Category: Expertise

As the energy transition gathers pace in France, Peugeot is establishing itself as the undisputed leader in the country’s electrification market. With more than 130,000 hybrid and electric vehicles sold in the last eleven months, the lion-faced carmaker dominates a market in the throes of change. We take a closer look at an offensive strategy that is already preparing for 2026.

2025 to be driven by electrified models

After eleven months completed in 2025, according to AAA Data/PFA/Stellantis, Peugeot has sold around 85,000 electrified Peugeots in France (BEV + hybrids, excluding LCVs). These sales, which include all forms of electrification, break down as follows:

• 25,000 BEVs, including the e-208, French market leader with 12,388 units, and the e-2008 / e-3008 duo with around 15,000 cumulative sales.
• 60,000 hybrids, driven by the 3008, 2008 and 308, which account for the bulk of volumes.

Peugeot is a major contributor to the Stellantis group’s results: around 60% of Stellantis’ electrified sales come from the marque au lion. That’s an impressive figure when you consider that Stellantis is also responsible for some of the world’s automotive giants, including Renault, Citroën, Fiat, Opel and others.

The improvement in Peugeot sales is part of a positive trend: Peugeot electric vehicle registrations are up 20% compared with 2024, thanks in particular to social leasing and the increase in purchases by professional fleets.

Peugeot’s best-selling electrified models in 2025

The 2025 sales figures speak for themselves. The Peugeot 208 retains its crown with impressive volumes, closely followed by a range that now covers all segments. Here are the best-sellers from the marque with the lion:

E-Lion: a strategic framework that is gradually being rolled out

Renault is not going into the unknown and has developed a strategy for the electrification of its vehicle fleet. Called the E-Lion strategy, it was announced in 2023, and is taking full shape this year. Renault’s objectives for E-Lion are clear:

• an all-electric range from 2025,
• carbon neutrality brought forward to 2038,
• 75% BEV sales in Europe by 2030.

The environmental aspect is also being strengthened: recycled materials in the new models, as on the new E-3008, 85% of the materials used are recyclable, optimisation of the battery life cycle and systematic re-use in the European supply chain.

Major technological innovations:

In order to survive and dominate the French market for many years to come, Peugeot is developing reliable, quality vehicles. The manufacturer is massively deploying its Hybrid 48V technology across the range (208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008, 408). This solution offers extra torque at low engine speeds and reduces fuel consumption by up to 15%. In town, these models can run in 100% electric mode up to 50% of the time.

For the rechargeable hybrid, the 195 bhp versions (available on the 308, 408, 508, 3008 and 5008) offer up to 87 km of electric range, with certified fuel consumption of just 0.9 l/100 km on the 3008.

On the pure electric side, the E-3008 and E-5008 Grande Autonomie will boast a range of 701 km for the former and 668 km for the latter, thanks to ACC batteries manufactured in France.

The ACC gigafactory: France’s bid for sovereignty

At the heart of Peugeot’s strategy continues to be the ACC plant in Billy-Berclau/Douvrin, Hauts-de-France. The first building has a production capacity of 15 GWh, and the ramp-up is accelerating. The target is to produce enough modules to supply 150,000 batteries by 2025, 250,000 by 2026, and 2 to 2.5 million units by 2030.

This gigafactory, a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies and Mercedes-Benz, symbolises Europe’s ambition to regain the upper hand against the Asian giants. The first batteries are already equipping the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008 Long Range, as well as the Opel Grandland.

Outlook for 2026: ramping up production and product renewal

The year 2026 is set to be a milestone for Peugeot. Several new products are expected:

• a new e-208 on the STLA Small platform, with a range of around 400 km, and a target price of under €25,000;
• the launch of the e-5008, offering a range of over 500 km;
• continued industrial development, notably at Douvrin, Trémery and the Zaragoza battery gigafactory.

Stellantis is still aiming for an electric car market share of close to 30% in France by 2027, a target to which Peugeot will make a major contribution thanks to the renewal of its range and the support of public schemes (ZFE, social leasing).

