Despite the collapse of the French government, electric vehicle (EV) sales in France reached a significant milestone in November, with EVs comprising over 15% of all new car sales. This surge in EV demand was led by the retro-inspired Renault 5 E-Tech, which claimed the top sales spot.
The French government faced a crisis this week following a historic no-confidence vote that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The unrest contributed to a 12.7% decline in overall car sales compared to the previous year. However, the hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segments performed strongly, showing a 34% increase.
Among the rising stars of the electric vehicle market, the Renault 5 E-Tech stood out. In its first full month of sales, Renault sold 3,316 units of the hot hatch, leading the EV segment. The Tesla Model Y, which remains the best-selling car globally, followed closely with 3,175 units, while the Citroën ë-C3 secured third place with 1,239 registrations. The Renault 5 E-Tech even ranked seventh in overall vehicle sales, demonstrating its strong appeal in the French market.
This growth in EV sales comes as France pushes forward with its green transition, even amid political instability. The success of the Renault 5 E-Tech highlights the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, especially in the face of a fluctuating market.
