Manufacturers are multiplying initiatives to stimulate battery car sales.
(Le Figaro, Sylvain Reisser, May 7, 2026)
Less than ten years from the European ban on the sale of combustion engine cars in 2035, manufacturers have multiplied electric models, increasing them from 16 in 2018 to almost 200, investing heavily in more efficient batteries, doubled ranges, and reduced charging times thanks to 800-volt platforms, to meet the emission reduction targets of 55% by 2030 and avoid heavy fines.
Producers aim to reassure customers still concerned about range and charging by offering charging cards with free or discounted periods, reducing the aerodynamic penetration coefficient, and introducing innovations such as LFP batteries for entry-level and NMC for premium models, while prices drop below 20,000 euros with promotional offers like the Citroën ë-C3 at 12,990 euros.
Despite technological progress and commercial initiatives, the electric market struggles to take off without public aid because prices remain high without incentives, with the risk of strategic dependence on China, which controls over 80% of the battery supply chain, in a context where manufacturers communicate heavily about monthly installments to bypass the purchase price obstacle.
Rapid technological progress
“In less than ten years, the industry has made considerable progress, focusing its studies on efficiency, energy yield, and reducing charging times. The average range has doubled for city cars.”
2035 target and fines
“From January 1, 2035, manufacturers will only be allowed to sell battery electric or hydrogen vehicles in Europe. To avoid fines, manufacturers must reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their ranges by 55% by 2030.”
Aggressive commercial initiatives
“All manufacturers offer deals on their websites. From May 1, Citroën offers its ë-C3 at 12,990 euros, with a 900-euro brand discount and a 6,100-euro CEE bonus deducted.”
Dependence on China
“At the price of a new dependence on China, which controls more than 80% of the battery technology value chain.”
Prices still high without aid
“Without incentives, the price of electric models remains high. To access the new Volkswagen ID. Polo […] you will have to pay at least 35,820 euros.”
Electric cars: the French market takes off.
(Le Figaro, Valérie Collet, May 7, 2026)
The war in the Middle East and the sharp rise in fuel prices have acted as a powerful accelerator for the electric car market in France: in the first four months of 2026, sales of 100% electric vehicles jumped 48% compared to the same period in 2025, with a peak of 69% in March, bringing the market share to 28%, among the highest in Europe.
Manufacturers report a strong acceleration in demand, especially for affordable models in the B segment: Citroën went from 20% to 45% electric sales in April, Volkswagen saw orders grow by 73% in the first quarter, and Renault nearly doubled private electric vehicle bookings, also thanks to the expanded offer with 181 models available compared to 114 two years ago.
The boom is supported by a now mature charging infrastructure (over 200,000 points), users’ familiarity with electric driving comfort, and the greater availability of economical models under 20,000 euros (excluding aid), which has lowered the average price in the B-SUV segment by 8% in one year.
War and high fuel prices as a trigger
“The conflict in the Middle East gave a strong boost. We saw an acceleration in electric demand especially from March. […] We went from 20% BEV to 45% in April.”
Spectacular growth in registrations
“In the first four months of the year, the 48% jump in new electric car sales is spectacular. In March, growth reached 69% compared to March 2025. With a market share of 28%, France ranks among the best students in the European Union.”
Expansion of supply and falling prices
“181 electric models were available on the French market in March 2026, compared to 114 in March 2024. This abundance has lowered average prices: volumes in the B-SUV segment increased by 131% in one year, with an 8% decrease in average price.”
Manufacturers’ confirmation
“Our bookings of 100% electric Renault brand vehicles among private customers have almost doubled. I think the trigger is the conflict, even if the ground was already favorable.”
Infrastructure and change of mindset
“Drivers who have switched to electric appreciate the driving comfort. They do not go back to combustion engines.”
(Excerpt from the newsletter by Giuseppe Liturri)
