EV Subsidies 2026: What Is Still Available?
The golden era of EV subsidies with up to EUR 9,000 in environmental bonus is over. The Umweltbonus expired at the end of 2023. Since 1 January 2026, however, there is a federal subsidy again – this time income-dependent and worth up to EUR 6,000. Tax benefits and regional programs come on top and can make switching to an EV financially more attractive.
Federal Funding: Current Status
The old environmental bonus has been discontinued since December 18, 2023. For new registrations from January 1, 2026, the new federal EV subsidy for private households applies, for both purchase and leasing of a new car. The taxable household income must not exceed EUR 80,000; the limit rises by EUR 5,000 per child (max. two children, i.e. up to EUR 90,000). Battery EVs and fuel cell vehicles receive a base grant of EUR 3,000, plug-in hybrids and range extenders EUR 1,500. With an income below EUR 60,000 another EUR 1,000 is added, below EUR 45,000 a further EUR 1,000. There is also EUR 500 per child (max. two). The maximum is EUR 6,000 (EV) or EUR 4,500 (plug-in hybrid). Applications are made online up to 12 months after first registration and processed by BAFA; the program runs until 2029. The 0.25% rule for company car taxation also applies to vehicles acquired by the end of 2030 and represents a de facto indirect subsidy.
State Subsidies: Where Money Is Still Available
Some federal states have launched their own funding programs or extended existing ones. North Rhine-Westphalia subsidizes wallbox installation in connection with a PV system with up to EUR 1,500. Baden-Württemberg offers grants for commercial EVs and charging infrastructure. Bavaria has a program for commercial EVs and e-taxis. Thuringia supports the purchase of EVs for municipalities and non-profit organizations.
Programs change frequently. Recommendation: Check the current funding landscape with your state development bank and your municipality before buying. Many cities and communities have their own subsidies for wallboxes or EVs.
Manufacturer Premiums and Special Offers
Many manufacturers compensate for the loss of the environmental bonus with their own discounts and leasing offers. Numerous brands regularly offer special conditions that can reduce the effective purchase price by EUR 2,000 to 5,000. Leasing rates have also dropped significantly in 2026, as residual values have become more stable.
Tax Benefits
In addition to direct subsidies, there are significant tax benefits for EV owners: The road tax exemption (up to 10 years for first registrations by the end of 2030) saves EUR 500 to 2,000 over the ownership period. The 0.25% rule for company cars reduces the monthly taxable benefit in kind by several hundred euros compared with a combustion car. The employer can provide charging electricity tax-free.
Tips for Optimal Funding
Check with your state development bank, your municipality, and the manufacturer about current programs before buying. Check whether a combination of wallbox subsidy and PV system is possible, as this often yields the highest grants. For businesses, KfW programs for charging infrastructure are worth exploring. And do not forget: Even if your income is above the federal subsidy limit and you receive no purchase premium, the lower operating costs often make the EV cheaper than the combustion car over the total ownership period.