Germany rolls out retroactive EV subsidy with up to €6,000 for new cars

Germany announced a retroactive electric-vehicle incentive effective from 1 January 2026, offering up to €6,000 for new battery-electric cars (base €3,000; €1,500 for plug-in hybrids), plus family- and income-based top-ups (€500 per child under 18, capped at €1,000; two-tier income supplements €1,000 up to €60k and €2,000 up to €45k). The scheme applies to new registrations from 2026 with a 36-month ownership requirement; applications can be submitted up to one year after registration. A digital application portal is planned for Q2 2026, with BAFA administration not yet confirmed. With a €3 billion Climate Fund, the program aims to fund around 800,000 vehicles over 3–4 years, supporting private buyers and domestic automakers.