Our experts answer your questions with a smile
Monday to Friday 9h 12h30 - 14h 19h
01 76 40 35 38VTC drivers: clarification
VTC drivers have long battled with cabs, then seen the regulation of their employment change. Law no. 2014-1104 of October 1, 2014 on cabs and chauffeur-driven transport cars (presented by Secretary of State Thomas Thévenoud) clarified the profession. The profession becomes "Exploitation de voitures de transport avec chauffeur" (VTC). VTC drivers are now recognized and must register with the Registre des exploitants de VTC run by the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy.
Once you've completed your VTC driver training, that's when things start to take shape. You have to pass your VTC exam.
Good to know, Since the decree of February 2, 2016, if you can prove with your payslips that you have at least 12 months' experience over the last 10 years in the transport sector (bus driver, cab driver, ambulance driver, etc.) you will be exempt from the exam.
Once you've passed the exam, you'll need to apply for your VTC card from the Prefect of Police in your department. Once you've received your VTC card, you can start work.
You'll then need to choose the status of your company and the type of cars you want to drive. But how do you make the right decisions?
First of all, you need to know that a car is very expensive, especially for jobs that require a lot of driving, such as VTC drivers. You'll be driving an average of 200 to 300 kms a day.
Why choose an electric vehicle when you're a VTC?
A VTC driver's salary depends on several parameters:
- Working hours (day, night, week, weekend)
- The application it works with and the commission charged by the matchmaking platform
- Company status (auto-entreprise or SASU)
- The cost of your vehicle
If you want to know the net monthly income you can expect to earn by becoming a VTC driver, go to this simulator.
You have a choice as to when you work, but often the application you work with can choose to increase or modify its commissions.
One thing you can do is reduce the load on your vehicle. This is where electric vehicles are a very good option for VTC drivers.
Why?
- Recharging costs 4 times less than a full tank of petrol: around €2/100 km
- Very low maintenance costs: up to 4 times less expensive than a combustion vehicle
- Some cities offer discounted or free parking for electric vehicles
- As a professional, you can benefit from a number of grants if you buy a 100% electric vehicle
- It's a very effective way to differentiate yourself and create your own clientele, so you're no longer dependent on matchmaking platforms.
Lease an electric car
Would you like to lease an electric car? Beev offers you 100% electric cars at negotiated prices, as well as recharging solutions.
Leasing my electric carWhat legal status should a VTC choose?
Once you've successfully completed your VTC training, it's time to get your business up and running. This is where the VTC driver must choose his or her legal status, and the question of what type of company to create arises. Many drivers opt for auto-entrepreneur status, while others opt for more traditional organizations. Which is best for you? Let's find out.
To choose the right legal status, you need to ask yourself two questions?
- Is this my main activity?
- Or does it complement another activity?
VTC auto-entrepreneur status
Many VTC drivers opt for the auto-entrepreneur status.
This status allows you to set up your business quickly and free of charge.
When you are a self-employed entrepreneur, you are taxed on the sales you make from your groceries (and not on your profits).
The advantages of VTC auto-entrepreneur status
- The process is fast: it takes just a few minutes to set up your structure. Some neo-banks even offer to take care of the formalities for you, free of charge. This is particularly true of Shine, which offers to assist its members with all administrative formalities.
- If you have zero sales, you pay no taxes or social security contributions.
- It is possible to combine this status with ACRE and benefit from reduced social security contributions.
The limits of VTC auto-entrepreneur status
- As you are taxed on your sales, you won't be able to deduct current business expenses such as gas, lunches, car washing, etc. This is a loss of earnings, as these expenses are often substantial. This is a loss of earnings, as these expenses are often substantial.
- As a VTC auto-entrepreneur, contributions are calculated on the basis of turnover, not profit. In other structures, contributions are calculated on the basis of net income. In other words, if you make a fare with Uber and the fare is €30, you must declare €30 to URSSAF.
- The annual ceiling for auto-entrepreneurs in all professions is €70,000, i.e. just over €5,000 per month.
- It is impossible to reclaim VAT, which is very problematic given some of the expenses required for the VTC driver profession.
- Professional and personal assets are not distinguished: if you have debts, it will be possible to sue you personally to recover the amounts owed.
This status is therefore unsuitable for VTC drivers who want to make it a full-time activity, as your expenses are high. On the other hand, if you're an occasional VTC driver, i.e. in addition to your main job, this is an ideal status, as it takes very little time to set up. It's also simpler to manage: you don't have to balance your books, for example. On the other hand, if you want to try out the VTC driver profession without making a commitment, it's probably best to start with an auto-entrepreneur status.
