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In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), France has seen a significant shift in the market landscape in 2023. The Tesla Model Y has emerged as the leading EV model, claiming the top spot in registrations.
The Model Y, with its impressive performance, registered 3,235 units sold in June 2023 alone, marking a substantial increase following the resolution of eligibility for the French eco-bonus in mid-June. This boost has helped deliver substantial volumes, propelling the Model Y to the forefront of the EV market.
The Renault 5, a long-time contender, has maintained strong sales in 2023, exhibiting volumes around 10% higher than its January-to-May average. Despite the launch of the Renault 4, the 5 has managed to secure a respectable position, placing 12th with 539 units in June 2023.
The Renault Scenic ranked third in sales, with approximately 1,100 units in June 2023.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA PHEV, with two models from the marque on the table, took 14th place with 595 units, making it Volkswagen Group's best-selling EV in France in October. The Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV could potentially challenge for the category trophy in the final days of 2023, as it is only roughly 1,200 units behind the Peugeot 3008 PHEV.
The Dacia Spring, another notable model, took ninth place in the overall market rankings with 3,291 registrations in October. The Spring could potentially move up to second place, but this depends on the performance of the Peugeot e-208.
The MG4, a rising star, has climbed up one spot into sixth place and is expected to surpass the Renault Megane EV by the end of 2023. The Fiat 500e secured second place with 1,887 units, followed closely by the MG4 with 1,864 units. The Peugeot 308 and the 3008 PHEV are in intense competition for eighth place, with the hatchback being the favorite.
The Tesla Model 3 could potentially enter fourth place by the end of the year, with a potential surge in registrations in December. The BMW Group is the only OEM in the top five to gain share, allowing it to put distance between itself and sixth-place Hyundai Motor Group.
The EV market in France has grown significantly over the years, with registrations of electric vehicles reaching 40,379 units in October 2023, making up 26.4% of the country's new-car market. Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 17% of all registrations with 25,473 units, while plug-in hybrids made up 10% with 14,906 units. In October, BEVs outsold PHEVs, claiming 63% of the new EV market, while PHEVs took the remaining 37%.
The top-selling electric vehicles in France in 2023 reflect a dynamic and expanding EV market, with Tesla, Renault, and Peugeot leading the way. The EV market share in France has grown significantly over the years, with EV registrations reaching 24% of new car sales in June 2025, reflecting a strong upward trend since at least 2021 when plug-in vehicles held about 15.1% market share.
[1] Source: French car registration data [2] Source: Tesla Inc. quarterly reports [3] Source: Avere, the French association for the promotion of electric mobility
- The rise of Tesla Model Y in the French EV market can also be observed in the finance sector, as the company's profits increased by 15% in Q3 2023, largely due to the sale of Model Y vehicles.
- The advancement in technology not only impacts the automotive industry but also sports, as the increasing popularity of electric vehicles could lead to the development of cleaner, more efficient race cars, revolutionizing the world of motorsport.