As electric vehicles gradually become the norm, carmakers are stepping up their innovations. And if there’s one brand that likes to push back the boundaries of what’s possible, it’s YangWang, BYD’s ultra-premium brand. After impressing the world with its electric know-how, the Chinese giant is now tackling the amphibious market with the YangWang U8.

A vehicle that swims

Presented for the first time at the end of 2023 and marketed in China during 2024, the YangWang U8 has become one of the world’s most viral car attractions in just a few months. And the reason? Because it floats and swims! The U8 is capable of withstanding partial immersion, floating for more than thirty minutes thanks to its “emergency floating” mode, and above all of moving forward and performing a “tank turn”.

So how does it work? The interior and battery are designed to withstand water, and the vehicle is declared with an IP68 waterproof rating according to BYD. Once submerged, the engine is switched off immediately, and the hydropneumatic suspension raises the chassis to the maximum to improve draught and help maintain buoyancy. The doors and windows lock and the sunroof opens (for ventilation, but also as an emergency exit if the situation gets complicated).

To move around, four electric motors are placed close to the tyres and activate to set this wheeled behemoth in motion. The maximum speed is 3 km/h, which is not very fast, but is still sufficient in critical situations.

A concentrate of technology

The U8 is based on BYD’s e4 platform and, as already mentioned, is equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel, for a combined power of over 1,100 bhp. This combination enables the U8 to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in less than 4 seconds, to reach a top speed of 200 kph, to offer exceptional traction on all types of terrain and to keep going even if a tyre bursts.

Equipped with a 49.05 kWh battery, it has a range of 180 km on 100% electric power according to the Chinese CLTC test cycle. As a hybrid car, the combined range (electric + combustion) reaches 1,000 km according to some data sheets.

Exterior design: massive, bold and spectacular

As you’d expect, the Chinese brand hasn’t stopped at a ‘simple’ amphibious car. The U8 is no small European SUV: it’s a behemoth, over 5.3 metres long with a wheelbase of 3.05 metres. In terms of width, it’s just over 2 metres long, and in terms of height, it measures 1.93 metres.

Aesthetically, the YangWang U8 makes a statement. Its design oscillates between luxury 4×4 and high-tech expedition vehicle, with a visual presence that is hard to ignore. The wide wheel arches, generous ground clearance and LED ‘tactical headlamp’ lighting signature accentuate its appearance as a modern colossus. At the front, the massive, almost sculptural grille asserts an ultra-premium positioning, halfway between an electrified Defender and a civilised military concept car.

A rolling high-tech show

Positioned in the ultra-premium range, the interior of the U8 reflects this desire. According to YangWang, top-of-the-range leather covers many of the vehicle’s surfaces. In terms of equipment, three XXL screens dominate the space, complemented by a premium audio system for “total immersion”. According to YangWang, this trim level puts the U8 in competition with ultra-luxury segment benchmarks such as the BMW XM, Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Range Rover SV, while retaining YangWang’s own avant-garde touch.

Why such a vehicle?

Through its YangWang brand, BYD has developed a vehicle designed to withstand the flooding that is common in certain regions of China, a challenge that few other vehicles can meet. In addition, the brand wants to demonstrate its total mastery of electrification, even in extreme programmes such as an aquatic environment.

Too heavy for Europe: the major obstacle

But while this vehicle has been on sale in China for over a year, its arrival in Europe may well be delayed for holders of a B licence. With an unladen weight of over 3.4 tonnes and a total permissible gross weight well in excess of 3.5 tonnes, the U8 is classified as a heavy vehicle by European standards.

In practical terms, this means :

• a licence other than a B licence,

• traffic restrictions in certain towns,

• higher taxation,

• more expensive insurance,

• a very complex certification process.

Clearly, this type of vehicle is not suited to the European market, where exceeding the 3.5 tonne mark is almost prohibitive for family use. This is one of the reasons why, for the time being, the U8 will be reserved for China and a few Middle Eastern countries.

