According to data published by Customs, France has witnessed a 290% increase in Chinese imports between January and May 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
In this increase, EVs are included, which have doubled their market penetration in the last 12 months, valued at € 1.63 million.
This growth, combined with imports from Germany (€ 1.62 million) and other countries, results in a negative balance of € 7.42 million.
In order to “protect” the production of zero-emission vehicles in France and also manage the trade deficit with China, the Emmanuel Macron government decided to remove ecological bonuses for electrified vehicles from China.
This decision also holds an environmental element: the removal of the fiscal incentive will focus on products that do not have a high carbon footprint even in their production.
It’s worth noting that the ecological bonus totals up to € 7 billion euros, which would be withdrawn from Chinese units starting in January 2024.
Tesla, a well-known electric car manufacturer, has vehicles in the French market, although they come from China.
However, one of the best-selling models, the Tesla Model Y, is scheduled to begin production in Germany.
It’s worth mentioning that this vehicle is the best-selling in the country in 2023, with 19,372 registrations in the first half of the year, out of a total of 171,059 registrations.
The model dethroned the Dacia Spring, which ranks second in the rankings with 17,210 units sold.
The plant located in Berlin, where the Tesla Model Y would be manufactured, was inaugurated in 2022.
This factory has the capacity to produce 500,000 vehicles per year.
Regarding battery production, it has a capacity of 50 GWh per year.
On the other hand, it’s worth highlighting that the French Government indicated the possibility of Tesla establishing a factory in the country.
While Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, provided assurances on the matter, he did not confirm either how or when it would be done.
“The investment will come, though not now,” Musk stated.
And, without specifying the magnitude of the endeavor, he added, “I’m very impressed by President Macron, the French Government, and the open points on the industrial aspect.”
What is the cost of Chinese EVs sold in France?
During the year 2023, eight models from Asian brands were introduced to the French market.
If these models do not qualify for bonuses, they could cost up to € 7,000 more compared to the current price.
How much do they currently cost?
Aiways U5
The MG ZS EV is a compact SUV with a range of up to 440 km. It currently costs around € 24,990, so in January, it could cost € 31,990.
The Aiways U5 is a compact SUV with a range of up to 460 km. It currently costs around € 28,990, so it could cost € 35,990.
The BYD Han is a luxury sedan with a range of up to 605 km. It currently costs around € 44,990, so it could cost € 51,990.
The MG Marvel R is a mid-size SUV with a range of up to 435 km. It currently costs around € 34,990, so in January, it could cost € 41,990.
The Aiways U6 is a coupe SUV with a range of up to 500 km. It currently costs around € 32,990, so it could cost € 39,990.
The Geely Geometry C is a compact hatchback with a range of up to 400 km. It currently costs around € 26,990, so it could cost € 33,990.
The Geely Geometry E is a subcompact hatchback with a range of up to 340 km. It currently costs around € 20.990, so it could cost € 27,990.
The BYD Tang EV is a medium-sized SUV with a range of up to 520 km. It currently costs around € 42.990, so it could cost € 49,990.
What are the best-selling Chinese EVs in France?
The MG ZS EV is the best-selling Chinese electric vehicle in France since its launch in 2020.
According to data from the Comité des Constructeurs Français d’Automobiles (CCFA), a total of 32,847 units were sold in France from its launch in 2020 until August 2023.
This makes it the best-selling electric vehicle in France during that period.
In 2020, 1,800 MG ZS EVs were sold in France. In 2021, sales increased to 12,200. In 2022, sales reached 18,847.
The BYD Han is the second best-selling Chinese electric vehicle in France.
A total of 10,312 vehicles were sold in France from its launch in 2021 until August 2023.
In 2021, 3,300 BYD Han vehicles were sold in France. In 2022, sales increased to 7,012.
The Aiways U5 is the third best-selling Chinese electric vehicle in France.
A total of 7,035 Aiways U5 vehicles were sold in France from its launch in 2020 until August 2023.
In 2020, 1,200 Aiways U5 vehicles were sold in France. In 2021, sales increased to 2,500. And in 2022, sales reached 3,335.
