Grant for an estimated 800,000 electric vehicles.Image: keystone
The new funding bonus for electric cars is coming. Who can benefit from it and which cars it applies to.
January 19, 2026, 11:20January 19, 2026, 11:30 a.m
Christopher Clausen / t-online
Anyone who buys or leases an electric car in Germany will in future receive between 1,500 and 6,000 euros from the state, depending on their personal circumstances and type of vehicle. Those who earn less or have children receive more within this range. What you need to know now about the new funding program.
Why does the electric car bonus come?
The bonuses are intended to help reduce the price difference between electric vehicles and comparable combustion engines in smaller vehicle classes. Gasoline cars often remain cheaper, so the subsidy does not automatically make electric cars the cheapest option. However, when it comes to total costs over the entire lifespan of the car, the latter are now likely to be ahead.
Which vehicles does it apply to?
For newly registered electric cars (BEVs) and to a lesser extent for plug-in hybrids, provided they contain certain CO2-Comply with limit values.
Who can apply for the funding?
The bonus is aimed at private individuals who either buy or lease a new car. However, there is a cap on income: households with small and medium incomes should be given priority.
New e-car funding: How high the income limit is
The funding limit is a household income of 80,000 euros. This roughly corresponds to a monthly net income of 4,800 euros for single people and 5,400 euros for couples, according to the Federal Environment Ministry. The maximum funding limit is 90,000 euros in household income if there are two children, which raises the limit by 5,000 euros each.
Does the funding also apply to used cars?
No. Corresponding proposals are being examined, but according to the ministry, the funding is not part of the new program. The VCD traffic club criticizes this. Federal Chairwoman Christine Rohleder said: “Used electric cars should also be funded, not just new cars. Everything else is anti-social because many people cannot afford a new electric car even with subsidies.”
How much is the funding?
The basic funding for purely electric cars is 3,000 euros, the maximum is 6,000 euros. For households with a maximum income of 60,000 euros there is 4,000 euros, for households with a maximum income of 45,000 euros there is 5,000 euros. The funding increases by 500 euros per child, up to a maximum of 1,000 euros in total.
What about cars that aren’t purely electric?
There is less money for so-called plug-in hybrids, which can run on both electricity and fuel. For these cars and vehicles with a range extender, the basic funding is 1,500 euros. Range extenders are small combustion engines that increase the range of electric cars.
In order for cars with these technologies to be eligible for funding, they must not emit more than 60 grams of CO2 per kilometer or must have an electric range of at least 80 kilometers. For the period from July 1, 2027, the funding will be put to the test; specifications that are more closely related to CO are then being considered2– Orientate emissions in real operation.
Why are plug-in hybrids controversial?
So-called plug-in hybrids can run on both electricity and fuel. How environmentally friendly they are is controversial. Although the cars can drive shorter distances purely electrically, if the battery is empty, they consume more fuel due to the additional weight and therefore emit more CO22 out of. In addition, more CO is produced during their production2 than with a combustion engine.
Whether they are better or worse for the climate than comparable combustion engines depends primarily on how often they are charged and how high the proportion of distances covered by electricity is. Critics believe that the official consumption figures are at least far too low. However, they are particularly popular with company fleets because of their tax advantages.
There was also government funding of up to 2,250 euros for plug-in hybrids until the end of 2022.
Is there a minimum holding period?
The funding will include a minimum holding period for purchase and leasing. Details are not yet known.
When does the program start?
You can probably apply for the new funding from May, when the corresponding internet portal is scheduled to launch.
Will I also get the bonus if I buy an electric car now?
Anyone who has registered their electric car or certain plug-in hybrids from January 1st can apply for funding. This applies to both purchasing and leasing. However, you will probably only be able to apply for the new funding from May, when the corresponding internet portal is due to launch.
How long does the bonus last?
A total of three billion euros is earmarked for the purchase bonus, which, according to the ministry, should be enough for around 800,000 subsidized vehicles by 2029.
Is there currently any government funding?
No, the last e-car bonus expired at the end of 2023. However, experts such as Ferdinand Dudenhöffer from the CAR Institute point out that the Price difference between combustion engines and electric cars Little by little from 7,321 euros in 2024 to 1,340 euros in December 2025. He assumes that this development is due to advancing technology and innovations such as small electric cars VW ID. polo and the Competition from China continues like this. He sees no need for such a bonus.
And Switzerland?
In this country, individual cantons offer tax discounts for electric cars. Scientists maintain purchase premiums based on income, as in Germany for significantly more efficient and fairer. The reason: Purchase bonuses or discounts make it immediately cheaper to buy an electric car, which particularly benefits low-income people. Studies show that for many people, having the money in their hand, i.e. the immediate discount, is more important than a future tax reduction.
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