If, on the other hand, you want to become a permanent VTC driver, you'll need to set up your own company.
Registering as a company
If VTC auto-entrepreneur status doesn't suit your needs, you need to set up a company. Before going any further, let's take a look at the various advantages and disadvantages of setting up a company for VTCs.
The advantages of registering as a company
- You can deduct expenses and charges. You are taxed on profits only.
- Your liability is limited: you won't have to worry about bankruptcy, for example. Professional and personal assets are kept separate. In other words, it will be impossible for bailiffs to barge in and seize your personal assets.
- You can reclaim VAT
- You're more flexible: if you want to increase your turnover or hire VTC drivers to work for you, it's possible. All you need is several people with a VTC card to create either a multi-partner company or a single-shareholder company employing several VTC drivers.
- There's no annual ceiling on sales: you can increase your profits without having to change your status.
The disadvantages of registering as a company
- Administrative formalities to be carried out when creating the company, and the associated costs: publication in the official gazette, capital deposit.
- Draw up a year-end balance sheet
This table summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each type of company status. As far as accounting obligations are concerned, you are obliged to keep regular accounts, with mandatory accounting books and annual financial statements for these structures.
| SARL/EURL | SAS/SASU | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of people | 1 (EURL) 100% owned | 1 (SASU) to unlimited |
| Liability | Limited to contributions | Limited to contributions |
| Share capital | No minimum required | No minimum required |
| Articles of association to be drafted | Yes | Yes |
| Management | Manager (one or more), must be a natural person, partner or not | Chairman + other possible bodies, natural or legal person, partner or not |
| Manager's social status | TNS if majority management, assimilated employee in other cases | Assimilated employee |
| Executive compensation | The EURL manager is affiliated to the Sécurité Sociale des Indépendants (formerly RSI), as a Travailleur Non Salarié, so he will have fewer social security contributions to pay, and his remuneration will be higher. | Presidents are covered by the general Social Security system, thanks to their status as "assimilated employees". As such, you enjoy virtually the same protection as salaried employees, and are subject to the same contributions. |
| Start-up assistance | ACCRE, ARCE or ARE continuation (full continuation possible if IS option and unpaid manager) | ACCRE, ARCE or ARE continuation (full continuation possible if unpaid manager) |
Which platforms are best suited to electric VTCs?
Now that you've chosen the status that suits you best, you need to choose the platform you want to work with. In France, there are several reservation platforms, and they don't all work in the same way.
This table brings together all the information on the ride-sharing platforms that exist in France today. Note that not all of them have a specific policy for electric VTC vehicles, but don't panic. Your electric vehicle may still be accepted, even if these companies don't have a specific program for electric VTCs.
| Uber | Marcel | Kapten | Bolt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commission (incl. VAT) | 30% | 20% | 22% | 19% |
| Platform advantages | 1 for each journey made with an electric vehicle, up to a maximum of €4,000 over 24 months | No bonus | NA | NA |
| Seniority | 10 years' seniority | 6 years | NA | NA |
| Vehicle features | Everything but the Renault Zoé | see list of authorized vehicles | NA | NA |
| Accepted vehicles | All types of electric vehicles except city cars (Zoé, e208, etc.) | All electric vehicles meeting the criteria for acceptance on the Marcel platform | NA | NA |
Which electric vehicle should you choose as a VTC?
Today, 5 models account for half of theVTC fleet in circulation in France, and the Peugeot 508 remains the most popular model among VTC drivers.
As you can imagine, the choice depends on the platform you work with. Certain vehicles are not accepted on the platforms, so if you ever want to work with them, you'll need to adapt your choice of electric vehicle for VTC.
Typically, city cars such as the Renault Zoé, for example, are not accepted on VTC matchmaking platforms. The exception is the Marcel platform, which signed a partnership with Renault in 2017 to boost electric vehicles for VTCs.
Once we've eliminated the electric vehicles that aren't accepted on VTC platforms, we can choose the vehicle. What criteria should we take into account? Design? Price? Reliability?
Of course, this depends on the individual, but we've put together a selection of models for you to choose from. Our main criteria areautonomy and price.
Nissan Leaf e+ (62 kWh)
The first-generation Nissan Leaf has sold over 400,000 units since its launch in 2010. Today, the second generation has arrived with more power, better range and a relatively affordable price.
The new Nissan Leaf e+ 62 kWh retains everything that worked in previous generations, but improves on one key point: range. With the new Nissan Leaf 62 kWh, you can drive up to 400 kms without recharging in the city, which is very practical, especially in Paris. The Leaf is the most complete electric vehicle in terms of price and range today.
