Too expensive fuel: French people are cutting back, but there’s no rush to switch to electric vehicles too quickly

In response to rising prices for gasoline and diesel, French people are adjusting their habits. According to a survey by DiscoverCars published in October 2026, more and more of them are limiting their trips or looking for the cheapest gas stations. Surprisingly, the majority of those surveyed in France do not consider switching to electric or hybrid vehicles.

Will rising fuel prices accelerate the shift to electric cars? One might think so given recent sales figures... But a study conducted by DiscoverCars among 1,110 people worldwide (a fairly small sample, admittedly), including French respondents, shows that drivers prefer to change their habits rather than switch to electric vehicles.

The French dilemma

The first observation: French drivers surveyed seem particularly sensitive to changes in fuel prices. 31% of them say they are greatly affected by these increases, compared to 21% globally. This difference is reflected in their behavior. Nearly half of the French respondents (48%) now compare gas station prices to find the cheapest fuel.

47% of them also avoid unnecessary trips. More generally, 38% say they use their cars less frequently, and 25% prefer walking for short distances. These results show a desire to control expenses without necessarily giving up their vehicles. In fact, only 21% of French respondents say they have not changed their driving habits at all.

What about electric cars in all this?

One might assume that rising fuel prices would push more drivers toward electric vehicles. However, the study reveals a more nuanced reality.

In France, 57% of respondents do not plan to switch to a hybrid or electric car for now. Internationally, 8% of respondents consider adopting an electric vehicle, while 7% say they have already done so. Hybrids seem more attractive, with 15% of participants considering this type of vehicle.

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These figures show that fuel prices are not a sufficient reason to switch vehicles. Initial investment, charging options, and commuting habits can also play a role.

Some caution is needed. The survey was conducted among customers of an auto rental comparison site, rather than a representative sample of French people. DiscoverCars also does not specify the exact number of French participants. It is difficult to generalize these findings to the entire population.

And yet…

These hesitations, however, contrast with the reality of the French automobile market. As we reported in our latest registration overview, electric vehicles accounted for 41.6% of new car sales in September 2026, a record high. With 65,247 registrations, their sales surged by 107.5% in just one year.

This paradox shows that there is sometimes a gap between the intentions stated in surveys and market reality. Finally, it should be noted that the new car market does not necessarily reflect the financial capabilities and expectations of all French motorists.