Electric car news
The world of electric vehicles is undergoing rapid transformation, but a new economic reality could soon slow their adoption. Let's dive into the details of this complex situation that could impact your next automobile purchase.
The ecological bonus revised downwards
The French government recently confirmed a significant reduction in the ecological bonus for the year 2025. This aid, essential for many buyers, will go from 4,000 to 3 000 eurosa drop of 25%. This decision is part of a desire to reduce public spending, but it risks weighing heavily on consumers' wallets.
To put this reduction into perspective, let's take the example of a Renault Zoe. Currently offered from 33,700 euros, its effective price after bonus is 29,700 euros. In 2025, this same vehicle will cost 30,700 euros, all things being equal. This increase of 1,000 euros could make the difference for many households, especially those with modest incomes.
The conversion bonus threatened with disappearance
Even more alarming, rumors persist about the pure and simple elimination of the conversion bonus in 2025. This aid, which can reach up to 5,000 euros for the lowest-income households, plays a crucial role in the transition to cleaner vehicles.
Here is a reminder of the current conversion bonus amounts:
- Until 5 000 euros for households whose reference tax income is less than 15,400 euros per year
- 1 500 euros for those whose income is less than 24,900 euros per year
- No aid for households above this threshold
The disappearance of this bonus would have a considerable impact on the accessibility of electric cars. Let's take the example of a modest family wishing to acquire a Peugeot e-208. With current aid, the price of this vehicle can be reduced by 9,000 euros (4,000 euros bonus + 5,000 euros conversion bonus). In 2025, this same family could see their bill increase by 6,000 euros if these changes are implemented.
Social leasing: a glimmer of hope?
Faced with these bleak prospects, the leasing social appears to be an interesting alternative. This system, launched at the start of the year, allows you to rent an electric car for 100 euros per month. Its success has been dazzling, demonstrating the public's appetite for affordable electric mobility solutions.
The Minister for Transport, François Durovray, confirmed that social leasing would be renewed in 2025. However, the details of the offer remain to be defined. It is possible that the eligibility criteria or financial conditions may be adjusted to take into account budgetary constraints.
To illustrate the benefit of this option, let's compare the cost over 3 years:
| Option | Cost over 3 years |
|---|---|
| Purchase Renault Zoe (with 2025 bonus) | 30 700 € |
| Social leasing (100 €/month) | 3 600 € |
The difference is striking and could convince many motorists to favor this solution, provided of course that they are eligible.
The impact on the electric car market
These announced changes are likely to have significant repercussions on the electric car market in France. While sales of electric vehicles are experiencing exponential growth (+42% over the first 9 months of 2023), this trend could run out of steam.
Car manufacturers, aware of these issues, could be led to review their strategy. Some, like Stellar or Renaulthave already announced their intention to offer more affordable electric models. There Citroën ë-C3for example, will be marketed from 23,300 euros, an aggressive price to try to counter the effect of the reduction in aid.
What alternatives for consumers?
Faced with this situation, consumers may need to consider other options for accessing electric mobility:
- The second-hand market: with the maturity of the electric fleet, more and more used vehicles will be available at attractive prices.
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles: although less ecological, they could represent an intermediate solution for certain households.
- Car sharing and short-term rental: these solutions allow you to occasionally benefit from an electric vehicle without significant investment.
The transition to electric mobility is inevitable, but it could experience turbulence in 2025. Consumers will need to be vigilant and well informed to make the choices best suited to their situation. One thing is certain: the French automotive landscape is changing, and the coming years promise to be full of twists and turns.
Written by Philippe Moureau
Forty-year-old passionate about electric cars. I am interested in the energy transition and the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. I am a true electric car enthusiast and environmental advocate.
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