Headlines
- France relaunches social leasing scheme for electric vehicles at under €200 per month
- Platform for Electromobility and 150 CEOs urge EU to uphold 2035 zero-emission target
- France increases EV subsidy for European-assembled cars with EU batteries
- Clean Corporate Vehicles consultation shows broad industry resistance to binding mandates
- VDA urges EU to pair 2035 target with competitiveness reforms and technology flexibility
- Commission opens €2.2m tender on Book & Claim system for sustainable fuels in transport
France relaunches social leasing scheme for electric cars
The French government will reopen its long-term “social leasing” scheme on 30 September, offering low-income households access to electric cars for under €200 per month. Initially launched in 2023, the programme aims to broaden access to zero-emission mobility while stimulating demand for domestic EV production. At least 50,000 households are expected to participate in this phase.
Eligibility criteria include a reference taxable income per share not exceeding €16,300 and proof of either a daily commute of more than 15 km or annual professional mileage above 8,000 km. Contracts must run for at least three years, include 12,000 km per year without surcharge, and allow purchase at residual value or termination in case of job loss, disability or other force majeure.
Green NGOs and social mobility advocates have praised the relaunch, arguing that targeted, income-linked measures are among the most effective tools to accelerate EV uptake among groups least able to afford new technology.
Platform for Electromobility urges EU to uphold 2035 zero-emission target
Ahead of the 12 September Strategic Dialogue with the automotive sector, the Platform for Electromobility issued a joint statement calling for the EU to maintain the 2035 zero-emission standards for cars and vans. The coalition of 45 organisations — covering OEMs, suppliers, charging operators, cities and NGOs — warned that any reopening of Regulation (EU) 2019/631 could disrupt hundreds of billions of euros already invested in electrification.
The Platform urged policymakers to focus on barriers such as energy costs, supply-chain resilience and deployment of charging points, citing the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and Clean Corporate Fleet Regulation as essential enablers. It dismissed e-fuels as an inefficient and costly detour for road transport.
A parallel open letter from 150 executives across Europe’s e-mobility ecosystem reinforced the message to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Signatories highlighted battery gigafactories, retooled car plants and charging networks as evidence of progress since the 2035 target was adopted in 2023, warning that delays or mixed signals could cede advantage to China and the US.
France raises EV subsidy for vehicles with European batteries
From 1 October, France will add an exceptional €1,000 bonus for electric cars assembled in Europe and equipped with EU-made batteries. Combined with the eco-bonus funded by the energy saving certificate scheme, income-dependent support can reach €5,200 for eligible vehicles meeting ADEME’s environmental scoring.
The measure responds to calls for “European preference” in industrial policy, notably in Mario Draghi’s 2024 competitiveness report and at the Franco-German Council of Ministers in August. Ministers Agnès Pannier-Runacher and Marc Ferracci said the additional support is designed to underpin Europe’s EV battery supply chain and protect industrial employment as new gigafactories in France and neighbouring states scale up production.
ADEME will release a list of eligible models in the coming days, with monthly updates to reflect new entrants and environmental scores.
Clean Corporate Vehicles consultation receives 482 responses
The Commission’s consultation on its forthcoming Clean Corporate Vehicles proposal closed on 8 September, gathering 482 responses from companies (37%), business associations (32%), EU citizens (20%), NGOs (6%) and a small share from authorities and trade unions.
Most industry respondents opposed binding mandates for zero-emission vehicles in corporate fleets, favouring incentives and infrastructure support over compulsory targets. Toyota and BMW warned that rigid mandates risk creating a de facto ban on combustion engines by 2030, undermining fleet renewal and residual values. Bolt highlighted the operational pressures for ride-hailing and car-sharing fleets, where utilisation is high and margins thin.
Europcar, Dockx Rental and Renta pressed for EU-backed investment in charging hubs at airports, rail stations and logistics depots, alongside fiscal measures to stimulate both new and used EV markets. Repsol and FuelsEurope called for life-cycle accounting and recognition of renewable fuels as zero-emission at the point of use, while ACEA and FIA advocated gradual, technology-neutral pathways supported by tax relief and consumer information.
IKEA welcomed EU targets, arguing they would accelerate innovation and match its own 2040 zero-emission fleet commitment. Geopost favoured targets only if they apply evenly to SMEs and larger operators and are accompanied by grid upgrades and aligned tax incentives. NGOs largely supported stronger EU rules to align corporate fleets with 2030 climate goals.
