France Orders 18,711 Electric Vehicles From Peugeot, Renault

The French government said local car manufacturers PSA Peugeot Citroen (UG.FR) and Renault SA (RNO.FR) are to supply a total of 18,711 electric vehicles to government entities and corporations in the first tranche of a collective order designed to prime the pump of France’s nascent electric car industry.

Renault is to supply 15,637 plug-in electric versions of its Kangoo light van. The order for Peugeot Citroen is for 3,074 Peugeot Ions, full-electric cars that are rebadged versions of Mitsubishi Motor Corp.’s (7211.TO) MiEV.

The contract award followed a call for tenders organized by the government and pooling orders from state-run corporations, utilities and institutions, as well as 18 French companies.