The French ecological transition likes paradoxes. After having hesitated for a long time on the place of thermal, bioethanol and electric, the State has finally decided to take concrete action: convert 40,000 official vehicles to E85 superethanol.
At a time when all French people are called upon to make efforts for the planet, the State is not burying its head in the sand. Police, gendarmerie and customs cars will switch to E85 superethanol. Nothing could be simpler, these vehicles will be equipped with a conversion kit, the famous “FlexFuel”. Electronic boxes that allow you to switch from traditional gasoline to superethanol.
An economical and ecological choice
This idea presented two very good arguments. The first ecological one, with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 40 to 50%. At the same time, significant savings. E85 is the cheapest fuel on the market. €0.78 per liter, compared to €1.78 on average for traditional gasoline. Even taking into account an overconsumption of 20 to 25%the savings are obvious. The government is talking about “tens of millions of euros per year”.
Yes but…
Except that… an article in the finance bill for 2026 risked ruining everything. By seeking to increase state revenue, France wanted to launch new taxes. The government notably planned to abandon the tax advantages allocated to E85.
Aware that this new tax would have targeted a fuel of the future, massively used by newly converted state vehicles, the deputies finally revised their copy. In committee they abandoned the idea and the presidential camp says it is ready to “compromise” in the Assembly.
The only sustainable fuel will therefore not be taxed. This should allow it to remain significantly cheaper than the others and encourage the French to convert their gasoline vehicles. Ultimately this episode is a symbol of the cacophony current energy.
On the one hand, France wants to encourage its fellow citizens to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But alongside this ambitious long-term objective, the reality of “the end of the month” concerns the French state. The debt issue is becoming problematic and increasing state revenue is an obligatory step.
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