One million electric cars for 150 euros per month: the (slightly crazy) proposal by these deputies
What if social leasing took on a completely new dimension? A bill submitted to the National Assembly on October 20, 2026, proposes establishing a public fleet of one million electric vehicles by 2035. These vehicles would be made available to low-income households at an average monthly rent of 150 euros.
One million electric vehicles for 150 euros per month?
Social leasing has already enabled tens of thousands of French people to switch to electric vehicles. However, its operation through successive campaigns has its limitations. Some French deputies want to go further. Their idea? To create a true public service for electric mobility, modeled after the system used for social housing.
The first difference from the current social leasing scheme is that the vehicles would belong to the Caisse des dépôts. This public institution would be responsible for acquiring and financing them, while public or private operators would manage them and make them available to beneficiaries. The average monthly rent would be set at 150 euros, excluding insurance, and then adjusted annually according to inflation.
This amount would cover routine maintenance, roadside assistance, repairs due to normal wear and tear, and even tire replacement. The cars could remain in service for a maximum of 12 years. They would be offered to different households sequentially, provided their technical condition permits. When a vehicle is taken out of the program, its last tenant would have priority to purchase it at its residual value.
The program would be reserved for households in the top five income deciles, meaning half of households at the lower end of the income scale. But lawmakers want to target even more specifically. At least 50% of new contracts should benefit the bottom three income deciles, which comprise the 30% of households with the lowest incomes. Unlike current social leasing, there would be no need to prove business-related travel as a requirement.
Needs related to care, training, job hunting, or family obligations would also be taken into account. A national scale could prioritize requests, especially based on access to public transportation. In principle, each household could only receive one vehicle. Exceptions might be possible, however, such as in cases of disability or distinct professional needs.
Specific support would also be provided for the lowest-income households, with a fixed amount of 400 euros per new contract. This sum would be used to “facilitate administrative procedures, vehicle handling, and the installation of a charging solution.”
VEs under 1,800 kg with eco-ratings
The text also discusses vehicles that could be included in this social fleet. MPs propose selecting only 100% electric models with a curb weight of less than 1,800 kg, unless there are exceptions for vehicles adapted for people with disabilities. Another requirement is that the cars must meet the minimum environmental standards needed to qualify for government subsidies on purchase.
The specification would also take into account energy consumption, the carbon footprint of manufacturing, battery durability, and the availability of spare parts. Members of parliament also wish to promote vehicles assembled in the European Union that incorporate a significant proportion of European strategic components, especially for batteries and drive trains. This preference should, however, comply with EU public procurement law.
Repair networks would also be involved in the project. Independent garages and brand dealers could handle vehicle maintenance and follow-up, with a fixed fee of 400 euros per car per year, funded by rental income.
A goal of one million cars by 2035
Purchases would begin on January 1, 2028, with the goal of having at least one million electric vehicles by December 31, 2035. To achieve this, the Caisse des dépôts would place bulk orders with manufacturers. The plan specifies an average list price of 20,000 euros, with a discount of at least 25%, resulting in a maximum average purchase cost of 15,000 euros per vehicle.
Regarding financing, lawmakers are considering a total amount of 8 billion euros to be covered by the Caisse des dépôts. The government would also provide an annual subsidy, with a reference amount of 350 million euros. Rent income and proceeds from selling the vehicles would then be used to repay the financing and replenish the fleet.
The third article also provides for a financial compensation mechanism based on an additional tax on tobacco. This is meant to ensure the financial viability of the bill, rather than representing a finalized funding arrangement.
A proposal still far from being adopted
In short, on paper, this mechanism aims to address the shortcomings of current social leasing, particularly its temporary nature. For now, however, this bill has merely been submitted to the National Assembly and referred to the Committee on Sustainable Development. It will be necessary to wait for further progress in parliamentary proceedings to determine whether this project can become a reality. The initiative is commendable, even though the conditions may seem disconnected from certain realities.