On the other hand, this model shows the direction in which BYD and its luxury brand YangWang intend to move forward: innovate, surprise and push back the limits of electric power.

A symbol of an industry in the throes of transformation

Clearly, the U8 is perhaps one of the most spectacular vehicles of this new electric era. It is a perfect illustration of the shift the industry is undergoing: from now on, anything seems possible, even creating an amphibious electric SUV with 1,100 horsepower.

Between you and me, whether you like this kind of extravagance or not: it’s exactly what makes electromobility so exciting today.

China has a name for its fast-growing and competitive cars. The NEVs, or New Energy Vehicles, are what the Chinese government considers a key element in their race to dominate the global auto industry. They include not only the pure electric cars (BEV) but also the plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV), extended range (EREV), and hybrids (HEV).

Their combined sales represented 53% of the new passenger car sales in China in H1 2025. The consumers in China bought 3.29 million BEVs, 1.49 million PHEVs, 537,000 EREVs, and 474,000 HEVs. How many of these models are available in Europe and how popular are they?

BEVs

Despite the tariffs imposed by the European Commission, the Chinese BEVs are still popular in Europe. The ranking for H1 2025 was led by the MG4 with 14,494 units, down by 56% vs H1 2024. It is one of the big casualties of the tariffs and the rise of BYD products. In fact, the second most popular Chinese BEV in Europe was the BYD Seal, up by 130% to 9,433 units. It was followed by another BYD – the Sealion 7, with 7,797 units. The top 10 was completed by the BYD Dolphin (7,701 units), BYD Atto 3 (7,033), Leapmotor T03 (5,918), Xpeng G6 (5,616), MG ZS (4,109), BYD Seal U (3,775), and MG5 (2,938 units).

PHEVs

While the Chinese BEV demand increased by 31% in H1 2025, the volumes for the Chinese PHEVs increased by 544% compared to H1 2024. This powertrain is becoming their way to offset the tariffs imposed on their BEVs. The ranking was led by the BYD Seal U with 29,223 units and Europe’s third top-selling PHEV, only behind the Volkswagen Tiguan and Volvo XC60. It was followed by the MG HS with 11,677 units, and the Jaecoo J7 with 9,938 units. The following positions were occupied by the Lynk & Co 01 (4,270 units), Omoda 9 (1,164), DFSK E5 (1,162), GWM Wey 05 (548), Ebro S700 (407), Ebro S800 (229), and GWM Wey 03 (199).

HEVs and EREVs

The offer of hybrid and extended-range Chinese cars is still very limited. However, they are also making progress here. The MG ZS on its full hybrid version registered 38,445 units between January and June, becoming the region’s 6th top-selling HEV. The MG3 followed with 21,998 units, and Europe’s third best-selling hybrid B-hatchback behind the Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio. The top 5 was completed by the MG HS (216 units), Haval Jolion (96), and the Dongfeng T5 (83 units). The Leapmotor C10 was the only EREV available in Europe with 1,059 units.

The “5C battery” is a type of battery that can be charged or discharged very quickly. This number indicates the maximum speed at which it can operate without being damaged. Understanding this term helps you to use it correctly and choose the right battery for your needs.

What is the “5C”?

The “C” of a battery is a simple way of measuring its rate of charge or discharge in relation to its total capacity. If a battery is rated 1C, this means that it can be completely discharged in one hour with a current equivalent to its rated capacity. A battery rated 5C can be discharged or refilled in just 12 minutes, because it accepts five times as much current.

This provides a lot of energy very quickly, but increases the heat generated and wear and tear on the battery if it is used too often at this speed. Not all batteries are designed to withstand a 5C rate, so it’s essential to be familiar with its characteristics before using it. The C-rate, and in particular the 5C, not only reflects the speed, it also influences the available power, safety and lifespan of the battery, which is crucial for intensive or critical applications.

What’s it for?

