French post offices to lease electric cars to customers

La Banque Postale has launched a new online car leasing service. 50% of the available vehicles will be electric / hybrid, with 50% of the vehicles on offer requiring monthly payments of €350 or less.

The scheme, called “Mon Leasing Auto,” is in partnership with BNP Paribas Mobility.

The service allows customers in France to access cars via monthly payments, with, in some cases, the right to buy the vehicle at the end of the contract.

The platform launched on April 15, with Post Office services starting May 18, offering a selection of 6,500 vehicles.

The majority of the vehicles available on the platform are pre-owned, and are certified with any necessary work having been undertaken. Each car is subject to a pre-delivery technical inspection with optional extended warranties available, according to La Banque Postale.

How does the French post office leasing scheme work?

Customers choose a vehicle on the platform based on criteria such as budget, mileage, and brand.

They are then put in contact with an automobile adviser, who will help them confirm their choice and select the most suitable financing option.

There are two main options:

• Lease with Option to Purchase (LOA): customers lease the vehicle, paying a fixed monthly sum, and can buy it at the end of the contract.

• Long-Term Lease (LLD): customers pay a monthly fee that includes most services, such as maintenance and assistance, but does not come with the option to purchase the vehicle.

Contract durations and conditions

La Banque Postal told The Connexion that the schemes include different contract lengths and termination rules depending on the chosen formula:

• LOA: typically available from 60 to 84 months, with a broader range between 25 and 120 months depending on the vehicle (including used vehicles and their age).
• LLD: generally offered between 24 and 48 months, with a standard duration often set at 36 months.

There are also differences depending on vehicle type. For example, maximum contract durations tend to be shorter for vehicles classified as Crit’Air 2.

Modification and early termination rules

Contract flexibility differs between the two leasing options:

• LLD: contracts generally include a tolerance for mileage overages compared to the initial agreement, but early termination is typically not allowed under standard conditions.
• LOA: early purchase of the vehicle is possible during the contract period, but may involve an early termination penalty or associated indemnity depending on timing and contract terms.

Both LOA and LLD contracts may include optional add-on services, allowing customers to tailor their leasing package according to their needs and usage profile.

The partnership aims to address environmental and economic challenges with at least 50% of the vehicles being electric and / or hybrid. 50% of the fleet will be available with monthly payments below €350.

“The complementary nature of our expertise will enable La Banque Postale to offer its customers a comprehensive range of vehicle financing solutions that are simple, flexible, and accessible to all, while also helping to address the environmental challenges of our time,” said Christophe Van de Walle, Chairman of the Executive Board of LBPCF (La Banque Postale Consumer Finance).