In 2025, plug-in hybrids will cost much more.

January 1, 2025, will mark a turning point in automotive taxation in France, with the introduction of a harsher weight penalty.

The weight penalty, already in effect for several years, will be further tightened in 2025. Until now, only vehicles weighing over 1,600 kg were affected. However, there are exemptions for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids with an electric range exceeding 50 km in the city. Lastly, for hybrids with lower ranges, a reduction of 100 kg is applied to virtually lower their weight.

Starting January 1, 2025, that will change. Only electric cars will be exempt from the weight penalty. For plug-in hybrids, the weight reduction will be 200 kg, but customers will then have to pay. Even with this reduction, many models will exceed the critical threshold and see their prices increase significantly.

The scale of this tax is progressive, and the heavier your vehicle, the higher the penalty will be. For every kilogram over 1,600 kg, owners will have to pay between 10 and 30 euros extra, depending on the weight bracket. A plug-in hybrid weighing around 2,000 kg could therefore incur a penalty of several thousand euros. This could turn an attractive purchase into a much heavier expense.

Note that the addition of the ecological and weight penalties is capped at 60,000 euros.

Weight Tax in Operational Order – Rate in 2024

Example of Peugeot 3008 Plug-In 195

Sold in 2024 for the price of 42,990 euros, the Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid is exempt from ecological and weight penalties. But in 2025, the latter will apply due to its weight of 1,980 kg in operational order. Thus, once the 200 kg reduction is applied, the calculation will be based on 1,780 kg, resulting in a penalty of 1,810 euros.

In the case of its larger sibling, the Peugeot 5008, which is slightly larger but significantly heavier, the penalty will be nearly double at 3,960 euros! This clearly demonstrates the exponential relationship based on weight.

Example of Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

We enter here a different category, that of very large plug-in hybrid SUVs, with the weight of the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid showing 2,450 kg. With the 200 kg reduction, the weight calculation basis falls to 2,250 kg. Priced at 115,800 euros, an additional 12,530 euros in weight penalties will be added starting January 1, 2025.

Conclusion: Act Before it’s Too Late

If you’re considering purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle, now is the time to act. With the new weight penalty coming into effect in 2025, the cost of these vehicles could increase significantly. By purchasing before this date, you can avoid this extra charge.

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