Starting Tuesday, automakers will present their electric vehicle (EV) specifications to French authorities, aiming to continue receiving subsidies under revised conditions.
These changes are anticipated to disfavor numerous Chinese EV models.
The electric vehicle market has become intensely competitive.
The new evaluation system for each EV model will account for its complete production cycle.
This means considering the carbon emissions during the car’s transportation and the materials and energy utilized in its construction.
This environmental assessment will be determined through a specialized online platform.
Preliminary insights suggest that this system may exclude many Asian-manufactured models, even if they rank among France’s top-selling EVs, according to a government representative.
This spokesperson elaborated, “Although there might be a few virtuous, lightweight vehicles produced in Asia that could still qualify for subsidies, the majority will most likely be ineligible.”
Prominent EVs such as Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3, along with the Dacia Spring, are predominantly sold in France and are manufactured in China.
Additionally, the MG4, produced by China’s SAIC group, is gaining traction in the French market.
The existing government grant for electric vehicles provides 5,000 euros ($5,270) for the average household and 7,000 euros for those less affluent.
By December 15, automakers should receive feedback on their vehicles’ eligibility and will have the opportunity to challenge any unfavorable verdicts.
Parallel to France’s initiative, Italy is contemplating a comparable approach.