License-free car prices in 2026: the complete comparison

Entry level

from 7,990 €

Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks Electric, Aixam Minauto Access

Mid range

10,000 to 14,000 €

Ligier Myli Electric, Microcar M.Go, Fiat Topolino

Premium

14,000 to 18,000 €

Ligier JS60, Aixam Crossover Premium, Microlino Lite

Luxury

18,000 €+

Aixam Coupé Premium, fully loaded trims

Purchase premium

+1,000 to +3,000 €

Electric vs equivalent petrol

Energy savings

300 to 500 €/year

Charging vs fuel

Upkeep savings

200 to 400 €/year

No oil change, fewer parts

Break-even

3 to 4 years

In favour of electric

Cash

List price, sometimes negotiable -3 to -5 %. Best option over the long term.

Lease-to-own

From ~150-200 €/month depending on the model, often 0 € deposit. Vehicle returned or bought out at the end of the contract.

Standard loan

APR 3-8 %, term 24-60 months. You own it straight away.

Eco grant

Scrapped since 1 January 2024 for quadricycles (L6e). License-free cars are no longer eligible for the national grant.

EEC (Energy Saving Certificate)

Some players still offer ~500-1,000 € discounts through installer partnerships.

Local grants

Some metro areas (Bordeaux, Grenoble) offer specific electric license-free car grants as part of their LEZ. Check with your local authority.

Old vehicle trade-in

Some dealers offer a 200 to 500 € trade-in on an old vehicle, any type.

What is the cheapest license-free car in 2026?

The Citroën Ami is the cheapest new license-free car on the market at 7,990 €. In its electric version, it is also one of the most advantageous in LEZ. The petrol Aixam Minauto Access starts at 9,999 €.

Can you buy a license-free car for under 5,000 €?

Yes, only used. An Aixam or Ligier 5-8 years old in good condition can be found between 2,500 and 5,000 € on leboncoin or from private sellers. Watch the state of the timing belt and the clutch.

What is the price of an electric license-free car with a grant?

Since 2024, the eco grant no longer applies to license-free cars. Some players still offer EEC discounts of 500 to 1,000 €. Effective price of a Citroën Ami: 7,000-7,490 € with available discounts.

Is lease-to-own worthwhile for a license-free car?

Lease-to-own lets you access a new license-free car from 150-200 €/month with no deposit. At the end of the contract (36-48 months), you can return or buy out the vehicle at its residual value. Useful if you lack the capital, but pricier than a cash purchase over the long term.

Will license-free car prices drop in 2026?

The trend is towards stabilisation or even a slight rise (+2-3 %/year) driven by raw-material inflation. Electric license-free cars have seen their prices ease slightly with the arrival of new players (Fiat Topolino, Mobilize Duo) competing with the Citroën Ami.