Regulatory Framework in France
In the transport sector, reducing CO2 emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency have become key priorities. Through regulatory measures, France is accelerating efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
With the expansion of ZFE (Low Emission Zones), high-emission trucks are increasingly restricted from operating in urban areas. As a result, continuing operations with conventional diesel trucks is becoming more difficult. These regulations represent an important step toward reducing CO2 emissions in the atmosphere and promoting the shift to cleaner modes of transport.
ZFE (Low Emission Zones)
Implemented in 2018. Designated areas established to restrict the circulation of high-emission vehicles that contribute to air pollution.
Vehicles operating within these zones must display a Crit’Air sticker, certifying that they are authorized to circulate.
ZFEs are being gradually expanded. From 2025 onward, trucks registered before September 30, 2001, as well as older diesel and gasoline vehicles exceeding certain age thresholds, will face circulation restrictions. This effectively creates an environment that requires the transition to electric trucks.
LOM (Mobility Orientation Law)
Enacted in 2019. Legally bans the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2040 and sets carbon neutrality targets for land transport by 2050.
EV Adoption Support in France
The French government and ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition) offer subsidies to support initial investments related to EV deployment.
ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition)
Works in partnership with the government, companies, local authorities, and citizens to provide technical and financial support for projects aimed at energy transition and CO2 reduction.
Promotes the transition to a decarbonized society through subsidy programs for EV truck adoption and charging infrastructure development.
EV Deployment Support
Since 2022, subsidies of up to €50,000 (approx. ¥9.25 million) are available for EV and hydrogen trucks.
Combined with the Over-depreciation Scheme, support can reach up to €100,000 (approx. ¥18.5 million).
In 2023, the “Ecosystem for Electrification of Heavy-Duty Vehicles” program (total budget: €60 million / approx. ¥11.1 billion) supported the deployment of over 500 EV trucks.
France Relance (French Recovery Plan): A historic €100 billion (approx. ¥18 trillion) national recovery initiative aimed at reviving the economy and building “the France of tomorrow.”
Over-depreciation Scheme: A tax measure that allows companies to claim additional depreciation when purchasing environmentally friendly vehicles, significantly reducing their taxable income.
Support for Charging Infrastructure
To make EV trucks viable for everyday operations, it is essential to build high-capacity charging infrastructure. However, the current reality is that the development of such infrastructure is still insufficient. As of 2025, there are only 21 facilities nationwide equipped with fast chargers of 350 kW or more. The shortage of high-output charging infrastructure remains a major challenge, and the government is supporting development through initiatives such as France Relance and subsidy schemes.
In 2016, the Advenir program was launched as a major public initiative to support the development of charging infrastructure. Operated by ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), it plays a critical role in promoting the widespread use of EV trucks in the logistics industry. Advenir helps resolve infrastructure-related issues that hinder EV truck adoption and is central to accelerating carbon neutrality in France’s transport sector.
In 2023, the Advenir program was allocated a total budget of €200 million (approx. ¥37 billion) through energy savings certificates (CEE). The program was then extended until 2027, with an additional €200 million (approx. ¥37 billion) secured for the period from 2024 to 2027. Although the initial goal was to install 175,000 charging units by 2025, the timeline was delayed, and the target is now set for 2027. However, as of mid-2025, the number of installed units has already exceeded 169,000, indicating steady progress.
Logistics companies and transport operators can receive subsidies covering up to 60% of the cost of installing charging stations at their own sites or operational bases.
For standard chargers (below 22 kW): up to €960 (approx. ¥180,000) per unit
For fast chargers (22 kW or more): up to €2,100 (approx. ¥390,000) per unit
