Index
What grants are available in 2026 to change your car
Plan Auto+: the new state grant system
How the EEE (Electric, Economic, European) system works
How much you can get with scrappage vs without scrappage
Regional plans: Madrid, Andalusia and more
15% personal income tax deduction for electric cars
The big question: scrap or sell your old car?
How to combine grants with selling your car
Frequently asked questions
If you are thinking of changing your car in 2026, there is good news: the Government has launched Plan Auto+, the largest support programme for purchasing electrified cars since Plan MOVES III. With up to €7,000 of direct grant for pure electrics and scrappage of the old vehicle, plus a 15% personal income tax deduction, it is a great time to make the switch.
However, the grants come with conditions, requirements and combinations that are not always obvious. And there is a question that many buyers do not ask themselves but should: is it better for me to scrap my old car to access the maximum grant, or sell it on my own and keep more cash?
In this article, we explain all the grants available in 2026 and help you decide which option leaves more money in your pocket.
What grants are available in 2026 to change your car
In 2026, grants for buying vehicles come from three sources that can be combined (with limitations).
Plan Auto+ (state-level). This is the main programme. It replaces Plan MOVES III from 1 January 2026. Equipped with 400 million euros, it offers direct grants of up to 7,000 euros for the purchase of electric cars. It is part of the Spain Auto 2030 Plan, the national sustainable mobility strategy.
Regional plans. Some autonomous communities have their own grant programmes. Madrid and Andalusia have announced specific plans with grants of up to 2,000 euros for scrapping vehicles without an environmental label and buying an ECO or CERO car. Galicia and La Rioja also have their own programmes.
15% personal income tax deduction. In force until 31 December 2026 for the purchase of electrified vehicles and the installation of charging points. It is compatible with Plan Auto+ and applies directly to the tax return.
Plan Auto+: the new state grant system
Plan Auto+ is the successor to Plan MOVES III and features important differences compared to its predecessor.
Centralised management. Unlike MOVES III (where each autonomous community managed the grants with different deadlines and procedures), Plan Auto+ is centrally managed by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. This aims to reduce the delays and waiting lists that plagued MOVES III.
Retroactive from 1 January 2026. If you bought an electrified car between 1 January and the official publication of the plan, you can apply for the grant retroactively. You have not lost out by buying before the plan was activated.
Includes leasing. Unlike MOVES III in its initial stages, Plan Auto+ considers leasing (renting) as a valid form of acquisition. You can access the grant whether you buy or lease an electric vehicle.
Includes second-hand cars. Plan Auto+ covers grants for certain second-hand electrics and plug-in hybrids, provided they are purchased from a professional dealership and their first registration in Spain is after 1 January 2026.
If you want to sell your current electric car to buy a new one with grants, check our guide on selling a second-hand electric car.
Basic requirements. The vehicle must be approved and registered in Spain. You must maintain ownership for at least 3 years (individuals) or 4 years (companies). And the price of the vehicle must be within the limits set by the programme.
How the EEE (Electric, Economic, European) system works
The big novelty of Plan Auto+ is the EEE system: three independent criteria that stack up to determine the total amount of the grant.
E for Electric. The base grant applies to 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with a minimum electric range. Pure electrics receive the highest grant. Plug-in hybrids receive a lower amount.
E for Economic. Vehicles with a price below a certain threshold receive an increase in the grant. This criterion aims to make low and mid-priced electrics more accessible, incentivising models like the Dacia Spring, the Citroën ë-C3 or the Renault R5.
E for European. Vehicles manufactured in the European Union receive an additional increase. This criterion aims to protect the European automotive industry against imports of electrics manufactured in China.
The three criteria stack. A pure electric, economical car made in Europe qualifies for the maximum grant. an expensive, non-European electric car only gets the base grant.
How much you can get with scrappage vs without scrappage
Plan Auto+ amounts vary depending on the type of vehicle and whether or not you scrap your old car.
Without scrappage
Pure electric car (BEV) that meets all three EEE criteria: up to 4,500 euros in grants. Pure electric car that does not meet all criteria: reduced amount (depending on which criteria it meets). Plug-in hybrid: lower amount than pure electric, pending final publication for some brackets.
With scrappage
If you hand in a vehicle over 7 years old for scrapping, the grant increases to 7,000 euros for pure electrics that meet all EEE criteria.
Scrappage requirements. The vehicle to be scrapped must be over 7 years old. It must have been in your name (or that of a direct relative) for at least 12 months prior. It must be actively registered (not temporarily or permanently decommissioned). And it must be delivered to an authorised treatment facility (legal scrapyard) that issues the destruction certificate.
