The portal for the new EV grant scheme for private individuals is now available online. The scheme was designed by the German Environment Ministry and German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) to be a modern, digital and accessible administrative process.
Today, the portal for the new EV grant scheme for the public was officially opened for business. Anyone who registers or has registered an electric car, certain plug-in hybrids or an electric car with a range extender from 1 January 2026 and earns below a certain income threshold can now apply to receive a grant of up to 6,000 euros. The amount of the grant varies based on the vehicle, income level and family size. Both the purchase and lease of new cars are eligible for funding. The total funding available for the scheme, 3 billion euros, is estimated to be enough to provide assistance for 800,000 vehicles for the 2026 to 2029 period.
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider stated: "The portal for the new EV grant scheme is now available online. We’ve kept to our timetable. The grants will start flowing and will be graduated based on income level, family size and the vehicle. With this grant scheme, we are helping the environment, the automotive industry and households that would otherwise be unable to afford an electric vehicle. In light of the geopolitical situation, this is more important than ever before. The current fossil fuel crisis is far from over and could reoccur. Electric mobility is our opportunity to declare independence from expensive diesel and petrol. The timing has never been better: the range of EVs is getting better and better, there are more charging options and manufacturers finally have more small models on offer. And word is spreading that it’s fun to drive an electric vehicle. Electric mobility is now reaching the general public. We are providing a much-needed push with our scheme."
BAFA President Dr Mandy Pastohr commented: "The new EV grant scheme provides the public with a completely digital application process. The online application takes users through the process step by step, collecting vehicle information and household details and allowing upload of the required documentation. My organisation is prepared for the launch. We have a hotline to help applicants with questions, and we have clear information on our website. We are pairing digital administration with a strong commitment to service. The funding should be easy to access and understandable for everyone."
The scheme is being implemented by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control. The application process is completely digital and can be accessed via the "Förderzentrale Deutschland" portal. Private individuals who choose to switch to a new electric or a plug-in-hybrid car can apply for a grant between 1,500 and 6,000 euros depending on income level, family size and vehicle.
The grant scheme was designed by the German Environment Ministry and German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) to be a modern, digital and accessible administrative process. The application requires a BundID, a central login for governmental online services which enables secure, unique digital identification and easier access to a range of administrative services. Users can set up a BundID with an electronic national identity card or with an ELSTER certificate.
The completely digital process makes applications simpler, quicker and less bureaucratic. The process verifies key details automatically and without paperwork through a digital link with Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority. In the grant portal itself, applicants only need to upload current income tax statements. Families with children must provide current child allowance statements as well. Applicants seeking grants for plug-in hybrids will also need to upload an EU certificate of conformity.
The scheme is in effect retroactively for new registrations from 1 January 2026 to boost early uptake. The registration numbers in the last months show that this has been a success: from January to April 2026, there were around 224,000 new registrations for exclusively electric vehicles, a new record.