New category for larger vehicles

A decree published in the Official Journal on October 23, 2026, has updated the calculation of the environmental score, which determines access to the eco-bonus and tax advantages for fleets. The update introduces a third category for vehicles, which includes those with seven or more seating places, a boot capacity of at least 700 liters, or an electric range of at least 380 km.

No extra environmental benefits

However, these vehicles must still fall within the same carbon footprint range of 12,000 kg-eq CO2 to 21,000 kg-eq CO2, which was previously required for all vehicles. This means that the new category does not offer any additional environmental benefits for large family SUVs, despite the intention suggested by the text.

Tighter conditions for five-seater vehicles

The main category has become an intermediate category for a more restricted target, bringing together five-seater vehicles with more than 200 liters of boot space but not reaching 700 liters or 380 km of range. For these models, the conditions for accessing the eco-score are being tightened.

Narrower carbon footprint range

The range of the carbon footprint is now between 10,300 kg-eq CO2 and 19,300 kg-eq CO2, reducing the margin for maneuver by 1,700 kg of CO₂. This change could affect several urban models that had obtained the eco-score in recent months, as they may find themselves in difficulty during the next submission of documents.

Re-evaluation process for new versions

When an evolution leads to the creation of a new version, the manufacturer must submit a dossier to have its environmental score evaluated. This includes changes in bodywork, engine or battery, as well as in trim or equipment. The intermediate category will have to be re-evaluated at some point, having to meet the new thresholds set.

Uncertainty over affected models

It is possible that some city cars, such as the Hyundai Inster, will lose their previously obtained eco-score, or that others, such as the Dolphin Surf, will never obtain it. The decree published on the same day listing the approved versions from November 24 has not yet resulted in a massive removal.

ADEME and the ministry cautious about disclosure

ADEME and the Ministry of Ecological Transition will likely refrain from disclosing the names of the models that will fall below 60 points during re-evaluations, as this could become a game of hide and seek.