Your next drive in the NEW DS 7 Hybrid can make you forget all the previous ones.
–
For short trips, prefer walking or cycling #MoveLessZabrudnyu pic.twitter.com/19BesmwH97

— DS France (@DS_fr) August 8, 2022

If any motorization has been a hit for some time, it is electric. Indeed, zero-emission cars are very popular among motorists, and the offer is becoming increasingly important. In addition, the buyer is also facilitated by an environmental bonus extended for several months and environmental measures such as ZFE. On the other hand, and this can be suspected, thermal models are experiencing a sharp decline, especially diesel ones. But they are not the only ones, because other types of transport are also not easy now. These are battery hybrids that, nevertheless, look very attractive on paper. A good compromise between thermal and fully electric, they allow you to drive without emissions without the limitations associated with the lack of autonomy and recharging. However, their sales barely take off and even fall.

New with such appeal #Peugeot 408 #HybridRechargeable deserves a review from all sides. pic.twitter.com/shnYvOAGbN

— Peugeot France (@PeugeotFR) August 4, 2022

A real fall

Indeed, since the beginning of the year sales in PHEV cars fell 9.6% in Europe, while market share fell below 9% and electrics topped 11%. Therefore, it is not very good for battery hybrids, which are experiencing real disappointment among motorists. And looking at the French market, it’s not really any better. Indeed, sales fell 12.5% ​​in the first half, or just 62,811 registrations compared to 71,789 last year. In July alone, the number of cars sold decreased by -31.7%, or by 7,349 units compared to 10,761 in the same month of 2021.

Many reasons

But then, what accounts for this decline in popularity of these very promising vehicles? There are actually several reasons. First of all, they have a bad image, being accused of pollution because they are not used properly. According to the study, only 47% of users would be charged PHEV ride the train as often as possible. In addition, these cars are heavier and in most cases consume more than their thermal equivalent. That’s not all, because their price is also significantly higher. The ban on the sale of thermal cars in 2035, which should also affect hybrids, should again be a strong blow for them.

Step into a new era with bold style#OpelAstra plug-in hybrid. What do you think of his new discs?#New car #compact sedan pic.twitter.com/ffC7OO3NCO

— Opel_France (@Opel_France) July 28, 2022