Buyers of electric cars are currently paying up to 9570 euros less thanks to the purchase premium. There’s a subsidy of 6,000 euros from the state and 3,000 euros from the manufacturer; In addition, there is a saving of 570 euros in VAT. But that will come to an end in the coming year: in 2023, the federal government will trim the environmental bonus, even dropping it entirely for plug-in hybrids.
Even if the new guidelines will not take effect until 2023, they are already a problem for the vast majority of electric models (electric car purchase advice). Because the date of the application is and remains decisive for the amount of the subsidy – which cannot be submitted without the vehicle registration. And that, in turn, is only possible after the new electric car has been delivered, which, given the currently long delivery times, should usually not take place until the new year.
These are currently the best electric cars
Selected products in tabular overview
Audi Q4 e-tron
RRP from EUR 41,900, savings: up to EUR 12,420 / best leasing price: EUR 89
BMW iX
RRP from EUR 77,300, savings: up to EUR 13,386
Hyundai Ioniq 5
RRP from EUR 41,900, savings: up to EUR 12,280 / in leasing from EUR 234
Kia Niro EV
RRP from EUR 47,590, savings of up to EUR 11,164
Kia EV6
RRP from EUR 44,990, savings: up to EUR 14,069 / in leasing from EUR 274
Mazda MX-30
RRP from EUR 34,490, savings: up to EUR 13,035 / in leasing from EUR 90
Mercedes EQS
RRP from EUR 97,807, savings: up to EUR 6,152
Opel Corsa-e
RRP from EUR 30,400; Savings: up to EUR 11,920.00
Skoda Enyaq iV
RRP from EUR 34,600, savings: up to EUR 11,584 / best leasing price EUR 124
Smart EQ for two
RRP from EUR 21,940, savings: up to EUR 8,240 / in leasing from EUR 77
Tesla Model 3
RRP from EUR 46,560; Savings: up to EUR 7,975 / best leasing price EUR 289.00
Toyota bZ4X
RRP from EUR 47,490; Savings: up to EUR 10,520.00
Volvo XC40 Recharge
RRP from EUR 48,650; Savings: up to EUR 9570.00
Some manufacturers are now taking advantage of this tricky situation. They also guarantee the current premium for some models for the coming year – and of course advertise it accordingly. However, it is advisable to look at the fine print.
Renault continues to promote some Megane and Kangoo Rapid
Renault, for example, is promising full funding for Megane E-Tech Electric and Kangoo Rapid E-Tech Electric, even if the vehicle can be delivered after December 20th and can therefore only be registered in 2023. However, this only applies to pre-defined vehicles in stock and in the trade as well as for “order vehicles, which customers can configure themselves within the framework of the available contingents”. These quotas can be obtained from Renault dealers. This means that not every desired car from the two series will automatically continue to be fully subsidised.
This is how high the current environmental bonus* is (as of August 2022)
electric car (BEV)
electric car(BEV)
plug-in hybrid
plug-in hybrid
4,500 euros (from September 1st only for private individuals)
3000 euros (from September 1st only for private individuals)
3000 euros only with a net list price of up to 45,000 euros
For other car brands, on the other hand, there is a time limit. For example, Jeep is paying the purchase premium out of its own pocket for its Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid models from the 2023 model year, even if the car is not to be delivered until 2023. However, orders must be placed by September 30, 2022 at the latest, and the “Limited” versions are no longer available.
Mazda also sets a time limit for the purchase bonus
Mazda takes a similar approach to the CX-60, which is also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Here, too, the manufacturer and its participating dealers are granting the environmental bonus for delivery in 2023, but only if you order before October 2022. In addition, this only applies to leasing vehicles “with Homura or Takumi equipment, including driver assistance package and convenience & sound package and optional panoramic glass sunroof,” as the footnote says. phew!
Ford Kuga continues to get a PHEV bonus
Ford is much more generous with its successful Kuga plug-in hybrid model. The Cologne-based company grant buyers a bonus of up to 6750 euros on the new price even after the state environmental bonus has expired – as usual with participating trading partners. This applies to vehicles from stock; Alternatively, the new car can be ordered with optional equipment for registration in 2023.
The Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid is also being promoted by the manufacturer with a purchase bonus if it is delivered in 2023.
Incidentally, the fact that manufacturers are still intervening to support the environmental bonus for electromobility is nothing new. During the past few years, many car manufacturers had already increased their own share to a round total as a promotional offer.
