Insee study shows Low Emission Zones accelerate vehicle fleet greening

A study by the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) indicates that Low Emission Zones (ZFE) have a limited but measurable impact on greening the automotive fleet. Research shows that between 2015 and 2025, the proportion of low-pollution vehicles increased more significantly in ZFE areas than in areas without such restrictions.

In regional ZFEs, the share of electric, hydrogen, and Crit'Air 1 vehicles rose from 8.7% to 42.0%, compared to an increase from 6.4% to 31.7% outside these zones. In the Grand Paris area, the proportion rose from 9.8% to 48.6%.

While the study notes that the majority of the decline in pollutants is due to the natural trend of vehicle fleet renewal, ZFEs accelerate this process. For instance, in 2024, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from cars in regional ZFEs were 48.3% lower than 2014 levels, whereas they were 39.5% lower in areas without ZFEs.