These plug-in hybrids are eligible for the electric bonus

It is commonly accepted that new electric cars are entitled to a government bonus of 6,000 euros (which will be increased to 5,000 euros after 1^er July 2022), and that plug-in hybrids have to settle for 1,000 euros of public aid, an advantage that will disappear on 1^er July. But this is just a simplification. In fact, government subsidies are indexed to CO emissions₂ and are not conditioned on one type of engine. Thus, the bonus of 1,000 euros applies to models that emit between 20 g / km and 50 g / km, a category that only includes rechargeable hybrids. As for the maximum bonus of 6,000 euros, it is applicable to models that emit less than 20 g / km of CO₂a category that until now only included electric models.

However, times are changing and a new generation of plug-in hybrid models is on the way. Manufacturers are equipping their models with ever-larger batteries. This obviously has the effect of increasing autonomy in electric mode, but also and above all of reducing CO emissions.₂ standards, which weigh heavily on the average of vehicles sold and can lead to heavy fines if the thresholds set by the European Union are exceeded. Thus, we are beginning to see the market flourish for plug-in hybrid models that stick to the data sheet at less than 20 g / km of CO₂.

Some models are less than 20 g / km CO₂

The first manufacturer to launch this model is Mercedes-Benz, with its C 300e (read our test of the Mercedes-Benz C 300e). With its large 25.4 kWh / 100 km battery, this plug-in hybrid version of the C-Class manages to travel a hundred kilometers without turning on the petrol engine, in real conditions. And in the standardized measurement cycle, it adheres to 12 g / km of CO₂ ! It is impossible for her, however, to take advantage of the maximum bonus, for its price: sold from 58,550 euros, it is well above the maximum of 45,000 euros to take advantage of the largest grant. Provided that you do not opt ​​in and therefore limit the invoice to less than 60,000 euros, you can instead apply for a purchase aid of 2,000 euros (1,000 euros from 1^er July). Similarly, Volvo has recently increased the battery capacity of its plug-in hybrids. With a capacity of 18.8 kWh, the S60 and V60 go below the fateful threshold of 20 g / km. But their rates exceed 60,000 euros, which prohibits them from granting a bonus.

^{Kia Niro}

If there’s one model that will change the game, it’s the new Kia Niro PHEV. Although technically close to the previous generation, it also sees its battery capacity increase to 11.1 kWh compared to the previous 8.9 kWh. To this is added a naturally sober gasoline engine. These two combined elements allow standard CO2 emissions contained at 19 g / km for versions equipped with 16-inch wheels (23 g / km for models with 18-inch wheels). In extremis, therefore, the Korean compact SUV can benefit from a maximum bonus, except in the high-end Premium finish with larger wheels. Because the Motion and Active finishes are shown at 37,990 euros and 40,190 euros respectively, which rules out the question of price. Thus, the Korean becomes a good deal, as it is shown at almost the same price as the non-rechargeable hybrid version (respectively 31,790 euros in Motion and 33,990 euros in Active).

Grant gap

For now, Kia seems to be the only brand capable of doing this robbery. Another candidate could have been the new BMW 225e xDrive Active Tourer, whose CO emissions₂ they are below the 20 g / km mark. But its base price of 45,300 euros makes it lose the brand. However, a BMW source admits that dealers will have a small margin to apply discounts by passing the bill below the fateful € 45,000 bar, even with few options. In most versions, you will have to settle for a grant of 1,000 euros … Or 2,000 euros if requested before 1^er July. Indeed, the administration leaves a deadline, at this time of uncertain delivery times: if the billing occurs before September 30, 2022, the customer will be entitled to the most advantageous subsidy. It is difficult to know whether the models that use this grant gap will multiply. Because the introduction of large batteries tends to raise the purchase price beyond subsidy thresholds. And if there are too many models available, we imagine that the administration will quickly review their emission thresholds! In short, if you want a plug-in hybrid at a bargain price, hurry up to the Kia Niro PHEV now.