Electric vehicle market share in France

Electric vehicle sales in France reached a market share of 42 percent in September, according to recent reports, though the government believes the growth is not rapid enough.

New financial incentives introduced

To address this, the government has introduced new financial incentives and measures, including the CEE grant and social leasing programs. On Thursday, October 15, the second phase of its electrification plan was announced, adding 17 new measures to the 22 from the first phase, which was presented in April 2026.

Focus on affordability and European production

The government aims to strengthen French sovereignty and make electric vehicles more accessible to all by making small electric vehicles more affordable. A new purchase aid is being introduced for L6 quadricycles (limited to 45 km/h, license-free small cars) and L7 (90 km/h) models.

New price targets and production conditions

This aid is expected to bring the price of an L7 to around 10,000 euros after deductions, starting from January 1, 2027. The aid is reserved for models assembled in the European Economic Area. The government targets four-seater L7 models limited to 90 km/h and equipped with approximately 150 kilometers of autonomy.

L6 vehicles regain bonus with conditions

L6 license-free vehicles are regaining a bonus that was removed in 2024, but the European assembly condition excludes well-known models such as the Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Opel Rocks, which are produced in Morocco. The government aims to assist 15,000 L6 vehicles in 2027 and sell 150,000 L7 vehicles in 2030, all produced in Europe.

Support for commercial fleets and driving licenses

Additionally, the government seeks to electrify the fleets of small and medium-sized enterprises, targeting 20,000 light commercial vehicles. An additional grant will bring the aid for zero-emission light commercial vehicles assembled in Europe up to 11,000 euros, effective from January 1, 2027.

Driving training and licensing changes

Other measures include ensuring that 100 percent of automatic transmission driving training is conducted in electric cars by 2030, as committed by Mobilians, the professional organization for the automotive trade and services. The government also plans to allow the driving of zero-emission light commercial vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes with a B license, effective January 1, 2027.

Reducing home charging costs

To reduce the cost of home charging, the government promises a 35 percent reduction in annual costs, from 420 to 270 euros, through a 500 euro aid for installing a controllable charging station in a single-family home. This grant, integrated into the energy savings certificates (CEE) for electric vehicles, will be effective from January 1, 2027.

Transparency in public charging prices

The government is also focusing on the clarity of prices on public charging stations. The exact price of the kWh must be displayed on fast charging stations over 50 kW, along with the instantaneous power delivered. A detailed payment note must be provided on all stations starting April 2027.

Future plans for reparability and battery health

A reparability score for electric vehicles is also being prepared, with details to be finalized in early 2027. The government also aims to systematically communicate battery health status when purchasing a used electric vehicle, a practice that is beginning to spread.

Legislative steps and timeline

Several of these measures require legislative or regulatory texts and come as the 2027 budget is being discussed in the National Assembly. The decree on the display of recharge prices must be put out for consultation by November 1, 2026. The purchase aids and the charging station grant will be effective from January 1, 2027.