In Brief
The environmental penalty and the weight-based penalty applied to new vehicles in France could be scrapped as early as 2027, following a vote by MPs in November. However, a recent decision concerning the 2027 budget casts doubt on the measure’s effectiveness, rendering it currently moot. If the government uses the 49-3 procedure to push the budget through, these penalties could stay in force. The situation remains uncertain, and their removal will hinge on future political and budgetary decisions.
Among the measures aimed at steering motorists toward electric mobility, the environmental penalty is one of the tools in place. National Assembly lawmakers voted in favor of scrapping it a few days ago. But will this actually be implemented in 2027?
Toward the End of the Penalties?
To push drivers toward investing in electric vehicles, authorities have decided to financially penalize the most polluting cars. Notably, the environmental penalty. Since its introduction, this penalty increases the prices of new polluting vehicles according to a precise scale. It can add thousands of euros to the bill. For instance, certain gasoline-powered SUVs, like the BMW M3, face a tax of up to €80,000. Under the scale, vehicles emitting more than 191 g/km and those emitting at least 108 g/km are affected.
On November 2, lawmakers in the National Assembly voted to completely eliminate this penalty, by a margin of 49 to 47. But that’s not all. The amendment that passed also provides for the removal of the weight-based penalty that hits many plug-in hybrids. Consequently, it is entirely legitimate to wonder whether the elimination of these penalties will take effect in 2027.
A Delicate Situation in France
The answer is far from a simple yes or no. In fact, a few days later, another vote by National Assembly members opposed the revenue component as part of the 2027 budget project. With that vote, the removal of the penalties becomes moot. As in recent years, the 2027 budget is likely to be a difficult hurdle. The reason: the National Assembly’s divisions among parties that can’t seem to reach agreement.
As a result, the 2027 budget could go through other procedures, including the infamous 49-3. This mechanism could allow the government to approve its budget. If this route is used, it’s highly likely that the environmental penalty and the weight penalty remain on the table for 2027. But that’s not all. The threshold will be lowered further starting January 1, 2027, to a triggering level of 103 g/km of CO2. To learn more, one must wait to see whether the 2027 budget is approved by the National Assembly or whether the government will resort to 49-3.
2027 will also be a presidential election year. Mobility will be a central theme in the campaigns. It remains to be seen what proposals will be put forward by the various candidates.
Comparative Table
| Type of Vehicle | CO2 Emissions (g/km) | Penalty Amount | Trigger Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 (gasoline SUV) | >191 | €80,000 | 108 g/km in 2023, 103 g/km planned in 2027 |
Key Takeaways
- The environmental penalty financially penalizes the most polluting new vehicles.
- An amendment voted on November 2 provides for the elimination of the environmental penalty and the weight penalty in 2027.
- The actual application of this elimination depends on the validation of the 2027 budget, which is currently uncertain.
- The BMW M3 can be taxed up to €80,000 according to the current scale.
- The penalty threshold would be lowered to 103 g/km of CO2 starting January 1, 2027 if current rules persist.
- The issue could become a central focus of the 2027 presidential campaign.
FAQ
Will the environmental penalty be scrapped in 2027?
The elimination was voted by the National Assembly, but another vote on the budget renders it moot for the moment. The situation remains uncertain.
What does the amendment voted on November 2 provide?
The amendment calls for the complete elimination of the environmental penalty and the weight-based penalty on new vehicles.
Which vehicles are affected by the environmental penalty?
The penalty applies to new vehicles emitting more than 191 g/km and starting at 108 g/km. The threshold will drop to 103 g/km in 2027.
What amount can the penalty reach on certain SUVs?
For models like the BMW M3, the tax can reach €80,000 under the current scale.
Does the 2027 budget affect the penalty’s removal?
Yes, the 2027 budget must be approved for the penalty removal to take effect. Without approval, the measure remains moot.
