A fairly successful start to social leasing. This government system that allows access to a 100% electric car at a favorable rental price will see the first files arrive at the beginning of 2024.
25,000 vehicles available
In total, 80,000 people have already applied to benefit from an electric car at a reduced price within the framework of “social leasing”, of which 25,000 will be available this year, said the Minister of Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, on Monday.
“Today, 80,000 people registered on the platform to request to be contacted again, which we did,” the minister told franceinfo.
“In fact, we had reserved 25,000 vehicles and I can tell you that I contacted the manufacturers again,” the minister said.
“Stellantis confirmed to me that they were willing to provide additional vehicles if the French kept their promise,” he added.
From 50 to 150 euros
So that the most modest households (reference tax income per share less than 15,400 euros) have access to electricity, the State launched in December 2023 a rental system with the option to purchase (LOA) or LLD (long-term rental). term, without purchase option) at less than 100 euros for city cars and 150 euros for family cars (not including insurance or maintenance).
This system is initially open to “active heavy motorcyclists” (who drive more than 8,000 kilometers a year or live more than 15 kilometers from their workplace). They must register on the “My electrical lease” website.
Without initial contribution, the rental is planned for three years, renewable once. The State finances each rental with 13,000 euros.
The system aims to be extended in 2024 to all French people whose reference tax income per unit is less than 15,400 euros, within the limits of available stocks and, therefore, without the other “high roller” criteria.
Low rental vehicles
Manufacturers have already launched offers with discounts on cars with ranges that limit them to daily trips.
Renault sells its small electric Twingo (made in Slovenia) for 40 euros per month, maintenance included.
As for the Stellantis group, Citroën announces its future ë-C3 starting at 54 euros, Fiat rents its small 500e starting at 79 euros per month and Opel its small SUV Mokka, manufactured in France, at 119 euros.
Leasing is also open to used vehicles less than three and a half years old and to retrofit, which consists of electrifying thermal cars: the start-up Lormauto must deliver the old Twingos from spring 2024.
A good deal, really?
But for some this social leasing is not really a good deal:
“This car is a car that the poorest people cannot plug in. Do you honestly believe that the government’s recipients of purchasing this car at 100 euros per month are those who own a house with a double garage and an electrical terminal? Obviously not.” Pierre Chasseray, spokesman for the association of 40 million motorists, reacts on BFMTV.
For him, it is not very interesting to have an electric car without being able to recharge it at home, with a charging cost at public terminals that would exceed the traditional fuel budget. He estimates the real cost of using an electric city car at at least 300 euros per month.
What “social lease” contract?
The contract is for a period of at least 3 years, renewable (with or without purchase option) for 12,000 km per year (additional costs beyond that).
It provides for the possibility of terminating the contract without charge after 14 days of delay as long as the vehicle is not delivered and a possibility of termination without charge (excluding possible repair costs) in the event of death, disability or loss of employment. .
Source: BFM TV
