France mandates 100% electric vehicles for state fleet from 2027

A circular signed on 9 June 2026 by French Minister Sébastien Lecornu orders that, starting 1 January 2027, every new vehicle acquisition by the State—cars and light utility vans, new, used or long‑term lease—must be electric. The rule applies to all ministries, prefectures and state representatives, with limited exemptions for services that require heavy‑duty or emergency vehicles that lack viable electric alternatives. The policy aims to cut fossil‑fuel dependence in transport and showcase the State as a market catalyst.

Separately, on 19 June 2026 the Paris police prefecture activated a differentiated traffic scheme due to an ozone‑related pollution spike intensified by a heatwave. All vehicles, including electric cars, must respect a reduced speed limit—20 km/h lower than usual on highways and major roads—and only vehicles with Crit'Air 0‑2 stickers are allowed to circulate between 5:30 and 23:59. The measure seeks to ease congestion and limit secondary pollutants from brakes and tyres.