France Launches €100 Monthly EV Leasing Scheme, Prioritizing EU-Made Electric Vehicles

France is set to introduce a €100 per month electric vehicle (EV) leasing scheme in November as part of its climate action strategy. However, the scheme will only apply to EU-made EVs to protect French car manufacturers from competition with Chinese brands. The initiative is aimed at promoting EV adoption, making them more accessible to households and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key points about the EV leasing scheme in France:

1. Objective: The scheme is part of France’s broader strategy to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and produce over one million EVs by 2027.
2. EU-Made Cars Only: To be eligible for the scheme, EVs must be manufactured within the European Union. This measure is intended to support EU car manufacturers and reduce competition from Chinese-made EVs.
3. Affordability: The scheme is aimed at making EVs more affordable for a wider range of households. It is seen as a social and ecological initiative.
4. Size and Scope: The scheme is expected to start with a few tens of thousands of cars in 2024 and is likely to expand in size and coverage in the coming years.
5. Green Bonus Rules: Eligible EVs must also comply with France’s “green bonus” rules, which offer cash incentives to first-time EV buyers if overall car production emissions remain below a certain threshold.
6. Criticism: Some critics argue that the scheme could be discriminatory and raise used car prices. It will also exclude certain carmakers, like MG, Dacia, and Fiat, that have under €100 per month leasing offers in France but produce their vehicles in China.

The move reflects France’s commitment to electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions. However, its potential impact on the EV market and affordability will be closely monitored.