For the second year in a row, Renault has become a top choice for participants in France's social leasing program, which provides subsidized vehicle purchases for eligible individuals. The demand has been so strong that Renault has already sold out several of its most popular offers, prompting the company to warn customers in advance to avoid disappointment at dealerships. As of September 7, 2026, the company has updated its website to reflect the remaining models available for this year's social leasing program.
French Economy Minister Roland Lescure highlighted the growing interest in electric vehicles during a LinkedIn post on September 2, 2026. He noted that electric cars now account for 30% of the French market and emphasized the success of the social leasing program, which has already received more than 30,000 orders out of the 50,000 planned for 2026. However, this growth is slower compared to previous years, where the program reached its target number of applications much faster.
The 2026 edition of the social leasing program launched on July 16, but the pace of applications has been slower than in 2025, when a surge of interest occurred within the first three days of the program. As of now, around 20,000 more eligible applications are still needed to meet the 50,000 target. Some models have already sold out, including the Renault 5 and Mégane. The Renault 5, which was a popular choice in 2025, is expected to be a top seller again this year, but its electric versions are no longer available for social leasing. Similarly, the Mégane E-Tech electric model has reached its quota, though a few older versions remain in dealerships but are not eligible for the program.
Despite the high demand, some models from Renault and other manufacturers still have availability. The Renault 4 E-Tech electric model is nearly sold out, but a few Twingo and R4 models remain. The Twingo E-Tech electric model is still available in two versions, starting from 130 € per month, while the Renault 4 E-Tech electric evolution model is available from 170 € per month. Other manufacturers also offer a range of electric vehicles through the social leasing program, with prices starting from around 94 € per month for models like the Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda electric. Buyers are encouraged to act quickly, as stock is limited and demand is high.
Social Leasing Program Demand for Renault and Competitors in 2026
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Numerama



