The electric car market collapses in France

The customer is king, and in this month of May 2025, the king has spoken: he is no longer buying. Not new, not electric, and not without reason.

According to the latest figures provided by AAAData, the French automotive market is experiencing a heavy drop of -12% in May. No extra holiday, no surprises. Just a simple observation: customers are no longer buying, and even less so in electric.

For private individuals, the decline is clear: -17%. Fleets, which are supposed to cushion the shocks, are also down by 18%. New cars no longer attract buyers. And electric vehicles, which are at the heart of all strategies, are collapsing: -19% overall, -58% among private individuals. Only 14% of them still choose this type of engine.

That’s few. Too few. Even though fleets are hanging on (+15%), it’s not enough. Manufacturers are compensating with what are called “tactical” sales: demonstrations, short-term rentals… But this barely masks the growing disinterest.

Tesla is struggling

Tesla, long at the top, has plunged by 67%. A negative spiral that seems endless. Even Renault is down by 17%, despite awaited models like the new R5. A few brands are managing to stand out (Citroën with the ë-C3, Kia, BYD, Skoda…), but these are exceptions.

Meanwhile, hybrids are progressing (+9%), especially the lighter versions. Conventional thermal vehicles continue to decline, unsurprisingly. The used car market remains stable (+0.3%), proving that customers are turning towards more reasoned choices.

The observation is clear: customers are expecting something different. Less promises, more concrete offers. Less uncertainty about aids and taxation, more stability. Today, the figures show one thing above all: it is the buyers who are calling the shots, and they are no longer convinced.

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