On December 2, 2024, a decree published in the Official Journal caused a shock in the world of electric vehicles: electric quadricycles, these small cars popular with young people and city dwellers, no longer benefit from the ecological bonus. This measure, which came into force immediately, marks the end of 900 euros in aid previously granted for the purchase of these vehicles.
A brutal and criticized suppression
For several years, the ecological bonus has represented an important lever to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles, in particular for accessible models like the Citroën Amithe Mobilize Duo or even the Ligier Myla. These quadricycles, which come in light and heavy versions, were particularly popular among young people and urban drivers. With a purchase price around 6,000 to 8,000 eurosthese 900 euros of aid played a key role in their attractiveness. The government decision is based on the desire to refocus aid on vehicles offering a greater ecological impact. However, this justification does not convince everyone. Indeed, electric quadricycles also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing thermal scooters or internal combustion engine vehicles used in cities.
EFurthermore, the removal of this subsidy raises several questions. First, the impact on sales is a source of concern for manufacturers. The Citroën Ami, emblematic of this segment, could see its sales drop considerably. Some observers fear a price increase to compensate for this loss, which could discourage potential buyers. In addition, this decision could hit teenagers and young adults, the main users of these vehicles, hard. As a reminder, these quadricycles are accessible from 14 years old with an AM licensewhich makes it an ideal solution for traveling in complete safety and with a low ecological impact. Without assistance, the cost of these vehicles risks becoming prohibitive for this segment of the population.
A symptomatic measure of a broader strategy
This decision is part of a more general policy of reducing the budget allocated to aid for electric vehicles. With an envelope of 690 million euros for 2025, the government seems to want to prioritize family or high-autonomy vehicles. However, quadricycles play a significant role in the ecological transition of urban environments. Their low carbon footprint, reduced bulk and ease of use make them allies of sustainable mobility.
Potential consequences of removing aid
- Price increase : manufacturers could increase their prices to compensate.
- Decline in sales : quadricycles risk losing their competitiveness compared to other modes of transport.
- Discouragement of young buyers : adolescents, the core target of these vehicles, could turn to less expensive alternatives.
- Indirect environmental impact : a return to thermal scooters or more polluting vehicles is to be feared.
While manufacturers such as Citroën and Renault are reacting cautiously to this announcement, consumers are already expressing their dissatisfaction. Forums and social networks are full of testimonies from disappointed potential buyers, referring to an “unfair” and “counterproductive” decision..
Faced with this outcry, some hope that brands will adapt their commercial strategies, for example by offering advantageous financing offers or reducing their margins. Others are calling for a review of government policy, believing that these quadricycles are an essential link in the ecological transition.
