In the first semester of the year, France registered 115,217 electric vehicles, out of which 17,741 were Tesla Model Y.
In June alone, there were 4,335 registrations of this model.
In second place is the Tesla Model 3 with 3,966 units.
Following them are the Fiat 500 with 2,781, MG 4 with 2,511, and the Dacia Spring with 2,490.
It is worth noting that, according to data from the Association Nationale pour le Développement de la Mobilité Électrique (AVERE), the Tesla Model Y has maintained its market leadership since May.
Until then, the most chosen private car by the French was the Dacia Spring, which registered 2,432 registrations in April.
Regarding the progress of the sector in the country, the authorities of the association indicate that while the French automobile market was experiencing a decline, the share of private electric vehicles has increased.
The evolution showed a 7% share in 2020, 10% in 2021, and 13% in 2022.
“During the first months of this year, it is nearly 15% in a market that is once again on the rise,” says Clément Molizon, General Delegate of AVERE-France.
He adds, “Vehicle registrations, combining all energy types, increased by 13.22% between January and May 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.”
Characteristics of the “winner” vehicle of the first semester
The Model Y features a “long-range” battery with a lifespan of eight years or 120,000 miles.
It’s worth mentioning that the warranty extends up to four years of use or 50,000 miles.
The vehicle can reach a top speed of 155 mph, and its acceleration ranges from 0 mph to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
For charging, it has a supercharging capability of 250 kW.
In terms of technological features, it has a 15-inch touchscreen central display.
It also boasts an expansive glass roof that provides more space and protection against UV rays, along with wireless software updates.
Regarding cargo volume, the model offers a maximum space of 76 cubic feet.
With this car, Tesla aims to provide a “versatile” vehicle that can accommodate seven passengers, larger objects, and/or luggage.
It’s worth noting that this model has two independent electric motors with “high responsiveness.”
These motors digitally control torque in the front and rear wheels for better handling, traction, and stability.
“The Model Y is capable in rain, snow, mud, and off-road,” states Tesla.
Are Tesla vehicles at risk in France?
In May, the French government presented a draft law to the Council of Ministers, aiming to reform the economic incentives granted for the purchase of electric cars.
This would specifically impact foreign manufacturers, whose sales would be explicitly discouraged.
The document states that state incentives will be directed towards companies that meet certain pollution standards.
“We do not intend to publicly finance the development of factories in Asia,” says Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.
In this regard, Tesla would be involved as the majority of the vehicles it sells in Europe come from Shanghai, China.
Regarding this measure, it remains to be seen whether French companies can meet the standards set by the national authorities.
France’s charging network surpasses 100,000 charging points
According to the latest data from AVERE, France has reached 100,596 charging points, which translates to 149 of these per 100,000 inhabitants.
It is worth mentioning that over 5,000 new stations have been installed since the beginning of the year, representing around 20,000 publicly accessible points throughout the country.
In terms of historical growth, from 2014 to the present day, the number of stations has increased by over 1,100%.
While there were only around 8,600 points available in the country ten years ago, the jump since 2020 has been exponential, with over 20,000 stations installed, a trend that continues to this day.
