News and Infrastructure
22nd July 2026 has marked a before and after for sustainable mobility in Spain. The Government has officially given the green light to the " Auto+ Programme, replacing the criticised MOVES III Plan and injecting 400 million euros in direct aid with immediate discount.
⚡ Quick Summary of the Auto+ Programme
- Immediate Discount: The aid is applied directly at the dealership, without the buyer having to pay upfront.
- Retroactivity: Valid for all purchases made since 1st January 2026.
- "EEE" Criterion: The aid prioritises 100% electric vehicles, which are more economical and manufactured in Europe.
- Aid of up to €7,500: Segmented grants reaching €4,500 for private individuals for passenger cars and up to €7,500 for vans for self-employed individuals.
- CAE Certificates and Income Tax: You can add the CAE for the combustion car you replace with a pure EV and deduct 15% in your Income Tax return.
1. Goodbye to MOVES III: Centralisation and Invoice Discount
One of the major barriers of the old plan was the slow regional bureaucracy, which led to waiting times of up to 15 months to receive the grant. The Auto+ Programme solves this with a national online process, managed by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism.
But the most revolutionary change for your wallet is the new payment model: the discount is immediate. You no longer need to finance or pay the government aid upfront. Now it is the dealership that handles the process and applies the reduction directly to your purchase invoice or leasing contract.
2. How much money am I entitled to? Understanding the "EEE" Formula
The Government has abandoned flat rates and introduced the innovative "EEE" (Electric, Economic, and European) formula to calculate how much money you are entitled to. Only vehicles with a ZERO label are included, excluding self-charging hybrids and traditional combustion cars.
Electric Factor (Technology)
Maximum effort for decarbonisation is rewarded. Pure EVs (BEV) receive 50% of the theoretical maximum aid. In contrast, if you opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or extended-range EV, the percentage is reduced to 25%.
Economic Factor (Vehicle Price)
To avoid subsidising luxury cars for high earners, strict limits have been placed on the invoice price, excluding taxes and after discounts:
- Vehicles under €35,000: Receive a 25% bonus on the maximum aid.
- Vehicles between €35,000 and €45,000: The aid drops to 15%.
- Over €45,000: Are excluded from the programme (with some exceptions for 8-9 seater vehicles for businesses/self-employed).
European Factor (Protectionism and "White List")
To protect the continental industry against Asian giants, the plan includes a geopolitical bonus:
- +15% extra if the car was assembled in the European Union.
- +10% additional if the battery supply chain meets European manufacturing criteria and critical material resilience.
Manufacturers that meet these requirements are included in the so-called "Auto+ Programme White List", guaranteeing buyers access to the maximum possible grant.
3. Maximum Grant Ceilings by Category
Applying 100% of the favourable criteria (pure EV, under €35,000, manufactured in Europe and with a European battery), these are the maximum grants you can aspire to:
| Vehicle Type (Category) | Maximum Base Price | Max. Aid Private Individuals | Max. Aid Self-Employed and Micro-businesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars (M1) | €45,000 | €4,500 | €6,000 |
| Vans (N1) | No price limit | €5,000 | €7,500 |
| Motorcycles (L3e, L4e, L5e) | €10,000 | €1,100 | €1,100 |
| Quadricycles (L6e, L7e) | No price limit | €1,500 | €1,500 |
4. Synergies and Tricks: How to Maximise Your Savings
The savings don't end with the direct state grant. If you play your cards right, you can add thousands of extra euros in benefits:
- Dealership Discount: By law, the brand must provide a minimum discount of €1,000 on your invoice if you buy a passenger car or van covered by the plan.
- The new role of Scrapping (CAEs): It is no longer the State that pays you for handing in your old car. Now Energy Saving Certificates (CAE) are used. If you replace a combustion car that has been in your name for more than two years, with a valid MOT for at least 9 of the last 12 months, with a 100% EV, that energy saving is certified and transferred in exchange for money: for a passenger car, a typical estimate of €750 to €950, which can exceed €1,000 depending on your case. Note: some dealerships discount an amount on the invoice in exchange for keeping the CAE. If you accept this, that CAE can no longer be processed with us.
- Income Tax Deduction: The Treasury allows you to deduct 15% of the vehicle's cost (up to a maximum of €20,000), which translates to savings of up to €3,000 on your income tax return. Additionally, if you install a charger at home, you can deduct another 15% on €4,000 (up to an extra €600).
Mind the budget! The scheme is open until 31st December 2026 or until the budget of 400 million euros is exhausted, which is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Industry associations warn that, due to high pent-up demand, the money could run out by autumn. Don't leave it until the last minute!
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for the grant if I bought my EV at the beginning of the year?
Yes. One of the great advantages of the Auto+ Scheme is its retroactive nature. Any purchase of an eligible vehicle formalised from 1st January 2026 can qualify for the subsidy.
Is the Auto+ Scheme compatible with regional grants such as the "Plan Mueve Madrid"?
No, they are not compatible. The Royal Decree clearly specifies that IDAE grants cannot be combined with other local subsidies intended for the same purpose. As a buyer, you will need to do the maths and choose the channel (national or regional) that benefits you most.
What happens if I submit my application but the 400 million euro budget has already been exhausted?
You will be placed on a virtual waiting list ordered by date and time. You might receive the funds if other buyers withdraw their applications or if the Government approves an extraordinary budget increase, but being on a waiting list does not guarantee payment.
Does the scheme apply to "nearly new" cars?
Yes, it is valid for demonstration vehicles or "nearly new" cars, provided that no more than one year (12 months) has passed since their first registration, facilitating the sale of accumulated stock.
Already have your EV in mind? Plan your routes.
The Auto+ Scheme makes purchasing easier, and we make your journey easier. Discover your optimal route taking into account charging points and the real range of your new car.