Electric car news
The French automobile market is facing a major transformation with the gradual arrival of Chinese manufacturers. The numbers speak for themselves: 1.28% market share et 11,718 units sold in the first half of 2024, a decrease compared to 15,750 sales of 2023.
MG Motors: the undisputed leader of Chinese brands in France
MG Motors largely dominates the Chinese manufacturer market with 9,258 registrationsrepresentative 79% of total sales Chinese brands. The MG4, their flagship model, sold 5,492 copiesdemonstrating consumer appeal for affordable and well-equipped electric vehicles.
- An already well-established distribution network
- A diversified range between electric and hybrid
- Aggressive price positioning despite the loss of the ecological bonus
BYD and Xpeng: ambitions thwarted by high prices
BYD, a global electrical giant, is struggling to establish itself in France with only 1,713 sales in the first half of 2024. The absence of an ecological bonus and prices aligned with European manufacturers are slowing down its expansion. Xpeng, a newcomer to the French market, displays technological ambitions with its G6 equipped with an architecture 800 volts allowing ultra-fast recharges.
| Builder | H1 2024 Sales | Market share |
|---|---|---|
| MG Motors | 9 258 | 1,0% |
| BYD | 1 713 | 0,2% |
| Xpeng | 250 | 0,03% |
Leapmotor and Maxus: differentiated strategies to penetrate the market
Leapmotor, now supported by Stellantis, is banking on its T03 model, which has become one of the cheapest electric cars on the market. Maxus stands out in the electric utility segment with nearly 1,000 vehicles sold in 2024, proving that a niche strategy can pay off.
Outlook 2025: the arrival of new players
The year 2025 will see the arrival of new brands like Onvo, Hongqi and potentially Polestar and Zeekr from the Geely group. These launches will be accompanied by major technological innovations, particularly in the battery management and the fast charging systems.
A half-hearted revolution
Analysis of the figures reveals a nuanced reality: Chinese manufacturers are gradually establishing themselves but are not yet upsetting the established hierarchy. The major French manufacturers maintain their leadership with annual volumes of 200,000 to 250,000 vehicles. The quality of distribution networks and the quality-price ratio remain determining factors for sustainably conquering the French market.
Written by Albert Lecoq
Specialist in electric car buying guides, I am passionate about new technologies and am a strong supporter of the adoption of electric technology and sustainable mobility.
React to the article
