While Tesla’s Model Y dominated Europe’s electric vehicle market in 2024 with over 209,000 registrations, the French market tells a more complicated story. France experienced slower adoption rates in early 2025 compared to other key European markets like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway.
The Model Y maintained its position as Europe’s best-selling battery-electric vehicle despite a 17% drop in registrations from the previous year. The Model 3 secured second place with nearly 113,000 registrations across the continent. However, France didn’t show the same enthusiasm as its neighbors.
Despite leading Europe’s EV market, Tesla’s Model Y saw French registrations lag behind neighboring countries in early 2025.
Tesla’s Giga Berlin factory in Germany produces all European Model Y vehicles. The plant has an annual capacity of 500,000 units, with a 2025 target of 350,000 Model Y vehicles. About 75% of Berlin’s production goes to European markets, including France.
The company recently shifted its Berlin production lines to manufacture the new “Juniper” design. This updated version features modified headlights, taillights, and exterior changes.
Tesla also introduced a stripped-back Model Y Standard variant priced at $39,990 with part-cloth seating and a simplified interior. This version offers up to 321 miles of EPA range, which translates to approximately 360 miles under European WLTP testing.
Several factors have slowed France’s electric vehicle market. High vehicle prices remain a major obstacle for buyers. European BEV registrations fell 1.2% year-over-year, with market share dropping from 15.7% in 2023 to 15.4% in 2024.
French consumers also worry about charging infrastructure outside major cities. Inconsistent government incentive programs created uncertainty in 2025, making it harder for buyers to commit to electric vehicles. France provides up to €5,000 in subsidies, plus an additional €1,000 for low-income households purchasing electric vehicles.
Competition has intensified as new manufacturers enter the French EV segment. Despite these challenges, the Model Y ranked as the fourth most registered car overall in Europe during 2024.
Tesla’s regional production strategy requires European vehicles to be manufactured at the Berlin facility rather than American plants. The company hasn’t announced plans to bring the six-seat Model Y configuration, currently planned for China, to European or French markets. Tesla’s Giga Shanghai production is scheduled to start manufacturing the six-seater variant in late 2025 with a 2-2-2 interior configuration designed specifically for family-oriented customers.