The social leasing of electric cars returns in 2025: what you need to know about this aid
20. Juni 2025
)
The social leasing of electric cars returns in 2025: what you need to know about this aid
Is it possible to switch to an electric car without breaking the bank? Since the launch of social leasing in early 2024, the answer has clearly been yes. Designed to make clean mobility accessible to the most modest households, this state program saw a rapid uptake... to the point of being quickly suspended. But here's the good news: it's coming back in September 2025. So, how does it work? Who can benefit from it? Which models are included? And most importantly, how do you apply? Here's a comprehensive overview to help you drive clean, affordably, and with peace of mind.
What is social leasing?
Social leasing is a public aid designed to facilitate access to electric cars by offering a long-term rental (LLD) at an ultra-preferential rate. The idea is simple: rent a new electric vehicle for around €100 per month, with no initial deposit, for 3 years. Unlike other formulas like Lease with Option to Purchase (LOA), there is no option to buy the car at the end of the term. The goal is solely to provide affordable and temporary use.
This aid is made possible through state funding, in partnership with several automobile manufacturers. It is not a commercial promotion, but rather a tool for ecological transition with a social purpose.
Social leasing in 15 seconds
Contract type: Long-term lease (LLD), without purchase option.
Duration: generally 3 years.
Amount: around €100/month, sometimes less depending on the model and income.
Objective: to facilitate access to electric cars for low-income households.
The reason for its success
From its launch in January 2024, social leasing saw a spectacular surge in popularity. In just a few weeks, over 25,000 aid applications were registered. Faced with this massive demand and the limited stock of available vehicles, the government quickly had to pause the program.
This enthusiasm can be explained by several factors:
A growing desire to switch to electric.
Fuel costs weighing on budgets.
A clear, simple offer with no hidden fees (or almost none).
For many households, it was the first time an electric vehicle became truly accessible, without the need for credit or high entry costs.
Who can benefit?
The aid program primarily targets low-income workers who use their car daily for professional purposes. Here are the main criteria (based on the 2024 version, to be confirmed for 2025):
Be an adult and reside in France.
Income: have a reference tax income of less than €15,400 per share.
Daily use: use your car to commute more than 15 km from your home.
Annual mileage: travel more than 8,000 km per year for work reasons.
Which models are concerned?
Social leasing primarily targets everyday drivers, and this is reflected in the models offered. These are not luxury sedans or high-end SUVs, but rather compact, electric vehicles suitable for urban and suburban use. In 2024, the most common models included the Peugeot e-208, Renault Twingo E-Tech, Fiat 500e, and the very affordable Dacia Spring. All these vehicles are easy to handle, energy-efficient, and perfectly suited for daily commutes or everyday life.
Some manufacturers have also offered slightly more spacious vehicles, such as the Renault Mégane E-Tech or the Jeep Avenger, at slightly higher rents, often around €150 per month. If the aid remained relatively focused on a few models in 2024, the 2025 edition could introduce new vehicles, depending on the agreements between the state and manufacturers. One thing is certain: the selection remains centered on new, accessible, and efficient cars.
What are the concrete advantages?
Beyond the very attractive monthly rent, social leasing offers major economic and practical advantages. First, the cost of recharging an electric car is on average two to three times lower than that of a full tank of gasoline or diesel. Additionally, maintenance is also simpler and less expensive: no oil changes, fewer wear parts, and less frequent garage visits.
Over three years, the total savings can be significant, especially when compared to an equivalent thermal vehicle. We must also not forget the environmental impact: switching to electric also means reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to improving air quality in our cities. Finally, the no initial deposit formula avoids an often dissuasive upfront investment, particularly for the most modest households.
What to expect for 2025?
The reopening of the program is announced for September 2025, with increased funding. While not all details are yet public, the main lines should remain close to those of 2024. The eligibility criteria (income level, home-to-work distance, professional use of the vehicle, etc.) should be maintained, with perhaps some adjustments to make them clearer and better targeted.
The government has also expressed its desire to simplify administrative procedures and improve communication around the program. The goal is to make the process smoother, more understandable, and accessible to a greater number of people. The ecological bonus will continue to play a key role in financing reduced rents, alongside the efforts of partner manufacturers.
Note: Practical details, such as the number of available vehicles or the exact models offered, will be announced as the new term approaches. It is therefore essential to stay attentive to official information in the coming weeks.
How to apply?
Once the program is relaunched, everything will be done online, via the websites of the manufacturers involved in the program (such as Renault, Stellantis, Dacia, etc.). You will first need to check your eligibility using a simulator, then compile a file with the necessary supporting documents: reference tax income, proof of address, proof of vehicle use for work, among others.
After validation, it will be possible to choose a model from those offered, sign a long-term lease (LLD) contract, and schedule the delivery of the vehicle. In most cases, all of this can be done in just a few clicks. However, it is strongly recommended to prepare in advance, as the demand for aid is likely to be high and stocks limited. Anticipating maximizes your chances of benefiting from the program.
What if I am not eligible?
If you do not meet the criteria for social leasing, it does not mean that an electric car is out of reach. Other aids exist to reduce the cost. The ecological bonus, for example, remains accessible to all, without income conditions, for the purchase of a new vehicle. It can reach up to €4,000 and is cumulative with the conversion bonus if you scrap an old thermal vehicle.
Many brands also offer lease with option to purchase (LOA) at very competitive monthly rates, especially if you take advantage of these combined aids. These formulas can represent an interesting alternative, even without benefiting from social leasing.
Finally, to optimize your daily budget, also consider home charging solutions or subscriptions offered by public charging station operators, which allow you to reduce the cost per kWh and more easily access a reliable network.
Good to know
This program is reserved for the regular use of the car for work purposes. It does not apply to occasional trips or inactive households. You must be able to justify your need (home-to-work trips) and your income through tax documents.
In summary
Social leasing stands as one of the most ambitious initiatives to democratize the electric car. By primarily targeting the most modest households, it addresses a dual urgency: reducing inequalities in access to clean mobility while accelerating the ecological transition. Its announced return for September 2025 is already generating a lot of expectations. Until then, it is strongly advised to stay informed about the exact terms, prepare your supporting documents, and simulate your eligibility as soon as the official tools are available.
Sources :