With the rise in fuel prices, driving electric vehicles has become particularly appealing for those looking to save money. However, in France, drivers who would benefit the most from this change are not always able to make the switch. According to data from Roole Data, the average monthly energy budget for diesel has increased from 98 to 119 euros between January and June 2026. Gasoline reached 137 euros, while electric remained around 46 euros. At a diesel price of 2.41 euros per liter, a car that consumes 6 liters per 100 km costs 14.46 euros per 100 km. An electric car that consumes 18 kWh (which is a lot) for the same distance will cost 3.60 euros, assuming a home charge at 0.20 euros per kWh. For 15,000 km annually, the bill thus reaches 2,169 euros for diesel, compared to 540 euros for electric: a difference of 1,629 euros on energy. However, with a kWh priced at 0.60 euros at a public charging station, this same EV costs 10.80 euros per 100 km. The savings compared to diesel then fall to 549 euros per year for the same mileage. One must also take into account insurance, depreciation, and the possible installation of a charging station. An additional monthly payment can exceed the savings made at the pump, even when the change presents an advantage over several years. An imminent major repair on the current vehicle can make its replacement more relevant. Each situation therefore requires a complete calculation, rather than a conclusion drawn solely from the price of fuel. The paradox is here: a driver forced to travel long distances may have a lot to gain by leaving diesel, yet may be unable to finance this switch. Taking our previous hypothesis of diesel at 2.41 euros per liter and a home charge at 0.20 euros per kWh, the difference reaches 10.86 euros per 100 km. If the EV costs 5,000 euros more than a comparable diesel model, this additional cost is offset in just over three years for 15,000 km per year. At 25,000 km per year, it takes less than two years. Conversely, for someone who only drives 8,000 km, it will take almost six years. These calculations assume constant energy prices and do not take into account financing, differences in maintenance, insurance, or resale value. The initial effort can therefore make sense, particularly for those who drive long distances and those who plan to keep their car for several years. However, one must be able to bear the initial expense without unbalancing the household's finances. Used EVs can change the calculation. Depreciation presents a concrete advantage: it allows access to an electric car whose first owner has already absorbed part of the loss in value. By going through the second-hand market, the idea is no longer necessarily to make a new car more expensive profitable, but to find an electric car at the price of a used thermal car that meets the same needs. If both cost the same at purchase, the savings on charging start from the first kilometers, without an additional cost to compensate. A detail that is important: the displayed price and mileage are not enough when buying a used electric car. A battery health report (SoH, for State of Health) allows evaluating its remaining capacity. It is also necessary to check the remaining warranty and its conditions, maintenance history, and the accepted charging powers. On some older electric cars, such as the Renault Zoé for example, the battery can still be subject to a lease agreement. This monthly payment must then be integrated into the budget, otherwise the savings will be overestimated. Social leasing, renewed since July 16, 2026, allows modest households to switch to electric without financing the purchase of a new car. The program offers at least three-year leases, with monthly rents capped at 200 euros excluding options and services, and even many offers under 140 euros. However, access to this program depends on income and the use of the car. With our assumptions, the interest becomes very concrete. At 15,000 km per year, diesel consumes about 180 euros in fuel per month, compared to 45 euros in electricity (home charge). The savings thus reach 135 euros per month. Enough to absorb a large part of a 140-euro rent. In this example, the vehicle lease and charging would represent 185 euros per month, barely more than the diesel's fuel alone.