In a market dominated 95% by diesel, electric now represents one in two unlicensed cars. Given the latest novelty from Fiat, there is no doubt that this will continue to evolve.
Long mocked, license-free cars (VSP) have gained a much more trendy side thanks to some new electric models. If the Renault Twizy had already initiated the movement a little, it was the launch of the Citroën Ami which created a real upheaval in this area in May 2020. Since then, the offer of 100% electric models has developed, from how to respond to a new request.
According to data published on April 1 by AAA Datas, the month of March saw the volume of registrations increase by 20% with 1,985 more new unlicensed cars on the roads. This is not neutral for this small market.
Electric represents 1 in 2 new VSP sales in 2023
The evolution of this market is particularly impressive, as electric models have managed to create a small revolution in less than 4 years. In 2019, 95% of new unlicensed cars were powered by a diesel engine. It is possible to deduce that the remaining 5% must have represented electric power with the Renault Twizy. Since 2019, this market has doubled from 13,376 machines to 26,238.
At the end of 2023, electric VSPs will find themselves representing half of new vehicle sales. Very different from the automobile market, the appearance of new electric models did not ultimately take market share from diesel, but electric was added to the existing market.
The two worlds, electric and diesel, seem to coexist in good harmony. The introduction of technical inspection on heavy motorized quadricycles could still change the trend in the coming years. Diesel models, often poorly maintained, will have more and more difficulty passing inspections. That said, it is not certain that after 4 years of circulation, the Citroën Ami will do much better.
Favorite electric models
The new electric models introduced to the license-free car market have contributed to changing the image of this market on the fringes of the automobile. The success of the Citroën Ami cannot be denied, you just have to pass in front of certain high schools to observe the invasion of these identical quadricycles. It is a true fashion phenomenon over which Citroën has almost reigned supreme.
But since then, the competition has stepped up its game a little. Including from the historical players who perhaps had not necessarily imagined the impact that Citroën would have on this market:
- Ligier has introduced its Myli starting at €11,199.
- Aixam did not stay on the side of the road. A whole range of electric models has been launched, an Aixam e City pack starts from €14,300.
- Méga and its all-terrain e-Scouty are offered from €15,900.
None of these electric models should succeed in overshadowing Citroën, which has succeeded in addition to its originality in slashing prices with a price starting at €7,990 (before bonuses). Even the version of the Ami developed by Opel should remain in its shadow in France. On the other hand, the Ami’s real competitor may have just entered the market in France at the start of 2024: the Fiat Topolino.
The Italian-style cousin of the Ami will break hearts, certainly including among the owners of the Ami. Fiat has managed to make this Topilino a little more desirable with its slightly more elaborate style. It’s cute and even if its price is a little higher than the Ami, it’s sure to get people talking, especially with its convertible version. The Fiat Topolino and the Topolino Dolcevita convertible version are available from €59/month (36-month LLD of 15,000 km) or €9,890 (before €900 bonus).
There is no doubt that sales of electric VSPs will continue to grow in the coming months.
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