The EPZs for businesses: what changes?

Renault Master e-Tech

The EPZ (zones with low emissions) are becoming increasingly common in France. Against this backdrop, should you change your diesel commercial vehicle for an electric one in 2025? What do you need to know? Is now the right time or should we wait? 

We have studied the issue to help you à anticipate the changes that will come into force very shortly with the introduction of low-emission zones known as EPZ in France's major cities.

These EPZ are forcing companies to change their fleet In the next five years, it will be essential to switch to less polluting vehicles. Companies such as La Poste have chosen to take the lead, by starting the electrification of their fleet. One in five vehicles will be low-emission in 2019, and this figure is set to rise over the next few years, until all vehicles are replaced.

Table of contents

Find your future electric vehicle or charging point

BMW iX2 eDrive20

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46 990 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

453 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 478 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 8.6 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 30 minutes

Cupra Tavascan VZ

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46 990 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

602 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 517 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 5.6 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 28 min

VinFast VF 8 Plus Extended Range

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51 490 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

473 €

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Range (WLTP) : 447 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 5.5 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 32 min

Mini Countryman E

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41 330 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

564 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 462 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 8.6 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 29 min

fiat e ducato profil

Fiat E-Ducato 79 kWh

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63 240 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

988 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 283 km

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 78 min

fiat e scudo profil

Fiat E-Scudo 50 kWh

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0 €

(excluding bonuses)

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645 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 220 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 12.1 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 26 min

mercedes esprinter fourgon gris

Mercedes eSprinter Van 35 kWh

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75 972 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

655 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 153 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 11 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 26 min

citroen e berlingo van 3/4

Citroën ë-Berlingo Van 50 kWh

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40 440 €

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Lease from

599 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 275 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 9.7 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 26 min

Hyundai Inster Standard Range

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25 000 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

298 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 300 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 11.7 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 29 min

Opel Frontera 44 kWh

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29 000 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

491 €

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Range (WLTP) : 305 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 12.1 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 32 min

Alpine A290 Electric 180 hp

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38 700 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

630 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 380 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 7.4 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 33 min

Fiat Grande Panda 44 kWh

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24 900 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

430 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 320 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 12 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 32 min

BMW i5 Touring eDrive40

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0 €

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Lease from

890 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 560 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 6.1 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 26 min

Tesla Model 3 Long Range Powertrain

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44 990 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

499 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 702 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 5.3 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 20 min

Mercedes EQE 300

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69 900 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

0 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 647 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 7.3 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 33 min

BMW i4 eDrive35

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57 550 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

607 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 483 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 6 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 32 min

Renault 4 E-Tech 40kWh 120hp

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29 990 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

448 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 322 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 9.2 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 32 min

Citroën ë-C4 54 kWh

List price

35 800 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

0 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 415 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 10 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 29 min

Volvo EX30 Single Motor ER

List price

43 300 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

436 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 480 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 5.3 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 28 min

Volkswagen iD.3 Pro S

List price

42 990 €

(excluding bonuses)

Lease from

0 €

Per month, with no deposit for professionals

Range (WLTP) : 549 km

Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 7.9 sec

Fast charge (from 20 to 80%) : 30 minutes

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Changes linked to the introduction of the EPZs

The Mobility Orientation Act, or law LOMwas published in the official gazette on 26 December and concerns both public and private companies.It gives local authoritiesThis means that the authorities have the choice and the power to restrict or prohibit access to the most polluting vehicles for a given period or permanently. 

 

In France, road transport accounts for 94 % of transport sector emissionsor :

 

  • 54 % to private vehicles
  • 24 % for heavy goods vehicles
  • 20 % to commercial vehicles

 

The rate of emissions rises easily during heatwaves, which is why restricted traffic zones have been introduced.(ZCR)or alternating traffic, when pollution peaks are forecast.These devices are effective in reducing emissions for a time.The metropolises had to look for a sustainable solution.Following the example of other European cities, the State and thelocal authoritieshave opted to introduceEPZ. As part of the Île-de-France Atmosphere Protection Plan, their impact is considered to be both rapid and effective in terms of purifying the air in the metropolitan area, and also necessary to encourage cleaner vehicle traffic.

 

Read also: EPZ: Lyon: vehicle bans and aid... everything you need to know about the EPZ

What to look out for with the introduction of the EPZs

In France, 98 % of commercial vehicles drive on diesel. A surprising figure, given that 12 conurbations have set up an EPZ by 2025 and 30 more in the coming months/years.

The following towns have become or will soon become EPZs:

ZFE en vigueur ZFE À VENIR
Rouen
Dunkerque
Paris and the Greater Paris region
Lille
Reims
Béthune
Strasbourg
Douai-Lens
Lyon
Valenciennes
Grenoble
Amiens
Saint Etienne
Metz
Nice
Nancy
Aix-Marseille
Mulhouse
Clermont-Ferrand
Dijon
Montpellier
Annemasse
Toulouse
Annecy
Chambéry
Toulon
Avignon
Nîmes
Perpignan
Pau
Bayonne
Bordeaux
Limoges
Orléans
Towers
Angers
Nantes
Le Mans
Brest
Rennes
Caen
Le Havre

Knowing that a leasing (LLDandLOA)is generally given over a period of 36 to 48 months,(i.e. three to four years)the need to consider the acquisition of commercial vehicles emissions now, if your business is located in the EPZ.The introduction of these new vehicles will mean that commercial fleets will have to switch to less polluting vehicles. 

Read also: All you need to know about car leasing

The government has had every intention of tightening the screws in recent years, which is why the Green Industry Bill was introduced on 11 October 2023. That's another reason why the bonus/ecologic malus was reformed in 2024. 

