France introduces new energy-efficiency incentive for used electric cars

Wednesday 12 August 2026 - 13:45

By: Sahili Aya

France introduces new energy-efficiency incentive for used electric cars

France is introducing a new financial incentive aimed at making second-hand electric vehicles more accessible, with buyers and certain leasing customers set to qualify for support through the country's energy-efficiency certificate system.

The measure will take effect on September 1, 2026, and forms part of the government's broader strategy to accelerate the transition toward electric mobility while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Used electric cars become eligible for CEE support

Under an order published in the Journal officiel on Wednesday, the purchase or lease of a used fully electric vehicle from a professional automotive dealer will qualify for funding through the Certificats d'économie d'énergie, or CEE, system.

The scheme is designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles beyond the new-car market, where purchase prices can remain a barrier for some households.

The government presented the measure as part of its electrification strategy announced in May, which aims to strengthen energy sovereignty and accelerate the decarbonization of transport and other sectors.

Several conditions must be met

The new incentive will not apply to every second-hand electric vehicle.

To qualify, the car must be fully electric and must have been first registered in France between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2023.

The transaction must also take place through a professional automotive business. In addition, the vehicle's battery must meet a minimum health requirement, with at least 80% of its original capacity remaining or an equivalent standard.

Recipients will also have to keep the vehicle for at least three years.

The scheme is scheduled to remain in place for four years from September 1, 2026.

A modest financial boost

Despite the government's objective of encouraging used EV adoption, the amount of the incentive is expected to remain relatively limited.

Romain Ryon, president of Mobilee, a company specializing in the use of CEE funding in transport, described the payment as relatively small.

Based on the CEE price reference selected by the government, the support would amount to approximately €337 per vehicle. The final value could nevertheless change as the underlying CEE market evolves.

For consumers considering a used electric car, the payment therefore represents an additional discount rather than a major subsidy capable of transforming the economics of a purchase.

Part of a broader push toward electric mobility

The measure comes as electric vehicles continue to expand their presence in France's new-car market.

By extending CEE support to qualifying used vehicles, the government is seeking to widen access to electric mobility and encourage the circulation of vehicles that are already on the road.

The approach also reflects a growing policy focus on the second-hand market, where lower purchase prices could make electrification accessible to a broader group of motorists.