Good news for lower-income households looking to switch to electric: the 2026 social leasing scheme has officially returned as of July 16, 2026. Renewed for a third edition, the program makes it possible to lease a new electric car for less than €200 per month, with no down payment. It is a real opportunity, but one subject to precise conditions. Here is everything you need to know before applying.

What is social leasing?

Social leasing is a government scheme designed to make electric cars accessible to lower-income households. The principle is simple: the state subsidizes part of the monthly payment, allowing households that could not afford to buy an electric vehicle to lease one at a price well below the market rate.

For the 2026 edition, the government has allocated €401 million with the aim of equipping at least 50,000 additional households . Applications have been open since July 16, 2026, and reservations can be made directly through an approved dealer or leasing company.

Who can benefit from social leasing in 2026?

Access to social leasing is subject to three cumulative conditions:

• Income ceiling: your reference taxable income per tax share must not exceed €16,880. This threshold applies to each tax share in the household.
• Home-to-work distance: you must travel more than 10 km between your home and workplace using your personal vehicle and cover at least 8,000 km per year for professional purposes.
• No previous participation: if you already benefited from social leasing in 2024 or 2025, you cannot apply again this year.

These criteria are intended to focus support on working people who genuinely depend on their car for work and cannot afford to purchase an electric vehicle on their own.

Which models are eligible and at what price?

In 2026, around twenty electric models are available through social leasing, with monthly payments ranging from €94 to €199 and no down payment. Among the most attractive offers are:

• Citroën ë-C3: the least expensive model in the catalog, available from €94/month.
• Renault Twingo E-Tech Evolution: from €130/month in the base trim and €139/month in the Techno version.
• Renault 5 E-Tech and Renault 4 E-Tech : two of the diamond brand's bestsellers in the mid-range category.
• Fiat Grande Panda, Nissan Micra, Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka and Opel Frontera complete the list.

Note that every participating manufacturer must offer at least 25% of its vehicles for under €140/month. This rule guarantees a genuine selection at low prices.

How long is the contract and what happens at the end?

A social leasing contract must last at least 3 yearsand include at least 15,000 km per year at no additional cost. This is significantly more generous than standard lease-to-own offers on the market.

At the end of the contract, you have two options:

• Return the vehicle to the dealer, paying for any excess mileage and refurbishment costs if applicable.
• Buy the vehicle at its residual value, meaning a price that reflects the depreciation accumulated over the contract.

How do you apply?

The process is straightforward and takes place directly through a dealer or leasing company partnered with the scheme. The steps are:

• Check your eligibility based on income, distance and previous participation.
• Choose a model listed on the government's official website or available from an approved dealer.
• Prepare your file: tax notice, proof of address and proof of workplace.
• Sign the contract at the dealership or online, depending on the lessor's offer.

Applications have been open since July 16, 2026. Given the success of the first two editions — the first, in January 2024, filled up within a few days — it is advisable not to wait.

Is it really worth it?

For an eligible household that already owns an aging combustion-engine car and makes long daily journeys, the answer is often yes. Savings on fuel — electricity costs roughly two to three times less per kilometer than gasoline — combined with a monthly payment lower than a high-speed internet subscription for some models can make the arrangement pay off from the first year in many cases.

However, if you do not meet all the criteria or drive very little, standard lease-to-own offers on used vehicles remain an alternative worth considering.

The 2026 social leasing scheme is a rare opportunity to switch to electric without upfront capital. If you qualify, it would be a shame to miss it.