European electric vehicle markets see growth in France and Belgium

The European automotive market is experiencing significant shifts in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and sales dynamics. In France, the new vehicle market grew by 7.4% in August 2026, with EVs accounting for 38% of registrations. Tesla saw a major rebound with 36,160 registrations, a 148.4% increase year-on-year, while the Tesla Model Y emerged as the top-selling model.

Government initiatives are driving this transition. The third wave of the ‘social leasing’ program in France has surpassed 30,000 orders, providing low-cost EV rentals for modest-income households. Additionally, new regulations effective September 1, 2026, introduce enhanced Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) to support EV acquisitions, including new bonuses for eco-scored vehicles and specific aid for used EVs without income restrictions.

In the used car market, demand for EVs is rising, with models like the Renault Mégane E-Tech and Tesla Model 3 seeing rapid resale times. Meanwhile, Chinese brands are expanding their presence, showing a 69.3% volume increase in the French market.

In Belgium, the market also showed recovery in August 2026. Electric vehicles reached a record monthly market share of 46.2%. BMW remains the market leader in Belgium, while BYD surpassed 1,000 monthly registrations for the first time.