While France already offers a subsidy of $8,400 for consumers who purchase a new electric vehicle, a proposed piece of legislation would see that figure expand for drivers of diesel cars, bringing the total subsidy to a staggering $22,000.
The bill, proposed by Segolene Royal (France’s minister for ecology, sustainable development and energy, and a one-time Presidential candidate) would provide enhanced subsidies for drivers of diesel-powered cars, according to the International Business Times.
With diesel cars being extremely popular in France, the bill would likely give drivers an incentive to scrap their oil-burner in favor of a new electric vehicle – and how convenient it is that French automaker Renault currently offers a range of EVs to suit every purse and purpose.
Although the Twizy is a niche city car, Renault’s Zoe and Kangoo EVs neatly cover the compact hatchback and commercial van markets, both of which are important segments and commonly powered by diesel engines. If a diesel driver took full advantage of the available subsidies – which, under the plan, would amount to an extra 10,000 euros on top of the 6,300 euros already available -, then a 20,700 euro Renault Zoe would cost just 4,400 euros.
While the program is undoubtedly cloaked in environmental benefits, the real gain here is for Renault, and France’s new car market. It’s hard to imagine that legions of diesel car owners wouldn’t be compelled to make the switch to a 4,400 euro new car, even with the limitations that come with owning an EV. Year to date, EV sales are down 12 percent in France, with Renault sales down 6 percent. This move should reverse things tout de suite.
The Infinity is strong in that d-pillar…
That’s crazy. I’m sure they can’t keep it up for long, months probably.
IIRC 85% of France’s electricity is generated by nuclear power.
Sacre bleu!!!
Sounds awesome.
And if you’re my age Segolene Royal looks awesome.
One of things I remember about Paris, France besides all the filth was the stench of diesel in the air.
Nah, to me Paris want nearly as Bruges (sp?).
Given the need to ban cars from Paris in the spring due to pollution, this strong incentive to buy electric is a smart move. Especially since the country is heavily nuclear, the EV’s ‘long-tailpipe’ will be very clean.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26599010
Don’t they subsidize diesel too?
No, but they do tax it less than they do gasoline.
@formerff
Why?
Beats me. There are a number of continental countries that tax diesel less than gasoline. Not coincidentally, those are the countries that have a high percentage of diesel cars.
Given that most of the electricity generation in France is nuclear, and the nuclear plants are state-owned, it seems likely that the subsidy will get paid back through increased energy spend….i wonder how long it takes to generate a return on a 22k subsidy?
So the French Government is almost giving away the EV “Razor” to recoup some of the $ on the kWh “blades”.
They will also make it back with lower healthcare costs and sick days, especially in Paris. Love the city, but I can feel the diesel in my eyes and the back of my throat. Long-term residents must develop some serious health issues.
“it seems likely that the subsidy will get paid back through increased energy spend”
Not a chance. My Leaf costs about $0.03/mile to drive. If the electricity costs the same in France as mine does, that works out to 700k+ miles. Nobody’s driving an EV that far, unless it’s one of Tesla’s ‘infinite miles’ machines.
Not sure about France, but electricity was more expensive in Italy than the US when I lved there some years ago, but still, yes…You are looking at a significant period to recover it.
so will pigs fly when the French start buying Teslas en masse?
Economics 101:
If you subsidize something- you get more of it.
#2. The government gets what it pays for.
#3. If somethings requires subsidies, it’s not profitable- otherwise people would invest in it.
#4. Eventually you run out of other people’s money to spend.
As soon as you accept these LAWS you’ll understand why this country is so deep in debt.
* neoliberalism 101
“#3. If somethings requires subsidies, it’s not profitable- otherwise people would invest in it…As soon as you accept these LAWS you’ll understand why this country is so deep in debt.
LOL…This from a Chrysler Fanboy. Anyway I am cool with the French People handling this one…I’m not really a stakeholder here.
“..bringing the total subsidy to a staggering $22,000”. You have to remember that this is Other People’s Money. Which means it’s a free lunch.
I can see why my cousin in France complains about the 70% tax he’s paying on his retirement money.
But, apparently he’s rich, he’s able to drive a 5 Series, a diesel of course.
What a waste of a Nation’s resources. Could be better spent.
Socialism is great – untill you run out of other people’s money.
Oooh, did you come up with that one yourself?
Wonder what the fine print is here. I doubt I could have driven my 250 dollar 87 SEAT Malaga diesel to my nearest Renault dealer and come away with a new anything for 4,000 EUROs for example.
France is doomed anyway, they just help corporation$(Renault in these case) to $ell more (taxpayers will pay)
This would only make sense if the diesel powered trade-ins were to be scrapped, or exported.
From the article: “Diesel passenger cars are far more popular in Europe than they are in the United States, so if the incentive passes, it has the potential to increase the scrappage rates of diesel-burning cars.”
So, “potential” means that it’s not a “Cash For Clatterers” program, so these cars could very well be on the road for some time.
Cash for clunkers did more harm than good. So will this. This is just a payoff to Renault and, undoubtedly, a kickback to the crooks who passed it. It has zero chance of having any measurable environmental impact. It is a taxpayer rape crime scene posing as an environmental “step in the right direction.” Sound familiar? Go France. Your taxpayers are as stupid as ours. Milk them for all they’re worth.