No reduction in the bonus, plug-in hybrids still eligible

After a long period of doubt, a decree clarifies the situation regarding the ecological bonus of up to €6,000.

This time it’s official: the current bonus scale is indeed extended, including for plug-in hybrids. A decree published on June 29 confirms that the implementation of a less advantageous scale starting July 1 is no longer being considered.

Bruno Le Maire had taken the initiative by announcing on CNEWS that the maximum aid of €6,000 would be maintained, but the Minister of Economy had not provided further details. The main questions concerned plug-in hybrids, which according to some sources, were to be excluded from the scheme.

€1,000 for plug-in hybrids except…

Incorrect information, then, as the €1,000 aid is indeed extended. However, a small oversight: vehicles under 20 gCO₂/km, previously compatible with the €6,000 bonus, are simply omitted from the decree! Therefore, no bonus for plug-in hybrids with emissions between 0 and 20 gCO₂/km, like the BMW Series 2 Active Tourer 225e (14-17 gCO₂/km).

The removal of the bonus would have been a heavy blow for plug-in hybrid models, which already struggle to attract customers. From January to May 2022, their sales decreased by 8% in France, while 100% electric models saw an increase of 37% over the same period. With just over 51,000 registrations, plug-in hybrids are quite far behind electric models, which accounted for 76,664 sales.

Ecological Bonus 2022: the amount of aid

The amount of the bonus varies depending on the vehicle price. The decree also adjusted the intermediate threshold from €45,000 to €47,000. For electric vehicles, the aid amount is:

• €6,000 for models priced below €47,000
• €2,000 for models priced between €47,000 and €60,000

Electric vehicles sold for over €60,000 are still excluded from the scheme. Plug-in hybrid vehicles are eligible for a €1,000 bonus, provided they are sold for less than €50,000 and have an electric range of at least 50 km.

The current bonus will be maintained until January 1, 2023. Beyond this date, the scale is likely to be revised downward.

Read also: The European Council approves the end of combustion engines by 2035