The introduction of the Auto+ program in 2026 marked a turning point for the Spanish electric vehicle market. The new rules not only simplified the process of obtaining subsidies, but also changed the very approach to supporting buyers. Now, purchasing an eco-friendly vehicle is no longer a lottery with unpredictable outcomes — the government guarantees clear terms and transparent payout amounts.
The shift from the previous MOVES III scheme to Auto+ sparked heated discussions among car enthusiasts and experts. While many previously faced bureaucratic hurdles and waited years for the promised funds, the new procedure is now more transparent. Authorities have bet on unified standards for the entire country, helping eliminate regional imbalances and chaos in timelines.
Structure and principles
The main difference of Auto+ is centralized management at the national level. MOVES III was fragmented among the autonomous communities, each setting its own rules and deadlines. This led to confusion: in some regions, applications took months to review; in others, funds ran out within weeks.
With Auto+, the need to adapt to local specifics has disappeared. All participants receive the same conditions, and the application process has become simpler and faster. There’s no longer any need to gather piles of documents or wait for responses from different agencies. For many, this has become a decisive factor when choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Another important factor is payment transparency. Previously, buyers risked being left without support or receiving it only a year later, but now the amounts and deadlines are known in advance. This has reduced distrust in government initiatives and increased interest in eco-friendly transportation.
Who qualifies and how much
The amount of subsidies has also changed. MOVES III offered up to €7,000, but only if the old vehicle was scrapped. Without this, the maximum amount did not exceed €4,500, making electric cars unaffordable for many families.
Auto+ has abandoned strict scrappage requirements. Now, you can receive up to €4,500 without additional conditions, and electric car prices have noticeably dropped in recent years. This has made the program more efficient and accessible to a wider audience.
The range of beneficiaries has expanded significantly. While the focus was previously on private individuals, entrepreneurs and companies can now also benefit. This has encouraged fleet renewal and accelerated the adoption of green technologies in business.
Types of transport
Unlike MOVES III, which prioritized only electric cars, Auto+ covers several categories at once. Support is provided not only to owners of pure electric vehicles but also to buyers of plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-powered cars, and models with extended range.
This approach addresses the real needs of the market. Not everyone is ready to switch to an electric car right away, and hybrids remain an important transitional stage. Auto+ has eliminated engine-type discrimination, allowing more Spaniards to access government support.
Special attention has been paid to technical requirements. Only vehicles that meet European standards are eligible for maximum payments. This encourages manufacturers to develop local production and introduce innovations.
Funding and stability
Another weak point of MOVES III is the limited budgets and constant rush to submit applications. In some regions, the funds ran out within days, turning the process into a lottery. Auto+ has a precisely allocated budget through 2026—400 million euros, ensuring stability and predictability.
Buyers no longer fear that subsidies will disappear at the most inconvenient moment. This has increased trust in the program and allowed people to plan purchases without worrying about losing support. For businesses, this is especially important: companies can plan fleet updates in advance and are not subject to the whims of regional authorities.
A new detail has also emerged — priority for cars manufactured in Europe. Amid growing competition from Chinese brands, this has become an additional incentive for the development of local industry. European vehicles receive higher subsidies, which strengthens the positions of domestic manufacturers.
European focus
The introduction of the European production criterion has become a response to the challenges of the time. While Chinese cars posed no threat to the market in 2021, by 2026 the situation changed. Brussels and Madrid are seeking to protect their factories and jobs, so support now depends not only on environmental standards but also on where the vehicles are assembled.
For buyers, this means an extra benefit when choosing European models. For manufacturers, it means the need to invest in localization and compliance with the new standards. As a result, everyone wins: the market becomes more resilient, and consumers receive a high-quality product with government support.
Overall, Auto+ has become a symbol of a new era for the Spanish automotive industry. The program has not only made life easier for consumers but also set the direction for the entire sector. Many challenges lie ahead, but one thing is clear: the rules of the game have changed, and now they favor those who are ready for change.
The Auto+ Plan is a government program supporting the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles, launched in Spain in 2026. It replaced MOVES III and introduced unified rules nationwide, transparent conditions, and an emphasis on European manufacturing. With a clearly defined budget and a broader group of beneficiaries, Auto+ has become a key tool for accelerating the shift to eco-friendly transport and supporting national industry. The program has already had a noticeable impact on the market structure and Spaniards’ attitudes toward buying modern cars.
