The French government will sign a broad pact with the auto industry on Monday setting new targets for electric vehicle sales, just as Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives for a state visit clouded by trade tensions in the sector.
The contract between the government, French business groups and unions aims to quadruple sales of 100% electric vehicles to 800,000 per year by 2027. It also targets a sixfold increase for electric light commercial vehicles, to 100,000 per year.
While no explicit amount has been specified for new subsidies, the government will reiterate its commitments to continue supporting the purchase and leasing of electric vehicles. The contract also includes a section on “ensuring our sovereignty,” which includes testing supply chains for critical materials.
