Photo: Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Regulation
France's 2026 Eco-Malus: Electric Cars Are No Longer Entirely Exempt
August 10, 2026
By Hugo Beignon, Founder of ma-borne-electrique.com
The weight-based malus can now apply to certain electric cars without an eco-score, a first since the mechanism was created.
Electric cars in France have long been shielded from every ecological penalty. That's no longer entirely true as of 2026, when some of them became subject to the weight-based malus for the first time.
The CO2 malus still doesn't affect electric cars
The classic ecological malus, based on CO2 emissions, applies to new cars emitting more than 108g of CO2 per kilometer under the WLTP cycle, and can reach up to 80,000 euros for the most polluting vehicles, above 191g/km. Electric cars, which emit no CO2 while driving, remain exempt from this part of the system.
The weight-based malus is now a real risk for some models
The threshold that triggers the weight-based malus was lowered in 2026, from 1,600 to 1,500 kg, with a progressive scale of 10 to 30 euros per kilogram depending on the bracket.
The end of a blanket exemption
Since July 1, 2026, electric cars that don't hold an eco-score qualification can become liable for this weight-based malus, after a flat 600kg abatement meant to account for battery weight. In practice, it's mainly the heaviest or imported electric models without an eco-score that lose the full exemption they previously enjoyed.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric cars pay the CO2 ecological malus?
No, the CO2 malus applies to vehicles emitting more than 108g of CO2/km, and electric cars, which emit no CO2, remain exempt.
Can electric cars be subject to the weight-based malus?
Yes, since July 1, 2026, electric cars without an eco-score can become liable for the weight-based malus, after a flat 600kg abatement.
What's the weight-malus threshold in 2026?
The threshold was lowered from 1,600 to 1,500 kg, with a progressive scale of 10 to 30 euros per kilogram depending on the bracket.
Are all electric cars affected by the weight malus?
Mainly the heaviest or imported electric models without an eco-score are the ones losing the full exemption they previously had.
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