The national social leasing program for 100 % electric vehicles is now available in Martinique. A dealership is offering the Renault Twingo Electric starting at 149 euros per month to low-income households in the territory, with the first deliveries expected as early as October. This marks a concrete step forward in decarbonizing transportation on an island where the car remains the dominant mode of transportation.
A national system finally tailored to the region
Renewed in 2026 by the government to accelerate the ecological transition, the social leasing program allows low-income households to lease a new electric car at a reduced rate. The program has been adapted to make it accessible to residents of Martinique, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.
At this stage, only one dealership is participating in the program: Renault Martinique Automobiles, in partnership with Crédit Moderne, ADEME, and the prefecture. The vehicle offered is the Renault Twingo Electric Evolution model, with an estimated monthly lease payment of 149 euros, excluding options and additional services. The first unit, a Mango Yellow Twingo, is already on display at the dealership, and a test drive vehicle is available for those who wish to experience electric driving—a first for many residents of Martinique.
Who is eligible?
Social leasing is intended for adults who are employed and reside in Martinique, and who meet two main criteria:
- a reference taxable income per share of 16,880 euros or less (tax assessment for year N-2); ;
- a commute of more than 10 km, or more than 8,000 km per year traveled in a personal vehicle for work purposes, as certified by the employer.
This assistance cannot be combined with «coup de pouce»-type programs, and recipients of the 2024 or 2025 social leasing program are not eligible for the 2026 edition. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval: each application, submitted with supporting documents on a dedicated platform, is reviewed by the Agency for Services and Payments (ASP). The government makes the final decision after reviewing all the documents.
The contract is a 5-year lease with an option to purchase, with 15,000 km per year at no additional cost. At the end of the contract, the beneficiary may return the vehicle or keep it by exercising the purchase option.
The Electric Twingo E-Tech at a Glance
Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric Evolution
• Engine: 100 % electric, 80 ch
• Battery: 27.5 kWh
• Battery life: up to 263 km (WLTP)
• Refill: up to 50 kW DC
• Length: 3.79 m
• 5-door, 4-passenger
• Box: automatic
• Maximum speed: 130 km/h
• CO₂ emissions during use: 0 g/km
Charging: The Key to Truly Sustainable Mobility
This is the key consideration highlighted by the prefecture: an electric 100 % vehicle requires regular access to a charging solution—at home, at work, or at public charging stations—and the network of such stations in Martinique continues to expand.
The Twingo Electric’s key advantage is that it can be charged using a standard household outlet: given the size of its battery, one night is enough for a full charge, with no need to install a charging station. However, you still need to have an accessible outlet near where you park, which remains a real challenge for households living in apartments.
From an environmental standpoint, the prefecture also encourages charging during the day, when solar and wind power generation is at its peak. This simple habit maximizes the carbon benefits of electric vehicles within Martinique’s energy mix.
A national quota of 50,000 applications
The program has a cap: 50,000 applications nationwide, including both mainland France and the overseas territories. Once this cap is reached, no further applications can be accepted, and some eligible individuals will be left out, as has happened in previous years. Deliveries to Martinique will take place from October through December, as vehicles arrive. Those interested are therefore strongly encouraged to verify their eligibility and apply as soon as possible.
Interview by Philippe Pied
