Until the end of 2023, the bonus granted to electric cars was based solely on price criteria (and to a lesser extent on weight). However, since December 14th, the government assistance for the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle (at the exhaust) has drastically changed. It is now based on an environmental score that takes into account various criteria such as place of production and type of battery.
This change was made to encourage the purchase of vehicles produced locally or at least in Europe. The eligibility criteria evolve over time with updates as per the changes in the range of car manufacturers, new entrants, and exits. An announcement in the Official Journal on July 15, 2024, listed the new cars that can now qualify for the bonus, effective July 17th.
Why is an American car eligible for the bonus? The biggest surprise is the inclusion of the Ford CX740E, which is actually the new Ford Explorer, in the list. While it’s an American vehicle, it was designed, developed, and produced in Germany, specifically in the Cologne factory, making it eligible for state aid. Priced at 46,900 € before the bonus, it can now be reduced to 42,900 €. However, the new Ford Capri, an electric SUV “coupé” also produced in Cologne, does not qualify for the bonus as its selling price exceeds the set limit of 47,000 €.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is no longer eligible for the bonus. Despite being the only significant addition to the list of eligible cars in this update, several new models, including Abarth 500, BMW i4, Cupra Born, Fiat 500e, Renault Mégane, and Volkswagen ID.3, have been added. It’s essential for buyers to note that a vehicle model may have specific trims that are eligible or not eligible for the bonus.
In conclusion, as new models qualify for the bonus, some may lose eligibility based on factors like price. The landscape of electric vehicle incentives is continuously changing, with updates reflecting the evolving market and environmental concerns.