Electrics have (largely) exceeded the 10% market share mark. But what were the favorite trendy models of the French?
The French car market is still in crisis. In June, sales fell for the 13th consecutive month. Over the first half of 2022 as a whole, new passenger car registrations fell by 16.3%, with only 771,982 models registered.
But, in this slump, electric cars have continued to progress. 93,344 were delivered between January and June in France, compared to 72,519 over the same period of 2021. Result, with a lower total, the market share of electric vehicles is soaring: it has gone from 7.9 to 12.1% . Clearly, more than one in ten cars sold is 100% electric. It should be remembered, however, that the context of the automotive industry is very specific. It remains weighed down by the shortage of semiconductors. And some manufacturers can promote the assembly of their electric models, and therefore their delivery.
There is of course a transformation of the automobile market. More and more motorists are converting to electric, an effect reinforced this year by soaring prices at the pump, while the rise in the price of electricity has been capped by the government. Finally overriding their fears about this type of engine, particularly related to autonomy, drivers are beginning to understand that electric vehicles can meet their daily needs. And for long journeys, the fast charging network is starting to develop well.
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The increase in sales of electric vehicles also follows a development of the offer, with new products now numerous and covering the entire spectrum of the automotive market. If there are now more family vehicles with better autonomy, the event is the arrival of a low-cost model, the Dacia Spring. And it is a success. In the first half, 9,203 copies were registered.
The Dacia has thus already become the second best-selling electric car. The first is the Peugeot e-208, with 9,712 sales, up 6% in one year. The Fiat 500 completes the podium, with 8,922 sales. Once undisputed queen, the Renault Zoe is fourth, with 8,125 sales, down 24.7%. The gadin is more violent for the Tesla Model 3. Not helped by supply difficulties, it is down 40%. The sedan is also challenged by the arrival of the Model Y, of which nearly 4,000 units have been delivered in France. Proof that city cars are becoming more and more electric, the Twingo E-Tech is having a good half-year, with 7,783 sales. Another Renault in the top 10: the new Megane E-Techlaunched in the spring.
In the rest of the classification, we will note the good beginnings of the Kia EV6 (14th, 1,901 sales). It does better than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (16th, 1,445 sales). Nice score for MG ZS, with 1,563 deliveries. The Skoda Enyaq is selling better than its cousin Volkswagen ID.4 (1,067 sales against 617). Among the disappointments, we can cite the Ford Mustang Mach-Ewith only 340 sales in one semester, the BMW iX3 (250 sales) or the Honda e (115 sales).
The Top 15 electric car sales – 1st half of 2022 – France
| Models | Sales | |
| 1 | Peugeot 208 | 9.712 |
| 2 | Dacia Spring | 9.203 |
| 3 | Fiat 500 | 8.922 |
| 4 | Renault Zoe | 8.125 |
| 5 | Tesla Model 3 | 7.804 |
| 6 | Renault Twingo | 7.783 |
| 7 | Tesla Model Y | 3.936 |
| 8 | Peugeot 2008 | 3.136 |
| 9 | Hyundai Kona | 3.056 |
| 10 | Renault Megane | 2.799 |
| 11 | Mini Hatch | 2.599 |
| 12 | Citroen C4 | 2.471 |
| 13 | Kia Niro | 2.280 |
| 14 | Kia EV6 | 1.901 |
| 15 | MG ZS | 1.563 |