The government hopes to restart the repair bonus by increasing it

Supporting the environment is a daily battle that requires patience to communicate the message. The government understood this well, given the timid start to the repair bonus established by the Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy Act (AGEC) in 2020 and launched on December 15, 2022.

Within ten and a half months, you can repair your washing machine, electric scooter or refrigerator at a lower cost thanks to a little financial assistance from the government. Only 10% of the goal would be achieved. The system was put into operation by certified repairers, of whom there are few at the moment, and “we are going to restart it,” says the Minister of Ecological Transition in an interview with Ouest-France.

Christophe Bechoux announces an increase of “at least 5 euros” on all eligible devices, “(we) are even going to double this amount in three categories, including TVs,” he says.

As for mobile phones and smartphones, which have already officially received a package worth 25 euros, Bechou admits that “this service has never been implemented.” Environmental organizations responsible for recycling electrical and electronic equipment and collecting the eco-tax paid by manufacturers and distributors are reluctant to reach into their wallets. “The exact amount is still subject to arbitration, but it will come into force on January 1,” the minister insists. You will then need to determine whether replacing a broken smartphone screen, one of the most common repairs, will benefit you.

Many consumers looking to repair rather than throw away and buy new products are also faced with a small number of approved repairers. The minister admits this: “we want to increase from 4,000 (at the end of 2023, editor’s note) to 7,500 in 2024, and at the end of 2026 to rise to 22,000.” Provided that the sector finds recruits, another pitfall will appear.

Goal: 10,000 electric vehicles at a price of 100 euros.

In this interview, Christophe Bechoux also discusses the social leasing system for electric vehicles promised by Emmanuel Macron during the presidential campaign, the complex implementation procedure, and its cost to public finances. Elizabeth Bourne mentioned a drop in early vehicle deliveries in 2024.

“Final arbitration proceedings are being carried out to determine the appropriate income levels” for these 100 euros per month rentals, says the minister, assuring that “the platform that will allow them to be reserved will open in November.” The starting volume will be 10,000 vehicles, or 10% of the original goal. Christophe Bechoux acknowledges this, but “we want to make sure that this bonus benefits cars assembled in environmentally responsible conditions, for example in France or in Europe,” he explains. Renault’s future electric R5 will be available in a few months, as will several new Stellantis Group models made entirely in France.