The shift toward electric vehicles in France is prompting serious discussions about how public finances will be affected. Currently, the French government collects around 24 billion euros each year from taxes on fuel used by private cars. These taxes include specific duties, value-added tax (VAT), and other related levies. However, as more people switch to electric vehicles, which do not use gasoline or diesel, this traditional revenue stream is at risk of shrinking significantly. Electric vehicles are growing in popularity in France. As of January 1, 2026, they made up just 3.5% of the 40 million private cars on the road. But by August 2026, they accounted for 38% of new car registrations—a rapid increase that signals a major shift in transportation habits. If all 40 million private cars were electric, fuel tax revenue would drop dramatically, with only about 4 to 5 billion euros expected from electricity taxes annually. To support the transition to electric vehicles, the French government has introduced financial incentives. In 2024, the ecological bonus for private electric car purchases amounted to 1 billion euros. Additionally, the social leasing program, which provides access to electric vehicles for lower-income individuals, is set to receive 401 million euros in 2026. This funding comes from energy savings certificates (CEE), which are financial tools used to promote energy efficiency, and is paid for by energy suppliers. To make up for the loss of fuel tax revenue, three potential solutions have been proposed. One is to increase taxes on the electricity used to charge electric vehicles. Another is to shift from taxing fuel consumption to taxing vehicle ownership, with the tax amount adjusted based on factors like the car's weight. A third idea, supported by the OECD and already used in countries like New Zealand and Iceland, is to tax vehicles based on the number of kilometers driven. While this last option could be fair and effective, it raises concerns about privacy, data security, and the practicality of monitoring vehicle usage.