Electric cars: new purchase subsidy of up to 2,000 € — here’s who will benefit

The government has unveiled its second electrification plan. Several measures relate to vehicles, including a pleasant surprise for electric microcars. Or almost.

Electrification plan, act 2. While the first plan was introduced in spring, the government is already announcing a new set of measures to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to subsidies and decisions regarding heating, such as banning oil-fired boilers, there are also announcements related to mobility.

In addition to a new incentive for installing a recharge station when purchasing a used electric vehicle and increased subsidies for commercial vehicles, the pleasant surprise is the introduction of a substantial bonus for small electric cars.

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A bonus of up to 2,000 euros has been officially announced, but be cautious about the initial conditions outlined. It applies only to small vehicles with a top speed of 90 km/h, capable of carrying 4 passengers and having a range of 150 km. This means quadricycles are eligible. Additionally, the subsidy is reserved for vehicles manufactured in Europe, which could significantly narrow down the list. The Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino are assembled in Morocco. As one of our readers pointed out, a EU/Morocco trade agreement might resolve this issue.

The subsidy will apply to certain models such as those from Microlino, Silence, and French manufacturers specializing in license-free vehicles like Ligier. This should lower the cost of vehicles that sometimes appear expensive compared to their performance relative to small city cars like the Dacia Spring. At Aixam, the price of the entry-level electric vehicle is 9,999 €. At Ligier, it’s 14,999 €.

The 2,000 € subsidy will be available for vehicles in category L7 (90 km/h). However, 4-seater models don’t really exist… So the subsidy for L6 (45 km/h) vehicles is likely to be smaller, but still higher than what’s currently offered. While there was already a 900 € bonus for these vehicles, they must currently settle for a modest EEC grant of 200 to 500 € depending on the model.

Following the announcement on October 15, we await full details on the amounts and households affected. The benefits will take effect on January 1, 2027.