Currently being examined in the Senate, the 2024 finance bill includes a potentially explosive amendment. Will the weight penalty or “mass penalty” be extended to electric vehicles? Answer in a few days.
Adopted at first reading by the National Assembly on October 20, the PLF 2024 passed into the hands of the Senate which has been examining it since November 23. The revenue component of the PLF 2024 was validated by senators on November 30. It includes a number of amendments, one of which plans to include electric vehicles in this penalty.
Electric SUVs in the crosshairs
Currently, the weight penalty applies to new thermal vehicles weighing more than 1,800 kg. The finance bill plans to tighten it to lower it to 1,600 kg, with the removal of the penalty cap at 50% of the acquisition amount. As a result, 42% of new thermal vehicles will be subject to the penalty.
The senators propose extending the measure to electric vehicles with a reduction of 300 kg in order to target models exceeding 1,900 kg. The objective is clearly announced: target electric SUVs. “ Analysis of registration data shows that the market shares of e-SUVs have increased from less than one in ten new electric cars sold in France in 2017 (6%) to around one in three electric cars today ( 30 %). These vehicles, which are heavier than a conventional electric vehicle, consume more raw materials for their manufacture, emit more particles when braking (an issue for air quality), and place greater demands on the electricity network for recharging. “, we can read in the amendment
French brands spared
Based on estimates of UFC-Que Choisir and of Transport & Environment, the senators argue that this weight penalty would affect 27% of new electric vehicles sold in France. The main electric SUV models, notably the sales star the Tesla Model Y, would be affected by this weight limit. According to Fleet Journalthe tax applied would be 10 euros per kilogram above 1,900 kg.
“ This threshold would, however, have no effect on French brand electric vehicles. », assures the amendment. And to cite the future Renault R-5, the Renault Scenic E-Tech as well as the Peugeot E-308 and E-408 among the models spared from the weight penalty. However, certain expected models, such as the e-3008 and the e-5008, will not pass the rear forks of the weight penalty.
The adoption of this amendment has not yet been achieved. The examination of the 2024 finance bill by the Senate will be completed on December 12. Then, the text will return to the National Assembly for the parliamentary shuttle before a final vote which will take place no later than December 31.
Sources: Senate, The Fleet Journal
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