A 5C battery is useful in situations where a lot of power is needed quickly. Powerful electric tools, such as professional drills or saws, often need a lot of energy in a short space of time, which justifies the use of 5C-capable batteries. Electric vehicles and some emergency systems also use these batteries to provide immediate power when needed. This prevents loss of performance or interruptions in the operation of the appliance or vehicle.

However, it is important to bear in mind that frequent use of a battery at full speed can reduce its life and increase the risk of overheating, especially if thermal management is inadequate. 5C batteries therefore offer a balance between performance and instantaneous power, but only if they are used correctly and within the limits laid down by the manufacturer.

Precautions to be taken

Even if a battery is designed for a 5C rate, it should not be used at this rate all the time. Excessive use at full speed can generate a lot of heat and accelerate the degradation of internal materials, reducing its life. It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, check for the presence of a battery management system, known as a BMS, which limits excessive charging and discharging, and ensure that the temperature remains within safe limits.

The BMS helps to protect the battery and optimise its life by monitoring current and temperature, which is essential when using a battery with a high C-rate. Users should also understand that even a 5C battery has limits and that daily use should not always push its maximum capacity to the limit.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of a 5C battery is its ability to supply or receive a lot of energy in a very short time, which is crucial for professional, sports or emergency applications. It also provides greater responsiveness and can prevent downtime or loss of performance. On the other hand, the disadvantages are related to the heat generated, faster wear and tear if used incorrectly, and the need for effective protection systems. So you always need to balance power requirements with the desired life of the battery. For domestic or undemanding use, a lower rate may be preferable to preserve the battery.

To sum up, a 5C battery is one that can charge or discharge very quickly, making it ideal for intensive use or applications where immediate power is essential. It offers a major performance advantage, but requires certain precautions to be taken to avoid overheating and premature wear. Understanding the C-rate, and 5C in particular, means you can choose the right battery, anticipate its limits and use the power available in complete safety. A 5C battery is fast and powerful, but it must be used intelligently to ensure it lasts a long time and remains safe.

The auto industry as we know it is a relatively young one. With around 120 years old, it has remained the same over the last 50 years with the American, European, and later the Japanese and Korean makers expanding it globally.

However, during the last 5 years, this status quo has been dramatically changed. The rise of China to become the world’s second-largest economy is also having a big impact in the automotive industry. For 30 years, they worked together with the Western firms and learnt from them. Today, many of them have matched their foreign partners. The student beat the teacher.

Chinese car brands booming

As of October 2025, there are more than 100 passenger car brands from China. That’s more than the total combined brands from Europe (57), USA (14), Japan (14), Korea (4). With more than 24 million units sold last year, China is a huge market where many brands can play. But they are not all the same.

The old-tech or low-cost brands are those whose vehicles feature old platforms, usually from old models from Western brands. They target the entry-level segments with very low prices, mainly for tier 3 cities and the countryside. They include brands for China only like Hengrun, Pocco, Vi Auto, and some others available outside China like SWM, ZX Auto, JMC, and BAW.

The mainstream brands that I split in three groups: entry, mainstream, and super. This is where most of the brands are positioned considering the average income of the consumers in China. They start with brands like JAC (276 units registered in Europe in Jan-Aug/25), Forthing (2,360 units), and many others. Then there are the mainstream ones like BAIC (3,379 units), Chery (410 units), Jaecoo (26,600 units), MG (196,324 units, or 2.3% market share), or Geely (1,388 units). The upper-mainstream brands include some like Jetour, Omoda (27,726 units), Lynk & Co (6,216 units), and BYD, which has registered 95,346 units in Europe in Jan-Aug 2025, or 1.1% market share.

Then there are the semi-premium brands like Voyah (378 units), Zeekr (2,569 units), and Xpeng (10,913 units). The premium ones include Denza, Stelato, MHero, and Yuanhang.

They are out-positioned by the High-tech brands or the fast-growing EV start-ups: Xiaomi, Luxeed, Nio, Avatr, Aito, Li Auto. From them, only Nio is available in Europe, where it has registered 593 units since January.

