Decreasing Tesla license plate registrations observed in France during April
In a sluggish electric vehicle market, Tesla's registration numbers took a hit in France during April. As published by the automotive platform (PFA) on May 1st, Tesla experienced a staggering 59% decline in registrations last month, and a 44% drop since the start of 2025, with only 7,556 vehicles sold.
While the entire new car market also saw a 5.64% drop, with 139,000 vehicles registered, this decline was less severe than the previous month's dip of 14.5%. Nicolas Le Bigot, interim general director of PFA, voiced his concerns, telling AFP, "We're at a worrying level of the market that's very low compared to the pre-Covid period."
According to the AAA Data platform, individuals continue to steer clear of electric vehicles, with sales plummeting by 44% monthly. Although Tesla struggles, various brands show impressive progress with electric powertrains. Topping the list is Renault and its Renault 5. Renault's success is echoed by several other brands, such as the Volkswagen group, Dacia, Citroën, Mercedes, Kia, Ford, Mini, BYD, and DS.
While Tesla grapples with reduced registrations in France, the overall European battery electric vehicle (BEV) market is thriving. BEV registrations saw a 23% year-on-year increase in March 2025, with BEVs accounting for 16.9% of total registrations. However, Tesla appears to be losing market share within an expanding electric vehicle sector.
This decline in Tesla's French market performance can be attributed to a combination of factors:1. Model Transition and Product Line Challenges: Tesla's Model Y, a key volume driver, is in the midst of a transition phase, causing temporary sales disruption. The Model 3, usually relied upon to compensate for this shortfall, showed a modest 1.1% growth in March across Europe.2. Public Relations Issues: Tesla continues to face ongoing public relations challenges, which may impact consumer sentiment and demand not only in France but across Europe.3. Market and Competition Dynamics: While Tesla's registrations have plummeted significantly, European BEV registrations overall are still thriving. The increased competition among other brands could play a role in Tesla's declining market share.4. Broader Market Weakness in France: New car registrations in France have been on a downward trend, and Tesla's decline partially coincides with this overall contraction of the French market.
- The sluggish electric vehicle market, combined with product line challenges facing Tesla, may have contributed to a 59% decrease in registration numbers for the brand in France during April.
- Despite Tesla's struggles, there has been commendable progress in electric powertrains, with brands like Renault and Renault 5 leading the way in the French market.
- The overall European battery electric vehicle market is showing growth, with registrations increasing by 23% year-on-year in March 2025, while Tesla appears to be losing market share within this expanding sector.
- The worrying decline in Tesla's French market performance could be due to factors such as ongoing public relations issues, increased competition, and a broader market weakness in France, where new car registrations have been on a downward trend.
