New grant for electric vehicles introduced

The French government has launched a new financial incentive to support the purchase or rental of electric vehicles, aiming to lower costs for consumers. This initiative, effective since July 1, 2025, replaces the previous ecological bonus with a grant called Coup de pouce Véhicules particuliers électriques.

Grant amount depends on income

The size of the grant varies based on the individual's reference tax income per share. Those with up to 16,300 euros in income qualify for a 5,700 euro grant, while higher incomes receive smaller amounts. Additional bonuses are available for vehicles made in the European Economic Area and using European batteries.

Not all electric cars qualify

The program has specific environmental criteria that vehicles must meet, including their carbon footprint during manufacturing and transport. Some models, like the Tesla Model 3, Dacia Spring, and certain electric cars from Chinese brands such as BYD and MG, are not eligible. The official list of approved vehicles is available on the Ademe website.

Vehicle usage requirements

To qualify for the grant, the vehicle must be kept for at least one year and driven at least 6,000 kilometers. For rental options like long-term lease (LLD) or lease with an option to buy (LOA), the contract must last a minimum of 24 months.

Social leasing for lower-income households

A separate program, Social leasing, launched on July 16, 2026, is designed for lower-income households with a reference tax income per share not exceeding 16,880 euros. It allows for rent caps of 200 euros per month and requires a minimum contract duration of three years.

Limited number of social leasing vehicles

Only 50,000 vehicles are available for the social leasing program, and in previous years, the quota was reached quickly. Some models, like the Citroën ë-C3 YOU Autonomie urbaine and the Fiat Grande Panda, offer monthly rents as low as 94 euros and 95 euros, respectively.

Regional and local incentives vary

In addition to national programs, several regions, metropolitan areas, and communes provide their own financial support for electric vehicles. However, the amounts and conditions differ widely across areas, and some have reduced or eliminated their support due to budget constraints.

Local aid rules can be complex

Residents should check the Je change ma voiture government portal for details on local incentives, as rules can change suddenly and are not always clearly communicated. Some local programs allow combining the CEE bonus with other aid, while others impose income limits or restrict support to specific car models.