And finally, there are the luxury brands, which at the moment are composed of only three brands: the Golden Sunflower subbrand from Hongqi, BYD’s Yang Wang, and JAC’s Maextro. Plenty of choices for a massive market and an aggressive global expansion plan.

Buying an electric car is a significant cost for the wallet, often between €35,000 and €40,000 for an average model. But in the long term, what are the real savings? Between fuel, maintenance and public subsidies, how much will you really save by opting for an electric car rather than a combustion engine?

The choice between an electric car and a petrol or diesel car is not always a question of ecology. For many drivers, it’s more a question of money. An electric car generally costs between €35,000 and €40,000 to buy, compared with €15,000 to €30,000 for a combustion engine car. The difference is significant. But in the long term, electric cars can be cheaper thanks to savings on fuel, maintenance and the financial aid available.

To better understand, let’s imagine a concrete example: a person drives 300 km a week.

• With a petrol car, it consumes around 7 litres of petrol per 100 km.
• With an electric car, it uses 17 kWh per 100 km.

It should be noted that this data can change depending on a number of factors: the weight of the vehicle chosen, speed, driving style, ambient temperature and road typography.

Petrol costs around €1.70 per litre, and electricity €0.20 per kWh.

Over a week: the first signs of savings

In the short term, the differences may seem insignificant. Over a week, a combustion-powered car costs approximately €36 in fuel to cover 300 km, compared with just €10 for an electric car. Even if the difference seems small over a week, it already shows a clear advantage for the electric car: it costs much less to fill up, and you don’t have to recharge as often as a combustion car.

Beyond the cost, the electric car also brings real comfort to everyday life. It offers the peace of mind that many motorists are looking for. No need to keep track of fluctuating petrol prices or make detours to the service station. Recharging can be done in the comfort of your own home, at night or while you’re at work. It saves you time and the stress of repeated fill-ups. What’s more, driving is often quieter and smoother, making journeys more pleasant and less tiring.

Over one month: a confirmed advantage

If you multiply these figures by four weeks, the energy bill rises to 144 euros for a combustion engine, compared with just 40 euros for an electric car. The monthly saving is therefore around 104 euros.

This amount, which may seem modest over a short period, takes on a whole new dimension when projected over a whole year. Over twelve months, the savings become significant: they can offset some of the expenses associated with vehicle maintenance, insurance or even certain unforeseen costs. For long-distance drivers, this financial advantage is even greater, because the further you drive, the wider the gap between electric and petrol vehicles.

Another point not to be overlooked is recharging. Electric car owners often benefit from preferential rates, whether for charging at home – particularly at night, when electricity prices fall – or at certain public charging points. Depending on the region, the energy supplier or promotional offers, these costs can fall even further. The result is that, over time, the difference in budget between you and a combustion-powered vehicle becomes more and more marked.

Over one year: concrete results

Over a full year, the figures become significant: €1,728 for a combustion car, compared with €480 for an electric car, giving an annual saving of around €1,248.

This difference is not limited to fuel. Electric vehicles generally cost less to maintain: there are no regular oil changes, fewer mechanical parts to break down, and a mechanically simpler engine. Some studies estimate that the annual maintenance costs for an electric car can be 30-50% lower than for a combustion engine. Over ten years, this represents several thousand euros in additional savings.

In practice, over the years, the total cost of an electric car can become equal to or even lower than that of a combustion-powered car. The savings come from fuel, maintenance and sometimes financial assistance. For those who drive a lot every year, these savings can quickly become significant.

Over 10 years: the advantage becomes obvious

If we project these calculations over 10 years, the cost of fuel alone rises to 17,280 euros for combustion engines, compared with just 4,800 euros for electric cars. Total savings therefore exceed €12,400, which more than makes up for the higher initial investment.

But the long-term benefits go beyond fuel economy. Reduced maintenance, ecological bonuses and easier resale in a market that is moving towards electric cars reinforce these benefits. Conversely, combustion-powered cars can lose value more quickly, especially in areas with increasing restrictions on polluting vehicles.

