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Germany Revives Means-Tested EV Subsidies for 2026, Weighs Used-Car Grants

Officials plan guardrails to ensure any used-vehicle bonus is passed through to buyers.

Overview

  • The government plans to restart purchase and leasing incentives for new electric cars and plug-in hybrids in 2026, pending EU Commission approval.
  • Grants begin at €3,000 and can rise to €5,000 via child-related top-ups and an extra €1,000 for households under €3,000 net per month.
  • Eligibility targets private households with taxable income up to €80,000, with the cap increasing by €5,000 per child, and recipients must keep the vehicle for a set period.
  • The Environment Ministry is developing proposals to include used EVs, requiring seller pass-through of subsidies and proof that the purchase would not have happened without the aid; income thresholds may differ.
  • Parliament extended the EV road-tax exemption for up to ten years, capped at end-2035 for vehicles first registered by the end of 2030.