The French government is restarting its programme of financial aid to make electric vehicles more affordable – after the previous two schemes proved so popular that makers couldn’t keep up with demand.
The scheme – first introduced by President Emmanuel Macron’s administration in January 2024 to make electric vehicles affordable to low-income households and reduce carbon emissions in France – will return on July 16th, 2026.
It was originally intended to subsidise the long-term leases of up to 25,000 European-built electric vehicles, but following huge demand that number was doubled.
In the end, nearly 50,000 orders for electric vehicles were placed during the first social leasing programme, which ran from January 1st to February 15th, 2024.
The programme was then suspended, but the government brought it back in the autumn of 2025. The second scheme also saw a huge take-up, and now it has been announced that it will return for a third time.
Le leasing social de voitures électriques (social leasing of electric vehicles) scheme will reopen on July 16th, with no end date confirmed.
As before, new leases will be limited to applicants who meet strict income thresholds. Only applicants whose reference taxable income per person is less than or equal to €16,880 are eligible to apply.
It’s also aimed at people who are working – applicants must demonstrate either that
- they travel more than 8,000 km per year for work purposes in their personal vehicle;
- Or they live at least 10km from their place of work, and travel there using a personal vehicle
The easiest way to figure out if you are eligible is to head to the online simulator here
The amount of rent to be paid for the vehicle lease will depend on the model of car but the monthly cost cannot exceed €200 – not including insurance, or options.
Leases must be for a minimum three-year term, and may include an option to buy at the end of the period. At the end of the contract, users must return the vehicle or purchase it at its residual value (this is the value of the car at the end of the lease contract, taking into account the depreciation of the vehicle’s value).
Under the scheme, at least 5,000 vehicles must be allocated to people whose home or workplace in a low-emission zone.
If you are not eligible for the leasing scheme, you can also benefit from financial aid to buy an electric vehicle – details here
