Electric foot to the floor, thermal on the brakes!
- Published on 01/03/2026 10:36
In February 2026, the French automotive market confirms a clear divide between a sharply rising electric vehicle segment and a thermal engine segment in free fall.
According to figures published by AAA Data, experts in augmented data, 120,764 new passenger cars were registered in February 2026, a decrease of 15% compared to February 2025. Over the first two months of the year, the market has declined by 11%, with 227,921 units. This downturn occurs in the context of a tightening fiscal environment: CO₂ penalties triggered from 108 g/km, weight penalties lowered to 1,500 kg, and European constraints set to 81 g/km for 2025-2027.
The electric vehicle appeals in new, but scares in used
In this contracting landscape, electric vehicles are standing out. Fully electric new cars totaled 32,370 registrations in February (+28%) and reached 27% market share. Cumulatively, they grew by 38%. According to AAA Data, this dynamic is driven by the revalued ecological bonus – up to €7,700 with the European battery bonus – and by deliveries linked to social leasing. Fleets are actively participating in the movement, with electric registrations up by 62%, boosted by the exemption from the TVE and reinforced renewal targets.
Hybrids remain the leading powertrain (53% market share) but have declined by 6%, while thermal powertrains have collapsed: gasoline has fallen by 48% (15% share), and diesel by 54% (3%).
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In the used car market, 439,649 transactions were recorded in February, a stable volume. Here too, electrified powertrains are progressing (EV +23%, MHEV +33%), confirming a now structural energy reshaping of the French automotive market.
ALSO READ: The trap of the cheap used electric car?
This page is translated from the original post "L’électrique pied au plancher, le thermique sur les freins !" in French.
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