In 2026, Spanish entrepreneurs and small business owners gained a real opportunity to upgrade their vehicle fleets with significant benefits. The government is launching a new round of subsidies that offer up to €7,500 for the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle. This measure is aimed at accelerating the transition to eco-friendly transport and reducing harmful emissions, which is especially relevant for cities with dense traffic and high pollution levels.
Unlike previous programs, the application process is now simpler: applicants no longer need to gather dozens of certificates or wait months for approval. It’s enough to choose a suitable electric car from an official dealer participating in the program and complete the transaction. The subsidy is immediately reflected in the invoice, and all documents are registered through the government’s digital platform. This approach saves time and reduces bureaucracy, which is particularly important for busy entrepreneurs.
The government is allocating €40 million for these purposes, and the total Auto Plus program budget exceeds one billion euros annually. Priority is given to European models costing up to €35,000, which receive the maximum support. Cars with a higher price tag, but not exceeding €45,000, are eligible for smaller subsidies. Electric vehicles manufactured outside the EU, as well as plug-in hybrids, receive even less funding, reflecting a focus on supporting local industry.
Who is eligible for assistance
Only companies with fewer than ten employees are eligible for the subsidy. This decision aims to support small businesses and self-employed individuals, who most often face difficulties when upgrading their vehicles. It’s important that the selected car meets the program’s technical requirements: only fully electric models that satisfy both environmental and price criteria are eligible.
The process takes place through a dealership, which verifies that both the car and buyer meet the program’s conditions. Once the deal is finalized, all information is entered into the government system, and the buyer receives supporting documents. It’s advisable to keep these papers—they may be needed during a tax audit or for reporting corporate expenses.
The introduction of the new rules responds to requests from entrepreneurs who had long complained about the complexity of previous support schemes. Now, the process is more transparent and funds are received faster. According to Autobild, authorities expect these measures to speed up fleet renewal and make eco-friendly vehicles more accessible for small businesses.
Market impact
Experts note that the new program could significantly change the sales structure in the passenger car market. Demand for electric vehicles among entrepreneurs has already begun to grow, with dealers reporting an increase in requests for models that meet the subsidy criteria. This will not only support manufacturers but also help lower the average age of cars on the country’s roads.
At the same time, the program’s conditions encourage the selection of European brands, which may further boost the development of local industry. For comparison, China has experienced a boom in electric car sales in recent years, and, as noted in the russpain article on record electric vehicle sales in China, affordable prices and government support became key success factors. Spain now appears to be following a similar path, focusing on a large-scale fleet renewal.
In the long run, such measures could reduce operational costs for small businesses and improve the environmental situation in cities. However, according to some analysts, a complete transition to electric vehicles will require not only financial support but also the development of a charging station infrastructure and a reduction in the vehicles’ costs themselves.
Application Procedure
To make use of the subsidy, an entrepreneur must select an electric vehicle that meets the program’s requirements and contact a dealership participating in Auto Plus. After all parameters are verified and the transaction is finalized, the subsidy is automatically deducted from the final amount. All documents are processed through a digital platform, minimizing the risk of errors and speeding up the procedure.
It is important to remember that to receive assistance, all program requirements must be met: vehicle price, origin, and technical specifications. Additionally, all documents related to the purchase should be carefully stored to avoid issues with tax reporting or potential audits.
Overall, the new support scheme for small businesses and self-employed individuals in Spain could serve as an example for other countries aiming to accelerate the shift to eco-friendly transport. The streamlined process, substantial subsidies, and focus on European manufacturers make this initiative one of the most notable on the market.
Pedro Sánchez has served as the head of Spain’s government since 2018. During his tenure, he has repeatedly launched reforms aimed at supporting small businesses and promoting green technologies. His transport and industrial policies focus on reducing emissions and enhancing the competitiveness of Spanish companies. Thanks to initiatives like the Auto Plus program, Spain is consolidating its position among European leaders in electric vehicle adoption and sustainable economic development.
