Daily EV news · France · 11 July 2026
Electric Vehicles
Peugeot boss criticises Stellantis decision on affordable electric vehicles
The head of Peugeot has publicly expressed regret over a strategic choice made by parent company Stellantis regarding affordable electric cars, though specific details of the decision are not disclosed in the available excerpt. The comments come as the automotive group navigates the transition to electrification across its brand portfolio in France and globally.
Why it matters
Stellantis's approach to affordable EVs directly affects charging infrastructure demand and deployment strategies, as lower-priced electric vehicles typically drive mass-market adoption and require expanded public charging networks to support buyers without home charging access.
Peugeot · Stellantis · Source
BYD narrows second European factory choice to France or Spain, decision expected after July 2026 conference
Chinese EV maker BYD, the world's second largest electric vehicle seller, confirmed at the Reuters Automotive Europe conference in Frankfurt in early July 2026 that France and Spain are the two finalists for its second European production site. BYD's European sales surged 144% in the first five months of 2026, reaching 134,306 vehicles sold across the continent, underscoring the strategic rationale for local manufacturing beyond its existing European footprint.
Why it matters
A BYD factory in France or Spain would create significant procurement opportunities for construction, electrical infrastructure and charging equipment suppliers as the manufacturer scales local production to serve its rapidly growing European customer base. The site selection signals where major OEM investment and associated charging infrastructure build out will concentrate in the next phase of European EV expansion.
French used EV market hits 72,244 transactions in Q2 2026, up 81% year-on-year
The French second-hand electric vehicle market recorded 72,244 transactions in Q2 2026, compared to 39,872 in Q2 2025, according to the latest quarterly barometer from Avère-France and Mobilians. This 81% year-on-year increase signals growing maturity in the used EV sector.
Why it matters
A maturing second-hand EV market expands the pool of electric vehicle owners who will require charging infrastructure, potentially increasing demand for home, workplace and public charging installations. This growth trajectory helps de-risk investment cases for charge point operators targeting mass-market EV adoption.