Social leasing is the most visible support measure in France's automotive transition policy. One hundred euros a month to drive a brand-new electric car: on paper, unbeatable. In practice, the scheme is capped, subject to strict income criteria and very limited quotas that vanish within hours. Here is what is actually available in 2026, and the alternatives if you fall outside the target.
How 2026 social leasing works
The principle in three lines
The state finances part of the monthly rent on a new electric car to make it accessible to modest households who need their car for work. The advertised rent is 100 euros per month for a city car, over 36 months, with no down payment. At the end of the contract, the vehicle is returned.
What is included
The rent covers vehicle lease, fleet insurance negotiated by the lessor and usually roadside assistance. Fuel, or rather electricity, and routine maintenance remain your responsibility. Budget on average 30 to 40 euros of electricity per month for 1,000 km of daily driving, with charging mostly at home.
The 2026 conditions: who qualifies
Reference tax income
Capped at 15,400 euros reference tax income per share in 2026. This figure is on your latest tax notice. For a childless couple, it roughly matches two net salaries around the minimum wage. For a family with two children, the limit is close to 60,000 euros gross combined annual income before tax.
Professional use of the vehicle
You must prove the car is used to go to work. Two alternative criteria: living more than 15 km from your workplace (proven by payslip and tax address), OR using your car for work over 8,000 km per year (sales rep, delivery driver, self-employed nurse, craftsman). Only one criterion is needed, but at least one must apply.
Other cumulative conditions
Be of legal age, hold a Class B licence (logical), live in mainland France, not have already benefited from the scheme for another vehicle. France Travail jobseekers are eligible if they can prove planned professional activity within 6 months (signed temp mission, fixed-term contract, qualifying training with internship).
The quota trap
A limited envelope
The 2026 budget plans around 50,000 vehicles for the year. Applications open in waves on the dedicated portal. The previous wave saturated within days, the most sought-after models (Renault R5, Citroen e-C3) were even unavailable within hours. You need to be fast and have your file ready in advance.
How to maximise your chances
Prepare upfront: tax notice, proof of address, work documents (employment contract, payslips, employer statement on kilometres). Watch for opening announcements via official newsletters. On the day, connect from the very opening time and have a model and dealer preference in mind to avoid wasting time hesitating.
Models available in 2026
The safe bets
Renault R5 E-Tech, Citroen e-C3, Peugeot e-208, Dacia Spring, Fiat 500e, BYD Dolphin Surf. All are city or urban compact cars with real-world range of 200 to 350 km depending on the model. Enough for the vast majority of daily uses, but limited for long trips without charging planning.
Match the model to your use
If your daily trips exceed 200 km, avoid the Dacia Spring (real-world range close to 180 km) and aim for the Renault R5 or Peugeot e-208. If you live in a very urban area, the Citroen e-C3 or the Fiat 500e are size-appropriate choices. For families, the compact 5-seat offer remains limited in the scheme.
If you fall outside the quota or conditions
Recent used electric
A Zoe or e-208 from 2023-2024 with battery still under manufacturer warranty, around 14,000 to 18,000 euros, is often a better deal than a failed social-leasing attempt. The depreciation of 2-3 year-old electrics has steepened, opening an interesting buying window.
The classic ecological bonus
If your income exceeds 15,400 euros but stays under 16,300 euros per share, you remain eligible for the increased 4,000-euro ecological bonus on a new car under 47,000 euros. Stacked with the conversion premium if you scrap an old diesel, support quickly reaches 6,000-7,000 euros.
Regional and local grants
Several regions (Ile-de-France, Occitanie, Grand Est, Hauts-de-France) add a clean-vehicle purchase premium, especially for low-emission zone residents. Amounts: 500 to 2,000 euros depending on the region. Check the regional council portal, sometimes poorly communicated.
What about classic leasing without the social scheme?
Manufacturer offers
Renault, Stellantis and MG offer electric long-term rentals around 180-250 euros per month over 36 months with limited down payment. Far from the 100-euro social rate, but accessible without income conditions. Advantage: broader choice, larger vehicles available (Megane E-Tech, e-3008, etc.).
Check total cost
Always run the full cost calculation: (monthly rent x 36) + any down payment + end-of-contract refurbishment fees + extra-kilometre charges. An offer at 200 euros per month can cost 8,500 euros over 3 years all-in, to compare against a used purchase plus resale.
DevisPermis expert opinion
Social leasing is great for those who fit the box, but the quota creates a lottery. Our advice: take your shot with a file prepared upfront, but have a realistic plan B (recent used electric, negotiated classic lease, or simply postponing the purchase). Do not force a vehicle change in a rush: it is the best way to overpay or pick a model unsuited to your real use.
Find your driving school with DevisPermis.fr
Before considering electric leasing, you need a licence. DevisPermis.fr connects you with driving schools that often offer automatic gearbox training, shorter and ideal if you aim for electric. Free quote in 2 minutes, personalised offers within 48 hours.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is electric car social leasing in 2026?
The 2026 social leasing allows renting a new electric car from 95 euros/month over 3 years, no deposit, for households with RFR below 15,400 euros/share. The State covers the difference via a 13,000 to 20,000 euros subsidy per file. 2026 quota set at 30,000 files, two opening waves (February and September).
Which vehicles are eligible for 2026 social leasing?
Vehicles eligible for 2026 social leasing are new EVs assembled in Europe under 47,000 euros incl. tax with valid environmental score. Indicative list: Renault 5 E-Tech (95 euros/month), Citroen e-C3 (95 euros/month), Peugeot e-208 (130 euros/month), Fiat 600e (130 euros/month). Chinese vehicles (BYD, MG) excluded since October 2023 decree.
How do you sign up for 2026 electric social leasing?
To sign up for 2026 electric social leasing, go to mon-leasing-electrique.gouv.fr. Required documents: tax notice (RFR below 15,400 euros/share), proof of residence, B licence, professional use certificate (minimum 15 km home-work or 8,000 km/year pro). Selection is first-come, first-served: 30,000 spots gone in 6 weeks in 2024.
What happens at the end of 3-year social leasing?
At the end of 3-year social leasing, three options: return the vehicle free (normal condition, under 45,000 km), buyback at residual value (40 to 50 percent of initial price), 12 to 24-month extension at standard LOA rate. Watch for reconditioning fees if scratches or mileage exceeded: 0.10 to 0.15 euro/km surplus.
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