Europeans who hate that persistent smell of diesel fumes that seem to be everywhere in many cities, I’ve got good news for you. If you live in France, you’ll probably be happy to learn that the government has begun an aggressive initiative to get older, heavily polluting diesel cars off the road — by offering owners up to €10,000 (~$11,400) to switch to a plug-in hybrid electric or 100% battery-electric car.
The announcement — made by the French Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy Ségolène Royal — makes it clear that the offer pertains to diesel cars of over 13 years of age.
Also worth noting is that the bonus is cumulative with the environmental bonus that’s been extended as of January 1, 2015. The offer is for individual owners.
The specifics of the offer are: electric vehicles get €3,700 (~$4,200) via the diesel car conversion bonus, plus €6,300 (~$7,200) via the environmental bonus, for a total of €10,000 (~$11,400); plug-in hybrids get €2,500 (~$2,850) to convert from an older diesel car, plus €4,000 (~$4,550) via the environmental bonus, for a total of €6,500 in incentives (~$7,400).
In addition to these larger incentives, the French government will also be offering a €500 bonus for the replacement of old diesel cars (over 13 years old) with Euro 6 class vehicles (emitting less than 110 gCO2/km).
This is great news for those of us who like everything about European cities… except the constant smell of diesel — and of course for those that live there, and will hopefully be breathing less diesel pollution at some point in the near future.
It also shows that France wants to stay at the head of the electric car market in Europe, alongside Norway.
Those who speak French (or just are curious) and want to read the original press information can find it here.
Image Credit: Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, And Energy; Government of France
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