Electric car registration fee in 2025: what’s changing and what you need to know

One of the last certainties of electric mobility has just been shaken. For years, registering an electric car cost little to nothing. That golden era of free registration is coming to an end. Since May 2025, most French regions have scrapped the full exemption of the regional tax on electric vehicle registration. This fiscal shift changes the game for anyone considering buying a new or used electric vehicle.

But how much will you actually pay? Do all regions apply the same rules? And most importantly, does this increase undermine the financial appeal of electric cars compared to combustion vehicles? Let’s break down this new reality that’s reshaping the French automotive market.

The big shake-up of May 2025

Until April 30, 2025, France operated under a two-tier system that favored electric vehicles. Combustion car owners paid a regional tax based on their vehicle’s power, while electric drivers enjoyed full exemptions in nearly all regions.

This situation, which did accelerate EV adoption, represented a significant loss of revenue for local governments—hundreds of millions of euros not flowing into regional budgets at a time when public finances are stretched.

May 1, 2025 marked a turning point in automotive taxation. Île-de-France, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Pays de la Loire… one by one, regions announced the end of free registration for electric vehicles. Now, over 80% of French territory applies the same regional tax rules to electric and combustion vehicles.

A few regions still resist this widespread increase. Hauts-de-France maintains full exemption, as do Corsica and some overseas territories. But for how long? Budget pressures are everywhere, and these last bastions of free registration may soon follow suit.

How much does an electric car registration cost today?

The answer depends entirely on your region of residence and your vehicle’s fiscal horsepower. Contrary to popular belief, registration fees are not national but regional. Each local authority sets its own fiscal horsepower rate, creating significant disparities.

Let’s look at some concrete examples with popular models:

In addition to the fiscal horsepower fee, mandatory fixed charges apply: €13.76 for the ANTS management fee and €2.76 for delivery. So, registering a Tesla Model Y costs €293 in Île-de-France versus just €16.52 in Hauts-de-France.

How is the price calculated?

The formula is relatively simple, though there are some EV-specific nuances. The basic calculation is:

Price = (Fiscal Horsepower × Regional Rate) + Fixed Fees

Fiscal horsepower for electric vehicles is calculated differently than for combustion cars. No more engine displacement references—it’s based on the electric motor’s maximum power in kilowatts. This method generally favors EVs, as their fiscal horsepower tends to be lower than that of similarly performing combustion vehicles.

Fixed fees apply nationwide:

• ANTS management fee: €13.76

• Delivery fee: €2.76

• Possible professional training tax for utility vehicles

What still sets EVs apart from combustion cars

Despite the end of regional exemptions, electric cars still enjoy significant tax advantages over combustion vehicles. The most notable is the ecological penalty—a tax that can reach tens of thousands of euros for high-emission combustion vehicles. EVs are completely exempt, regardless of price or weight.

This difference can mean major savings at purchase. While a high-end combustion SUV might incur €15,000–€20,000 in penalties, its electric equivalent pays none. That advantage more than offsets the few hundred euros now due in most regions.

EVs also avoid CO₂-related surcharges, which can significantly increase costs for polluting vehicles. In the end, even with the new regional tax, the overall fiscal advantage still clearly favors electric.

Do registration procedures change?

Not really. Whether your region offers an exemption or not, the process remains the same. You can choose between two options: use the official ANTS website (immatriculation.ants.gouv.fr) or go through an authorized professional.

The official online route is cheaper, as you only pay mandatory fees. Expect 7–15 days to receive your final registration. Professionals charge for their services but often offer faster processing—sometimes instant.

Required documents remain unchanged: proof of identity and address, certificate of sale for used vehicles, and the Cerfa 13750*05 registration form. Nothing too complicated.

Special cases: used cars, leasing, and buying strategies

Buying a used electric car can bring surprises depending on regional changes. If you buy a vehicle registered in a free region and register it in a paying region, you’ll owe the new local tax. The reverse is also true: transferring a vehicle to a still-exempt region means free registration.

Leasing and long-term rentals usually simplify admin tasks. The registration certificate remains in the lessor’s name, and fees are often included in the overall offer. Still, check your contract to avoid surprises from regional rate hikes.

Some buyers consider rushing their purchase to benefit from remaining exemptions. This strategy may make sense in Hauts-de-France or Corsica, but beware of hasty decisions. These regions may soon end exemptions, and rushing to save a few hundred euros on a multi-thousand-euro transaction is often a false economy.

Is electric still financially advantageous?

Absolutely. This tax evolution doesn’t undermine the overall economic appeal of EVs. Operating costs remain far lower: charging is cheaper than fuel, maintenance is simpler, and insurance is often more affordable.

Purchase incentives are still attractive in 2025. The ecological bonus can reach €4,000 depending on your situation and vehicle price. Many local governments offer additional grants, and tax benefits for businesses remain substantial. Combined with tax savings, these incentives keep EVs appealing despite the registration fee increase.

Compared to the total cost of owning an EV, the regional registration tax is marginal—just a few hundred euros over the vehicle’s lifetime, versus thousands saved on fuel and maintenance compared to combustion cars.

Practical questions to stay organized

Which region determines my registration fee? Your primary residence—not the vehicle’s purchase location. Your ID address is what counts.Can I still avoid this tax? Legally, only moving to an exempt region would let you avoid it. But beware: authorities check that your declared address matches your actual situation.Can the price increase again? Yes, each region can adjust its rates. Historically, increases are common and often tied to inflation.What if I pay the wrong amount? ANTS offers an online claims service. For major errors, refunds are possible—but the process can take several weeks.

A change in continuity

This shift in automotive taxation follows a predictable logic. Electric cars, once niche, now represent a significant share of new sales. It’s natural for their tax regime to gradually align with that of conventional vehicles.

Still, this normalization doesn’t mean the end of EV advantages. It marks a kind of maturity for the sector, which no longer needs exceptional tax incentives to win over drivers.