Did you think you had until January 1, 2025 to take advantage of the current ecological bonus? The government has decided otherwise, with a significant reduction in aid from December 2, 2024.
As we have known for several days, the French government has published decree no. 2024-1084 in the Official Journal.
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The ecological bonus for electric cars drops significantly, from December 2, 2024. A decision that takes both manufacturers and potential buyers by surprise.
A drastic drop in aid
The new system is intended to be more restrictive, with maximum aid now capped at 4,000 euros, compared to 7,000 euros previously.
The calculation is still done based on the reference tax income per unit (RFR/P), but with revised brackets:
- 4,000 euros for an RFR/P up to 16,300 euros
- 3,000 euros for an RFR/P between 16,301 and 26,200 euros
- 2,000 euros for an RFR/P greater than 26,200 euros
This significant drop is explained by a significant overrun of the 2024 budget envelope, initially set at 1.5 billion euros.
For 2025, the budget will be cut by more than half, with only 700 million euros allocated to purchasing aid.
Changes that go beyond the bonus
The reform does not stop there. The bonus for electric quadricycles (like the Citroën Ami) is simply eliminated, just like that intended for electric utility vehicles. For the latter, we will have to wait until 2025 to see a new aid system appear.
Even more surprising, the scrappage bonus and additional aid in ZFE (Low Emission Zone) are also eliminated from December 2, 2024. A hard blow for households who were planning to combine these different aids for the purchase of a vehicle electric.
A race against time for buyers
For those who have already placed an order before December 2, 2024, an important date to remember: February 14, 2025. This is the delivery deadline to benefit from the old, more advantageous conditions.
A delay which could put pressure on manufacturers, already facing supply difficulties.
An envelope in 2025
Another important point to note: for the first time, the government is introducing a limit in the overall aid envelope.
Once the budget is exhausted, there will be no more bonuses, even if the year 2025 is not over. A sword of Damocles that could speed up purchasing decisions.
Un leasing social revu
Same story for social leasing, which was a huge success in 2024: it will indeed be resumed in 2025, but under different conditions.
The new system will not be operational before the second half of 2025, which creates a gap of several months in aid. Even more surprising, the State is withdrawing from direct financing: it is the energy suppliers who will take over via the energy savings certificate (EEC) system.
Although the government assures that future buyers will see “no difference” in the process, many gray areas remain. Indeed, the precise details of the operation of this social leasing have still not been finalized, leaving a certain uncertainty surrounding the practical modalities of this assistance. This situation risks creating a period of waiting and uncertainty for potential buyers who were counting on this system.
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