Paris considers higher parking fees for SUVs
French authorities are pondering a new proposition that could see a different rate for parking fees introduced for owners of SUVs in Paris. This is due to the additional space such vehicles occupy and acts as a deterrent to Parisians considering buying this type of vehicle.
TVN24 has reported that the referendum is proposed for February 4, 2024. The purpose is for Parisians to express their views on these proposed changes in the parking fee system. According to the official proposition, SUVs, which are generally larger than traditional cars yet offer similar cabin space, should pay more. The Paris authorities think such regulations could prompt potential SUV buyers to ponder the necessity of owning one.
The proposal interestingly suggests that higher rates would be applied to both regular cars weighing over 3,527 lbs (like sedans and SUVs), as well as electric cars weighing more than 4,409 lbs. This implies that owners of traditional electric cars would be in the lower charge range - approximately up to segment D inclusive. However, those who choose electric crossovers or SUVs would face higher charges. This wouldn't only affect larger vehicles like the Audi Q8 e-tron, but also reasonably sized cars with larger batteries, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The Paris authorities' proposal is likely to generate some controversy. To begin with, due to the bevy of crossover and SUV models available in the electric range, potential electric car buyers could feel somewhat coerced into purchasing these models. Heavier weights in electric cars are largely due to the industry's lack of technology to produce batteries with significantly higher energy storage density. This could change if the promised solid-state electrolyte batteries do come into existence.
The second point of contention could be that the weight limit for traditional vehicles may disadvantage those who opt to buy a plug-in hybrid. For instance, a Peugeot 408 with a 225 HP plug-in hybrid weighs 3,759 lbs, while the same model with a 1.2 l petrol engine weighs 3,071 lbs. Despite the weight difference, both models occupy the same parking space. Additionally, when used correctly, a hybrid contributes less to air pollution in the city.
While the fate of these regulations remains undetermined, it is clear that while they appear fair at first glance, there are a few inconsistencies and logic gaps upon closer examination. Parisians will likely be well aware of these matters.