For the complete process of changing cars, check our guide on exchanging an old car for a new one.
The difference: €4,500 vs €7,000
Scrapping gives you an extra 2,500 euros in grant. But scrapping means giving up what your old car is worth on the market. And herein lies the key to the decision.
Regional plans: Madrid, Andalusia and more
In addition to the state-level Plan Auto+, some regions have their own programmes.
Community of Madrid. It has announced a plan with grants of up to 2,000 euros for scrapping vehicles without an environmental label and purchasing a vehicle with an ECO or CERO label. This plan may not be compatible with Plan Auto+ (you must choose one or the other).
Andalusia. A plan similar to Madrid's, with 5 million euros in grants for scrapping vehicles without a label and buying electrics.
Galicia and La Rioja. Their own regional programmes under "scrappage-like" schemes that offer complementary aid.
Important. The compatibility between Plan Auto+ and regional plans varies. In most cases, they cannot be combined (you must choose one). Before applying, consult the specific conditions of your autonomous community to choose the one that gives you the most money.
15% personal income tax deduction for electric cars
In addition to direct grants, buying an electrified vehicle allows you a 15% deduction on your personal income tax, with a deduction base limit of 20,000 euros.
How it works. If you buy an electric car for 25,000 euros, the deduction base is 20,000 euros (maximum) and the deduction is 15%: 3,000 euros deducted from your personal income tax liability.
Validity. Until 31 December 2026.
Compatible with Plan Auto+. Yes, you can receive the Plan Auto+ grant and also apply the 15% deduction to your personal income tax.
Combined example. You buy an electric car for €28,000, it meets all three EEE criteria and you scrap your old car: you receive €7,000 from Plan Auto+ and a €3,000 tax deduction = €10,000 in total aid. The real cost of the car drops to €18,000.
The big question: scrap or sell your old car?
This is the decision that can make you gain or lose money. And the answer depends on how much your old car is worth on the market.
When to scrap
If your car is worth less than 2,500 euros on the market. The extra grant for scrapping is 2,500 euros. If your car is worth less than that (for example, a 15-year-old car with 250,000 km that would sell for 1,000-2,000 euros), scrapping gives you more money than selling.
If your car has no buyer. A car that does not start, would not pass the MOT (ITV) or has serious problems may have no market. In that case, scrapping it and collecting an extra 2,500 euros in grant is better than having it standing idle.
If your car is very old or has high mileage, check the options under selling an old car or one with high mileage.
If your car does not have an environmental label and you are in a city with a LEZ (ZBE). Combined with regional grants (Madrid: €2,000 for scrapping without a label), the total result can be highly beneficial.
When to sell
If your car is worth more than 3,000 euros on the market. If you can get 5,000, 8,000 or 12,000 euros by selling it, scrapping to get an extra 2,500 euros in grant makes no sense. You lose thousands of euros.
If your car is in demand. Popular models with B or C labels still sell well on the second-hand market, especially outside cities with LEZs. Selling it gives you much more than scrapping it.
To find out if your car is in demand, check how to find out how much your car is worth.
If your car works. A running car has commercial value. Scrapping it destroys that value in exchange for a grant that may be less than what you would get by selling it.
The rule of thumb
Value your car before deciding. With Dealcar, you can value your car for free in 30 seconds and receive offers from over 1,000 dealerships. If the best offer exceeds 2,500-3,000 euros, selling is better than scrapping. If no dealership offers more than 1,500-2,000 euros, scrapping probably pays off.
How to combine grants with selling your car
If your old car is worth more than the scrappage grant, the optimal strategy is to sell first and buy afterwards.
Step 1: Value your car with Dealcar. You receive offers in less than 18 hours. If the best offer is significantly higher than 2,500 euros, the decision is clear: sell.
Step 2: Sell your car to the highest bidder. Get paid by bank transfer before handing it over. The buyer collects from your home and manages all the paperwork.
To maximise what you get for your old car, check our strategies to get the best price.
Step 3: Buy the new car under Plan Auto+. Without scrapping, the grant is up to 4,500 euros (pure electric, all EEE criteria). Plus the 15% personal income tax deduction.
Step 4: Add up the numbers.
Example: your old car is worth 8,000 euros on the market.
Option | Income from old car | Plan Auto+ Grant | Income Tax Deduction | Total in your favour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scrapping and Plan Auto+ | 0 € (destroyed) | 7.000 € | 3.000 € | 10.000 € |
Selling and Plan Auto+ | 8.000 € (sale) | 4.500 € | 3.000 € | 15.500 € |
Difference: 5,500 euros in favour of selling. And the more your car is worth, the greater the difference.
