In 2026, diesel car owners are faced with a choice that just recently seemed impossible: traditional diesels are losing ground, while new regulations and taxes make them increasingly less profitable to operate. Changing your car is no longer a matter of taste, but a necessity if you don’t want to be seen as a throwback stuck in the past. But what should you choose to avoid regrets and not overpay for trendy technologies?
The car market has changed beyond recognition. If diesel used to be synonymous with savings and reliability, now hybrids, electric vehicles, and even turbocharged gasoline models are taking the lead. Each option promises its own benefits, but behind the appealing claims lie nuances that can be unexpectedly disappointing. It’s important not to fall for marketing tricks and to soberly assess what truly fits your needs and lifestyle.
Internal combustion engines
Fans of the classics can breathe a sigh of relief: gasoline and diesel engines haven’t disappeared from the market yet. Modern diesels have become cleaner and more efficient, but their future is in doubt—urban entry restrictions, higher taxes, and ongoing debates about environmental harm make them a questionable investment. Gasoline engines, especially turbocharged ones, are surprisingly economical and deliver decent performance, but even here things aren’t perfect: fuel prices are rising and new emission standards are squeezing manufacturers.
A middle-ground option is mild hybrids (MHEV), which qualify for an ECO environmental label and slightly reduce fuel consumption. These aren’t true hybrids, but rather a compromise for those not yet ready for drastic changes. Such vehicles don’t require plugging in to recharge, but their savings are quite limited. Nevertheless, for city driving and short distances, they are a practical solution.
Hybrids: A compromise or a trap?
Hybrid vehicles (HEV) have become a real hit in recent years. By 2025, their share of the new car market in Spain reached 35%, highlighting a widespread shift to this type of transport. Hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, helping to save fuel, especially in city traffic jams. There’s no need to look for charging stations—the battery recharges itself during driving and braking.
However, don’t be deceived: hybrids aren’t always as fuel-efficient as advertised in brochures. In real conditions, consumption can be higher than stated, and maintenance costs can exceed those of standard petrol cars. Still, for those tired of constant refueling and wanting an ECO label without extra hassle, a hybrid makes sense. This is especially true if most driving is done in the city.
Plug-in hybrids: the golden mean?
Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) promise the perfect balance between electric drive and traditional gasoline. On a single charge, these cars can travel more than 100 kilometers without using a drop of fuel, and if the battery runs out, you can always continue driving on gasoline. In 2025, about 130,000 such vehicles were registered in Spain, and their popularity continues to grow.
The main drawback is the price. Plug-in hybrids are noticeably more expensive than conventional cars, and fuel savings don’t pay off immediately. However, government support programs like Plan Auto+ can help partially offset costs, if you manage to navigate all the bureaucratic hurdles. For those living in the suburbs and commuting daily, a plug-in hybrid can be the ideal solution. But if you can’t charge your car at home or work, the purchase loses its meaning.
Electric cars: Myths and reality
Electric vehicles no longer look like toys for tech enthusiasts. Today, nearly every automaker offers electric models for every taste and budget. Compact cars for 20,000 euros, family crossovers, premium sedans—the selection is vast. Charging infrastructure in Spain still lags behind European leaders, but the situation is gradually improving. If you have a garage or the option to charge at work, an electric car becomes a real alternative.
Skeptics often mention the “eternal” issues of charging and short range, but modern electric vehicles can cover 300–500 kilometers on a single charge. And considering how electric cars have already overtaken traditional vehicles in China, with even budget models like Geely EX2 making their way into the European market (more on the Chinese automotive boom), it is clear: change is irreversible.
Buying an electric car grants you a Cero Emisiones tag, and government subsidies under the Plan Auto+ make these vehicles more accessible. Still, there are points to consider: insurance costs, maintenance, and potential resale issues are currently weak spots for EVs. Nevertheless, for those ready for change and open to new technologies, an electric car is a ticket to the future, where gas stations and exhaust fumes are left behind.
Plan Auto+ is a government program supporting buyers of new vehicles, launched in Spain to encourage the shift toward eco-friendly transportation. It offers subsidies for purchasing hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric cars, along with additional incentives for scrapping old diesel vehicles. The program was created in response to stricter environmental standards and rising fuel prices, with its terms reviewed annually based on the market situation. Thanks to Plan Auto+, many Spaniards have been able to switch to modern cars without catastrophic costs for the family budget.
