Since 30 September, the French government has allowed the least well-off half of the population — those who are working and drive long distances — to access a new, environmentally efficient electric vehicle (EV) through the social EV leasing scheme.
This scheme provides financial support for the leasing of electric cars for a minimum period of three years.
To date, over 41,500 vehicles have been leased, including more than 11,360 by beneficiaries who live or work in areas where air quality is a concern.
The scheme will remain open until the target of 50,000 vehicles has been reached.
From its launch to the general public, the scheme attracted strong interest: more than 35,000 electric vehicles were ordered within the first week.
The offers available are well below market prices, ranging from €100 to €200 per month, with some capped at a maximum of €140 per month.
A waiting list will be set up to allow dealerships to continue registering orders from households wishing to benefit from the aid, even after the allocated quota has been reached.
This list will be updated according to cancellations or invalid applications.
Thus, if a request on the waiting list becomes eligible, the dealership will be informed and may proceed with delivery of the vehicle.
Vehicles must be delivered within a maximum of six months after signing the order form or lease agreement.
At the time of signing the lease agreement, each individual is entitled to a 14-day statutory cooling-off period.
No administrative fees may be charged for the advance payment of the social leasing subsidy, and no deposit may be required.
In addition, no optional extras, accessories or additional services may be imposed on the applicant; they alone may choose to add any options or additional services to the contract.
The government also reminds the public that, to support the purchase of new electric cars, households may benefit from the ecological bonus, financed by energy savings certificates (CEE) since 1 July 2025.
This subsidy is increased by around €1,000 for electric vehicles manufactured in Europe with European-made batteries. For low-income households, this aid amounts to around €5,200.
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Strong demand for France’s social EV leasing with 41,500 cars already leased
To date, over 41,500 vehicles have been leased, including more than 11,360 by beneficiaries who live or work in areas where air quality is a concern.