Only if your car is worth less than 2,500 euros on the market does scrapping give you a better result than selling.
Dealcar: value your car for free before deciding
Before scrapping your car, find out its real value. With Dealcar, you value your car for free in less than 30 seconds and receive offers from over 1,000 dealerships competing with each other.
If the offers exceed 2,500-3,000 euros, selling and buying separately leaves you with thousands of euros more than scrapping. If they don't reach that figure, you can decide to scrap with the certainty that you are not leaving money on the table.
100% free for you. No commissions or hidden costs.
Get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before delivering the car.
Home collection. No need to travel.
No paperwork. The buyer manages ownership transfer, DGT traffic authority and all paperwork.
On average, 1,400 euros more than selling on Wallapop.
More than 12,000 cars sold and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Use the free Dealcar valuation tool.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive the Plan Auto+ grant if I don't scrap my old car?
Yes. Scrappage is not mandatory. Without scrapping, the maximum grant for a pure electric vehicle that meets all EEE criteria is 4,500 euros. With scrapping, it rises to 7,000 euros. You decide what pays off more.
Is Plan Auto+ compatible with the 15% personal income tax deduction?
Yes. You can receive the direct grant from Plan Auto+ and also apply the 15% deduction to your income tax return. These are two independent and cumulative benefits.
Can I qualify for Plan Auto+ if I buy a second-hand electric car?
Yes, under certain conditions. The car must be purchased from a professional dealership and its first registration in Spain must be after 1 January 2026. It does not apply to transactions between private individuals.
Are regional plans compatible with Plan Auto+?
In most cases they cannot be combined (you must choose one). Check the specific conditions of your autonomous community before applying. Choose the one that gives you the most money.
When does Plan Auto+ expire?
The 400 million euros are budgeted for 2026. The grants will be available until the budget is depleted or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. If you are thinking of buying an electric car, do not wait for the budget to run out.
Is it worth scrapping a car that still runs?
Only if its market value is less than 2,500-3,000 euros (the difference in grant between scrapping and not scrapping). If your car runs and is in demand on the market, selling it gives you more money than destroying it. Appraise first, decide later.
Index
What grants are available in 2026 to change your car
Plan Auto+: the new state grant system
How the EEE (Electric, Economic, European) system works
How much you can get with scrappage vs without scrappage
Regional plans: Madrid, Andalusia and more
15% personal income tax deduction for electric cars
The big question: scrap or sell your old car?
How to combine grants with selling your car
Frequently asked questions
If you are thinking of changing your car in 2026, there is good news: the Government has launched Plan Auto+, the largest support programme for purchasing electrified cars since Plan MOVES III. With up to €7,000 of direct grant for pure electrics and scrappage of the old vehicle, plus a 15% personal income tax deduction, it is a great time to make the switch.
However, the grants come with conditions, requirements and combinations that are not always obvious. And there is a question that many buyers do not ask themselves but should: is it better for me to scrap my old car to access the maximum grant, or sell it on my own and keep more cash?
In this article, we explain all the grants available in 2026 and help you decide which option leaves more money in your pocket.
What grants are available in 2026 to change your car
In 2026, grants for buying vehicles come from three sources that can be combined (with limitations).
Plan Auto+ (state-level). This is the main programme. It replaces Plan MOVES III from 1 January 2026. Equipped with 400 million euros, it offers direct grants of up to 7,000 euros for the purchase of electric cars. It is part of the Spain Auto 2030 Plan, the national sustainable mobility strategy.
Regional plans. Some autonomous communities have their own grant programmes. Madrid and Andalusia have announced specific plans with grants of up to 2,000 euros for scrapping vehicles without an environmental label and buying an ECO or CERO car. Galicia and La Rioja also have their own programmes.
15% personal income tax deduction. In force until 31 December 2026 for the purchase of electrified vehicles and the installation of charging points. It is compatible with Plan Auto+ and applies directly to the tax return.
Plan Auto+: the new state grant system
Plan Auto+ is the successor to Plan MOVES III and features important differences compared to its predecessor.
Centralised management. Unlike MOVES III (where each autonomous community managed the grants with different deadlines and procedures), Plan Auto+ is centrally managed by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism. This aims to reduce the delays and waiting lists that plagued MOVES III.
Retroactive from 1 January 2026. If you bought an electrified car between 1 January and the official publication of the plan, you can apply for the grant retroactively. You have not lost out by buying before the plan was activated.
