Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Market
Chinese Electric Cars Keep Gaining Ground in France
August 11, 2026
By Hugo Beignon, Founder of ma-borne-electrique.com
Chinese brands are approaching 8% of the French car market, with roughly one in four electric cars sold in France in 2025-2026 being Chinese.
It's hard to ignore the rise of Chinese automakers on French roads. In 2026, their share of new electric car sales in France has reached an unprecedented level.
A growing market share
Chinese brands are now approaching 8% of the overall French car market, across all powertrains, as of July 2026. On the electric segment alone, roughly one in four electric cars sold in France in 2025-2026 could carry a Chinese brand.
BYD and MG lead the pack
BYD stands out as the clear leader among Chinese brands in France, backed by its status as the world's top electric-vehicle seller since 2023. MG Motor remains the most established Chinese brand in the country, with over 200 points of sale, and its MG4 has been among Europe's best-selling compact electric cars in 2023 and 2024. Leapmotor and Xpeng are also gaining ground.
EU tariffs haven't broken the momentum
Since late 2024, the European Union has applied extra tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, varying by manufacturer: 17% for BYD, 35.3% for SAIC, MG's parent company. These tariffs weigh on prices, but they haven't yet erased these brands' competitive edge on pricing, equipment, and range.
Frequently asked questions
What share of the French car market do Chinese brands hold?
Chinese brands are approaching 8% of the overall French car market as of July 2026, across all powertrains.
What proportion of electric cars sold in France are Chinese?
Roughly one in four electric cars sold in France in 2025-2026 could carry a Chinese brand.
Which Chinese brand leads in France?
BYD stands out as the clear leader among Chinese brands in France, backed by its status as the world's top electric-vehicle seller since 2023.
Have EU tariffs slowed down Chinese brands?
Tariffs of 17% for BYD and 35.3% for SAIC, MG's parent company, weigh on prices but haven't yet erased their competitive edge.
Want to find a charging station nearby? Check the charging map to plan your next trip.
