Ecological penalty, CEE bonus 2026: what aids and sanctions?

As of January 1, 2026, the amounts of aid and penalties related to the Ecological Malus and the CEE Premium will become even more severe.

ECOLOGICAL MALUS 2026

The Finance Act No. 2025-127 of February 14, 2025, particularly modifies the scales of the ecological malus for the coming years, by adjusting rates based on CO₂ emissions, administrative power, and curb weight.

These measures concern the purchase or registration of new vehicles in France, and aim to encourage the transition towards “cleaner” cars.

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CEE PREMIUM 2026

Since July 1, 2025, the landscape of aid for purchasing an electric vehicle has changed significantly. The Ecological Bonus has been replaced by a new CEE Premium, officially called the “Kickstart for Electric Passenger Vehicles,” funded through the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) scheme. Energy actors (suppliers, etc.) and their partners finance the aid, in exchange for actions that reduce energy consumption.

Who can benefit from the CEE premium for electric cars?

The beneficiary must:
. be an adult individual,
. reside in France,
. purchase or lease a vehicle under a contract of at least 2 years (long-term lease or LOA).

Good to know: the CEE Premium applies to both individuals and certain sole traders, provided they meet the CEE eligibility criteria.

Which vehicles are eligible for the CEE premium for electric cars?

The Kickstart aims at new 100% electric passenger cars meeting several technical criteria:
. be a new passenger vehicle of category M1,
. use only electricity as energy,
. display an acquisition price ≤ 47,000 € including tax, battery included if applicable,
. have a curb weight < 2.4 tons,
. achieve an environmental score ≥ 60 points.

The environmental score accounts for the vehicle’s impact from manufacturing to usage (production, transport, battery, etc.). The official list of models meeting this criterion is published by Ademe on a dedicated platform.

Amount of the CEE premium for electric cars 2026

. 4,200 € for low-income households and those in energy poverty (see table below),
. 3,100 € for other households.

These amounts are given as indicative by public authorities: in practice, the amount paid depends on the CEE offer provided by the company signing the “Kickstart for Electric Passenger Vehicles” charter (obliged and delegated providers).

INCOME CEILING

Complementary premium of 1,000 € for vehicles produced in Europe

As of October 1, 2025, an additional premium of 1,000 € can be added to the Kickstart if:
. the vehicle is assembled in the European Economic Area,
. the battery is also produced in Europe,
. the vehicle is on the official list published by Ademe.

In practice, for certain European models, the total premium can reach over 6,000 € by combining the basic premium and the bonus related to European production, as highlighted by several manufacturers (Renault, Peugeot, etc.).

WEIGHT MALUS

This is a tax applied to new vehicles registered in France, based on their curb weight (i.e., the weight of the vehicle with all fluids, fuel, etc.). This tax is in addition to the malus related to CO₂ emissions. The idea is that a very heavy vehicle consumes more, emits more, and occupies more public space. The French legislator seeks to encourage lighter vehicles.

Note that for now, electric and hydrogen vehicles are not affected.

2026 scale:

Starting January 1, 2026, the activation threshold will be lowered to 1,500 kg for curb weight. The pricing tiers per kilo will become heavier for each weight category. Example:
. Up to 1,499 kg: 0 €
. 1,500–1,699 kg: ~10 €/kg
. 1,700–1,799 kg: ~15 €/kg
. 1,800–1,899 kg: ~20 €/kg
. 1,900–1,999 kg: ~25 €/kg
. ≥ 2,000 kg: ~30 €/kg

The cumulative malus for CO₂ + weight malus could be unlimited by 2028.

Simulation with a Peugeot 3008 Plug-in Hybrid 195:
. Curb weight: ≈ 1,980 kg
. PHEV with electric range > 50 km → weight deduction of 200 kg (art. L421-79).
. Taxable weight = 1,980 – 200 = 1,780 kg

Application of the 2026 scale:
. 0 € up to 1,499 kg
. 1,500–1,699 kg → 200 kg × 10 € = 2,000 €
. 1,700–1,780 kg → ~80 kg × 15 € = ≈ 1,200 €

TOTAL: approximately 3,200 €

Particularities / exemptions / deductions

For plug-in hybrid vehicles with electric range > 50 km, a weight reduction (deduction) of 200 kg is applied within the limit of 15% of curb weight. The weight malus does not apply if the CO₂ malus reaches its ceiling of 80,000 euros. For large families or certain vehicles (8 seats + owned by a legal entity), specific reductions may apply.

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