Technical data
https://youtu.be/0KG4zkRLdyoA version of the Nissan Leaf 40 kWh is also available with a range of
270 km and a starting price of €35,400 excluding environmental bonus.
See also - Our test of the Nissan Leaf 62 KWh
Kia Niro EV 64 kWh
The Kia Niro EV first went on sale in South Korea in 2018, and was soon exported worldwide. It is the Korean brand's second electric vehicle after the Kia Soul. Bonus? A 64 kWh battery that gives it a range of 485 km on mixed journeys and 615 km on urban journeys to satisfy heavy-duty drivers. It is available in several versions to suit all motorists:
- e - ACTIVE from €42,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
- e - DESIGN from €44,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
- e - PREMIUM from €46,500 (excluding environmental bonus)
Technical data
https://youtu.be/J5W1mGSEeYARead also : Our test of the Kia e-Niro 64 kWh
Hyundai KONA Electric 64 kWh
There are three things you need to know about the Hyundai Kona Electric: it's a small electric SUV, it has a range of 450 km and it costs €42,400 (excluding environmental bonus). The Hyundai KONA Electric is a true competitor to its cousin the Kia Niro EV and the Japanese Nissan Leaf. A genuine 100% electric UFO, the Kona's youthful, urban styling is sure to turn heads at the crossroads.
It is available in two versions:
- Creative from €43,900 (excluding environmental bonus)
- Executive from €46,400 (excluding environmental bonus)
Technical data
https://youtu.be/exg2tIU0TDIRead also : Our test drive of the Hyundai Kona Electric 64 kWh
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +
Originally, the Tesla Model 3 was supposed to be Tesla's mainstream model. Introduced in 2019, the Tesla Model 3 is instead a 100% electric alternative to conventional luxury sedans. It is now available to order in three versions:
- Tesla Model 3 Standard Range + from €48,600
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range from €59,000
- Tesla Model 3 Performance from €63,990
The basic range starts at 410 km for the Autonomie Standard Plus Range + version, up to 560 km for the Grande Autonomie version. Deliveries are fairly rapid, and are scheduled for M+1 at the time of writing.
Technical data
The best electric cars: how to choose?
To sum up, if we take the main information together, here's a summary table of the different electric vehicles suitable for VTC use in 2019.
| Models | Power | Battery (estimated usable) | Autonomy (WLTP) | Price (excluding environmental bonus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf 40 kWh | 110 kW (150 hp) | 38 kWh | 270 km | 35 400 € |
| Nissan Leaf 62 kWh | 160 kW (218 hp) | 60 kWh | 385 km | 43 700 € |
| Kia e-Niro 64 kWh | 150 kW (204 hp) | 64 kWh | 455 km | 42 500 € |
| Hyundai Kona 64 kWh | 150 kW (204 hp) | 64 kWh | 449 km | 42 400 € |
| Tesla Model 3 Autonomie Standard Plus | 150 kW (204 hp) | 54.5 kWh | 415 km | 48 600 € |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 258 kW (351 hp) | 74 kWh | 560 km | 59 000 € |
How do you recharge your electric vehicle?
Depending on the vehicle you choose, the plug will be different and you'll recharge differently. There are several types of plug for recharging your electric vehicle: Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO, etc...
You have several options for recharging:
- Charging at home using a household socket
- Charging at home using a charging station
- Charging at public charging stations
Charging at home
This is the easiest way to recharge your electric vehicle. You have the option of recharging your electric vehicle using a normal household socket, but this will undoubtedly take a long time.
You can also opt for a Wallbox. As the name suggests, this is a wall-mounted box that lets you recharge your electric car faster and more intelligently, taking advantage of off-peak hours and without the risk of tripping your meter.
This allows you to keep control of your charging and recharge according to your electricity contract. Recharging is faster, and you can get a full charge overnight. You can find a list of all charging station suppliers on the Association nationale pour le développement de la mobilité électrique website.
Would you like to install a charging station? Get my offerGood to know: ask for several quotes to be sure of making the best choice.
Charging at public charging stations
As a VTC driver, you'll also need to recharge at public charging stations. You can find the nearest charging points with the Chargemap application, which lists charging points near you.
If you work as a VTC driver in Paris, there are several options for recharging your battery. The main networks in Paris are those of Paris recharge (formerly Autolib') and Belib'. There are also other charging stations in and around the capital, including those operated by IZIVIA at Paris-CDG and Paris-Orly airports.
https://youtu.be/70gsZDBFohAParis recharge (standard recharge - 15 to 20 km/hour recharge)
With over 1,000 terminals and 200 stations throughout the capital, Paris recharge terminals are ubiquitous. As a VTC driver, you'll need to pay a subscription fee of €600/year for unlimited recharging on this network. This is a very good deal if you intend to recharge regularly at these terminals, at a cost of just €50/month.
