Auto+ 2026: New Grants for Spanish SMEs and Self-Employed Workers to Purchase Electric Vehicles

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Spain has launched the new Programa Auto+, a national subsidy scheme designed to support the transition to cleaner mobility. The programme provides direct grants to individuals, SMEs and self-employed workers (autónomos) purchasing eligible electric and electrified vehicles in Spain. According to the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the scheme aims to accelerate vehicle electrification while supporting European and Spanish automotive manufacturing.

What Is the Auto+ Programme?

The Programa Auto+ is a direct grant programme regulated by Royal Decree 609/2026 and managed by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism. It replaces previous incentive schemes such as MOVES and focuses on vehicles that qualify for the DGT’s CERO environmental label.

The programme is divided into two separate funding lines:

  • Line 1: Private individuals who do not carry out an economic activity.
  • Line 2: Businesses and self-employed professionals carrying out an economic activity.

For SMEs and autónomos, Line 2 is the most relevant because it specifically supports company vehicles, professional fleets and business mobility needs.

Budget Available for SMEs and Autónomos

The Ministry announced a dedicated budget of €50 million for Line 2 of the programme, distributed as follows:

  • €42 million for private companies
  • €8 million for self-employed professionals

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to compliance with the programme requirements and budget availability.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to:

  • Self-employed workers (autónomos) registered with the tax authorities.
  • Micro-enterprises.
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Larger companies meeting the programme requirements.

According to information published by specialist tax and business portals, autonomous workers may apply for grants on up to three vehicles, while businesses can request support for up to ten vehicles.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

The grant amount depends on the type of vehicle, level of electrification and other programme criteria.

Maximum aid levels currently reported for autonomous workers and micro-enterprises include:

Vehicle TypeMaximum Grant
Passenger car (M1)Up to €6,000
Light commercial vehicle / van (N1)Up to €7,500
Electric motorcycleUp to €1,100
Electric quadricycleUp to €1,500

For larger businesses, lower limits may apply depending on the vehicle category and company size.

Which Vehicles Qualify?

The Ministry states that eligible vehicles must hold the DGT CERO emissions label. The programme seeks to encourage the purchase of electric and electrified vehicles and forms part of Spain’s wider strategy for transport decarbonisation.

Key Dates

For the 2026 Line 2 call aimed at businesses and autónomos:

  • Application period opened on 1 October 2026.
  • Applications are scheduled to remain open until 31 December 2026, unless available funding is exhausted earlier.

Why This Matters for SMEs and Autónomos

Rising fuel costs, sustainability objectives and increasing urban emissions restrictions are encouraging many businesses to modernise their fleets. The Auto+ programme can significantly reduce the upfront investment required to acquire electric vehicles for business use.

For self-employed professionals, delivery businesses, consultants, therapists, tradespeople and service providers, the grants may help lower operating costs while improving environmental performance. SMEs looking to electrify company cars or light commercial vehicles can potentially benefit from substantial support.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ministry of Industry and Tourism’s designated online platform. The Ministry has indicated that documentation submitted through other channels will not be considered.

Final Thoughts

The new Auto+ grant programme for SMEs and self-employed workers represents one of Spain’s main support measures for business vehicle electrification in 2026. With funding of up to €7,500 per vehicle, dedicated budgets for autónomos and businesses, and support for multiple vehicle purchases, the scheme offers a valuable opportunity for companies looking to reduce costs and transition towards sustainable mobility.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general guidance and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. For personalised advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult a qualified tax advisor or accountant.

AI disclosure: This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by a human editor before publication.

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