Overview
- Berlin has confirmed grants of up to €6,000 for private buyers of new battery‑electric cars and lower amounts for PHEVs, retroactive to January 1, 2026, within a €3 billion budget through 2029.
- Bonus levels are tied to taxable household income—roughly €5,000 under €45,000, €4,000 under €60,000, €3,000 under €80,000—with child allowances; only first registrations qualify, a 36‑month holding period applies, and leasing is eligible.
- The BAFA application portal is expected to open in May 2026, with retroactive claims allowed after registration.
- Carmakers are offering time‑limited incentives often stackable with the state aid, many ending March 31; Smart raised cuts to €6,000 on the #1 and #3 and €4,000 on the #5.
- Industry groups welcome planning certainty, while Ferdinand Dudenhöffer warns of competitive distortions benefiting low‑priced imports and falling second‑hand values; HUK Coburg data show private EV ownership is concentrated among homeowners with charging access.