Will the market for electric cars experience a shake‑up of its famous eco-score? That seems to be the aim behind a proposed ministerial decree to reform how the eco-score is calculated.
A full life-cycle assessment from material extraction
The electrification of France’s car fleet is being driven by a series of measures that push people to invest in this technology. Even though sales are rising in France, the figures are somewhat boosted by the third edition of social leasing.
To keep this momentum going, the Ministry of Ecological Transition has floated the idea of changing the eco-score calculation. A public consultation has therefore opened in this regard.
As a reminder, the eco-score helps authorities evaluate a vehicle’s carbon footprint before it goes on sale. ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, takes into account metal extraction and refining, but also battery production and its transport to the point of sale.
In the end, the agency assigns a score. To achieve the eco-score, this score must be above 60 points. Vehicles manufactured in China are thus disadvantaged, because of the transport of parts and cars toEurope.
What changes are on the horizon?
As we write these lines, the automotive market is divided into two when it comes to eco-score rating. Indeed, it is impossible to judge, using the same criteria, several different segments—such as a SUV and a city car, for instance.
Except for city cars, all other segments are grouped under one identity. Consequently, the current calculation does not take into account the type of vehicle or how the driver might use it.
That is why the government’s plan is to create a third category. This would be reserved for the largest vehicles. To qualify, these vehicles would need to meet certain criteria such as having seven seats or more. But that’s not all! They must also boast a cargo volume of at least 410 liters. Finally, the WLTP range must be 550 kilometers. The third category would thus carry a different and more appropriate rating. The proposal would set a maximum carbon footprint of 21,000 kg CO2e. As a consequence, the other categories would see their caps lowered. Category 2 would therefore have a maximum of 19,300 kg CO2e.
As a reminder, if an electric vehicle scores below 60 points and does not obtain the eco-score, it will not be eligible for social leasing.
