Strong growth in fully electric vehicles
Battery-electric vehicles continue to lead the transition, with 35,456 registrations, representing a 16.6% year-on-year increase, while plug-in hybrids declined slightly by 3.9%. BEVs now hold a market share of 20.8%, compared to 5.7% for PHEVs.
The third quarter of 2025 closed 20% higher than the same period in 2024, reflecting sustained consumer confidence and a maturing market. This growth is driven not only by corporate fleets but also by private buyers, who accounted for 46% of all registrations. The government’s new social leasing scheme, designed to make EVs affordable for lower-income households, is expected to boost private demand even further in the coming months.
Declining petrol sales and a structural shift
While electric adoption accelerates, internal combustion vehicles are losing ground quickly. Over the first nine months of 2025, petrol car registrations dropped by 32.8%, totalling 265,023 units compared with the same period last year. September marked a historic low, with only 26,934 petrol vehicles registered, representing just 19.2% of the total market, the lowest share ever recorded in France.
Hybrids have now become the largest single powertrain category, with 62,000 units registered in September.
Tesla Model Y is the best-selling car
The Tesla Model Y remained the country’s best-selling electric vehicle in September, with 4,845 units, reaffirming its dominance in the crossover category through range, reliability, and the strength of its charging network. Renault achieved a remarkable comeback, placing three models in the national top ten, the Renault 5, Scenic, and Renault 4, each reflecting the brand’s commitment to local production and mass-market electrification.
The Renault 5 saw registrations surge by 133%, appealing to price-sensitive buyers with its nostalgic yet modern design. The Dacia Spring also gained momentum, growing by 145%, confirming its position as one of Europe’s most affordable EVs. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s ID.3 and BMW’s Mini Electric posted steady gains, demonstrating that demand in France is spreading across both mainstream and premium segments.