Renault 5 Leads French EV Sales as Leapmotor B05 Gains Review Spotlight

Electric vehicle registrations in France surged in early 2026, with 148,302 new EVs recorded between January and April, giving electric cars a 27.8% market share over five months. The Renault 5 was the top-selling electric model, registering 3,418 units in April and surpassing 21,000 cumulative sales in the first four months, solidifying its dominance over rivals such as the Scénic and Tesla Model Y.

Meanwhile, the Leapmotor B05, a compact EV built by the Chinese partner of Stellantis, was tested on French roads. The model offers a single 218 kW powertrain, battery options of 76.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, and is praised for its balanced chassis and comfortable ride, though reviewers note a lack of sporty feel and modest interior materials. Consumption was measured between 16 and 20 kWh per 100 km, positioning the B05 as a competitive addition to the European compact EV segment.