- The zero-rate loan (PTZ) for the purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle has been tested since January 1, 2023 in low mobility emission zones (ZFE-m)
- This interest-free loan is open under conditions to people living in low-emission areas that regularly exceed pollution thresholds (e.g. Paris, Marseille, Lyon, etc.)
- The allocation conditions have just been slightly relaxed – but we still have to be patient, because an agreement between the State and the credit institutions is necessary, and consultations are still in progress.
The purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle can represent a significant investment, but also an opportunity to reduce its ecological footprint and save fuel. To encourage the transition to more sustainable mobility, the government has set up a zero-interest loan (PTZ) experiment over a two-year period for the purchase of a low-emission electric or hybrid vehicle in the mobility low emission zones (ZFE-m).
ZFE-m are areas of the territory where access is limited or prohibited to the most polluting vehicles, in order to fight against air pollution and global warming. Currently, 11 ZFE-m are set up in the metropolises of Greater Paris, Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rouen, Reims and Saint-Étienne. These ZFE-m must also be established in the 43 agglomerations of more than 150,000 inhabitants before December 31, 2024.
The conditions around zero-rate mobility loans change slightly
The PTZ is a measure originally provided for by law n° 2021-1104 of August 22, 2021 Climate and Resilience. This is an interest-free loan granted by credit institutions and partner financing companies to individuals and micro-enterprises domiciled in or near a ZFE-m, under certain conditions of resources and vehicle performance. .
Two decrees published on May 3, 2023 in the official journal, add some modifications to the conditions around this type of credit. Decree 2023-330 changes the zero-rate loan by extending it to retrofit, the transformation of a thermal car into an electric one. As for decree 2023-329, it defines new reporting obligations for credit and financing or management institutions.
For individuals, the reference tax income per unit must therefore now be less than or equal to 14,089 euros, according to the latest tax notice available (against 14,000 euros previously). The PTZ can be granted for a private car or a van, whose GVW is less than or equal to 2.6 tonnes. Carbon dioxide emissions must be less than or equal to 50 grams per kilometer – which leaves the possibility of also financing low-polluting vehicles (particularly hybrids).
The cost of acquisition, long-term rental or rental with option to purchase the vehicle must be less than or equal to 47,000 euros including tax for a passenger car and 60,000 euros including tax for a van. The PTZ can be combined with other public aid, such as the ecological bonus or the conversion bonus.
However, there is a catch for applicants: the new provisions require credit institutions to sign an agreement with the State. Consultations are still ongoing, but the situation should probably be resolved around September 2023.
How to get a zero rate mobility loan?
To benefit from the PTZ, you must follow the following steps:
- Check that you meet the conditions:
- Particular : taxable income per unit maximum of €14,089, reside in a ZFE-m (low mobility emission zone) or be part of a nearby municipality concerned (bordering intermunicipal community) and check that you will not exceed 35% debt after subscription
- Professional : micro-enterprise with less than 10 employees, turnover of less than 2 million euros, reside in a ZFE-m (low emission mobility zone) or be part of a nearby municipality concerned (bordering intermunicipal community)
- Find a bank offering this type of credit:
- Unfortunately, we told you, banks are not obliged to grant this type of loan, and iThe establishments must have signed an agreement with the State
- For the moment, we still need to arm ourselves with a little patience, because these agreements are still being consulted – but everything should be back to normal for the PTZ-m from next school year
- Choose a vehicle weighing less than 2.6 tons and emitting less than 50 g of CO2 per km. We can cite these few examples:
- Renault Zoe
- Peugeot e-208
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Toyota Prius Plug-in
- Kia Niro Plug-in
- File your file with your bank or credit institution
- Once the credit is accepted and the funds are in your account: buy your vehicle
