France Prohibits Electric VehicleGreenwashing In 2023Story by...

France Prohibits Electric VehicleGreenwashing In 2023

Story by Dustin Wheelen • 14h ago

· Manufacturers can no longer claim carbon neutrality ifproduction and recharging processes emit greenhouse gases.

Electric vehicles continue to gain ground in the market.Manufacturer efforts only benefit from government programs that offer customersincentives/rebates and special access (carpool lanes, Low Emissions Zones,etc.). While EVs represent the future of mobility, most electric automobiles,motorbikes, and scooters can’t fully stand by their zero-emissions claims

Of course, nearlyall electric-poweredvehicles produce nogreenhouse gases directly. However, many mining and manufacturing processesemit CO2. The same goes for EV charging, which doesn’t draw from electricsources exclusively. Many EV naysayers cling to this conundrum as an argumentagainst the imminent transition, but many OEMs can no longer make these claimsin France.

Instituted on January1, 2023, the new law prohibits manufacturers from claiming a vehicle is carbonneutral if the same can’t be said of its production or recharging stages. Up tothis point, the country has championed EV-promoting bills. From strict Low Emissions Zones to noise cameras to parking fines, the legislative steps frequently fall infavor of electric vehicles.

The latest bill,however, takes aim at the advertisement practices adopted by many electricmobility brands. Under Article L229-68, a company cannot claim that a productis carbon neutral unless it provides a greenhouse gas emissions report (directand indirect) to the public. The entity will also need to state how it avoided,reduced, and offset carbon emissions in addition to the methods of compensatingfor residual greenhouse gas.

Should an OEM maintaingreenwashing verbiage in its advertising without the aforementioned proof,authorities have the right to fine the legal entity €100,000 ($105,500 USD)under Article L229-69. If cited for non-compliance, the government allows thecompany to prove its carbon footprint claims within a month of thenotification.

As a result, we fullyexpect manufacturers to adjust their marketing campaigns to the French market.Yes, EVs continue to gain ground in the market, but France’s new laws ensurethat no customer is duped in the process.