These French People Who Can’t Live Without Cars

Despite the rise of public transportation and eco-friendly modes, 75 % of French employees still commute to work by car.

The car remains the main mode of transport for French workers. According to the 2025 Alphabet France x IFOP Barometer, 75 % of employees still use a car for their daily commute, a stable figure since 2020. Between multimodality and electric mobility, professional mobility is evolving, but the automobile remains essential.

The usage varies depending on city size: 62 % in large metropolitan areas versus 88 % in smaller towns. In Île-de-France, only 52 % of workers use their cars, while it remains the dominant mode in the North-West (87 %). Public transportation accounts for 24 % of commuters, but up to 52 % in the Paris region.

The reasons for favoring the car are clear: 45 % find it more economical, 41 % faster, and 36 % more eco-friendly. For those who do not use public transport, the main constraints remain the lack of nearby services and difficult access from the workplace. Multimodality is gaining ground: 32 % combine two or more modes of transport, for example, to reach a train station before taking the train.

Car, a pillar of professional mobility in France

E-mobility is gradually progressing. Among drivers, 14 % use electric or hybrid vehicles, compared to 11 % in 2024, with particularly high shares in the Paris region (26 %). Users highlight cost savings, ecology, and comfort. Additionally, 52 % of workers plan to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle for their next purchase. Even among thermal engine drivers, 32 % say they are ready to make the switch.

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These trends show that the car remains a central element of professional mobility while adapting to new demands: sustainability, comfort, and versatility.

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