Belib' (semi-rapid recharging 150 to 200 km/hour)
This is Paris's public network of charging stations for electric vehicles. With a maximum output of 22 kW, Belib' charging stations will give you enough range for a break or while you're waiting for a customer. The first hour's charging costs just €1. After that, rates soar to over €15 an hour. So it's best to multiply your recharges, but never stay more than an hour at a single terminal.
Corri-Door IZIVIA (fast recharge (300 to 500 km/hour recharge))
Ideally located at Paris-CDG and Paris-ORLY airports, on the ring road around Porte d'Aubervilliers and in the La Défense district, the Corri-Door network will enable you to recover 80% of your battery in no time, so you can get on with your day if you have several long journeys to make during the day. The charge is €1/5 min.
Rapid recharging at airports
New: Paris airports have invested in recharging infrastructures dedicated to Taxis and VTCs. In the Orly pro parking lot, 20 22 kW charging stations (up to 150 km range per hour of charging) and one 50 kW station (up to 350 km range per hour of charging) have been installed. A similar installation is planned for the "new Taxis rear base" pro parking lot at the eastern end of Charles de Gaulle airport.
Other terminals
Not necessarily part of a large network, a number of additional charging stations exist in Paris. Some are self-service, such as the fast charging stations at Nissan dealerships in Montrouge, Paris 12 and Nanterre.
Effia parking lots are also equipped with standard pay stations, which can be useful during a break. A number of shopping centers are also equipped with standard, semi-rapid and rapid charging stations in the Paris suburbs, including the Auchans in Villebon-sur-Yvette and Villiers-sur-Marne, and the IKEA stores in Vélizy-Villacoublay and Franconville. All charging stations can be found on the Chargemap application.
Public charging stations in Lyon and Nice
As in Paris, the cities of Lyon and Nice are very well equipped with charging stations, notably the Bluely (standard charge) and CNR (fast charge) networks in Lyon and the plug-in network in Nice.
What are your advantages as an electric VTC driver?
Like many people, you may doubt the usefulness of an electric car, given the high purchase price. But don't panic, there are many advantages to switching to an electric vehicle as a VTC.
Savings through use
As an electric vehicle owner, you'll no longer have to fill up your tank, but recharge your vehicle.
Count on average 2€ / 100 km (against 8.5€ /100 km for a diesel and 11.5€ / 100 km for a petrol).
Depending on when you choose to charge your vehicle, these savings can increase even further; for example, if you choose to charge your vehicle during off-peak hours, the price of a "full tank" of electricity will be cheaper. You're also not affected by fluctuating oil prices and their negative effects on motorists.
Good to know: during the day, off-peak hours are between 10am and 5pm. At night, you should connect between 10pm and 6am.
See also : When should you recharge your electric car?
Low maintenance costs
Electric vehicles have fewer parts (around 40) than traditional vehicles (over 300).
they are therefore less expensive to maintain, as there are fewer parts that could potentially fail or need replacing.
For example, there are no oil changes, belt changes or gearbox changes. The only maintenance required concerns consumables (tires, brake pads, etc.). It's worth noting that brake pads and discs last on average 2 times longer, thanks to the regenerative braking of electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are therefore much more reliable than their combustion counterparts, and can be driven long distances without hassle.
Silence on board
When you're a VTC driver, you deal with many different types of customer. And sometimes, silence makes all the difference. In an electric vehicle, it's silence on board. You can put on some music or enjoy the drive to your destination in silence. Not to mention, no noise pollution: it's especially practical if you're driving at night, and your neighbors will thank you.
Assistance for the purchase of an electric vehicle
In addition to the €6,000 ecological bonus, you can also claim the conversion bonus (if you already own a car) of up to €2,500 and regional bonuses depending on the region where your company is registered.
Ecological bonus
The ecological bonus only applies to new vehicles, and goes up to €6,000 for a new electric vehicle.
| Passenger cars emitting less than 20g CO2/km | 6,000 euros limited to 27% of cost |
| Cars and vans emitting less than 20 g CO2/km | 6,000 euros limited to 27% of cost |
Conversion bonus
The conversion bonus has changed, and from January 1, 2022, the following scale will apply to electric vehicles.
| Conversion bonus | New electric vehicle | Used electric vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Companies | 3 000 € | 3 000 € |
Regional aid
The Île-de-France region is offering a €6,000 subsidy for the purchase of an electric vehicle if you're a VTC, in addition to the €6,000 ecological bonus. This means a total saving of €12,000 in the Île-de-France region.
