Between ZFE and CEE, the electric car for €100 returns under certain conditions

Social leasing, which allows low-income households to rent an electric car for 100 euros per month, will return in the fall of 2025.

The objective of social leasing remains unchanged, namely to facilitate access to electric cars to promote clean mobility while avoiding, as much as possible, the depletion of public spending. However, no one anticipated the little boost it could give to the low-emission zones (LEZ) in clinical death. A remarkable rescue that deserves some explanations.

Launched at the end of 2023, this program saw significant success. More than 80,000 applications had been recorded, far exceeding the initial forecasts of 20,000 to 25,000 cars. Ultimately, 50,000 contracts had been validated. The government intends to replicate this operation, but with a budget reduced to 300 million euros, compared to nearly 700 million in 2024.

A fairer measure?

In 2025, the number of vehicles offered will remain at 50,000, but the scheme will be more targeted. About 10% of the cars will be reserved for people working in low-emission zones (LEZ). These zones, established in major cities to limit pollution, are currently at the heart of many debates. Some metropolitan areas have even suspended their implementation, except for Paris, which continues to support them against all odds, tides, and common sense.

The Ministry of Finance thus proposes to link part of the aids to the place of work or residence in LEZ, in order to enhance the utility of these zones and promote ecological transition in the most polluted areas. However, this could complicate the procedures for beneficiaries and dealers. One must at least acknowledge that this choice will prioritize those who need a car the most, namely low-income mobile workers who might find themselves without transportation due to the restrictions in LEZ.

The eligibility criteria are expected to remain similar to those of 2024, with particular attention paid to household incomes. Social leasing will combine two types of assistance: about 7,000 euros covered by the state through energy savings certificates (ESC), and 4,000 euros in direct aid for the most modest. This amounts to a total aid of approximately 11,000 euros per vehicle, compared to 13,000 last year.

In summary, social leasing is returning in 2025 with a tighter budget, an unchanged volume offer, but a new priority: low-emission zones.