Question 1

What is the maximum EV premium in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For a pure electric car (BEV) or a fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV), the base premium is €3,000. On top come up to €1,000 family bonus (€500 per child under 18, maximum two children) and €1,000 income bonus for a taxable income up to €60,000. In total, up to €6,000 is possible. For plug-in hybrids (PHEV) or range-extender vehicles (REEV), the base premium is €1,500 and the maximum €4,500.

Question 2

What is taxable income (zvE) and how do I find it?

Accepted Answer

Taxable income is the basis on which your income tax is calculated — not your gross salary. It results after work-related expenses, special expenses, extraordinary burdens and allowances have been deducted from your income. As a rough guide, the zvE is often around 20 to 30 percent below the gross annual salary. You'll find the exact figure on your income tax assessment under the line "taxable income".

Question 3

Up to what income am I eligible?

Accepted Answer

Eligible are people with a taxable income up to €80,000 per year. This limit rises by €5,000 per child under 18, with a maximum of two children counted. With two children, the ceiling is therefore €90,000. If your zvE is above that, there is no entitlement to the purchase premium.

Question 4

Is the income bonus staggered or a fixed amount?

Accepted Answer

The income bonus is a fixed amount of €1,000. It is granted if the taxable income does not exceed €60,000 per year. It makes no difference whether your zvE is €30,000 or €58,000 — the bonus is €1,000 in both cases. From a zvE above €60,000 the income bonus no longer applies, but the base premium remains up to the eligibility ceiling.

Question 5

Which vehicles are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Eligible are new passenger cars of vehicle class M1 first registered in Germany from 1 January 2026. Pure battery vehicles (BEV) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCEV) receive the full base premium, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and range-extender vehicles (REEV) half. Used cars and vehicles registered before 2026 are not eligible.

Question 6

How long do I have to keep the EV (holding period)?

Accepted Answer

A holding period of 36 months applies. After registration, the vehicle must remain registered in your name for at least three years. If it is sold, deregistered or moved abroad earlier, the funding body can reclaim the paid premium in full or in part. Anyone planning a short-term resale should factor this in when applying.

Question 7

When and where do I apply?

Accepted Answer

The subsidy has been granted since 19 May 2026. The application is submitted to the responsible funding body, usually online after the vehicle's first registration. You need documents such as the purchase contract, the registration certificate and income details. As the funding pot is limited, an early application is recommended.

Question 8

Can the funding pot run out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Around €3 billion is available for 2026 to 2029, corresponding to roughly 800,000 vehicles. Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis — whoever submits a complete application first is considered first. Once the pot is exhausted, funding ends even if the period has not yet expired. That's why it pays not to postpone the application until the last moment.

Question 9

Is the purchase premium taxable?

Accepted Answer

For private buyers, the premium simply reduces the purchase price and is not itself taxable income. For commercial or business use, separate rules apply, for example on reducing the acquisition costs and depreciation base. When in doubt, clarify business cases with your tax adviser. This information does not replace individual advice.

Question 10

Can I combine the premium with other subsidies?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the respective programme. Regional grants from individual states or municipalities — for example for a wallbox — concern a different funding object and can often be used in addition. A double federal subsidy for the same vehicle, however, is excluded. Check the conditions of each programme carefully before submitting multiple applications.

Guide: EV Premium Calculator

EV Subsidy 2026: Up to €6,000 — Who Gets How Much?

Taxable Income Explained: Why Your Gross Salary Doesn't Decide the Premium

PHEV or BEV? How Differently the 2026 Subsidy Turns Out

Application Step by Step — and the Holding-Period Traps of the EV Premium

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