Nowadays, transportation is essential to our lives. We have several vehicles at our disposal: motorized or not, collective or individual. In 2019, 87% of French people will use their personal car at least once a day. They have a strong impact on the environment, particularly in terms of noise and pollution. It is from this observation that in 2016 the first electric cars appeared, an alternative to more ecological transport. An innovation based on more ecological consumption, a silent engine and recharging stations. But what about the key figures for this market? As a mobility expert, discover the state of the market through this study and our infographics.
Key figures for electric vehicles
The first figure in this study, 37,961, represents the number of electric vehicles sold in France during the first 11 months of 2019. According to Automobile Propre, this would be equivalent to an increase of 42% compared to the year N-1 and 1.85% of new vehicle sales.
To date, there are mainly 32 major models. However, it is quite difficult to compare electric cars because of their different characteristics. Despite this, an electric car is ahead of the others on the French market. Namely, the very popular Renault ZOE. An urban model, it strongly meets consumer expectations with a relatively low price (from €23,000) and a good autonomy (almost 400 km). Indeed, according to the Comité des Constructeurs Français d’Automobiles (CCFA), it still occupies first place in the hearts of the French.
Next, we find the Tesla Model 3, certainly twice as expensive (53 500€) but with more autonomy (560 km). More top-of-the-range, it represents the ideal format for a family. Finally, in the third position, we find the Nissan Leaf. A model also family which is positioned in the middle of the range, with a range and an average price (380 km and 35 400€). The Renault Nissan alliance makes them the leaders of the electric car market in France, with a market share of 70%.
Drivers’ reluctance to buy
1. Lack of charging stations
According to LeasePlan’s annual “Mobility Monitor” study, 42% of the French confirm that the lack of charging stations is a brake on the purchase of an electric car. In fact, there are only 27,745 recharging points in France. This would be equivalent to an average of 1 recharging station for 7.2 electric vehicles. It should be noted that two-thirds of the stations have an accelerated power, allowing a full recharge between only 1h30 and 2 hours. Mainly located on the public highway (53%) but also in car parks (25%) or towards businesses and shops (22%), the government plans a target of 100,000 charging points by 2022.
2. A price still considered high
Estimated to be an important investment, 61% of French people do not plan to buy an electric car due to the price. An investment that in the long term can be profitable, especially in terms of savings. Indeed, let’s imagine that a driver drives 15,000 km/year. A petrol car consumes 5 L /100 km and the average fuel price is 1.5€/litre. Therefore, the average annual price is €1,125. While an electric car, on the other hand, consumes 15 Kwh / 100 km and the average price is 0.25€/litre. This represents an annual average of 560€. From this example, we find a real difference in consumption cost, which in the long term can become interesting.
2. A lack of autonomy
For fear of breaking down, 13% of French people will not buy an electric car because of the lack of autonomy. From one electric vehicle to another, the range capacity of an electric vehicle can vary between 100 km and 500 km. An important difference that evolves strongly according to the price ! However, certain factors can optimize the battery’s range as much as possible. In particular, by adopting eco-driving. From driving style (sporty or gentle), to speed, air conditioning and heating, it’s possible to increase your autonomy!
Find below our infography and a summary of the key figures in 2019 of the electric vehicle market in France.
