France has said it is pausing a lease programme for electric vehicles, due to high demand.

Launched to boost uptake in EVs among those who might not be able to afford them ordinarily, the programme enabled low-income households to lease an EV for €100 to €150 a month.

It was targeted at people earning less than €15,400 ($16,600) of annual income.

The government had allocated €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion) in its budget to offer 20,000 leases under the 2024 programme, but that has been increased to 50,000 before the programme resumes in 2025.

Eligible vehicle models available through the programme must meet carbon production limits in manufacturing and shipping.

These include 24 by Stellantis and five by Renault, Reuters reports.

Renault’s Dacia Spring model, which is imported from China, was excluded from the list.