In 2026, the Spanish electric vehicle market faced new realities: the state Auto+ program has completely changed the way subsidies are allocated for the purchase of eco-friendly transport. Now, not everyone can count on receiving the maximum payout—rules have become stricter and criteria more complex. For many families and companies, this means carefully calculating the benefits before purchasing a new car.
Instead of the previous system, where the amount of support was fixed, Auto+ offers a flexible approach in which the subsidy depends on three factors at once: engine type, vehicle price, and place of production. According to authorities, this approach should not only encourage the switch to electric vehicles, but also support European manufacturers and make the market more transparent.
Selection criteria
The main feature of Auto+ is the principle of ‘electric, economical, European.’ Only vehicles that meet all three criteria can qualify for the maximum payout. For passenger cars (category M1, up to 9 seats), the upper limit is €4,500; for light trucks and vans (N1, up to 3.5 tons)—€5,000. Motorcycles and quadricycles receive less: €1,100 and €1,500, respectively.
However, it’s not that simple. Electric vehicles and hybrids are assessed differently: fully electric models receive 50% of the maximum amount just for their type of engine, while hybrids get only 25%. The next step is the price analysis. If a passenger car costs no more than €35,000 (excluding taxes and including discounts), an additional 25% is added to the payment. If the price is higher but does not exceed €45,000, the supplement drops to 15%. Expensive cars exceeding these limits are automatically excluded from the program.
Manufactured in Europe
The third key factor is the place of assembly. Only vehicles assembled and fully completed within the European Union are eligible for an additional 15% of the maximum sum. If part of the battery is also produced in Europe, a further 10% is added to the payment. Thus, the incentives support not only environmental goals but also the growth of European manufacturing.
This measure has sparked mixed reactions among buyers. On the one hand, it protects the domestic market and jobs. On the other, it limits choice, especially for those who prefer Asian brands. Nevertheless, the authorities are confident that this approach will accelerate localization of production and boost the competitiveness of European factories.
Calculation examples
To understand how the new system works, let’s look at specific examples. For instance, the popular Renault 5 E-Tech, a fully electric vehicle assembled in Europe and priced under €35,000, receives the maximum subsidy of €4,500: half the amount is for the type of engine, a quarter for its affordable price, and another quarter for European manufacturing.
Take the Ford Kuga PHEV—a hybrid car also produced in the EU that costs less than €35,000—the subsidy totals €3,375. Here, 25% is awarded for the hybrid engine, 25% for the price, and 25% for European assembly. The remaining percentages do not apply, as hybrids are not eligible for the full payout.
Restrictions and exceptions
The scenario changes if the car is made outside Europe or is more expensive. An electric vehicle from China priced between €35,000 and €45,000 qualifies for just €2,925: 50% for the engine type and 15% for the price. Since it’s not assembled in Europe, no extra percentage is granted. For hybrids under the same conditions, the subsidy drops to €1,800.
There are separate limits for motorcycles and quadricycles: the maximum price to receive a subsidy is €10,000. For vans and quadricycles, there is no upper limit, creating more opportunities for small businesses and farms.
Market impact
The introduction of Auto+ has already reshaped demand patterns. European brands have gained a significant advantage, and buyers are now paying closer attention to equipment details and the origin of the vehicle. Some dealers note a growing interest in models that were previously not in demand but now fit perfectly within the program’s criteria.
At the same time, some buyers are disappointed: not all desired models fall under the new rules. This is especially true for premium brands and high-value vehicles, which can no longer count on government support. As a result, the market is becoming more segmented and competition between manufacturers is intensifying.
The Auto+ program is not just a financial measure; it’s a tool that shapes the future of Spain’s automotive fleet. It compels people to rethink traditional approaches to choosing vehicles and stimulates the development of local production. Further changes can be expected in the coming years as the electric vehicle market continues to grow and environmental and efficiency requirements become increasingly strict.
Auto+ is a government initiative launched in Spain in 2026 to support buyers of electric and hybrid vehicles. The program replaced MOVES III and features a more complex payment calculation system that takes into account engine type, price, and the vehicle’s country of manufacture. Its goal is to accelerate the shift to eco-friendly transport, support European manufacturers, and make the market more transparent. Thanks to the new rules, Spanish and European brands received additional advantages, while buyers gained incentives to choose more affordable and environmentally friendly models.