With rising fuel prices, electric cars are becoming even more attractive in the long term. Over ten years, every kilometre driven represents a real saving, on top of the gains already made thanks to reduced maintenance and possible grants.

Beyond the figures: factors to consider

If we consider fuel and maintenance alone, the advantage of electric cars is already clear. But other factors reinforce this logic:

• Changes in urban regulations: many towns and cities are gradually banning the most polluting internal combustion vehicles. This can not only reduce their resale value, but also limit their access to certain areas.
• Insurance costs: some insurers offer preferential rates for electric vehicles. This is due to a generally more cautious driving profile and the presence of advanced safety technologies. It reduces the risk for the insurer.
• Environmental impact: although this is an indirect argument, it remains very important for many motorists. What’s more, choosing an electric car often allows you to benefit from tax incentives, environmental bonuses or other financial aid, making it even more attractive from an economic point of view.

In the short term, the savings associated with electric cars may seem modest. But they quickly become tangible over a year and truly significant over ten years. The higher initial cost is more than offset by the savings on fuel and maintenance, while providing real environmental benefits. For regular drivers or those who cover long distances, going electric is therefore becoming an increasingly logical choice, both financially and environmentally.

Shocking news for the European new car market. Last month, a Chinese car occupied the second position in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) new registrations ranking, confirming the rapid growth that some of these companies, like BYD, are having across the region.

The data revealed by JATO Dynamics indicates that the BYD Seal U with its plug-in hybrid powertrain registered 3,918 units during the month in 28 European markets. This total puts this Chinese SUV in the second position in the PHEV ranking, only behind the German-made Volkswagen Tiguan with 4,485 units.

What is even more interesting is that year-to-date volumes also put the Tiguan and Seal U in first and second positions, but with a higher growth rate for the latter. By the end of August, the Volkswagen was ahead of the BYD by almost 3,200 units, meaning that we could see the latter outselling the former by the year-end.

Not only BYD

The incredible progress made by Chinese manufacturers in Europe does not stop at BYD. August’s top 10 included two other models coming from this country. At the 7th position there is the Jaecoo J7 from Chery Group, and at the 9th position there is the MG HS from SAIC Group.

These are remarkable results posted by these three Chinese makers. They confirm their latest move to face the tariffs on their electric cars by increasing their presence in other alternative fuel segments like the PHEVs and HEVs (full hybrids). In fact, most of the growth posted by the Chinese car brands this year has been driven by these two powertrains and not so much by the BEVs.

Between January and August of this year, the BEVs represented 30% of the Chinese car brands’ sales against 38% from PHEV and HEV combined.

The other models from the PHEVs top 10 in August

Behind the Tiguan and Seal U, there was the Volvo XC60 with 3,378 units. It was followed by the Ford Kuga with 3,023 units, and the Toyota RAV4 with 2,856 units. The sixth position was occupied by the BMW X1 which registered 2,724 units. Its bigger brother, the BMW X3, registered 2,387 units at 8th position, while the Hyundai Tucson completed the top 10 with 2,221 units.

Among them, the BYD Seal U was the most dependent on this powertrain, with its PHEV version accounting for 86% of its total registrations during the month. It was followed by Volvo XC60 (75%), and the Jaecoo J7 (72%).

A big part of the reason why Tesla is facing trouble nowadays is the Model Y. It is the  brand’s most popular product and yet it is recording big sales drops across Europe. The  increasing competition, its old age, and the facelift introduced in Q1 2025 are all  contributing to a 34% drop on its registrations through July 2025.  

Nevertheless, this compact to midsize SUV was still the region’s top-selling pure electric  vehicle. The data from JATO Dynamics indicates that between January and July Tesla  registered almost 74,500 units of the Model Y. This is considerably lower than the  112,100 units registered during the first seven months of 2024, but enough to put it in  the top spot in the BEV sales ranking by models.  

The result is even more remarkable after seeing the strong growth posted by the  following models in the ranking. The data shows three Volkswagens at the second,  third, and fourth positions, with all of them posting double- and triple-digit growth. The  Volkswagen ID.4 increased its volumes by 35% and yet it was almost 28,000 units  behind the Model Y.

