FRANCE. For the first time in history, electric cars are the most commonly purchased. The TOP3 electric vehicles are Renault, Renault, and Renault [July results]

In July 2026, electric vehicles accounted for as much as 35 percent of new cars in France, surpassing all other types of propulsion systems categorized together [but not exceeding internal combustion engines, ICE+HEV+PHEV, when counted collectively – editor’s note]. The top three positions among BEVs were occupied by Renault models: 1/ Renault 5, 2/ Renault Scenic, 3/ Renault Twingo. Right behind them was 4/ Tesla Model Y. The most popular car overall was the Peugeot 208, including the E-208 version.

France follows in Denmark’s footsteps

The TOP10 of the most frequently chosen cars in France, regardless of propulsion type, are (electric vehicles are highlighted in bold as usual; source):

Peugeot 208, including E-208 – 6,026 units,

Dacia Sandero – 5,245 units,

Citroen C3, including e-C3 – 4,082 units,

Renault 5 E-Tech – 3,794 units,

Peugeot 2008, including E-2008 – 3,716 units,

Renault Scenic E-Tech – 2,910 units,

Citroen C3 Aircross, including e-C3 Aircross –

Renault Clio VI – 2,686 units,

Renault Twingo E-Tech – 2,564 units,

Toyota Yaris – 2,531 units.

The Renault 5 E-Tech is a huge hit in France, as reported by Best Selling Car Blog, with these vehicles visible “literally everywhere.” All electric models accounted for as much as 47 percent (!) of the manufacturer’s total sales in its home market last July. In Poland, the Renault 5 is also appearing more frequently despite its price — and that’s good news, as it’s exceptionally pleasing to the eye. The Tesla Model Y saw a 145 percent year-over-year increase, but it must settle for 12th place on the list of models with different powertrains and 4th place in the electric vehicle segment.

A 35-percent share of BEVs was recorded, even though the third round of the social leasing program had only been in operation for half a month. Under this program, the buyer can receive up to 29 percent of the vehicle’s price, with a subsidy ranging from 6,500 to 9,500 euros (28,000–40,900 zł). The minimum lease term is three years, with a minimum allowed annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers. Importantly, the maximum monthly installment permitted by regulations is 200 euros, allowing the Citroën e-C3 to cost 94 euros (404 zł) and the Twingo E-Tech 130 euros (559 zł) per month.

Of course, there are a few more requirements: a maximum allowable income per family member has been set, and there’s also a commuting condition (10 km per day or 8,000 km per year for work-related purposes), where an electric vehicle can help meet this requirement. Interestingly, the Renault 5 E-Tech, eligible for social leasing, dominates private purchases (75% of buyers), while the Renault Scenic is mainly bought by companies (85% of buyers).

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