France has ramped up pressure on internal combustion engine vehicles, making diesel purchases financially prohibitive. The updated Malus Ecologique now applies from 108 g/km of CO2, with the maximum rate hitting €80,000 for cars emitting over 191 g/km. This progressive system charges more per gram as emissions rise, so even minor specification changes can trigger a tax jump. Meanwhile, a weight tax is also in effect: the threshold drops to 1,500 kg in 2026, with any excess taxed at €10 to €30 per kg. Modern crossovers and minivans automatically fall into high brackets, and hybrids only partially offset penalties through a 200 kg allowance.

Electric vehicles currently enjoy an advantage, as they are exempt from malus taxes until mid-2026. After that, an Eco-Score system will factor in production carbon footprints. Models from countries with "coal-heavy" energy grids could face additional taxes for the first time.

The Peugeot Traveller BlueHDi 180 illustrates this starkly. Priced around €53,000, it incurs an emissions tax of €45,000 and a weight tax of about €5,800. The total post-registration cost exceeds €103,000. For most buyers, diesel becomes simply unaffordable, pushing the market toward abandoning combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles.