October was a decisive month for the French car market. Electric cars have saved sales and reshaped the landscape. Thanks to social leasing, electric cars are finally becoming a mainstream choice for the French. A record share, spectacular growth. Electric cars now account for 24% of sales, demonstrating a profound change in purchasing habits.
Electric cars rock the French market
The French car market regained some strength in October, although the situation remains fragile. New car sales rose by 2.9% year-on-year. But behind this small increase lies a real change. Sales of electric cars have rocketed by 63%. From 20,899 to 34,108 registrations in one month. This is an unprecedented record. Today, one in four cars sold in France is electric. The 24% market share marks a real turning point. Electric cars are no longer the preserve of companies or pioneering drivers. Private individuals are also choosing this engine.
This strong growth is no accident. It is being driven by substantial public subsidies. The social leasing scheme, which came back into effect at the end of September, allows you to drive an electric car for between 100 and 200 euros a month. French and European subsidies also provide essential support. As a result, manufacturers are speeding up deliveries to keep pace with demand. Fleet sales are even down slightly, proving that households are driving the market. Electric cars are finally becoming an accessible solution for many French people.
Renault back in the lead with the Renault 5
Renault has had an excellent month, resuming its leading role in France. The brand doubled its sales of electric cars and made a successful comeback. The Renault 5 became the star of the moment. It benefited greatly from social leasing. More than 10,000 orders were received and 4,551 cars were delivered in October. It is well ahead of other electric cars in terms of sales. Renault is thus regaining momentum in this market. The brand now offers a varied range of electric cars to suit different budgets. Between the Spring, the Mégane and the Scénic, every customer can find a suitable model.
The Scénic also had a very good year. It came third in October, even at a higher price. It shows that the more upmarket electric segment can operate without too much support. Renault is improving its image and consolidating its entire industry in France. Volumes are increasing, reassuring the industry. But not everything is perfect. The new Renault 4 got off to a slower start. With 1,201 registrations, it was struggling to keep up with the success of the R5. Renault will therefore have to adjust its strategy to avoid too great a gap between its models.
Stellantis limits the damage thanks to Peugeot and Citroën
Peugeot is also benefiting from social leasing. The e-208 takes second place in the rankings with 2,436 deliveries. It even achieved its best month of the year. The Peugeot 2008 is back in the top 5, showing that the brand remains strong in the major segments. Citroën is experiencing a more difficult situation. The new ë-C3, despite being very affordable, has so far disappointed. It only came sixth with 1,391 registrations. Available volumes are still insufficient, despite its attractive price.
The Stellantis Group’s results are therefore uneven. Some brands are responding well to demand, while others need to react more quickly. Competition is becoming increasingly fierce in the electric sector.
Tesla remains solid
Tesla is holding up well despite the revival of the European market. The Model Y remains in the top 5 with 1,660 registrations. The French continue to support the brand for its technologies. Its Supercharger network remains a major advantage for long-distance drivers. However, Tesla’s dominance is no longer as strong as before. The new public subsidies now favour vehicles produced in Europe. This is changing the hierarchy and reducing Tesla’s lead. Local competition is becoming serious and credible.
Another important point is that the second-hand market is changing. Model Ys are selling more and buyers are finding more alternatives. This shows that the market is becoming mature and diversified. Tesla needs to adapt quickly to maintain its technological and commercial lead. Even a recognised pioneer is seeing a tougher environment.
An exploding market… but dependent on public funding
The democratisation of electric cars is finally becoming a reality in France. Prices are more accessible thanks to subsidies. Social leasing is attracting new customers. Private individuals are taking the plunge. Second-hand car sales are also rising, with electric cars up 34% in October. Residual values are stabilising and batteries are more reassuring. So the transition is no longer just a matter for dealerships.
But one question remains: what will happen when aid is reduced? Will the market be able to remain strong without public support? Today, the answer remains uncertain. The dependence on subsidies is clear, and manufacturers are aware of it. They are developing more affordable models adapted to European criteria. The next few months will be crucial. Without a steady fall in list prices, sales could quickly plummet.
Infrastructure also remains a challenge. Heavy drivers are still hesitant. Real range is not always convincing. Charging points are still inadequate in some regions. The switch to electric vehicles still has to overcome a number of major obstacles.
The top 10 confirms a real change in the market
This change is clearly reflected in this month’s best-seller rankings. The Renault 5 comes out well ahead. The e-208 follows, just ahead of the Scénic. Tesla is still present, but is coming under increasing local pressure. The Renault 2008 and the ë-C3 complete a very French top. Skoda, BMW and Cupra are making rapid progress. Asian brands such as Hyundai are also showing great ambitions. The market is becoming more varied and dynamic. Each manufacturer is now seeking to have its own popular model.
| Models | October 2025 | |
| 1 | Renault 5 | 4 551 |
| 2 | Peugeot 208 | 2 436 |
| 3 | Renault Scénic | 1 670 |
| 4 | Tesla Model Y | 1 660 |
| 5 | Peugeot 2008 | 1 630 |
| 6 | Citroën C3 | 1 391 |
| 7 | Renault 4 | 1 201 |
| 8 | Renault Megane | 1 166 |
| 9 | Skoda Elroq | 891 |
| 10 | BMW iX1 | 812 |
A fragile but promising success story
October 2025 will remain an important month for electric cars in France. The French are finally embracing this change with enthusiasm. French brands are taking full advantage. Electric cars are becoming more accessible thanks to public subsidies.
But we must remain cautious. Such a rapid transition can be fragile. Prices must continue to fall. More charging points are needed everywhere. Cars still need more range. The real challenge starts now: making electric cars sustainable, even without financial support.
For the moment, let’s make the most of progress. The electric car is no longer a futuristic project. It’s already all around us. Thanks to the choices made by the French, the market is evolving and preparing for the future.