Includes leasing. Unlike MOVES III in its initial stages, Plan Auto+ considers leasing (renting) as a valid form of acquisition. You can access the grant whether you buy or lease an electric vehicle.
Includes second-hand cars. Plan Auto+ covers grants for certain second-hand electrics and plug-in hybrids, provided they are purchased from a professional dealership and their first registration in Spain is after 1 January 2026.
If you want to sell your current electric car to buy a new one with grants, check our guide on selling a second-hand electric car.
Basic requirements. The vehicle must be approved and registered in Spain. You must maintain ownership for at least 3 years (individuals) or 4 years (companies). And the price of the vehicle must be within the limits set by the programme.
How the EEE (Electric, Economic, European) system works
The big novelty of Plan Auto+ is the EEE system: three independent criteria that stack up to determine the total amount of the grant.
E for Electric. The base grant applies to 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) with a minimum electric range. Pure electrics receive the highest grant. Plug-in hybrids receive a lower amount.
E for Economic. Vehicles with a price below a certain threshold receive an increase in the grant. This criterion aims to make low and mid-priced electrics more accessible, incentivising models like the Dacia Spring, the Citroën ë-C3 or the Renault R5.
E for European. Vehicles manufactured in the European Union receive an additional increase. This criterion aims to protect the European automotive industry against imports of electrics manufactured in China.
The three criteria stack. A pure electric, economical car made in Europe qualifies for the maximum grant. an expensive, non-European electric car only gets the base grant.
How much you can get with scrappage vs without scrappage
Plan Auto+ amounts vary depending on the type of vehicle and whether or not you scrap your old car.
Without scrappage
Pure electric car (BEV) that meets all three EEE criteria: up to 4,500 euros in grants. Pure electric car that does not meet all criteria: reduced amount (depending on which criteria it meets). Plug-in hybrid: lower amount than pure electric, pending final publication for some brackets.
With scrappage
If you hand in a vehicle over 7 years old for scrapping, the grant increases to 7,000 euros for pure electrics that meet all EEE criteria.
Scrappage requirements. The vehicle to be scrapped must be over 7 years old. It must have been in your name (or that of a direct relative) for at least 12 months prior. It must be actively registered (not temporarily or permanently decommissioned). And it must be delivered to an authorised treatment facility (legal scrapyard) that issues the destruction certificate.
For the complete process of changing cars, check our guide on exchanging an old car for a new one.
The difference: €4,500 vs €7,000
Scrapping gives you an extra 2,500 euros in grant. But scrapping means giving up what your old car is worth on the market. And herein lies the key to the decision.
Regional plans: Madrid, Andalusia and more
In addition to the state-level Plan Auto+, some regions have their own programmes.
Community of Madrid. It has announced a plan with grants of up to 2,000 euros for scrapping vehicles without an environmental label and purchasing a vehicle with an ECO or CERO label. This plan may not be compatible with Plan Auto+ (you must choose one or the other).
Andalusia. A plan similar to Madrid's, with 5 million euros in grants for scrapping vehicles without a label and buying electrics.
Galicia and La Rioja. Their own regional programmes under "scrappage-like" schemes that offer complementary aid.
Important. The compatibility between Plan Auto+ and regional plans varies. In most cases, they cannot be combined (you must choose one). Before applying, consult the specific conditions of your autonomous community to choose the one that gives you the most money.
15% personal income tax deduction for electric cars
In addition to direct grants, buying an electrified vehicle allows you a 15% deduction on your personal income tax, with a deduction base limit of 20,000 euros.
How it works. If you buy an electric car for 25,000 euros, the deduction base is 20,000 euros (maximum) and the deduction is 15%: 3,000 euros deducted from your personal income tax liability.
Validity. Until 31 December 2026.
Compatible with Plan Auto+. Yes, you can receive the Plan Auto+ grant and also apply the 15% deduction to your personal income tax.
Combined example. You buy an electric car for €28,000, it meets all three EEE criteria and you scrap your old car: you receive €7,000 from Plan Auto+ and a €3,000 tax deduction = €10,000 in total aid. The real cost of the car drops to €18,000.
The big question: scrap or sell your old car?
This is the decision that can make you gain or lose money. And the answer depends on how much your old car is worth on the market.
When to scrap
If your car is worth less than 2,500 euros on the market. The extra grant for scrapping is 2,500 euros. If your car is worth less than that (for example, a 15-year-old car with 250,000 km that would sell for 1,000-2,000 euros), scrapping gives you more money than selling.