In other words, from January 2024, the trigger threshold will be set at 118 g/km of CO2, representing a €50 penalty. What's more, the maximum limit will rise to €60,000.

We therefore need to consider converting our fleet of commercial vehicles diesels into low-emission vehicles to continue its journeys in mainland France.

Setting a timetable for your company's energy transition

Since converting the fleet is a strategic issue for the company, embarking on the energy transition is a long-term project which, depending on the company's needs and size, can take several months.

 

If :

 

  • Your company operates mainly in mainland France and requires commercial vehicles If you're in the business of transporting goods, last-mile delivery, catering, plumbing or any other craft.
  • Your company provides company cars for employees and your premises are located on the outskirts or in a metropolis.

 

Read also: The ecological last mile challenge

If you are in one of these two situations, then the question of converting your vehicle fleet is one that needs to be addressed right now.It's vital to draw up your energy transition timetable as soon as your leases come to an end and before you make any potential purchases. 

 

When determining your energy transition timetable, bear in mind that the later the start date, the lower the tax benefits. 

 

La lawLOMwill impose a quota of commercial vehicles specific to all companies with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles.
By 2030, the regulatory quota for low-emission vehicles will cover passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. utilitiesand the mandatory quota will be 50 % from the fleet of the company.

Read also: Fleet and electric vehicles: why and how to speed up the transition?

Why is electric a sustainable solution?

Electric vehicles are clean alternatives to internal combustion vehicles. This is an interesting possibility, given the energy and environmental challenges of the future. Electric vehicles, which are clean vehicles that comply with the restrictions imposed by the EPZ, have seen strong growth.

The advantages of electric LCVs

The vehicles electric vans are still relatively unknown to companies, but their future looks promising, not only because of the regulatory deadline, but also because of the advantages associated with their use. TheVULcirculating within theEPZhave a concentrated radius of intervention, their daily requirement is generally less than 100 km.All its features meet the needs of the switch to electric power. 

 

In terms of taxation, the commercial vehicles are subject to the same rules regardless of the fuel used.Diesel or electric, they are all exempt from tax on the use of passenger vehicles for commercial purposes.economic purposesand are not amortised over time.

 

As far as day-to-day costs are concerned, here's a brief comparison of a commercial vehicle diesel and electric : 

VUL diesel VUL électrique
Cost per 100 km
7 €
2 €
Parking charges (example in Paris)
4 €/h
0 €

Costs are much higher for diesel cars.

Another advantage for employees travelling in vehicles electric vans is the silence on board the vehicle, which offers a driving comfort and therefore reduces driver fatigue.

The Electric LCVs are certainly more expensive to buy, but more economical to run and more pleasant to drive, thanks to the silence on board, the immediate availability of torque and the absence of vibration from the engine.r. They are a perfect substitute for diesel-powered commercial vehicles, in terms of functionality and taxation.

Read also: Parking your electric car: free parking?

Support for the purchase of an electric LCV

Most companies are subject to long-term contracts (LLD). These contracts are generally between 24 and 48 months. In short, if you take out a long-term contract today, you will have to pay monthly instalments until 2024, which will prevent you from driving your new car. utility at that time.

 

It's important to anticipate the future, so start planning the end dates of your leases and optimise your contracts.

 

To help companies make the switch to vehicles utilities to reduce pollution, the government has introduced a number of subsidies.

 

Depending on the department and region where your company's head office is located, you may be eligible for regional aid, which can be combined with the current environmental bonus. Depending on whether you are buying or leasing, you may qualify for this aid.

 

For example, if your company is located in the Île-de-France region or in LyonIf you're looking for a new home, you may be eligible for assistance from the metropolitan authority.

 

Read also: Regional aid for electric cars

Which commercial vehicle should I choose?

Several models are available on the market, depending on the company's needs, the volume required and the route taken.

 

LCVs are available in all sizes and volumes, from 6 m³ to 11 m³, whether diesel or electric.

 

In the vehicle ranges electric vansMost of the models on offer have a autonomy more than 100 km per day, according to the new measurement standard WLTP.

 

Also worth reading - What's the best electric van on the market?

Véhicule Autonomie Volume Prix (hors bonus écologique)
Peugeot e-Expert
230 km
3.3 m3
51 400 €
Renault Kangoo Van E-Tech
300 km
3.9 m3
40 320 €
Renault Master ZE
130 km
8 to 13 m3
48 200 €
Volkswagen e-Crafter
115 km
10.7 m3
57 100 €

Electric LCVs can be adapted to suit your company's activity.  

If your company's activities require certain adaptations to ensure smooth journeys in commercial vehiclesElectric LCVs, like diesel LCVs, can be adjusted to suit your needs. Several types of conversion are possible: for example, fitting a tipper or converting into a refrigerated vehicle.

This is the case for restaurants, frozen food deliveries and florists.

In a nutshell

It's time to think about converting the fleet ofVULtowards less polluting vehicles.Setting your energy transition timetable this year is crucial, given the introduction ofEPZin most of France's major cities. 

The regulatory framework is conducive to this transition.On the one hand, the residual value of vehicles utilities As a result, rents are set to rise.In addition, regional aid and ecological bonuses make the purchase of a new car more attractive.VULelectricity. 

Finally, the objective ofEPZs commitment to encouraging the use of clean vehicles is supported by dealers.There are a range of vehicles on the market, including electric vans equivalent to those of diesels. They are a perfect substitute. 

Although the purchase price is higher, the savings come with use and over time. 

Beev offers multi-brand 100% electric vehicles at the best prices, as well as recharging solutions.

Picture of Grace Nzuzi
Grace Nzuzi

Through my articles, I help you to better manage your energy transition. For professionals and private individuals alike.

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