The electrification of the French car fleet has just passed a new milestone. During the first nine months of the year, the share of electric and plug-in hybrids in new car sales in France exceeded 20%. And among the new owners of electric cars, Chinese drivers are increasingly numerous.
Not only in France. In August, 19% of electric cars purchased in Europe came directly from China, according to data compiled by Jato. It is much more than last summer and the Chinese electricity sector is fast approaching Europe’s number 1, Germany (28%).
The “made in China” of Tesla and Dacia
It is true that not all these “made in China” electric cars are Chinese brand cars. Because even if the Berlin factory is increasing, at the moment most of the Teslas bought in Europe are produced in the Shanghai region. And then there is the Renault group that, for cost reasons, preferred to rely on China to produce the Dacia Spring.
But the truth is that Chinese car brands are undoubtedly making a name for themselves in Europe thanks to their electric models. Several figures attest to this. Starting with the MG ones. During the first eight months of the year, the former flagship of the British car industry – which became Chinese in 2007 – managed to double its sales.
With 58,624 copies sold in the European market, this SAIC subsidiary is certainly still a relatively minor player in volume, but compared to Tesla’s, its performance is more than honorable, as the American brand had not crossed the mark of the 100,000 cars sold in Europe during the same period.
Freed from its dispute with Citroën, Polestar will be able to sell in France
The Geely group is not left out. After having begun to penetrate the European market by taking over the Swedish Volvo, it continues its conquest with two 100% electric brands created ex-nihilo: Polestar and Lynk & Co. Given the spectacular increase in their sales, these two brands could end up this year 2022 to almost 50,000 cars sold.
Polestar is preparing to enter the French market, which was banned due to a legal dispute with Citroën over its logo. But a deal was finally struck this summer.
Newcomers to the Paris Motor Show
To these pioneers will be added the new conquerors. BYD, first of all, this battery manufacturer’s bid to become a full-fledged manufacturer? Offer high-end electric cars at more affordable prices than Western brands. The French will be able to see the three models with which BYD arrives in Europe during the Mondial de l’Automobile, which takes place in Paris in mid-October. The range will include a sedan for less than 40,000 euros and two SUVs.
But it will also be necessary to reckon with the ambitions of Great Wall Motors, another major player in China, which is coming to the old continent with an SUV and a city car, also 100% electric. In short, the battle has only just begun.
Source: BFM TV
