What is social leasing?
Social leasing is a an innovative and supportive schemelaunched by the government to make electric mobility more widely available to low-income households. In practical terms, this involves long-term hire (LLD) or a lease with purchase option (LOA) of a electric vehicleoften with no initial investment, for a attractive monthly rent starting at around 100 euros per monthThis is a cost deliberately set by the government to make electric power competitive with fossil-fired power.
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Hirers will be required to offer less than or equal to €140 per month in order to participate in the scheme. All lease payments will have to be less than €200 per month, with aid of up to €7,000 per vehicle.
In 2025, the mechanism changes: the funding no longer comes directly from the Statebut now relies on energy saving certificates (CEE)The European Commission has adopted a new law, obliging energy suppliers to provide financial support for the leasing of clean cars. L'total budget of 369 million euros for the year (i.e. approximately €7,000 per vehicle), compared with 650 million the previous year (or up to €13,000 per vehicle), while maintaining the objective of giving thousands of households access to an electric car.
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The scheme has been a great success: in 2024, more than 50,000 households have benefited (against a quota of between 20,000 and 25,000), double the initial expectations, prompting the government to renew the programme this year.
That said, social leasing meets a number of challenges:
- reduce the energy bill associated with cars,
- support the transition to greener mobility,
- and provide a practical solution to the problem of precarious commuting.
💡Did you know ? In France, air pollution is responsible for around 48,000 deaths a year.
In addition to the price advantage, the frequently includes vehicle maintenance and a easier rental managementNo hassle of resale or complex administrative management.
Who can benefit from Social Leasing 2025?
The aim of Social Leasing 2025 is to offer a easier access to electric cars for low-income householdswhile supporting the ecological transition. The scheme is subject to strict controls: only certain profiles meeting specific criteria are eligible for a particularly advantageous offer.
Here are the main eligibility criteria used this year:
- Be of legal age and reside in France the measure is aimed exclusively at private individuals domiciled in France, regardless of their professional status.
- Reference tax income The household must have a reference tax income per unit of less than or equal to €15,400 a year, i.e. around the top 5 income deciles in France. In practical terms, this is equivalent to €1,377 net per month for a single person, and €3,441 net for a couple with two children.
- Professional use of the vehicle the beneficiary must be dependent on his or her private vehicle to carry out his or her professional activity, in particular for journeys between home and work that are more than 15 km away or for journeys of more than 8,000 km per year in the course of his or her activity.
- Residential areas Priority given to households living in rural or peri-urban areas or with poor public transport links.
- Mandatory supporting documents You must provide supporting documents when making your application:
- notice of tax assessment,
- proof of address,
- employer's certificate or proof of mileage.
Summary table of the main eligibility criteria for social leasing 2025
| Critères | Conditions à remplir |
|---|---|
|
Majority and residence
|
Be of legal age and live in France
|
|
Reference tax income
|
≤ €15,400 per unit, depending on household composition
|
|
Professional use
|
+15 km home-work or >8,000 km/year
|
|
Area of residence
|
Rural, suburban
|
|
Supporting documents
|
Notice of tax assessment, address, employer's certificate
|
How does social leasing work?
Registration procedure
In response to a more than 50,000 applications last yearthe registration process has been streamlined and digitalguaranteeing both responsiveness and fairness.
Here are the main steps to follow to submit your application:
1. Checking eligibility
Before taking any action, we advise you to check your eligibility using an online simulator, available on the websites of partner manufacturers or the dedicated platform.
2. Preparing your application
Put together a file with the following documents:
- Last notice of assessment
- GNI (for rent collection)
- Driving licence currently valid
- Proof of address less than 3 months old
- Declaration of honour not to be combined with other similar aid
- Certificate of employment or proof of professional activity (for the self-employed or liberal professions)
3. Submitting the application
Registration is mainly online:
- On the official platform (scheduled to open on 30 September 2025)
- Or at a partner car dealership, for personalised support
At this stage, you will be asked to choose the model of car you want from among the eligible vehicles.
4. Processing the file
Applications are examined by the relevant departments:
- Checking parts
- Validation of eligibility
- Notification by e-mail or post, sometimes within 2 to 4 weeks depending on the submission period
5. Electronic signature of the contract and delivery
Once the application has been validated, all that remains is to sign the rental contract and schedule delivery of the vehicle.
Worth noting The speed of processing depends on the availability of models and the volume of requests.
6. Support and assistance
Help is available for people who are unfamiliar with digital technology, with support available at town halls, dealerships and local help desks.
Professional advice The best thing to do: plan ahead for the opening period and get all your supporting documents ready in the summer. The high demand expected for 2025 means you need to be reactive to maximise your chances of obtaining a €100/month vehicle.
