– Plugin EVs took a 27.9% share in France’s auto market in March, with a growth in full electric volume and plugin hybrid volume
– The Peugeot e-208 remained the bestselling full electric vehicle for the third consecutive month in France
– The French economy is not in great shape, affecting the auto market health and the speed of the EV transition
In March, the French auto market saw plugin EVs take a 27.9% share, with full electric volume up by 11% year-on-year. The Peugeot e-208 remained the bestselling full electric vehicle for the third consecutive month. The government’s social leasing program has boosted BEV numbers, with Stellantis and Renault Group being major players. The month of March had 2 fewer working days than last year, affecting volumes.
While combustion-only petrol and diesel volumes were down year-on-year, the market share for these vehicles fell to 40% from 50%. The Renault Twingo and Peugeot e-208 climbed in rankings, likely due to the social leasing program. The Renault Zoe, in its final month of production, also saw a strong climb.
The economic environment in France is not looking favorable for the auto market health or the speed of the EV transition. Popular BEVs made outside Europe are expected to see a crash in sales due to being cut off from incentives. Despite record low costs for BEV batteries and cells, there are still no affordable BEVs offered in the European market. The social leasing scheme is trying to compensate for this lack of affordability. European carmakers are making record profits, while good value BEVs from outside Europe are being demoted in France.