In France, the purchase and leasing of used electric vehicles will receive financial support starting in September. Overall, the measure is not particularly generous: currently, only about 337 euros per vehicle are available through the so-called CEE system. In contrast, healthcare workers can expect significantly more when purchasing a used EV.
The scheme is funded through France’s Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) system. It complements existing electric mobility incentives, including the environmental bonus (bonus écologique) and the social leasing scheme for new electric vehicles.
Rather than coming from the state budget, CEE funding comes from energy and fuel suppliers such as EDF, Engie, and TotalEnergies, which are required to contribute under the polluter-pays principle.
‘Rather low’
However, the planned incentive of just €337 per vehicle has already drawn criticism. Romain Ryon, President of Mobilee, a company specializing in CEE certificates for the transport sector, described the amount as ‘rather low.’
To qualify for the new incentive, a used electric vehicle must meet several criteria. It must have been first registered in France between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2023, while its battery must retain at least 80% of its original capacity.
Alternatively, the vehicle must offer at least 80% of its original type-approved range or a remaining range of at least 200 kilometers. The recipient must also keep the vehicle for at least three years.
The incentive does not apply to private sales. Buyers must instead purchase or lease a used electric vehicle from a dealership or a professional used-car dealer. Private individuals are eligible regardless of income, while businesses and other organizations can also apply.
Additional support for carers
The program also provides additional support for certain professional users of used electric vehicles. Until the end of the year, multiplier coefficients apply to carers and other providers of home care and personal services. They could receive a CEE premium of between €2,000 and €2,360 when purchasing a used electric vehicle priced below €25,000.
In parallel, the French government has launched a new incentive program for new electric taxis. Buyers and lessees can receive around €3,500 for vehicles ordered between 1 September and 31 December 2026. The incentive rises to around €5,500 if both the vehicle and its battery are manufactured in Europe