If your car has no buyer. A car that does not start, would not pass the MOT (ITV) or has serious problems may have no market. In that case, scrapping it and collecting an extra 2,500 euros in grant is better than having it standing idle.
If your car is very old or has high mileage, check the options under selling an old car or one with high mileage.
If your car does not have an environmental label and you are in a city with a LEZ (ZBE). Combined with regional grants (Madrid: €2,000 for scrapping without a label), the total result can be highly beneficial.
When to sell
If your car is worth more than 3,000 euros on the market. If you can get 5,000, 8,000 or 12,000 euros by selling it, scrapping to get an extra 2,500 euros in grant makes no sense. You lose thousands of euros.
If your car is in demand. Popular models with B or C labels still sell well on the second-hand market, especially outside cities with LEZs. Selling it gives you much more than scrapping it.
To find out if your car is in demand, check how to find out how much your car is worth.
If your car works. A running car has commercial value. Scrapping it destroys that value in exchange for a grant that may be less than what you would get by selling it.
The rule of thumb
Value your car before deciding. With Dealcar, you can value your car for free in 30 seconds and receive offers from over 1,000 dealerships. If the best offer exceeds 2,500-3,000 euros, selling is better than scrapping. If no dealership offers more than 1,500-2,000 euros, scrapping probably pays off.
How to combine grants with selling your car
If your old car is worth more than the scrappage grant, the optimal strategy is to sell first and buy afterwards.
Step 1: Value your car with Dealcar. You receive offers in less than 18 hours. If the best offer is significantly higher than 2,500 euros, the decision is clear: sell.
Step 2: Sell your car to the highest bidder. Get paid by bank transfer before handing it over. The buyer collects from your home and manages all the paperwork.
To maximise what you get for your old car, check our strategies to get the best price.
Step 3: Buy the new car under Plan Auto+. Without scrapping, the grant is up to 4,500 euros (pure electric, all EEE criteria). Plus the 15% personal income tax deduction.
Step 4: Add up the numbers.
Example: your old car is worth 8,000 euros on the market.
Option | Income from old car | Plan Auto+ Grant | Income Tax Deduction | Total in your favour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Scrapping and Plan Auto+ | 0 € (destroyed) | 7.000 € | 3.000 € | 10.000 € |
Selling and Plan Auto+ | 8.000 € (sale) | 4.500 € | 3.000 € | 15.500 € |
Difference: 5,500 euros in favour of selling. And the more your car is worth, the greater the difference.
Only if your car is worth less than 2,500 euros on the market does scrapping give you a better result than selling.
Dealcar: value your car for free before deciding
Before scrapping your car, find out its real value. With Dealcar, you value your car for free in less than 30 seconds and receive offers from over 1,000 dealerships competing with each other.
If the offers exceed 2,500-3,000 euros, selling and buying separately leaves you with thousands of euros more than scrapping. If they don't reach that figure, you can decide to scrap with the certainty that you are not leaving money on the table.
100% free for you. No commissions or hidden costs.
Get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before delivering the car.
Home collection. No need to travel.
No paperwork. The buyer manages ownership transfer, DGT traffic authority and all paperwork.
On average, 1,400 euros more than selling on Wallapop.
More than 12,000 cars sold and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Use the free Dealcar valuation tool.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive the Plan Auto+ grant if I don't scrap my old car?
Yes. Scrappage is not mandatory. Without scrapping, the maximum grant for a pure electric vehicle that meets all EEE criteria is 4,500 euros. With scrapping, it rises to 7,000 euros. You decide what pays off more.
Is Plan Auto+ compatible with the 15% personal income tax deduction?
Yes. You can receive the direct grant from Plan Auto+ and also apply the 15% deduction to your income tax return. These are two independent and cumulative benefits.
Can I qualify for Plan Auto+ if I buy a second-hand electric car?
Yes, under certain conditions. The car must be purchased from a professional dealership and its first registration in Spain must be after 1 January 2026. It does not apply to transactions between private individuals.
Are regional plans compatible with Plan Auto+?
In most cases they cannot be combined (you must choose one). Check the specific conditions of your autonomous community before applying. Choose the one that gives you the most money.
When does Plan Auto+ expire?
The 400 million euros are budgeted for 2026. The grants will be available until the budget is depleted or until 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. If you are thinking of buying an electric car, do not wait for the budget to run out.
Is it worth scrapping a car that still runs?
Only if its market value is less than 2,500-3,000 euros (the difference in grant between scrapping and not scrapping). If your car runs and is in demand on the market, selling it gives you more money than destroying it. Appraise first, decide later.
