The conversion bonus was introduced with the aim of encouraging the renewal of the French vehicle fleet towards models that are more respectful of the “environment”. Currently, it offers 5 000 euros for the acquisition of a new zero-emission vehicle and 3 000 euros for a used car classified Crit’Air 1.
With the austerity plan announced by the Barnier government, it seems that this aid is in the hot seat… The budget allocated to aid for the purchase of electric cars has already increased from 1.5 billion euros in 2024 to 1 billion euros in 2025.
Crucial aid at risk
The government is therefore seriously considering eliminating this bonus. This change could have direct repercussions on a law adopted in mars 2024which aimed to recover old vehicles in order to rent them at low prices to vulnerable people.
Low-income households could be particularly affected by this measure. According to Aleth d’Assignies, Director of Impact at Roole, these changes risk worsening their precariousness linked to “mobility”.
In summary
- The conversion bonus could be abolished by the Barnier government in a difficult budgetary context.
- Currently set at 5 000 euros for new zero-emission vehicles and 3 000 euros for certain used vehicles.
- Next to 15 millions of French people could directly suffer from this decision in terms of their daily mobility.
- Alternative measures such as social leasing continue but their modalities remain unclear.
- It is crucial to remain attentive to political developments regarding this essential assistance.
Who are the main players?
The main protagonist here is of course the Barnier governmentwhich must juggle budgetary restrictions and environmental commitments. On the other hand, we have organizations like Roole warning about the potential consequences of this decision on those who rely heavily on financial aid to get around.
A major societal impact
The removal of the bonus would lead to a significant slowdown in the greening of the French vehicle fleet. It would also call into question legislation enacted on 5 avrilintended to encourage the reuse of vehicles.
Environ 15 million French people are already facing precariousness linked to their mobility. Every year, between 15,000 and 20,000 people could thus lose an essential means of transport if this aid were to disappear.
To understand the scale of the issues:
- The current premium for a new zero-emission vehicle: 5 000 euros.
- For a used car classified Crit’Air 1: 3 000 euros.
- Estimated annual reuse potential: between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles.
- In 2024, thanks to social leasing, approximately 50,000 French people were able to access an electric car for around 100 euros per month.
These figures underline not only the economic but also the social importance of this aid in our current society.
Final decisions regarding the removal have not yet been made but appear inevitable according to some sources. A simplification of current systems could considerably change access to aid intended for low-income households.
Although social leasing is planned until 2025, its terms remain unclear (which raises some questions) and require clarification so that those who need it can continue to benefit from a sustainable solution.
