The government is considering imposing a hefty fine on companies that do not have enough electric cars.
The government wants to do everything to encourage motorists to adopt electric cars, while it has just revealed its electrification objectives for the coming years. At the same time, we know that the European Union will in any case ban the sale of thermal vehicles throughout its territory from 2035. And in the meantime, the pressure continues to increase on all those who do not yet want to adopt this engine considered much cleaner than gasoline and diesel.
Encourage the purchase of electric cars
And for good reason, as part of the examination of the Finance Bill (PLF) 2025, the deputy Jean-Luc Fugit presented an ambitious amendment aimed at introducing a tax in the event of non-compliance with the greening quotas imposed by the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM). According to this amendment, companies that do not respect these quotas could be subject to a penalty. fine of 2,000 euros per missing electric vehicle. A measure which, although strict, could be seen as necessary to accelerate the ecological transition in the transport sector. This proposal is in line with the declarations of the new Minister of Energy, Olga Givernet, who recently affirmed her desire to take measures against companies resistant to decarbonization. “I am ready to sanction companies that do not decarbonize their automobile fleet,” she declared earlier. For the record, the LOM law imposes a quota of 20% of electrified vehicles on companies with a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, but in 2024, this threshold remains largely unattained for many companies.
A punitive fine
For many observers, this new amendment marks a firmer position taken by the State after years of incentive measures and awareness raising. The strategy now seems to be evolving towards a more coercive approach to encourage companies to make the necessary investments. If this penalty is approved, it could represent a significant financial burden for recalcitrant companies. Indeed, with a fine of 2,000 euros per non-compliant vehicle, the bill could quickly become steep, particularly for large companies with a large vehicle fleet. But beyond the punitive aspect, the transition to electric in professional fleets seems feasible, as shown by a recent study by Nelson Mobility. According to this study, “the switch to electric is possible for a significant number of professionals, and this without loss of efficiency for businesses”. This analysis sheds positive light on the potential of electrification of business fleets, while emphasizing the need to properly identify “electro-compatible” drivers.
Alfred Richard, co-founder and CEO of Nelson Mobility, emphasizes that it is not just about reaching a quota of electric vehicles, but ensuring a considered choice for each position. “Beyond the number, it is appropriate to introduce a notion of casting,” he explains, adding that certain professional activities are more compatible with electricity than others. According to him, “a mistake could cost the company dearly.”
Source: www.autoplus.fr
