year on year, with the new Citroen e-C3 emerging as the best-selling BEV in December.
In 2024, France’s cumulative plugin EV share was 25.4%, with BEVs at 16.9% and PHEVs at 8.5%. While this was slightly lower than 2023, total BEV sales were down by 2.5% compared to the previous year. The slow pace of the EV transition in France and Germany was largely due to manufacturers only meeting the minimum requirements set by regulations, with legacy auto players hesitant to fully embrace BEVs.
2024 regulations saw a modest increase in fleet emissions targets, but the overall progress in the EV transition has been slow in the past few years. However, with a more stringent headline target of 81 grams/km CO₂ set for 2025, there is hope for accelerated growth in the EV market. By 2030, the target is to reduce emissions by 55%, paving the way for BEVs to dominate auto sales by then.
In China, domestic auto brands have surged ahead in the EV market, with a total market share for plugins reaching around 50% in 2024. This is double the share in France, showcasing China’s rapid progress in adopting BEVs and NEVs. With BEVs now at price parity with ICE cars in many segments, Chinese consumers have embraced electric vehicles at a much faster rate than their European counterparts.
The best-selling BEVs in France included the Tesla Model Y, the Renault 5, and the Citroen e-C4. The Renault 5 quickly gained traction in the market, suggesting potential for high volumes in the coming years. The outlook for 2025 remains optimistic, with the prospect of more diverse BEV models, increased market maturity, and potentially surprising winners in the EV market.
As France’s EV transition progresses, the role of regulations and consumer demand will shape the market in the years to come. With the Renault 5 challenging the dominance of the Tesla Model Y, 2025 could be a pivotal year for the EV industry in France. Overall, the gradual shift towards electric vehicles is expected to accelerate in the coming years, driven by both regulatory requirements and changing consumer preferences.
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