The ecological bonus in 2024
Let's see how the bonus will evolve until 2024, starting with special cases.
The special case of Overseas France
Given the higher cost of electric vehicles in the French overseas departments and territories, an additional €1,000 ecological bonus will be granted for the purchase or lease of electric cars. This brings the total amount to €8,000 for private individuals and €6,000 for professionals (for models costing less than €45,000). It amounts to €4,000 for those whose purchase price is between €45 and €60,000.
The ecological bonus for used vehicles
From February 13, 2024, the ecological bonus on used passenger cars and vans is no longer valid. The €1,000 grant is therefore no longer available.
The ecological bonus for private individuals and professionals
We can now turn our attention to the application of this bonus for private customers. However, as of December 15, 2023, only 53 electric vehicles will be eligible for this bonus, including the Tesla Model Y.
The conditions are that they must be
- registered in France,
- or acquired,
- or leased under a contract of at least two years' duration.
What's more, they can be sold or leased within a year of purchase (before they have covered a minimum of 6,000 km).
2024 ecological bonus for companies
⚠️ The decree cancels the ecological bonus previously applicable to the purchase of new vehicles by legal entities. This represents a significant change for companies. In addition, the amount of bonuses granted for the purchase of electric vans is reduced by €1,000, affecting both private individuals and legal entities.
These changes take effect on the day following publication of the decree, i.e. February 14. For orders placed before this date, the more favorable conditions will continue to apply if the vehicle is delivered before May 15, 2024.
2024 ecological bonus for private customers
Individuals can therefore benefit from a €4,000 rebate on their future purchase. The most modest families will be able to benefit from a €7,000 ecological bonus (for households with a tax income not exceeding €15,400).
However, it will be reserved for new vehicles costing less than €47,000. For information, this concerns many electric vehicles, notably electric city cars and electric SUVs, which will still be eligible for the 2024 ecological bonus.
Certain eligibility conditions remain unchanged:
- be at least 18 years old and reside in France,
- the purchase must involve a new vehicle registered in France (minimum two-year lease).
| Type of vehicle | Amount for individuals |
|---|---|
|
Electric car |
4,000 € - RFR
> 15 400 €
/ 7000 € - RFR
≤ 15 400 € |
A new environmental scoring system
The year 2024 sees the introduction of a major new feature to the eco-bonus: the environmental score. From January 2024, it will include thecarbon footprint of the materials used in its production, assembly and transport. This new feature is also designed to give preference to vehicles manufactured and produced more locally (in France and Europe). To be eligible for this government aid, vehicles must scoreat least 60 points out of a total of 80. This score is based on the different carbon footprint categories:
- Carbon footprint of ferrous metals,
- Carbon footprint of aluminum,
- Battery carbon footprint,
- Carbon footprint of transport,
- Carbon footprint of intermediate transformations and assembly,
- Carbon footprint of other materials.
| Type of vehicle | Low reference value (kg-eq CO2) | High reference value (kg-eq CO2) | Environmental score |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vehicles with 5 or more seats |
12 000 |
21 000 |
0 (non éligible) si ECversion >= 21 000, 80 si ECversion <= 12 000, 80 x ((21 000 - ECversion) / (21 000 - 12 000)) si 12 000 <= ECversion < 21 000 |
|
Other vehicles |
6000 |
17 000 |
0 (non éligible) si ECversion >= 17 000, 80 si ECversion <= 6 000, 80 x ((17 000 - ECversion) / (17 000 - 6 000)) si 6 000 <= ECversion < 17 000 |
The ecological malus to be raised from January 1ᵉʳ 2024
The maximum ecological penalty in France will increase significantly in 2024. It will be set at 60,000 euros for vehicles emitting 194g/km of CO2 or more, up from the 2023 ceiling of 50,000 euros.
This increase is part of France's ongoing efforts to discourage the purchase of vehicles with high CO2 emissions and promote the transition to less polluting vehicles. The aim is to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and meet the country's environmental targets.
The changes to the ecological malus scale are designed to encourage consumers and companies to opt for greener alternatives when purchasing new vehicles.
In 2024, it will apply to vehicles with CO2 emissions starting at 118 g/km. This is 5g less than in 2023. The weight tax trigger threshold will be lowered from 1.8 tons (1800 kg) to 1.6 tons (1600 kg) from 1ᵉʳ January 2024. The weight tax is applied at a rate of €10 per additional kilo above the trigger threshold
The 2024 ecological bonus: summary
In 2024, the ecological bonus will continue to be granted to individuals, regardless of their income. The amount of the bonus, however, will be based on the price of the vehicle purchased.
Ecological bonus 2024
In 2024, the ecological bonus will still be reserved for new vehicles. There will be no changes in this respect. The amount of the bonus depends on the vehicle's acquisition cost, including tax, and is a maximum of €5,000.
The ecological bonus is generally deducted from the price of the vehicle directly at the dealership or leasing company. So you don't have to advance this sum.
The ecological bonus only applies to 100% electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
The 2024 ecological bonus can still be combined with the conversion bonus
The "prime à la conversion" is a government subsidy that enables low-income households to scrap their old vehicle and replace it with a less polluting model, in exchange for financial assistance.
According to the government, three quarters of French households will be eligible for the new scheme, thanks to the extension of income criteria.
Thus, concerning the conditions for the 2023 conversion premium, these are changing and come into force as of January 1ᵉʳ, 2023.
A mileage criterion has also been added. To qualify, applicants must cover an annual distance of 12,000 km in the course of their professional activity with their personal electric vehicle. In addition, the distance between home and work must be greater than 30 km.
In addition, only households with an annual reference tax income of €15,400 or less will be eligible for the bonus, which will be increased from €5,000 to €7,000.
What's more, as with the ecological bonus, the conversion bonus, or scrappage bonus, will only apply to electric vehicles costing up to €47,000, with a maximum of 80% of the acquisition cost covered by the aid.
In addition, if you live or work in a Low Emission Zone (ZFE), the amount of the bonus will be increased by €1,000, which can also be combined with regional grants, up to a maximum of €3,000.
Read also - Everything you need to know about the conversion bonus in 2023
The 2024 environmental bonus can still be combined with regional grants
Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for other grants that can be combined with the bonus écologique and the prime à la conversion.
Good to know: Since January 1ᵉʳ, 2023, it has been possible for individuals and professionals, to take out a zero-rate loan. This loan is available in low-emission mobility zones, or in intercommunities bordering on these. The loan will be tested for two years.
Also read - Regional aid for electric cars
Comparative table of the 2023 vs. 2024 ecological bonus
| Ceiling 2023 | Ceiling 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| New electric or hydrogen car - RFR> €15,400 | 5 000 € | 4 000 € |
| New electric or hydrogen car - RFR≤ €15,400 | 7 000 € | 7 000 € |
| New electric or hydrogen car - legal entity | 3 000 € | - |
| Used electric or hydrogen cars | 1 000 € | - |
| New electric or hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle -RFR > €15,400 | 6 000 € | 5 000 € |
| New electric or hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle -RFR ≤ €15,400 | 8 000 € | 8 000 € |
| New electric or hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicle - legal entity | 4 000 € | 3 000 € |
| Used electric or hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles | 1 000 € | - |
| New 2- or 3-wheel vehicle or electric quadricycle ≤ 3 kW | 100€ | 100€ |
| New 2- or 3-wheel vehicle or electric quadricycle ≥ 3 kW | 900€ | 900€ |
