France, long considered the European champion of diesel, is now undergoing a profound transformation of its car fleet. Diesel engines, once dominant thanks to tax incentives and strong domestic manufacturing, are steadily losing ground to gasoline, hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs). But while this transition is hailed as a win for the environment and public health, it is also exposing a deep social divide that risks leaving many households behind.

A market in transition

As of January 2025, France had nearly 47 million vehicles on the road, according to official government statistics. Cars still account for the overwhelming majority, with almost 40 million passenger vehicles registered. But the composition of this fleet is shifting. Diesel now represents 57.7% of the total stock, down sharply from nearly 70% in 2015. Gasoline has risen to 40.9% of the fleet, while electric cars, although still a minority, are growing exponentially—accounting for 2.7% of vehicles, or over 1.2 million units.

Hybrids, once a niche product, are becoming a mainstream choice for families unwilling to take the full leap into electrification. Meanwhile, gas-powered and hydrogen vehicles remain marginal, but they hint at an increasingly diversified energy landscape.

This reconfiguration is not just about technology; it is reshaping the economic and social fabric of mobility in France.

Cleaner, but not cheaper

The ecological case for the transition is strong. Diesel cars are major emitters of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particles—pollutants directly linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Moving away from diesel helps cities meet EU air quality standards and makes life healthier for urban residents.

But on the climate front, the picture is more complicated. Diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline, meaning that replacing diesel with petrol engines can actually increase CO₂ emissions per kilometer. Policymakers thus face a paradox: decisions made to improve public health in the short term may undermine France's long-term climate commitments.

The social dimension makes things even more complex. Electric cars remain 30 to 40% more expensive on average than their combustion-engine equivalents, according to the French National Institute of Statistics (INSEE). Even if running costs are lower, the high upfront price is prohibitive for many working-class and middle-income households—especially those living outside major cities.

Hybrids are more accessible, but still costly, and their environmental performance depends heavily on how consistently owners recharge them. A plug-in hybrid used without regular charging often behaves like a standard gasoline car, undermining both ecological and financial benefits.

Low emission zones: dividing urban and rural France

One of the most visible sources of inequality is the rollout of Low Emission Zones (ZFE). These zones, already active in Paris and several major metropolitan areas, restrict access for older, more polluting cars. For urban residents, subsidies, tax breaks, and municipal support can help ease the switch to cleaner vehicles.

But for households in rural and peri-urban areas—where cars are indispensable and public transport alternatives are scarce—the rules can feel punitive. These drivers often cannot afford a new vehicle compliant with ZFE regulations, effectively barring them from entering city centers for work, healthcare, or family visits. Critics warn that the policy risks deepening a territorial fracture, exacerbating tensions between metropolitan elites and peripheral France.

Policy innovation: France's “Social Leasing”

To address these concerns, the French government launched an innovative program in 2024: social leasing. Under this scheme, low-income households can lease an electric vehicle for just €100 per month. The initiative is unique in Europe and has attracted strong demand, with thousands of applications in its first year.

If expanded, social leasing could become a game changer, making EVs accessible to households who would otherwise be priced out of the transition. But its success will depend on the government's ability to scale the program, secure sufficient funding, and ensure a diverse range of vehicles is available—not just small city cars, but also family-sized and utility vehicles.

How Europe compares

France is not alone in grappling with the social costs of electrification. Across Europe, governments are experimenting with different approaches:

  • Germany offered subsidies of up to €6,750 for new EVs, but cut them in 2023, causing a slowdown in sales. Berlin is also trying to boost the second-hand electric market with tax incentives.

  • Norway, the global leader in EV adoption, eliminated VAT on electric cars and slashed road tolls and parking fees. The result: more than 80% of new car sales are electric. But the fiscal cost of these policies is enormous, raising questions about long-term sustainability.

  • Spain runs the “MOVES” program, which subsidizes both clean vehicle purchases and home charging stations. Yet delays in disbursing the funds have blunted its impact, particularly for low-income families.

  • France, with its social leasing scheme, has taken a more explicitly social approach. If successful, it could provide a model for other European countries struggling to balance climate goals with affordability.

Bridging the gap

For policymakers, the challenge is clear: the energy transition must also be a just transition. Without targeted support, millions of households risk being excluded from cleaner mobility. This exclusion could fuel resentment and resistance, as seen during the “Yellow Vest” protests in 2018, which were triggered in part by rising fuel taxes.

Solutions include expanding the used EV market, offering micro-credits for low-income households, and strengthening public transport and shared mobility options. In rural areas, investment in carpooling and community transport could help reduce dependency on individual car ownership.

At the same time, the industry itself must adapt. Automakers will need to broaden their EV offerings to include affordable models, while governments must ensure that infrastructure—from charging stations to energy supply—is scaled to meet growing demand.

A transition at a crossroads

France's automotive transition is both a story of progress and a warning. The country has made significant strides in reducing diesel dependence and promoting cleaner alternatives. But unless affordability and equity are placed at the center of policy, the shift risks leaving behind the very citizens it is meant to serve.

The stakes could not be higher. Transport accounts for nearly a third of France's greenhouse gas emissions, and the country has committed to cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Achieving these goals will require not only technological innovation, but also political courage and social sensitivity.

For now, France stands as a case study for the rest of Europe: a reminder that the road to cleaner cars is not just about engines and batteries, but about people, fairness, and the choices societies make about who gets to move forward—and how fast.

Source : prix carburant en France