In 2026, the Spanish car market faced an unexpected twist: government support for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles is now being distributed in a new way. The Auto+ program, which replaced the previous MOVES plan, hasn’t just updated the conditions—it has effectively dashed hybrid owners’ hopes for equal subsidies. Now, hybrid vehicles, recently seen as the flagships of eco-friendly mobility, find themselves on the sidelines. While electric cars continue to receive generous incentives, hybrids are left with reduced payments, sparking a wave of discontent among buyers and dealers.
The support amount for purchasing a zero-emission vehicle is now limited to 4,500 euros—and only if it is a pure electric car. For plug-in hybrids (PHEV) or models with extended electric range, the maximum subsidy is just 1,125 euros—exactly half that for electric cars. The irony is that only a year ago, hybrids and electric cars were moving forward together, but now the government has decided that hybrids are somewhere between progress and an anachronism.
New rules
The Spanish government did not stop at simply reducing payments. Now, subsidies are only available for cars priced up to €45,000 before VAT. This automatically excludes a significant number of premium models from the program—vehicles that were previously popular among those seeking to combine comfort, status, and environmental consciousness. Furthermore, although additional bonuses remain for European assembly and batteries produced in the EU, they do not make up the difference between hybrids and electric cars. You can receive up to €1,125 extra for European production, but the base amount for hybrids still remains twice as low.
As a result, many popular models—such as the BYD Seal U, Toyota C-HR, and Mercedes GLC—now find themselves at a disadvantage. Their sales may drop sharply, since the difference in subsidies has become a decisive factor for buyers. Especially considering that in China, electric vehicles have long become mainstream, and models like the Geely EX2 have literally exploded onto the market, as detailed in the report on record EV sales in China. Spanish authorities seem to have decided to follow the same path, albeit with typically bureaucratic flair and an equally typical neglect for the real needs of citizens.
Hybrids under fire
Paradoxically, hybrids, which until recently were seen as a compromise between environmental concerns and familiar comfort, are now perceived as outdated. Authorities justify the reduction in support by arguing that many PHEV owners use them mainly as regular petrol cars, disregarding the electric mode. As a result, the actual fuel consumption of these vehicles is often much higher than manufacturers claim. This has drawn criticism from environmentalists and, consequently, led to a revision of state policy.
However, for thousands of Spanish families who put their trust in hybrids, the new system feels like a blatant betrayal. People who invested in these vehicles expecting long-term savings and government support are now forced to rethink their plans. Dealers are already reporting a drop in interest in hybrid models, and experts predict the market could face a prolonged downturn in this segment.
Electric cars on the podium
While hybrids are losing ground, electric vehicles have become the government’s top favorites. They receive maximum subsidies, along with extra bonuses for European-made vehicles and batteries. This clearly benefits manufacturers focused on full electrification. Still, it’s not all rosy: a price cap of 45,000 euros excluding VAT automatically filters out many appealing new models that might interest wealthier buyers.
Nevertheless, the trend is clear: Spain is betting on electric vehicles, ignoring the fact that infrastructure for their widespread adoption is still far from perfect. Charging stations remain scarce outside major cities, and electricity costs keep rising. But who cares, when impressive emissions reports and European rankings are at stake?
The Auto+ program is more than just another government initiative. It’s a symbol of a new era, where hybrids fall victim to bureaucratic decisions and electric cars serve as tools to showcase progress. The only question is how long Spanish drivers will be willing to accept these new rules of the game.
Auto+ is a government program launched in Spain in 2026 to support the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. Replacing the MOVES plan, it offers subsidies for electric and hybrid vehicles, but with a clear focus on pure electric cars. The program has a budget of 400 million euros, and the maximum grant per vehicle is 4,500 euros. The new regulations have already sparked widespread debate among car enthusiasts and experts, significantly impacting the market landscape.
