The automobile penalty changes every year and the year 2025 will be no exception. With the arrival of Michel Barnier’s government, tax rules concerning CO2 emissions and the weight of new cars will tighten considerably.
The CO2 penalty: ever lower thresholds
From 2025, the threshold for triggering the ecological penalty should be lowered to 113 g/km, compared to 118 g/km in 2024. This tightening is a response to the government’s objective of reducing CO2 emissions and restoring public finances. Indeed, this measure is seen as an effective way of replenishing state coffers by the government of Michel Barnier while promoting the ecological transition. If we follow the forecasts, this threshold could drop to 99 g/km from 2027thus affecting a large share of vehicles currently on the market, including non-plug-in hybrid models. Petrol city cars and certain hybrids, such as the Honda Jazz or the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, will thus be penalized, although these vehicles are considered more environmentally friendly.
Alongside the CO2 penalty, the weight penalty, in force since 2021, will also increase in 2025. While electric vehicles will still be exempt, thePlug-in hybrids will benefit from a reduction of 200 kg, compared to 100 kg for non-plug-in hybrids. However, from 2025, this partial exemption will no longer be enough to compensate for the increasing weight of modern vehicles. Take the example of a hybrid SUV weighing 2,000 kg: it will be subject to additional taxation of 50 euros per kilogram beyond the threshold of 1,600 kg, i.e. a penalty of 10,000 euros. This measure particularly targets large SUVs, which, despite their popularity, are often singled out for their environmental impact.
A threat to the premium car market
The accumulation of CO2 and weight penalties will no longer be limited to 60,000 euros, as was the case in 2024, but will increase to 70,000 euros from 2025, then to 90,000 euros in 2027. This drastic increase risks doubling the selling price of certain high-end cars, making these vehicles almost inaccessible. Even if this segment represents a niche market, luxury car manufacturers like Porsche or Ferrari are sounding the alarm. The overall cost of penalties could strongly discourage the purchase of these models, reducing sales and jeopardizing the viability of this industry.already under pressure with new European environmental standards.
According to The World, this taxation would only bring in 316 million euros to the State, a modest amount considering the constraints imposed on builders and buyers. On the other hand, for 100% electric models, additional aid could be put in place for the middle classesthus making it possible to counterbalance the effect of the penalty on other market segments.
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