Despite their technological delay in electric vehicles, European manufacturers have not said their last word in the face of the offensive by Chinese brands. If analysts ultimately grant 10% market share to neo-manufacturers represented in particular by BYD and MG, the legacy companies intend to defend their positions.
Faced with the commercial, technical and regulatory constraints imposed by the energy transition and their new competitors, European manufacturers are mobilizing. The response is organized with Stellantis, Volkswagen and Renault. If the Paris Motor Show gave an overview of the new electric ranges from the industry giants, it also kicked off a new price war.
Electric city cars at €20,000
Certainly, with the exception of the Dacia Spring, the entry-level prize still goes to a Chinese brand with Leapmotor and its TO3 now distributed in the Stellantis network. But all eyes are now on the new Citroën ë-C3 available for less than €15,000 (via an increased ecological bonus, and a deducted conversion bonus). The Franco-Italian-American group is also continuing the offensive with the new Fiat Grande Panda. Accessible from €24,900, the city car enters into direct competition with its cousin depending on the finishes. Available at the start of 2025, it promises to enrich its ranges with an entry-level electric version which will be offered for less than €20,000.
The market for low-cost “zero-emission” models is particularly rich in new products. It must be said that the stakes are high for manufacturers condemned at all costs to increase their sales to avoid fines from Brussels associated with CAFE indicators.
An ID.3 cheaper than the R5 E-Tech!
Just unveiled, the new R5 E-Tech priced at €33,490 (before an entry-level version promised at €25,000) already sees competition from the Skoda Elroq. The manufacturer’s SUV with a more conventional style stands out with a particularly aggressive price at €33,300 (excluding bonuses).
More unexpectedly, the waltz of labels and the race towards ever cheaper electric models are now fueled by the Volkswagen ID.3. In a bad position, the German manufacturer had no choice but to strike hard to relaunch itself on the electric market. By positioning its city car at €27,990 thanks to a discount from the manufacturer and the current government bonus, the model is making an impression.
If electric is not yet within the reach of all budgets, and above all of all uses, it is moving towards it. It remains to convince buyers in a suffering electric market on a European scale, with less than 12% of registrations.
Related News :