Volkswagen IDs products’ increases came at the expense of a lower position of the  Tesla Model 3, which was outsold by the Volkswagen ID.7. In January-July 2024, the  Model 3 was Europe’s second most popular BEV, falling to the 5^th position this year. This  Tesla is already 9 years old.

The other winners

The Skoda Elroq was the most successful recent BEV launch in Europe with almost  43,000 units, at 6^th position. It was followed by the also recently introduced Kia EV3 with  40,900 units, and the new Renault 5 with 39,900 units. None of them were available a  year earlier. They are proving to be successful within the small BEV world. The top 10  was completed by the Skoda Enyaq with 38,900 units, and the BMW iX1 with 37,800  units.  

Further down the list the Audi Q6 e-tron at 11^th position registered 28,900 units, while  Citroen registered 24,900 units of the electric C3, becoming the top-selling BEV from  Stellantis occupying the 16^th position in the BEV ranking. Ford seems to have finally  taken off with the Explorer EV with 22,500 units, outselling others like the Renault  Scenic (20,900 units), Hyundai Kona (19,900 units), and the Kia Niro (5,900).  

In contast, the initially successful Volvo EX30 has lost ground with its volumes down by  43% (partly affected by the tariffs on Chinese BEVs), as well as its bigger brother the  EX40, down by 37%. Another Chinese BEV to drop dramatically was the MG4 (-54%).  Stellantis saw mixed results as the Peugeot 3008 was up by 156% to 12,900 units while the volumes of the Peugeot 2008, Fiat/Abarth 500, and Peugeot 208, fell by 19%, 49%,  and 57%, respectively.

Tesla continues to face big issues. It seems like everything that could go wrong went indeed like that, and at the same time. First it was Elon Musk’s risky public involvement in politics. Then it came the model changeover for the Tesla Model Y. All these happened while the competition from China and Europe, and even USA, Japan, and Korea, started to catch up rapidly.

Elon Musk’s Risks and Tesla’s Decline

Although it is hard to tell how good or bad his bet on Donald Trump’s campaign did to his companies, when you participate in politics you’re taking a clear position. This might have split the opinion around him and therefore around his cars. As his role within the new government became clear, the company was in the process of updating its top-selling product – the Model Y. Any update, facelift, or new generation takes time and usually has an initial negative impact on sales. 

Meanwhile other players were catching up. In Europe it was mainly the case of the Volkswagen Group, the region’s largest carmaker. According to data from JATO Dynamics, the German maker increased its market share within the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) market from 18.9% in January-July 2024 to 28.6% in January-July 2025. That’s an increase of almost 10 percentage points!

Volkswagen Group’s Rise in the European BEV Market

In fact, Volkswagen’s solid position is now looking better than its market share in the overall European passenger car market (including all powertrains). During the first seven months of this year, the German manufacturer posted a 26.7% share. 

In contrast, Tesla reduced its market share in the BEV segment by 7.8 percentage points from 16.4% in 2024 to 8.6% this year. It was the biggest loser in Europe. The updated Model Y is taking longer to take off in terms of sales, and the rest of the lineup is getting old. 

There is a big gap in terms of the size of the BEV lineup and its age in Europe between Tesla and Volkswagen Group. The former only offers two models for the region with an average age of 8 years old (counted between the date of the official reveal and September 2025). In contrast, the Volkswagen group currently sells 21 different models across its many brands with an average age of 3.3 years old. 

However, it was Ford the carmaker to post the highest BEV share within its own sales. In Jan-Jul 2024, only 4.4% of its sales in the region corresponded to BEVs. One year later, they represented 14.1%. Volkswagen Group and Hyundai-Kia also posted big increases. On the other hand, BYD saw its BEVs with a lower share within its own sales as it has introduced several plug-in hybrid models throughout the year. 

BEVs have still big challenges ahead. In the meantime, big changes are happening.