Summary
- Plugin EVs took a 21.6% share in France’s auto sales in November, down from 25% YoY
- The drop in share was mainly due to weak PHEV performance, while BEV share slightly increased
- Overall auto volume was 114,673 units, a 6% YoY decrease from pre-covid levels
- PHEV volume saw a significant decrease due to new weight-based auto taxes, impacting combined plugin share
- Legacy auto makers in France are shifting towards mild-hybrids to meet 2025 emissions rules, while BEVs are expected to increase in volume towards the end of 2025
Article
In November, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) in France took a 21.6% market share, a decrease from the previous year due to weak performance in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). However, battery electric vehicle (BEV) share slightly increased year over year. Overall auto volume was down over 6% from the previous year, with the new Renault 5 being the best-selling BEV, surpassing the Tesla Model Y.
In January, combined plugin EVs in France also held a 21.6% market share, with BEVs at 17.4% and PHEVs at 4.2%. The decrease in PHEV volume led to a significant drop in PHEV share, impacting the overall market share. Despite a slight dip in BEV volume, they still improved their market share compared to the previous year.
The French auto market saw a shift towards plugless hybrids and mild hybrids, as legacy auto manufacturers focus on meeting tighter emissions rules by 2025. While BEV volumes from legacy auto manufacturers are expected to increase towards the end of 2025 to meet emissions targets, the market is also seeing a decline in traditional ICE-only powertrains.
The top-selling BEV models in France included the Renault 5, Citroen e-C3, and Renault Scenic, with French-owned manufacturers dominating the list. While Tesla saw a drop in volumes, it was attributed to unique circumstances and the impending launch of the Model Y refresh. Domestic brand BEVs are expected to continue to see success in 2025 with the launch of more affordable models.
The auto market outlook for 2025 in France is influenced by the shrinking economy and the impact of new EU rules on emissions tightening. The growth of BEVs will be driven by regulatory factors, with an average BEV share of around 20% expected in the EU zone. The competition between European brands and the introduction of more affordable BEV models are expected to drive market growth.
Overall, the French auto market is experiencing a transition towards cleaner technologies, with BEVs gaining traction and traditional powertrains losing market share. The market is expected to continue to evolve in 2025, with new models and regulatory changes shaping the industry. The competition between legacy auto manufacturers and new entrants will drive innovation and affordability in the electric vehicle segment.
Read the full article here
