The podium of the best-selling electric vehicles in May 2026

In a market that is growing by almost 93 percent due to the impact of social leasing and corporate tax, Renault and Tesla are recording very good performances in electric vehicles. These two brands monopolize the top five positions in sales on a model basis, leaving only a small share to Stellantis. Tesla Model Y and Renault 5 E-Tech monopolized the first two steps of the podium in electric car sales in France in May 2026. ©DR

In May 2026, the electric vehicle confirmed its change of status on the French market. While total registrations increased by only 3.7%, sales of 100% electric models increased by almost 93%, and their cumulative market share increased to 27.8% since the beginning of 2026, compared to 17.8% in the previous year. This progress is mainly based on three factors: social renting, taxation for businesses and a much wider product offering compared to 2025.

In this regard, Tesla is getting back on track. The supply problems frequently encountered by the American manufacturer engaged in cyclical production seem to have been resolved. Model Y alone had a 3% market share, surpassing Renault 5 (2,947) with 3,874 units. The SUV is also among the 10 best-selling models in May.

The two brands are also in a very good position in the electricity market. Indeed, they monopolize the top five positions in this ranking; Peugeot e-3008 (1,205) competes with Skoda Elroq (1,126) in sixth place. Note that the Renault Twingo is at the bottom of this ranking, just two months after its launch with 1,004 units.

Top 10 electric models (May 2026)

Model
Volume
Progress
market share

1
Tesla Model Y
3 874
835%
3%

2
Renault 5 E-Technology
2 947
100.6%
2.3%

3
Renault Landscape
E-Technology
1 624
56.8%
1.3%

4
Tesla Model 3
1 561
423%
1.2%

5
Renault Megane E-Tech
1 289
153.2%
1%

6
Peugeot e-3008
1 205
108.5%
0.9%

7
Skoda Elroq
1 126
64.9%
0.9%

8
Citroen ë-C3
1 069
-28.7%
0.8%

9
Peugeot e-2008
1 044
40.7%
0.8%

10
Volkswagen ID.4
1 026
178.8%
0.8%

Three German bonuses in the rankings

In the brand ranking, Renault confirms its leading position in the electric market with 7,463 registrations. These doubled and, above all, electricity represented 37% of registrations. Tesla rebounded in second place with 5,446 registrations. It alone covers 14% of electricity sales.

Peugeot ranks 3rd. The Lion brand achieves more than half of its main rival with 3,349 registrations. Electricity represents “only” 21% of its registrations. If we go beyond this ranking of the top ten brands, Kia is in 11th place with 992 registrations, while BYD is in 12th place (864). Note that Citroën is the only brand in this top 10 with negative electric sales (-31.3%).

Top 10 electrical brands (May 2026)

brand
Volume
Progress
Market share in product range

1
Renault
7 463
122.9%
37.6%

2
Tesla’s
5 446
655.3%
100%

3
peugeot
3 349
70.4%
21%

4
volkswagen
2 200
123.8%
24.9%

5
bmw
2 051
119.1%
35.3%

6
Citroën
1 920
-31.3%
22.7%

7
Skoda’s
1 794
97.6%
39.3%

8
Audi
1 315
10.4%
34.5%

9
Mercedes-Benz
1 121
204.6%
30.1%

10
Mini
1 002
105.3%
47.2%