In September 2025, the French electric car market set a monthly record: more than 31,000 registrations, representing over 22% market share. At the top of the podium, the Tesla Model Y asserts itself with 4,844 units, clearly ahead of the Renault 5 and confirming robust demand, even before the impact of social leasing. But in reality, France is positioned particularly well and above all shows significant gains, which is less the case for the competition.
The electric market in France has regained unprecedented momentum for a month of September. With a peak of 31,439 vehicles registered and a market share rising to 22%, the figures reach heights not seen for years. This strong advance comes while the rest of the French car market remains timid, with growth of barely 1% despite an extra working day, and a year-to-date total down 6.3%.
A Record September 2025 Under the Banner of Tesla
This leap is largely driven by Tesla’s Model Y, which takes first place with 4,844 registrations in September, achieving five times August’s volume. This end-of-quarter acceleration, now a strategic habit for Tesla France, places the American SUV on par with thermal best-sellers such as the Dacia Sandero (5,100 units). But beware, this end-of-quarter health cannot truly hide mixed results over the year: -19.3% on the year-to-date compared with the previous period. In contrast to its runner-up. Indeed, behind the Model Y, the Renault 5 delivers a solid performance, with 2,537 registrations in September — nearly half of Tesla’s tally — while showing a much steadier momentum: with 21,734 units since the start of the year, it remains the most registered electric model in France for 2025.
Moreover, despite its lower visibility compared with the Model Y’s quarterly spike, the R5 should retain the top spot in the annual ranking, helped by upcoming waves of social leasing. This program already generated 18,000 orders for electric vehicles, all models combined, upon its opening on September 30. This record figure foreshadows a strong rise in registrations in the coming months, regardless of brands or models.
Finally, September’s podium is completed by the Renault Scenic (1,422 units), ahead of the Peugeot E-208 (1,167) and the Citroën ë-C3 (1,089). Within Stellantis, the 208 posts its best month of the year, although the trend for its electric models remains fragile and will depend heavily on forthcoming social leasing orders.
Among outsiders, the Skoda Elroq shows a nice debut (954 units), the Renault 4 E-Tech (927) and the Dacia Spring (824) record notable gains, while the Volkswagen ID.3 signs an encouraging return (794), ahead of the BMW iX1 (744). Outside this top 10, we also note the arrival of the Hyundai Inster (557) and the electric Mini Countryman (536), as well as the discreteness of some Asian players (BYD Dolphin Surf: 109, Kia EV3: 198).
Top 10 Electric Cars Most Sold in France in September 2025
| Rank | Model | September | YTD 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | 4,844 | 15,666 | -19.3% |
| 2 | Renault 5 | 2,537 | 21,734 | +1,720% |
| 3 | Renault Scenic | 1,422 | 10,850 | +116% |
| 4 | Peugeot E-208 | 1,167 | 7,883 | -62% |
| 5 | Citroën ë-C3 | 1,089 | 11,565 | +180% |
| 6 | Skoda Elroq | 954 | 4,813 | – |
| 7 | Renault 4 | 927 | 2,781 | – |
| 8 | Dacia Spring | 824 | 5,842 | +73% |
| 9 | Volkswagen ID.3 | 794 | 6,000 | +16% |
| 10 | BMW iX1 | 744 | 5,957 | -10% |
This data shows a fascinating shift in the automotive landscape, reflecting a broader trend of changing tastes among car enthusiasts.
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