EV Subsidy Germany 2026: up to €6,000 from BAFA
Germany's BAFA portal opened on 19 May 2026, and the subsidy applies retroactively to every EV first registered from 1 January 2026. Here is who gets how much, what the requirements are and how to file the application digitally via BundID — in plain English.
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Who gets how much?
The subsidy size depends on the vehicle type. Battery EVs and fuel-cell vehicles get more than plug-in hybrids.
| Vehicle type | Subsidy | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Battery EV / Fuel cell | €3,000 – €6,000 | New car, class M1, first registered from 01.01.2026 |
| Plug-in hybrid / Range-extender | €1,500 – €4,500 | ≤60 g CO₂/km OR ≥80 km EAER-City, register by 30.06.2027 |
| Family bonus | +€500 per child | Up to two children under 18, with Kindergeld proof |
Sources: BAFA EV subsidy 2026, requirements; ADAC.
Who qualifies?
- •Adults (18+) with primary residence in Germany.
- •Income cap: €80,000 taxable household income. Each child under 18 raises the limit by €5,000, up to a maximum of €90,000 with two children.
- •The car must sit in private assets — company cars do not qualify.
- •Minimum 36 months ownership. Early sale triggers a BAFA reclaim.
- •Maximum two applications per household (e.g. both partners one EV).
How to apply in 4 steps
1. Create a BundID account
The application runs entirely via BundID — register at id.bund.de with your ID card or ELSTER certificate if you do not have an account.
2. Prepare the documents
VIN, vehicle registration certificate part II, two recent tax assessments and Kindergeld confirmation where applicable — all as PDF.
3. File at BAFA
Complete the form on foerderzentrale.gov.de, upload the documents and submit — at the latest one year after registration.
4. Wait for payout
BAFA reviews the application and transfers the subsidy to your bank account. Keep the car registered for the required 36 months.
For the remaining purchase amount, compare an auto loan in English — interest differences quickly outweigh the subsidy. Foreign residents may want to check instant loans for foreigners.
What is different from the old Umweltbonus?
- 1.No price cap: Even pricier EVs qualify — the old Umweltbonus had a net list price limit.
- 2.Income-based: Lower incomes get more, with extra bonuses for families. The old programme had a flat rate.
- 3.Retroactive to 01.01.2026: Cars already registered in 2026 still qualify if the requirements match.
- 4.Fully digital: No paper applications — everything via BundID and the BAFA portal.
On top of the bonus, EVs receive long-term motor-tax exemptions of up to 10 years, running through 31 December 2035 (Federal Ministry of Finance). See our EV tax exemption 2026 guide for more background.
Frequently asked questions
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