Core Elements of the Auto+ Program
The “Auto+” purchase subsidy plan, approved by the Spanish government, is a major initiative to drive the transition to electric mobility. The plan is retroactive, meaning any eligible zero-emission (CERO) vehicle purchased after January 1, 2026, can apply for the subsidy. This measure aims to stimulate market demand and shift consumer trends toward the European manufacturing industry.
Eligible Vehicles and Subsidy Amounts
The Auto+ plan covers a wide range of CERO-tagged vehicles, ensuring that consumers with different needs can benefit. Specifics include:
- Passenger cars (Category M1): With no more than 9 seats, the maximum subsidy is €4,500.
- Light commercial vehicles (Category N1): For vans or light trucks with a gross weight not exceeding 3.5 tons, the maximum subsidy is €5,000.
- Electric motorcycles: Must have a speed exceeding 45 km/h and a range greater than 70 km, with a maximum subsidy of €1,100.
- Quadricycles: Includes both light and heavy quadricycles.
Furthermore, the policy mandates that car dealerships must offer an additional discount of at least €1,000 for M1 and N1 category vehicles, on top of the government subsidy, further reducing the consumer’s purchase cost.
The ‘EEE’ Score: A New Standard for Subsidy Calculation
Unlike previous plans, the final subsidy amount is not fixed. Instead, it is calculated through an innovative scoring system called “EEE”. This system determines the subsidy as a percentage of the maximum amount based on three factors (Electric, Economic, European):
- Electric Factor (Eléctrico): Pure electric vehicles can receive 50% of the maximum subsidy, while range-extender or plug-in hybrid vehicles receive 25%.
- Economic Factor (Económico): Passenger cars priced below €35,000 are eligible for 25%, while vehicles priced above this threshold receive 15%.
- European Factor (Europeo): This is a key focus of the new policy. If the vehicle’s final assembly is completed in a factory within the EU, it receives a 15% bonus. If its battery pack is also assembled in the EU, an additional 10% is added.
This means that a moderately priced pure electric vehicle produced in Europe will receive the highest possible subsidy.
Eligibility and Limitations
Eligibility for the subsidy varies by applicant. Individual buyers are limited to claiming the subsidy for only one vehicle. For businesses and the self-employed (autónomos), the limit is increased to a maximum of ten vehicles. It is crucial to note that the Auto+ plan is not compatible with the MOVES Flotas Plus plan for fleets. Applicants should carefully evaluate their situation and choose the most advantageous option before submitting.
