It’s time we got a France-style social leasing scheme here in the UK
A France-style social leasing policy could ease the fuel crisis by getting affordable EVs to the drivers who need them the most - it’s a win-win-win for the climate, the economy and public health.
Back in 2023 and 2024, we worked with The Care Workers’ Charity and New AutoMotive to propose a social leasing scheme to get electric cars into the hands of the people who need them the most: care workers in rural areas who often drive over 1,000 miles a month to deliver vital support, and are hammered by the cost of fuel.
In 2026, schemes like social leasing are needed more than ever.
International conflict is pushing up the cost of petrol and diesel and it’s these carers, and others who rely on their cars for a living, who are taking the hardest hit.
France is already doing this.
Last year, France introduced its social leasing program which allows anyone who needs to drive more than 8,000 miles/year for work, and is below a set income threshold, to rent electric cars from the government for just €100 a month, including all insurance and maintenance costs.
Social leasing schemes are a financial lifeline for people on lower incomes, and they decarbonise the vehicles that are doing the most miles. It’s a win-win-win for the climate, the economy and public health.
The scheme has proven incredibly popular in France, and a new report has just come out showing exactly how it could be paid for here in the UK.
With fuel costs at an all time high, we’re calling the UK government to follow France's lead and make EVs affordable for those who need them most.
Are you with us?