Auto+ Program: Direct Subsidies for Buying Electric Vehicles in 2026

Key data

Spain currently sells 225,000 electric vehicles per year, but needs to reach 570,000 to meet the European target of 50% electric sales by 2030. That gap of more than 345,000 units annually is the reason for the Auto+ Program, regulated by Royal Decree 609/2026, published and in force since July 23, 2026.

The program replaces MOVES III and is integrated into the Spain Auto 2030 Plan, the Government's roadmap for transforming the automotive sector. If your company has combustion vehicles or is planning to renew its fleet, these subsidies are directly applicable to your purchasing decision.

What does this regulation establish?

Royal Decree 609/2026 regulates the direct granting of economic subsidies for the acquisition of electric and electrified vehicles. It is the official successor to the MOVES III program, with which it shares the objective of reducing the entry barrier of price, still perceived as a deterrent factor for most buyers.

The Auto+ Program is structured within the Spain Auto 2030 Plan, which organizes electrification policy around three pillars:

• Industrial pillar: support for the value chain of the automotive sector established in Spain, including manufacturers and suppliers.
• Economic-social pillar: facilitate access to electric vehicles for all population segments and economic activities, reducing the perception of electric vehicles as a high-end product.
• Environmental pillar: contribute to the decarbonization objectives for road transport set by the European Union for 2030.

The program has direct implications for the automotive sector, dealerships, and manufacturers with a presence in Spain, which will see stimulated demand for electric and electrified vehicles thanks to the reduction in the effective price for the end buyer.

Economic and operational impact

The most direct impact of the Auto+ Program is the reduction in the acquisition cost of electric and electrified vehicles, both for individuals and for companies with fleets. The price barrier has historically been the main brake on mass adoption of electric vehicles in Spain, and this program acts directly on that point.

For companies, the opportunity is twofold: in addition to the direct purchase subsidy, fleet renewal toward electric vehicles can generate significant operational savings in fuel and maintenance in the medium term. The European context reinforces the urgency: the target of 50% electric sales by 2030 means that regulatory pressure on combustion vehicle fleets will increase.

For the automotive sector, dealerships, and manufacturers, the program represents a demand stimulus at a time when the gap between current sales (225,000 units) and needed sales (570,000) is very large. This can translate into greater commercial activity and business opportunities for the entire value chain.

Who does it affect?

• Individuals who want to buy a new electric or electrified vehicle.
• Self-employed workers who need a vehicle for their professional activity and want to benefit from the subsidies.
• Companies of any size that wish to renew all or part of their vehicle fleet toward electric or electrified options.
• Dealerships and vehicle distributors, who will act as the channel for processing subsidies for the end buyer.
• Vehicle manufacturers with production established in Spain, benefited by the demand stimulus.
• Fleet managers and purchasing managers in companies with their own vehicle fleet.

Practical example

Imagine a service company with 10 combustion vehicles that needs to renew its fleet in the second half of 2026. With the Auto+ Program in force since July 23, the company can request direct subsidies for the acquisition of electric or electrified vehicles to replace the current ones.

The process would be as follows: the company identifies electric models that meet its operational needs, goes to a dealership participating in the program, and processes the direct subsidy at the time of purchase. The result is a lower effective acquisition price than the market price of the electric vehicle, reducing the cost gap compared to an equivalent combustion vehicle.

Furthermore, since these are electric vehicles, the company positions itself favorably against European regulatory pressure that will increase requirements on combustion fleets toward 2030. The decision to renew the fleet now, taking advantage of the Auto+ Program subsidies, has both an immediate economic impact and strategic value in the medium term.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the current vehicle fleet and identify which units are candidates for renewal in the short and medium term, prioritizing the oldest or highest operational cost vehicles.
2. Consult the specific requirements of the Auto+ Program in the official text of Royal Decree 609/2026 to verify which types of vehicles and buyer profiles are eligible.
3. Contact dealerships participating in the program to learn about available models and the process for processing the direct subsidy at the point of sale.
4. Calculate the total cost of ownership (purchase price with subsidy + savings in fuel and maintenance) to compare the electric vehicle against the equivalent combustion vehicle.
5. Plan investment in charging infrastructure if the company does not have charging points at its facilities, as this is an operational requirement for fleet electrification.
6. Coordinate with the finance department or tax advisor the accounting and tax treatment of subsidies received, which may have implications for Corporate Income Tax.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-16010