France’s electric vehicle (EV) market is charging ahead at record speed. September 2025 marked a historic turning point: for the first time, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) outsold petrol cars in the country. More than a symbolic win, the shift highlights how rapidly French consumers and the automotive industry are embracing zero-emission mobility.

Overall passenger car sales in France remain steady, but the appetite for fully electric models continues to surge. Strong consumer confidence, improving charging infrastructure, and supportive government policies are powering this momentum. According to the latest Baromètre Avere-France report, 35,456 new BEVs were registered in September—an impressive 16.6% increase from last year—bringing their market share to 20.8%. Meanwhile, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) slipped slightly, reinforcing the trend toward fully electric technology rather than transitional drivetrains.

Thanks to this shift, France now stands among Europe’s leading markets for zero-emission vehicles. A growing lineup of affordable domestic models, such as the Renault 5 and Dacia Spring, combined with global best-sellers like the Tesla Model Y, shows that electric mobility in France has moved beyond early adopters and entered a phase of genuine mass-market acceptance.

Strong Momentum for Fully Electric Models: Tesla Still on Top

Tesla continues to dominate the French EV landscape. The Model Y was once again the best-selling electric vehicle in September, with 4,845 units registered. Its strong range, reliability, and Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network help maintain its appeal among French drivers.

Renault, however, delivered one of the month’s standout performances. The brand placed three models—the Renault 5, Scenic, and new Renault 4—in the national top ten. Their success highlights Renault’s renewed focus on accessible electrification and its commitment to domestic production. The Renault 5, in particular, posted remarkable growth, with registrations soaring by 133%. Its blend of nostalgic styling and modern affordability has struck a chord with cost-conscious buyers.

The budget-friendly Dacia Spring also surged ahead with a 145% increase, reinforcing its reputation as one of Europe’s most accessible electric vehicles. At the same time, models like Volkswagen’s ID.3 and BMW’s Mini Electric saw steady progress, indicating that EV demand is spreading across both mainstream and premium brands.

In total, BEVs led the transition with 35,456 registrations in September, while PHEVs fell by 3.9%. Fully electric models now claim a 20.8% market share, significantly ahead of the 5.7% held by plug-in hybrids.

The third quarter of 2025 closed 20% higher than the same period in 2024—a sign of a maturing market and growing confidence among both companies and individuals. Notably, private buyers accounted for 46% of all registrations. The government’s social leasing scheme, aimed at making EVs more affordable for low-income households, is expected to accelerate private adoption even further.

Petrol Sales Decline as the Market Reshapes

As EV adoption grows, internal-combustion vehicles are rapidly losing ground. Over the first nine months of 2025, petrol car registrations dropped by 32.8%, falling to 265,023 units compared with the same period last year. September registered just 26,934 petrol cars—a record low—representing only 19.2% of the market.

Hybrid vehicles have now become the largest single powertrain category, recording 62,000 registrations in September alone. The shift reflects a French car market undergoing a structural transformation, with electrification firmly at its core.

So all of that said, what we are essentially looking towards is this new phase for France’s EV transition and it’s one where there are gains for everyone (as it should be). This, actually could well mean green gains all around and what could be better than that?