Everyone is waiting for the e-car bonus – but there hasn't been more than a few new pieces of information so far. Why is it so difficult to lash down a subsidy package and start with it?
Almost two years ago, the environmental bonus for electric cars expired at the time - now the signs are good that there will be a new edition of the e-car subsidy. It has been talked about for a long time, but hardly anything has happened so far. But why does it take so long for the federal government to determine the exact details of the funding measures and agree on a start date? We'll tell you what could be the reasons for the delay.
All information about the e-car subsidy 2026
1. EU requirements and their influence
A central factor for the delay in e-car subsidies is the close integration of German subsidy measures with the regulations of the European Union. The EU has clear guidelines to promote green technologies and support the green transition, but these rules must always be adapted to specific national circumstances. This means that when determining funding and conditions, Germany must ensure that it is compatible with EU requirements and the internal market in order to avoid conflicts or legal problems.
Coordination with the European Commission is currently still ongoing, and until the green light has been given, the funding cannot be waved through.
2. Define framework conditions
In addition, the federal government needs a well-founded analysis of current market conditions. Such a comprehensive analysis takes time, as all relevant players – from the car manufacturer to the consumer – must be taken into account. Policymakers must not only define the financial aspect of the subsidy, but also ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure for electric cars, such as charging stations.
These infrastructural requirements and the role of municipalities and private providers must be integrated into funding policy.
3. The distribution of the funding and the application
Another reason for the delay is that not all details on the distribution of the funding pot of three billion euros have yet been clarified. The main focus is on concepts that avoid so-called deadweight effects. The bonus is aimed at people with low and middle incomes – according to this, it would have to be avoided that "too rich" people get the bonus because they have little monthly income but are still very wealthy.
In addition, it is not yet clear how the application for the e-car subsidy will be structured. This involves a great deal of bureaucracy that could drag on for some time. Accordingly, the Federal Government's statement to start funding in 2026 "as soon as possible" is relatively vague.
4. Christmas time is holiday time
Government meetings will also not take place during the Christmas season, or only rarely. Accordingly, decisions can drag on into the new year for this reason. There is no official winter break, but little will happen in the period between Christmas and New Year.
5. Conclusion: Patience is required
The delayed decision on e-car subsidies has many causes, most of which are due to the complex interplay of European requirements, national interests and the need for a well-thought-out application. For all those who are waiting for the bonus, there is only one thing left: patience. Because only with a well-coordinated solution can we ensure that the funding actually causes more benefit than effort.
In our estimation, it could take until February/March before the funding is in place. If everything goes faster than expected, then we may have a finished funding package as early as mid-January.
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