The ranking of electric car sales in the first half of 2024 is influenced by the benefits of social leasing… and the loss of the ecological bonus.
A gloomy first half for the French automobile market. While sales increased from January to June, the growth was timid at just 2.8%. May and June even saw a decline, with June dropping by 4.8%.
The result could have been worse without the bolstering of tactical sales, which are registrations done by manufacturers to fill dealership stocks. The sector highlights a general trend of wait-and-see, with some waiting for the arrival of new models (such as the Citroën ë-C3 or Renault 5) or postponing their purchase due to uncertain political/economic circumstances.
Electric cars, on the other hand, have seen ups and downs. In the first six months of the year, volumes increased by 15% to 158,398 units. The market share has also risen from 15.5% to 17.3%. However, this progress is mainly due to social leasing. In fact, a significant portion of electric vehicle deliveries sold through this system were made in the spring, causing electric car sales to plunge by 10% in June.
It is important not to jump to conclusions about the decline of electric vehicles too quickly. Many believe that we are currently at a plateau following a period of significant growth driven by vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, and just before a new wave with the upcoming more affordable next generation of city electric cars.
Therefore, social leasing has been beneficial, and it has clearly disrupted the ranking of the best-selling electric cars in France. The Tesla Model Y, which topped the registrations in 2023, has been dethroned by the Peugeot e-208, a major winner of leasing and now reclaiming the top spot in the market. With 17,341 units sold, a 44% increase!
The Model Y comes in second place with 11,517 registrations, just barely ahead. The SUV experienced a 35% decline due to a exceptional 2023 caused by falling prices.
A small surprise is the Renault Megane climbing back to third place with a 20% increase and 11,356 sales. The compact car was rejuvenated by price drops and leasing and was also the top electric car registered in June with over 3,200 deliveries! Another success story for Renault is the Twingo Electric ending its career on a high note, also thanks to leasing. The Twingo secures the 5th spot in the ranking with 9,110 units delivered in the first half, a 147% increase!
It remains behind the Fiat 500 (11,134 sales). Next in line is the Tesla Model 3, with a 8% decrease to 7,907 sales. The sedan is feeling the impact of the loss of the bonus. Similarly, the MG4 drops by 27% to take the 8th spot with 6,903 sales. Heavy promotions to offset the loss of government assistance have softened the blow.
Looking at other winners in terms of leasing, we can mention the Peugeot 2008 (6,903 sales, +112%), the Citroën ë-C4 (4,338, +165%), the Opel Corsa (4,332, +87%), the Volkswagen ID.3 (3,730, +41%), and the Jeep Avenger (2,821, +264%). However, impressive performances can also be achieved without leasing. Thanks to new variants that benefit from the bonus, the BMW iX1 shines. It ranked 9th with 4,870 sales.
As for new releases, the Volvo EX30 had a promising start, landing 13th with 3,506 deliveries. However, Volvo mainly delivered a large number of cars earlier in the year before the bonus loss, resulting in a quieter spring period (336 registrations in June). The Fiat 600 also performs well, with 2,937 units.
It’s worth noting that the Scenic ranks 21st with 2,095 registrations, yet many remain unsold. The Peugeot 3008 is even more modest with only 1,219 registrations.
Top 20 Electric Car Sales – France – 1st Half of 2024
| Models | Sales | Growth | |
| 1 | Peugeot 208 | 17,341 | +44% |
| 2 | Tesla Model Y | 11,517 | -35% |
| 3 | Renault Mégane | 11,356 | +20% |
| 20 | Cupra Born | 2,137 | +78% |