Duration and rental conditions
Social Leasing 2025 is based on a long-term leasing contract designed to offer beneficiaries simple experience, flexible and not very restrictive. La minimum rental period is 3 yearsThis has been the norm for the system since its launch.
The contract generally includesroutine vehicle maintenancebut theinsurancethe electric recharge and certain additional costs remain the responsibility of the tenant. The advantage of this option is that no initial contributionThis removes one of the main barriers to access to a new vehicle for low-income households.
It is important to note that, depending on the offer, the contract may take the form of :
- an operating lease (LLD), at the end of which the vehicle must be returned,
- or a Hire Purchase (LOA), enabling the user to become the owner of the vehicle at the end of the contract at a preferential rate.
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In all cases, the compliance with the minimum period of 3 years is compulsory. At the end of the contract, the user must either return the vehicle in good conditionor buy it back if you have taken out an LOA. When the car is returned, its general condition, mileage (within the maximum limit defined in the contract) and maintenance are systematically checked.
The procedure, which is designed to be accessible, nevertheless requires a early recognition of ancillary costs The cost of the electric car: the insurance for a new electric car, the cost of recharging and any reconditioning costs or excess mileage may be added to the monthly rental charge.
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Which vehicles are available for social leasing?
Types of vehicle concerned
Social Leasing 2025 marks a turning point in the market by diversifying its range of accessible electric vehicles.
This year, the selection has been expanded and is clearly aimed at meeting all needs From agile city cars to versatile compacts, spacious station wagons and SUVs, there's a model to suit everyone's needs, with prices starting at just €95 a month for the most affordable models.
The range covers :
- Electric city cars Designed primarily for urban travel, these models offer very attractive monthly payments. Among the most popular: Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot e-208, Fiat 500e, Lancia Ypsilonand the brand new Renault 5 E-Techall designed to offer up to 400 km ofautonomy in certain cases.
- Electric compacts and family To meet the needs of families or longer journeys, the range is expanding to include models such as the Megane E-Tech, Peugeot e-308, Citroën ë-C4, Opel Mokka-e or Kangoo E-Tech. Most offer a range of over 300 km and generous boot space.
- Electric SUVs and crossovers With demand growing, compact SUVs are well represented: Fiat 600e, Jeep Avenger or the Opel Frontera.
- MPVs, electric vans and MPVs For large families or transport professionals, models such as the Citroën ë-Berlingo are included in the catalogue, offering modularity and space on board.
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The scheme gives priority to vehicles produced in Europe that meet strict criteria: a list price under €47,000a maximum weight of 2.4 tonnesand a environmental score complies with the latest standards in force.
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As we have seen, manufacturers such as Renault and the Stellantis group (Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Fiat, JeepAlfa Romeo, etc.) are the main suppliers of eligible models.
At Renault, for example, the Megane E-Tech, the new R5 and the Kangoo E-Tech are all produced in France, with rents to remain below €150 per month depending on the configuration.
The 3 flagship models for 2025
For the 2025 edition of social leasing, three electric models stand out for their attractiveness, performance and affordability, combining a high volume of production in France or Europe, competitive range and low prices of around €100 per month.
1. Citroën ë-C3
Renewed in 2025, the Citroën ë-C3 confirms its status as the star of social leasing. Produced in Europe, it boasts one of the lowest starting rents on the market, at 95/month. This compact city car will win you over with its comforthis range of up to 320 km and its equipment/price ratiodesigned for city driving and short daily journeys.
Its success in 2025 is confirmed: it remains at the heart of the Stellantis Group's offering, the volume leader in this segment.
Renault 5 E-Tech
This is the the most symbolic model of the made in France electric revival. Assembly in Douai, retro-modern design and versatile performanceFrom September onwards, the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric will be available on a social leasing basis.
It targets a young and active customer base, with a 410 km range and controlled running costs. Renault has explicitly announced that it is prioritising the R5 in its My Electric Leasing" programmeThe company's image and practical innovations are the key to its success.
3. Peugeot e-208
Real best-seller from the Stellantis groupthe Peugeot e-208 combines dynamic designIt's also a driver-friendly car and is widely available across Europe. It is available from €100/month subject to compliance with resource and usage conditions.
Its autonomy, of around 400 kmIts ease of use and ergonomic design make it the ideal choice for both private users and professionals looking for efficiency and versatility.
Frequently asked questions about Social Leasing 2025
Can the contract be terminated at any time?
The termination of a social leasing contract in 2025 meets the following criteria clear rulesdesigned for protect both the beneficiary and the lessor. In practice, it is not possible to terminate the contract at any time without a legitimate reason. As with all traditional long-term leases, early termination of a lease outside the agreed conditions generally gives rise to penalties. financial penaltiesthe tenant may be required to pay all or part of the remaining monthly instalments.
