The promise of cheap electric cars: social leasing turns into a nightmare for… car dealerships

50 000 voitures électriques ont été commandées en six semaines, un vrai succès. MAXPPP – Jean-Luc Flémal

The State has still not reimbursed the aid granted to the beneficiaries of this system, i.e. the total sum of 320 million euros; according to the Mobilians union.

It was a flagship measure by the government to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles: electric leasing, also called "social leasing", which allows people on low incomes to benefit from electric leasing. rsquo;an electric vehicle without having to buy it, paying monthly rents of less than 100 euros. This system, launched in December, was put in place on January 1, 2024 before being suspended a few weeks later, victim… of its success.

50 000 electric cars rented

While the State anticipated 20,000 to 25,000 beneficiaries over the year, ultimately 50,000 electric cars were rented. There were even 90,000 applications registered, which led the government to suspend social leasing, at least until January 1, 2025.

But the system has caused other victims: car dealerships. It is they, in fact, who have advanced the aid paid by the State , as was already the case with the ecological bonus. In the case of social leasing, the sum can reach up to 13,000 euros. by car. But until then, the State has not reimbursed a single cent. According to Xavier Horent, general delegate of Mobilians, a union which represents the interests of the profession, there are 320 M  ;euro; which are missing today from the coffers of companies, the smallest of which would now be in danger.

The IT platform is to blame

The explanation is… technical. Reimbursement requests go through an IT platform. Except that it has been closed since mid-February for an update and its reopening is dragging considerably. In fact, the State cannot make the payments. "The State must pull itself together without delay and must assume its responsibilities linked to the strategic sector contract signed on May 6. The gap between government announcements and reality is worrying, reacted Xavier Horent in Auto Journal.

However, it seems that we are reaching a solution. During a recent meeting, the government reportedly promised the reestablishment of the platform by May 30. And the first payments at the beginning of June. In the meantime, according to Mobilians, certain car dealerships have had to take out loans from their banks.