Bioethanol: 500 Euros Assistance for a Kit in Île-de-France

The Île-de-France region has been providing a €500 subsidy for the purchase and installation of a bioethanol (E85) kit since July 1, 2022.

Between traditional fuel – gasoline or diesel – and electric, hybrids are a compromise for those who do not want to drastically change their habits. For economic reasons, many French people are also making the switch to bioethanol. But they still need to be able to afford converting their vehicle.

Because transforming a gasoline vehicle into a bioethanol-SP95 dual fuel system requires mechanical work. Installing an E85 conversion kit is absolutely necessary. This obviously involves costs, including the kit itself and labor. Depending on the model, the price can exceed €1,000, a sum that few households are willing to pay.

Conditions for the Île-de-France bioethanol kit

Fortunately, some aid exists. However, these are rare and limited to certain regions. But the most significant support has just been announced: Île-de-France. Residents of Île-de-France can receive a €500 subsidy for “an purchase and installation made since July 1, 2022.”

However, certain conditions must be met: living in the region, owning a vehicle with less than 10 fiscal horsepower (10 HP), and only one vehicle per household. Additionally, DIY installation is not allowed. The region emphasizes that the integration of the E85 kit must be carried out by “a certified installer”.

An E85 kit paid off in 6 months

According to Flexfuel Company, it is possible to recoup the cost of the kit—about €500 (after aid)—in just 6 months. The estimate shows total savings of €1,024 per year for a car driving 15,000 kilometers and consuming 7 liters/100 km. The current price of superethanol is €0.86 per liter, compared to €2.07 per liter for SP95.

If you wish to apply for the purchase and installation aid for a bioethanol kit, you can visit this link.

The aid for electric vehicles and professionals continues

However, vehicles already running on E85 do not qualify for purchasing assistance, whether new or used. Île-de-France grants conversion premiums only for electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, up to €6,000. 

Professionals are also eligible for this aid, for companies with up to 50 employees. They can even receive up to €9,000 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, including natural gas (GNV) engines. Another less common option is a retrofitting aid up to €2,500 available for individuals and professionals (€500 for 2/3-wheel vehicles).

Additional aid for E85 kits in other regions

Recently, the Grand Est region launched initiatives such as “1,000 E85 kits at €1” since 2020, or up to €500. This positioned it at the forefront of bioethanol vehicle conversions at the beginning of 2022. Today, it still offers a €250 aid for vehicles over 4 years old. 

The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur (PACA) region has been offering since March 1, 2022, a “bioethanol transition check”. It can amount to €500 but cannot exceed 50% of the total cost. Lastly, Hauts-de-France grants a maximum aid of €400 for an E85 kit. The departments of Somme (€150) and Aisne (up to €400) can combine these aids.

Also read: The Renault Zoe more economical than ever in 2022