They've gone electric: Yacine, VTC driver in a Kia e-Niro
Yacine, a VTC (Véhicule de Tourisme avec Chauffeur) driver for 4 years, switched to an electric car a year ago. At the wheel of his Kia e-Niro, he does most of his shopping in Paris and its inner suburbs. He tells us his story.
In the highly competitive Parisian VTC sector, where ride-sharing platforms earn a commission on each trip, you have to either reduce your fixed costs or build up a personal clientele to maximize your sales. If, like Yacine, the majority of VTC sales are generated by ride-sharing platforms, optimizing your car and your costs is a strategic necessity. How do you optimize your car as a VTC? You need to take stock of the costs generated by your car (fuel, maintenance and insurance) and try to find ways of paying less. This is where the electric car can help VTCs: fuel costs are eliminated, and given the vehicle's construction, maintenance costs are very low.
It was against this backdrop that Yacine decided to go electric. We asked him a few questions about his choice and his assessment after several months in an electric car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqMCjF09NQkWhy choose an electric VTC?
Yacine explains that he launched his VTC business 4 years ago, and has gone through a number of different vehicles: in the early days, he drove a diesel model that consumed a lot of fuel, and then tried out a hybrid car. Indeed, when you're driving a lot on the freeway and in town, a hybrid car isn't the best option. After going through the hybrid process, Yacine finally took the plunge and switched to a 100% electric VTC. He first drove a Nissan Leaf for several months, which didn't suit him because of the vehicle's lack ofrange. Then he opted for a Kia e-Niro, a model with over 400 km of freeway range and almost 500 km of city range, making it the ideal model for a VTC.
Good to know, the Kia e-Niro holds the "electric range record" of 455 km in the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures: a new standard for measuring the real range of electric cars, and their CO2 and pollutant emissions) combined cycle. It gives consumers a clearer idea of what's involved, so that they don't fall for the marketing figures announced by manufacturers, particularly in terms of range.
How to finance your electric VTC?
Yacine made enquiries beforehand to ensure he could benefit from government aid, in particular the ecological bonus. He also sought advice from dealers to find the best deal for his future electric VTC. He financed his VTC with a personal loan.
Good to know: there are several types of assistance available for electric car buyers: bonus écologique, prime à la conversion and certain regional grants.
What problems have you encountered?
At first, charging. But Yacine found a solution: charging at home. Yacine had to wait for government subsidies for the installation of home charging stations before taking the plunge. As the cost was significant, Yacine was able to benefit from discounts for the installation of his Wallbox charging station.
The installation project had to be voted on at the general meeting of his condominium and installed by a professional. After taking the necessary steps within his co-ownership, he was able to launch his project to purchase his electric VTC. However, Yacine deplores the lack of charging stations for long-distance use.
"Under normal circumstances, a motorist is supposed to find an electric charging point every 80 km, but some don't work or are poorly maintained. And if someone is already on it, you have to wait 2 hours before recharging your VTC, which is impossible for me in my job. That's why I charge my VTC at home."
It's precisely for this reason that he sold his Nissan Leaf, as the distances on freeways were not suitable for VTC work.
Good to know: there are several electric charging station organizations in Paris, including Autolib' and Belib'. Owners of electric cars can recharge at lower cost in Paris, thanks to subscriptions offered by the city.
How do you charge up so you don't run out of fuel while on duty?
He recharges his electric VTC at home. His Kia e-Niro enables him to cover long distances on freeways (over 400 km) and even longer distances in town (over 500 km).
This autonomy is more than enough for him to work. When he gets home, he can recharge his car without stress.
Are customers satisfied?
He tells us that on several occasions he receives amused reflections from customers: "Ah, that's weird, did you turn on the engine?". Customers are very impressed by the silence of the car, especially in Paris traffic jams, where the car isolates outside noise and allows customers to enjoy the music serenely while waiting to arrive at their destination.
If I had to do it all over again?
Without hesitation. Yacine has no regrets and uses his electric VTC even for his personal travel.
"I received my electricity bill. For 20,000 km driven, I only paid €450".
Good to know: for a combustion-powered car, the same distance would have cost between €2,500 and €3,000, depending on the model (petrol or diesel).
Any advice for future 100% electric VTC drivers?
Yacine advises VTC drivers to take the plunge, both for the savings they'll make and for the satisfaction of their customers. It's important to anticipate the question of recharging when you make your purchase, and don't rely too much on the good Autolib'. It's a good idea to install a charging station at home, so as not to be dependent on city charging stations, especially in Paris. You also need to choose the right model. For Yacine, the Kia e-Niro is the model best suited to his job at the moment.
