Spain has approved the regulatory framework for its new Auto+ incentive program, introducing a centrally managed subsidy scheme for electric vehicle purchases that will remain in effect through the end of 2030.
The program replaces the previous MOVES III initiative and is designed to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles while simplifying the grant application process. Only vehicles that qualify for the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic’s (DGT) ZERO-emissions environmental label will be eligible for support.
Two Funding Streams Introduced
The Auto+ program is divided into two funding pillars based on the type of buyer.
The first pillar is aimed at private individuals who are not engaged in economic activity and supports purchases of new electric vehicles as well as nearly new models that are up to 12 months old and already registered in Spain.
The second pillar targets businesses, self-employed workers and other buyers engaged in economic activity. It covers outright purchases in addition to financial leasing and rental contracts with a minimum duration of three years.
Private buyers can receive grants of up to €4,500 for M1 passenger cars, €5,000 for N1 electric vans, €1,100 for electric motorcycles in the L3e, L4e and L5e categories, and €1,500 for L6e and L7e quadricycles.
Support increases for self-employed buyers and micro-enterprises, which can receive up to €6,000 for passenger cars and €7,500 for electric vans. Businesses eligible under the Climate Social Fund may receive up to €7,000 for passenger cars and €12,000 for electric vans.
According to Spanish media reports, the amount awarded for passenger cars will vary depending on several criteria, including vehicle technology, purchase price and manufacturing origin. Battery-electric vehicles will receive greater support than plug-in hybrids or range-extender models, while additional incentives favor vehicles priced below €35,000, models manufactured within the European Union and vehicles equipped with batteries produced at least partly in the EU.
Unlike the previous MOVES III program, Auto+ does not include subsidies for charging infrastructure or additional incentives tied to scrapping older vehicles.
Centralized System Aims to Reduce Processing Times
The Council of Ministers approved the program as part of Spain’s broader strategy to accelerate road transport electrification under the Spain Auto 2030 Plan.
Applications will be submitted through a centralized online platform managed by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, with grants funded directly through the national budget.
Spanish media have reported that the program has an initial budget of €400 million and will apply retroactively to eligible vehicle purchases made on or after January 1, 2026.
Industry Minister Jordi Hereu said the government does not currently expect additional funding to be required.
“We do not believe the funds will be exhausted. With the €400 million, we can comfortably cover the year.”
The government said the centralized administration is intended to significantly shorten processing times compared with the previous MOVES III scheme, under which applicants often waited several months before receiving subsidies. Under Auto+, grants are expected to be processed within weeks.
Describing the initiative, the government said the program will play a central role in achieving Spain’s transport decarbonization goals.
“The Auto+ Programme, which forms part of the Spain Auto 2030 Plan, is the main tool to promote the electrification of transport and is an essential measure for achieving the climate and energy transition objectives of national scope committed to in state and European planning.”