Before embarking on the electric adventure, many people wonder if an electric car is a good financial deal. A recent study by UFC-Que Choisir confirms that this option is advantageous in the long term. However, it depends heavily on the maintenance of public subsidies and stable electricity prices.
2026 will mark a turning point
From 2026, a new mid-size electric car should cost less than an equivalent combustion engine model. This trend will continue in 2029 for small cars (city cars) and in 2032 for large cars. On the used car market, electric vehicles are already proving to be a more financially advantageous solution, with savings estimated at around 2,000 euros over five years for a second-hand vehicle and 4,000 euros over seven years for a third-hand vehicle.
À Currently, a new electric car remains more expensive than an equivalent thermal model (petrol). Estimates for 2025 show that, considering a four-year ownership period, the additional costs amount to 2900 euros for a small vehicle, 750 euros for a medium vehicle and 4320 euros for a large vehicle.
Above all, the observation of the UFC-Que Choisir demonstrates that the economic attractiveness of electric vehicles comes from public aid. "Maintaining aid [...] is therefore essential to ensure the attractiveness of the electric car compared to the thermal car," warns the association. It adds: "For example, for a small vehicle, subsidies should be maintained at around €1,500 in 2026 and €750 in 2027 to guarantee price parity for the first owner."
The other determining factor for the attractiveness of electric cars is the cost of electricity. If the price of electricity increases significantly, the financial advantage will disappear. Currently, a driver without access to A private terminal must pay around 550 euros extra per year, which could delay cost parity with a thermal car by six years.
The electric car will be more advantageous, provided that the state plays the game
Unfortunately, the latest government decisions threaten these two elements. For UFC-Que Choisir, the elimination of the bonus The conversion and reduction of the ecological bonus (capped at 4,000 euros compared to 7,000 euros previously) penalizes consumers and hinders the transition to electric.
The famous consumer association is not limiting itself to this study and is making demands. UFC-Que Choisir is making three requests, starting with extended financial support for the purchase of new electric vehicles. Indeed, maintaining purchase subsidies is considered crucial until that the prices of these vehicles become truly competitive compared to thermal models.
Secondly, the association calls for strict regulation of electricity prices and believes that this is necessary to ensure a stable and accessible cost of use. Finally, it campaigns for the regulation of prices for public charging stations in order to prevent price excesses and guarantee transparent billing.
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