1. In April 2024, plugin EVs held a 24.3% share of the auto market in France, with BEVs growing by 45% year on year.
2. The Peugeot e-208 was the best-selling BEV in April, followed by the Peugeot e-2008 and the Renault Twingo.
3. The growth of BEVs in France is partly attributed to a subsidised social leasing scheme, but the cutting of eco-bonus incentives for BEVs made outside of Europe has affected sales of popular models like the Tesla Model 3.
The auto market in France saw a 24.3% share of plugin EVs in April 2024, with full electric vehicles (BEVs) showing strong growth. Overall auto volume was up by 11% year on year, although still below seasonal norms from previous years. The Peugeot e-208 was the best-selling BEV for the month. The BEVs saw a significant increase in volume, outperforming the overall market growth, while PHEVs remained flat. The growth of BEVs was partly due to a social leasing scheme that saw double the expected volume.
The cutting of eco-bonus incentives for BEVs made outside of Europe has affected the sales of popular models like the Tesla Model 3, Dacia Spring, Kia Niro, and MG4 in France. Hybrid and mild hybrid technologies also saw sales growth, taking share away from combustion-only vehicles. French-made models seemed to benefit from the new rules. The French economy remains weak, with modest auto market growth. The outlook for EV growth in France depends on the availability of affordable BEVs that can compete with ICE vehicles on price. Despite decreasing battery prices, the lack of affordable BEVs and the tactics of legacy auto makers pose challenges for the EV market in France.