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Plug-in hybrids: These models will still receive subsidies in 2022




Now it's time to be quick: For plug-in hybrids, the state subsidy is to expire at the end of 2022. Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck announced in April 2022 that the purchase premiums for plug-in hybrids are to be abolished. The reason? According to the ADAC, the hybrid of e-car and combustion engine are usually not used as intended. Many drivers of plug-in hybrids save themselves the logistically challenging charging of the battery and drive only with gasoline or diesel, even in the city. In this way, however, according to the Federal Environment Agency, the plug-ins emit more CO₂ than pure combustion engines. After all, they have a heavy battery on board, the transport of which swallows up additional fuel.

Subsidies for plug-in hybrids: How much longer?

Environmental protection associations such as NABU are in favour of the planned end of subsidies for plug-in hybrids as of 31.12.2022. Used correctly, the technology has a major advantage: plug-in hybrids are economical with electricity in everyday life. When you go on vacation or on a business trip, the combustion engine is switched on. This means that even long distances without charging stops are possible. The registration figures for plug-in hybrids recently showed that the technology is well received by consumers. Nevertheless, experts see the future in pure electric cars. On the one hand, they are cheaper. On the other hand, electric cars are becoming more and more suitable for everyday use. This is because the range of e-cars is increasing. At the same time, the network of charging stations is becoming denser and denser – in Germany, but also in many other European countries.

With the expected end of state subsidies, plug-in hybrids will become even more expensive than they already are. Experts therefore suspect that PHEV technology ("Plug-in hybrid Electric Vehicle") will only be attractive to a small, financially strong group of buyers from 2023. Even now, the installation of two coordinated engines only pays off for manufacturers from the compact class onwards. Price-conscious small car buyers would hardly want to pay for PHEV technology – so there are no plug-in hybrid small cars. Manufacturers therefore often speak of a "bridging technology" that is intended to make it easier for buyers to get started with e-mobility.

Subsidies for plug-in hybrids in 2022: Requirements

In 2022, buyers of a plug-in hybrid still have the chance to have their new or young used cars subsidized by the state. To do this, the plug-in hybrid must meet the following requirements: A maximum CO₂ emission of 50 grams per kilometer or a purely electric minimum range of 60 kilometers.

For applications submitted until 31.12.2021, a purely electric minimum range of 40 kilometres still applied. This is no longer sufficient for funding from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). But beware: Only those who still get their plug-in hybrids registered in 2022 can apply for the state subsidy.

How much is the BAFA subsidy for plug-in hybrids in 2022?

The amount subsidized for the purchase of a plug-in hybrid in 2022 depends on the net list price of the base model. Vehicles that cost less than 40,000 euros are subsidized more than those that cost between 40,000 and 65,000 euros. Buyers of more expensive plug-in hybrids do not receive any subsidies at all. The reason: The government assumes that buyers of such expensive models do not need financial support from the state.

In any case, the vehicle must be kept for at least six months in order to be eligible. This means that if the vehicle has been subsidized, it may not be resold for six months at the earliest. The total funding is made up of two components: firstly, the "environmental bonus" (which is borne in equal parts by the manufacturers and the state) and secondly, the state "innovation bonus" (in the same amount as the federal share of the environmental bonus).

Vehicle Net list price base model Federal share (doubled) Manufacturer's share (net) Total funding (net)
Plug-in hybrid up to 40.000 € 4.500 € €2,250 6.750 €
Plug-in hybrid over €40,000 to €65,000 €3,750 1.875 € €5,625

Source: Federal Office of Economics and Export Control

Difference between environmental bonus and innovation bonus

The environmental bonus has been in place since 2016. It was introduced to promote the spread of electric cars. The environmental bonus is made up of a federal share and a manufacturer's share. In order to relieve car buyers financially in the Corona crisis, the federal share was increased by the "innovation premium" from June 2020. This means that the federal government's share of the environmental bonus has doubled. All electric cars registered after June 3, 2020, as well as certain plug-in hybrids and hydrogen cars, will receive the increased subsidy. Young used cars also benefit from the double subsidy. However, only if they were first registered after 4 November 2019, the first registration was not subsidised and the second registration took place after 3 June 2020.

Where can I apply for funding for PHEVs?

Car buyers can apply for funding for their PHEV online on the website of the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). However, not every plug-in hybrid is still eligible for funding in 2022. Even before buying, you should therefore check whether the desired model is eligible for the state subsidy. On the BAFA website, there is a PDF document called "List of eligible electric vehicles". All models that will receive BAFA funding in 2022 are noted on it. From page 38 of the document, the plug-in hybrids that benefit from the environmental bonus are listed. On the ministry's website, there is also a checklist of eligibility requirements for new and used cars.

Subsidies for plug-in hybrids 2022: Pay attention to delivery times

Anyone who decides to buy an eligible plug-in hybrid today cannot nevertheless firmly assume that they will receive the subsidy from BAFA. This is because almost all manufacturers are currently struggling with supply problems. Car buyers must therefore be prepared for waiting times of up to a year. The catch is that the decisive factor for BAFA funding is the date on which the car was registered to the owner. Buyers will therefore only receive a subsidy for their plug-in hybrid if the registration date is before December 31, 2022. If you still want to take advantage of the state PHEV subsidy in 2022, you should therefore choose a vehicle for which the manufacturer gives a delivery guarantee until the end of the year.

Subsidies for plug-in hybrids 2022: Model list

In order to make it easier for uncertain customers to decide on a plug-in hybrid, several manufacturers have issued delivery or premium guarantees – despite the difficulties in semiconductor procurement and logistics caused by the Corona crisis and the Ukraine war. Many Japanese manufacturers – including Toyota, Suzuki and Mitsubishi – do not offer any guarantees, but point to short delivery times of five to six weeks. To be on the safe side, choose a vehicle that is already in the car dealership or dealer's parking lot. The following new cars sold over mobile.de will still benefit from the environmental bonus for plug-in hybrids in 2022. This table lists their most important technical data.

Plug-in hybrids that will receive funding in 2022 – a selection

Model Achievement Electric range (WLTP) according to the manufacturer Acceleration Battery
BMW X1 xDrive25e 131–178 hp 47–52 km 7.3 s 8.82 kWh
Cupra Formentor 204/245 hp 67 km 7.0 s 12.8 kWh
Hyundai Tucson 265 hp 62 km 8.2 s 13.8 kWh
Kia Sorento 265 hp 68 km 8.7 s 13.8 kWh
Kia Niro 183 hp 58 km 9.6 s 11.1 kWh
Toyota RAV4 306 hp 75 km 6 s 18.1 kWh
Renault Captur 158 hp 54 km 10.1 s 9.8 kWh
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 188 hp 45 km 10.9 s 13.8 kWh

All of the models mentioned are available as new cars and are still eligible for government funding in 2022. If the first registration was not subsidized, you can also have a young used car subsidized. Here you will find offers from dealers in your area.

Environmental bonus for electric cars from 2023

On 13 April 2022, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) announced that the funding will be restructured from 2023. Then only those vehicles that demonstrably protect the climate will be subsidized. From the BMWK's point of view, plug-in hybrids are no longer included. The reason: It would only be possible to determine with disproportionate effort how often hybrid owners actually drive electrically. Incidentally, the subsidy for purely electric cars will also be gradually reduced: First, the federal share will be reduced from the current maximum of 6,000 to 4,000 euros in 2023, then to 3,000 euros in 2024 and 2025.