The Federal Government intends to boost the sales of electric vehicles with a new support program. Current information suggests that the planned purchase premium will apply retroactively starting January 1, 2026. With this measure, the government aims to provide certainty for buyers who have already purchased a corresponding vehicle since the turn of the year.
The support package specifically targets private individuals with low and middle incomes. Households with a taxable annual income of up to 80,000 euros could receive a basic subsidy of 3,000 euros. This amount could increase to up to 4,000 euros depending on the number of children in the household. For particularly low-income households with a monthly 'Netto-Einkommen' below 3,000 euros, an additional increase in funds is planned. The budget is expected to be sufficient for an estimated 800,000 vehicles.
Although the announcement of detailed guidelines has been postponed shortly, there is agreement that both the purchase and the 'Leasing' of purely battery-electric vehicles as well as 'Plug-in-Hybriden' should be subsidized. The final approval from the European Commission remains a prerequisite for implementation. Meanwhile, a dynamic development is showing in Austria: In the Viennese district of 'Mariahilf', the 50-percent mark for electric cars was exceeded for the first time in new registrations, setting a new record.
