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Mobilitätsprämie for used electric cars in Germany
1. What is the Mobilitätsprämie?
In the current German context, the term Mobilitätsprämie refers mainly to future incentive schemes under discussion to support specific groups when purchasing electric vehicles – especially used ones.
These ideas are linked to broader support for digitalisation and infrastructure and are not the same as the former tax-based Mobilitätsprämie related to daily commuting distance to work (de.wikipedia.org).
2. Is there any government support for buying a used EV right now?
On 18 December 2023, the joint “Umweltbonus” scheme (a purchase subsidy funded by both the federal government and manufacturers) was stopped, including the part that covered used electric vehicles (adac.de).
After this date, no new applications for this purchase subsidy are accepted – neither for new EVs nor for used ones.
Payments continue only for applications that were submitted before the deadline. Beyond that, there are currently no open federal funding programmes for this category.
3. What about the future?
The new federal government (from February 2025) is considering a fresh incentive package that would include used electric vehicles, with possible criteria such as “chargeable battery, low income, vocational starters”, and other targeted groups. Specific details have not yet been finalised.
Among the proposals being discussed is “Mobilitätsprämie #GenerationZukunft”:
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up to 6,500 € support for new electric cars
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and half of that amount (3,250 €) for used EVs,
targeted at young professionals or young families (auto-motor-und-sport.de).
There are also plans for a free public charging credit (Ladeguthaben) of 1,000 € for buyers of certain new or used BMW electric models within a defined category (welt.de).
4. So, what can you do right now?
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Make sure that the first registration date and/or subsidy application for your car was before 18 December 2023 in order to qualify for the remaining Umweltbonus payments.
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Closely follow government and parliamentary news, as new support regulations for used EVs are expected during 2025 (helvetia.com).
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Use existing alternatives, such as local Wallbox or home charging support schemes, and dedicated insurance products for electric vehicles.
5. Summary table
Status
| Item | Current situation | Expected future |
|---|---|---|
| Federal support for used EVs | None available after 18 December 2023 | Targeted schemes under discussion for specific groups |
| Umweltbonus for other electric cars | Only valid for applications before 18/12/2023 | Possible relaunch with new conditions |
| ZDK “Generation Zukunft” proposal | – | Up to 3,250 € support for eligible used EVs |
| Public charging credit (Ladeguthaben) | Not available at the moment | Planned: about 1,000 € for defined target groups |
Recommendation
If you are planning to buy a used electric car:
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Check whether the vehicle and application were registered before 18 December 2023, to benefit from any remaining Umweltbonus.
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Keep an eye on legislation in 2025, especially new funding tools for used EVs aimed at specific social groups.
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At the same time, consider financing a home charger (Wallbox) and make use of local programmes that are already available.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may still occur, or some details may not yet be fully confirmed. Please treat the information in this article as an initial guide only and always contact the competent authorities or qualified experts for binding and up-to-date advice.
