Tesla Model Y: The Bonus Returns, the Problems Remain

Good news for waiting buyers and for Tesla: the refreshed Model Y is once again eligible for the ecological bonus in France.

A decree published on June 18 in the Official Journal overturns the administrative blockage that had paralyzed the granting of the Ecological Bonus for this key model from the Californian manufacturer Tesla for several weeks.

The Propulsion version, now produced at the Berlin Gigafactory, is once again eligible for a bonus ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 euros depending on the buyer’s income. This is a relief for dealers and customers, who faced uncertain delays and models held up despite a price below 47,000 euros and European manufacturing complying with the criteria.

This return to the system could finally boost sales of the electric SUV, which had plummeted since the beginning of the year. Between January and May 2025, Tesla registrations fell by 47% in France. In May, the brand sold only 700 vehicles in the country. The absence of the bonus on the Model Y, which was the world’s number one in 2023, clearly contributed to this decline.

Less expensive, therefore more desirable?

But will this financial boost be enough to restore the brand’s image, which is currently seriously tarnished? Because beyond the technical criteria or price thresholds, it is also Tesla’s reputation that weighs on its performance. An image degraded by controversial statements and political Trumpist activities of its head, Elon Musk, which sometimes repel as much as they fascinate.

At 40,990 euros after the bonus for the Propulsion version, and 42,990 euros for the Long Range Propulsion (622 km WLTP), the Model Y becomes attractive on paper again. But can a few hundred euros averaged over several years offset months of bad buzz? Nothing is less certain. While this return to the bonus limits is a strong signal, the real challenge for Tesla now is to regain public trust.

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