However, certain exceptional events allow you to terminate your contract free of charge and without having to pay any future rent:
- Deaths of the tenant
- Loss of employmentby providing the necessary supporting documents
- Disability recognised under Article L. 341-3 of the Social Security Code
- If the vehicle not delivered within 14 days following the scheduled date, you can cancel without charge, or demand a reasonable new delivery date.
- Once you have signed, you will benefit from a 14 calendar day cooling-off period to change your mind, during which the break is completely free of charge.
Worth noting In these situations, you must provide proof to the lessor, who cannot charge you for any remaining rental payments or penalties, apart from any repair costs.
Apart from these specific cases, the early termination remains costlyThe lessee must repay the subsidies received by the lessor or pay the remainder of the monthly instalments. It is therefore essential to assess your commitments carefully before signing a 2025 social leasing contract.
What happens if the mileage is exceeded?
Exceeding the mileage stipulated in a 2025 social leasing contract entails the following charges additional costsFor each kilometre travelled in excess of the annual contractual rate, a charge will be made.
In general contracts include a minimum of 12,000 km/year. Any excess will be invoiced when the vehicle is returned.
Le The amount of this penalty varies from one lessor to anotherbut it is generally between 5 and 20 centimes per additional kilometre depending on model and operator.
For example An extra 2,000 km over three years can represent an additional cost of between €100 and €400.It is therefore essential toanticipate your needs when you subscribe to avoid this additional cost.
If, during the course of the contract, you realise that you are in danger of exceeding the fixed price, you can, depending on your rental company's terms and conditions, opt to request a revision of the contract by means of a riderto adapt the mileage limit to your actual use.
Finally, the overruns are paid when the vehicle is returnedat the end of the contract. Excess mileage will be accurately recorded and invoiced, in full transparency with the customer.
To avoid any unpleasant budget surprises, we strongly recommend that youmake the best possible adjustments to your package when you sign and monitor your mileage regularly over the months.
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How is the vehicle insured during the rental period?
For the duration of a 2025 social lease, the vehicle must be insured by the hirer as the main user.. The insurance taken out must cover, as a minimum, the following civil liabilitybut the vast majority of leasing recommend or even require all risks" package to guarantee the protection of the electric vehicle and meet the rental company's requirements.
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Some social leasing partners are now including car insurance in their contractsIn some cases, we offer packages that combine rent, maintenance and insurance cover, making it easier for low-income customers to manage their budgets. The monthly contributionwhich is generally separate from the vehicle rental charge, is based on the driver profilehis historythe model chosen and traffic area.
The aim is tooffer a turnkey solutionby limiting the out-of-pocket expenses for users: by 2025, the the average insurance premium for a leased electric vehicle is between €30 and €60/monthdepending on the cover chosen and the specifics of the contract.
For eligible households, it is therefore crucial to check whether insurance is included in the leasing contract or has to be taken out separatelyand its level of coverIn particular against theft, fire and all-accident damage.
Can I choose any model?
It is you can't choose just any model as part of Social Leasing 2025. As mentioned above, the vehicle selection is based on strict criteria Only electric models that meet price, weight and environmental performance requirements will be considered. The aim remains to offer accessible vehicles, sober and adapted to the mission of the system.
As we saw earlier, the official 2025 list mainly comprises city cars, compact cars and a few SUVs. products in EuropeThese include the Stellantis and Renault groups.
Nonetheless, some popular models in France as the Renault Scenic E-Tech (considered too expensive) or the Dacia Spring (produced outside Europe) are not included in the listThis means that you have to choose the specific vehicles approved by the scheme.
La exact list subject to changewith the gradual addition of new models meeting the specifications. The manufacturers are announcing their final offers in stages, to be consulted regularly on official platforms or by authorised dealers.
Conclusion
As we have seen throughout this article, the leasing social is a real gateway to fairer, more sustainable mobility for all. By removing the economic obstacles, it is enabling families who would never have considered electric cars to finally have a clean, quiet car that is much more economical to run.
But its effect goes far beyond the savings made: this scheme embodies a a new way of thinking about travelNowadays, everyone wants a car that's easy to use, with no nasty surprises. Nowadays, everyone wants a car that's easy to use, with no nasty surprises, and it's natural to look for partners who can provide step-by-step guidance, with education and transparency, in this change of direction towards more responsible mobility.
And this is precisely where Beev makes all the difference.
A recognised specialist in electrical transition, Beev guides you every step of the way: from choice of vehicle eligible foroptimising your filethrough a individual support in your administrative procedures. In other words, whether you're an individual or a company keen to include your employees in the transition, our platform puts people, transparency and efficiency at the heart of the experience.
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