New purchase assistance for used electric cars – Eligibility criteria, amounts: what you need to know
New EU grants for purchasing used electric vehicles are in effect since September 1st. The most attractive amounts are reserved for certain professional categories.
Topic updated on September 2, 2026
Used electric vehicles now benefit from new purchase assistance through the EU’s Energy Saving Certificates scheme. These certificates are funded by energy suppliers.
For reference, the Energy Saving Certificates replaced the government-mandated environmental bonus for new cars in 2025. They have been extended to used vehicles, a request from various market stakeholders aimed at helping lower-income households switch to electric vehicles.
Which models are covered?
The vehicles eligible must:
have been first registered between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023,
be equipped with a battery still in good condition (at least 80% of its original capacity, or alternatively the vehicle’s remaining range must be at least 200 km or at least 80% of the range specified at vehicle approval).
have been kept for at least three years.
have been purchased from a professional.
Who can benefit?
The subsidy is available to both individuals and professionals. However, certain categories of professionals receive greater support.
What are the amounts of the subsidies?
Following the good news of renewed support for used vehicles, there is less favorable news from the Official Journal. The basic subsidy amounts to around 340 euros (it may be slightly less or more depending on the contracts between sellers and energy providers who cover the cost). This isn’t enough to make a significant difference in the purchase prices of used cars! Recall that until the end of 2024, there was an environmental bonus of 1,000 euros for used vehicles.
The subsidy is slightly better for households considered to be in energy poverty (income deciles 1, 2, and 3). At Renault, for example, it increases from 340 to 590 euros.
The subsidy is doubled for all residents of Corsica and the islands of the Ponant (390 euros as a base amount, 1,180 euros in Corsica).
On the other hand, when the beneficiary is a home care service or a professional providing personal assistance, the CEE subsidy is significantly increased. This measure addresses the sharp rise in fuel prices that has greatly impacted these professions, which sometimes have to travel hundreds of kilometers per day. For them, Renault’s CEE allowance is 2,070 € (and 2,360 € for those in precarious situations).
This is already much more attractive. However, for these professional categories, the vehicle must have a curb weight of under 1,800 kg and a maximum price of 25,000 €.
Examples of amounts at Renault
