The French government has launched the third edition of its social leasing program for electric vehicles, aiming to make EV ownership accessible to 50,000 households.
The initiative, which began on July 16, marks a strategic shift in policy focus, placing a premium on vehicles produced within Europe.
This move is designed to balance the dual objectives of accelerating the transition to electric mobility and protecting the domestic automotive industry from competition by low-cost imports, particularly from China.
The program follows two previous iterations in 2024 and 2025, which helped establish a baseline for subsidized EV access.
However, the new rules introduce stricter eligibility criteria regarding the origin of the vehicles.
By favoring European production, the government seeks to ensure that public subsidies support local manufacturing jobs and supply chains rather than boosting sales for foreign competitors.