SUVs and EVs have to pay more to park in Paris

In society we do a lot to not judge people who are tempted to take multiple snacks from the brown fruit bowl based on their weight. The exact opposite is now happening in the automotive world. For example, owners of heavy SUVs and EVs in Paris now have to pay more to park.

The decision comes after a referendum in the city. Less than 6 percent of the 1.4 million Parisians turned out to vote. Of those fewer than 84,000 residents, 54.5 percent voted in favor of a weight tax on large, heavy cars. According to voters, 'large polluting cars' must be tackled and the heavy vehicles are dangerous for pedestrians.

In addition, Parisians who are in favor of the extra parking costs have another good reason for their vote. Residents of Paris will not have to pay more when they park their SUVs and EVs. People who come to the capital for work also do not have to pay extra. Parking in private parking lots and garages also remains just as expensive.

How much more do SUVs and EVs have to pay in parking fees?

SUVs and 'other heavy cars' will pay as much as 18 euros per hour to park in central Paris, instead of 6 euros per hour. In the suburbs it should be 12 euros per hour. The longer you stand, the bigger the difference. If you park for six hours, you pay 225 euros (37.50 euros per hour) for your SUV. If you have a hatchback and you park for the same amount of time, you will spend 75 euros (12.50 euros per hour).

Which cars have to pay more parking fees in Paris?

The extra rate applies to cars with a combustion engine (petrol, diesel and hybrid) from 1,600 kilos. Think of a hybrid Toyota RAV4 (1,620 kilos) or a Lamborghini Urus (2,200 kilos). Electric cars will pay more when they weigh more than 2,000 kilos. This includes the BMW i7 (2,615 kilos), but also the Ford Mustang Mach-E (2,270 kilos) and the Volkswagen ID.5 (2,242 kilos).

It is not yet known when the extra tax will come into effect. Mayor Hidalgo hopes that the new rates will apply from September 1. With a bit of luck you can park even 'cheaper' with an SUV or EV this summer holiday.

And maybe it's not just Paris. A group of motorist activists called 40 Millions d'Automobilistes campaigned against the weight tax. According to this group, freedom is being attacked 'under false green pretexts' and we will see 'this uprising led by an ultra-urban and anti-car minority' in more French cities.