If the government has chosen to relax the income ceiling not to be exceeded to be eligible for this aid, it has at the same time tightened its requirements on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle acquired. Explanations…
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Communication is a delicate exercise in which the whole art consists in drawing attention to certain key messages and being more discreet about others. The car plan announced at the end of May is a striking example, in particular its section devoted to the conversion bonus (bonus granted in the event of the purchase of a recent car and the simultaneous disposal of an old vehicle).
Better … and a downside
In announcing its measures, the government has insisted on expanding the income test. The decree published on May 31 in the Official Journal confirmed this. The conversion premium is now available to households with an RFR (benchmark tax income) of less than 18,000 euros per unit, compared to 13,489 euros previously. What to cover ” almost three quarters of the population “, According to the press kit of May 26.
The government also did not forget to point out the increase in premiums (for example its alignment to 3,000 euros for the purchase of a thermal vehicle), or the relaxation concerning the vehicles to be scrapped. For example, all diesel vehicles registered before 2011 are now concerned, whereas previously registration had to be prior to 2006.
READ >>> Automobile: ecological bonus and conversion bonus are increased from June 1st
At first glance, the executive has indeed let go of ballast to help buyers and support the automotive industry. There is however a downside… on which the speech of the government has been much less spoken.
From 116 g to 109g
Up to now, to obtain the bonus, it was necessary to acquire a new or second-hand vehicle imperatively displaying CO2 emissions of 116 g per km maximum in NEDC standards (old standards) or 144 g at most in WLTP (standard in valid for vehicles acquired since March 5, 2020). However, the government discreetly took the opportunity to tighten this criterion. From now on, the CO2 emissions of the new vehicle should not exceed 109 g in NEDC (or 137 g in new WLTP standards).
What is the concrete consequence? Part of the new or second-hand vehicle fleet is now excluded from the scope of the conversion premium, thereby reducing the universe of vehicles that can be acquired (particularly at reasonable prices).
An outdated official site
For example, a 2017 Renault Captur petrol (TCE 90 hp) emitting 113 g is no longer eligible for the premium, whereas this was still possible in May. Same thing for an Opel Corsa petrol (1.0 L Turbo Ecotec) of the same year because of its emissions of 114 g.
Finally, note that the administration does not help the public to see clearly. Friday, June 5, 4 days after the entry into force of the new measures, the site set up by the Ministry of Ecological Transition to inform about the conversion premium (primealaconversion.gouv.fr) still did not have was updated and still had outdated scales.
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