From May 1, 2025, the gray cards of electric vehicles will no longer be free in almost all of the French regions, with the exception of Hauts-de-France. A decision that comes as sales of electric cars run out of steam. © Nicolas Sandanassamy/Capital Save save Receive the Gray Card Alerts Free Gray Cards for Electric Cars is experiencing its last days. This exemption will end on May 1, reports RTL on April 19, thus confirming Auto Plus information. Since 2019, the owners of zero emission vehicles have benefited from a registration at no cost. This will not be the case soon: the cost of the gray card will oscillate between 150 and 750 euros, depending on the models concerned. Only the Hauts-de-France region will maintain the exemption, at least temporarily. This decision comes in a context of slowdown in sales of electric vehicles and gradual reduction in purchase aid. It arouses strong reactions, especially among motorists who are already struggling to consider the transition. “It will be savings on candlelights,” deplores Claire, driver of a hybrid vehicle encountered in front of a Parisian concession. It describes the measure as “completely useless” and claims not to want to switch to the electric for the moment. Read also: Byd flies to the stock market, its ultra-fast charge system caused a sensation of criticism in the face of a decision deemed unwelcome to other users, still faithful to the thermal car, this measure is perceived as one more brake. “It’s a bit of a shame, we are at a pivotal moment. It would be necessary to put the means so that it changes, “said a visitor to the same concession, evoking the importance of supporting the ecological transition. Professional automotive, the tone is intended to be more measured. A concessionaire interviewed by RTL puts the scope of this new tax into perspective: “This represents around 1 % of the total acquisition cost, it is negligible,” he explains. For him, the real brakes on purchase are not tax, but structural: the lack of charging infrastructure is still at the top of customer concerns. Read also: End of thermal engines in 2035: Brussels begins to backtrack? A dynamic in danger without support Confrala Removal of the free gray cards is part of a series of measures perceived as a decline in ecological incentives. In addition to this decision, the ecological bonus has been reduced, and a weight penalty now targets the heaviest electric vehicles. These contradictory signals could further slow down the development of the electric market, already faced with disappointing growth rates since the start of the year. If the stated objective is to bail out regional budgets, some experts fear a long-term counterproductive effect. Auto insurance >> Our service – save by testing our self -insurance comparator Receive our latest news twice a week, automotive news at a glance. (tagstotranslate) Gray card