The ecological bonus is updated with new eligible models. The vehicles that can benefit from this public aid of 4,000 euros for individuals are periodically updated by the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
An environmental score to respect
This year, there is great news: only models that meet the criteria of an environmental score calculated by the ministry will be eligible for this subsidy. Specifically, these are models produced in Europe, which excludes those imported from Asia and mainly from China, such as the Dacia Spring, the Tesla Model 3 and the MG4, which were in the top 10 of electric car sales last year.
Another criterion to be respected is a maximum price of 47,000 euros without options and a weight that must remain below the limit of 2.4 tonnes.
The eligible Alfa Romeo Junior
A new model has now been added to this list, with a decree published on 22 August in the Official Journal. This is the Alfa Romeo Junior, a novelty that is especially eagerly awaited for the 2024 school year. In fact, it will be the first 100% electric model from the Italian brand.
A small SUV that had a rather turbulent start to its career: in a context of tension between the Stellantis group, owner of Alfa Romeo, and the Italian government, this model was forced to change its name in mid-April. The name initially chosen, Milano, caused a mini scandal, because this model is not assembled in Italy, but in the Tichy factory in Poland, where the Fiat 600 and the Jeep Avenger, which share the same platform, are also produced.
Despite this controversy on the other side of the Alps, the Alfa Romeo Junior will logically be eligible for the eco-bonus. The 100% electric version, the “Junior Elettrica”, starts at 38,500 euros, and therefore 34,500 euros after deducting the 4,000 euro bonus. It is offered with a 156-horsepower engine coupled with a 54 kWh battery, giving an announced range of 410 km.
Enough to slightly reduce the gap with the hybrid version, which cannot benefit from this aid reserved for 100% electric vehicles, but which remains much more affordable: from 29,500 euros.
New versions in Volkswagen and Audi
The updated list also adds new versions of models that are already eligible for the bonus. This is the case of the Audi Q4 e-tron. If prices start at 53,550 euros, the German brand had launched a limited edition “Design Edition” of 700 units with a price starting just below the ceiling, at 46,990 euros.
We also find new versions of the models in the Volkswagen ID range with the ID.4 (from 43,990 euros), but also with the ID.5 and the ID.7, whose starting prices, however, exceed the maximum bonus limits. Enough to continue to benefit from this subsidy, by negotiating a reduction in the purchase price at dealerships, for example, or if Volkswagen launches limited editions below the maximum bonus limit, as is the case with Audi.
A bond that supports the market
In the first six months of the year, 100% electric models accounted for 17.3% of new car sales in France, compared with 15.5% last year. In Germany, which ended the purchase aid this year, this market share was 12.5% in the first half of the year, compared with 15.8% in the same period in 2023.
Source: BFM TV
