Spain’s Electric Vehicle Future: Will the New ‘Auto+ Plan’ Deliver on Promises?
Spain’s automotive sector experienced a dramatic surge in electrified vehicle sales – a staggering 100.1% increase between January and November 2025 – despite the chaotic rollout and eventual exhaustion of funds from the Moves scheme. Now, with the new €400 million ‘Auto+ Plan’ set to launch in January, a critical question looms: will it build on this momentum, or will it leave a significant portion of potential buyers stranded? The devil, as they say, is in the details, and early indications suggest a significant shift in strategy.
From Moves to Auto+: A Fundamental Change in Approach
The Auto+ Plan, announced by President Pedro Sánchez, represents a departure from its predecessor, Moves. While Moves aimed to incentivize both vehicle purchases and the installation of individual charging points, Auto+ will focus almost exclusively on the acquisition of electric and plug-in hybrid cars. This means the substantial waiting list for Moves – currently estimated at around €300 million – won’t be directly addressed. Instead, the plan will essentially start from scratch in 2026.
This shift reflects a government prioritization of expanding the public charging infrastructure, allocating €300 million to the ‘Moves Corredores’ initiative for fast and ultra-fast charging stations along major roadways. The rationale is clear: addressing range anxiety and facilitating long-distance travel is seen as crucial for wider EV adoption. However, it leaves private individuals reliant on automakers or regional authorities to subsidize home charging solutions.
“The decision to prioritize public charging infrastructure is a strategic one, acknowledging a key barrier to EV adoption. However, neglecting the needs of those without access to convenient public charging – particularly those in rural areas or apartment buildings – could limit the plan’s overall effectiveness.” – Elena Ramirez, Automotive Industry Analyst
The Centralization of Power: Industry’s Request Granted
A key difference between Moves and Auto+ lies in their management structure. Moves was administered by the Ecological Transition ministry and distributed funds to the autonomous communities. Auto+, however, will be centrally managed by the Industry ministry. This centralization was a direct request from the automotive sector, which reportedly found the decentralized system cumbersome and slow.
The success of the Valencian Community’s ‘Auto+ Restart Plan’ – which delivered subsidies in an average of one month, compared to 18 months under Moves – served as a compelling case study for this centralized approach. The Valencian plan spurred a 44.8% increase in sales between January and November, significantly outpacing the national average of 14.7% (according to Anfac data). This demonstrates the power of swift and efficient subsidy delivery.
What About the Waiting List? A Looming Uncertainty
Perhaps the most pressing concern surrounding the Auto+ Plan is the fate of the €300 million in pending applications under Moves. While government sources assure that efforts will be made to assist those on the waiting list, the specifics remain unclear. Will existing applicants be given priority under the new scheme? Will they be required to reapply? These questions remain unanswered, creating uncertainty for thousands of potential EV buyers.
Did you know? The Spanish market saw a doubling of electrified vehicle sales in 2025, even with the short-lived Moves 2025 scheme, highlighting the strong underlying demand for EVs.
The Impact on Charging Infrastructure Investment
The Auto+ Plan’s focus on public charging infrastructure is a welcome development, but it also raises questions about the role of private investment. The government’s expectation that automakers and regional authorities will subsidize home charging points could place a significant burden on these entities. Will they be willing and able to step up to the plate?
Furthermore, the plan’s success hinges on the rapid deployment of a robust and reliable public charging network. Spain currently lags behind other European countries in terms of charging point density, and addressing this shortfall will require significant investment and coordination.
For those considering purchasing an EV, research the availability of public charging points in your area and explore potential incentives offered by your regional authority for home charging installation.
Looking Ahead: Key Takeaways and Future Trends
The Auto+ Plan represents a pivotal moment for Spain’s transition to electric mobility. While the focus on public charging infrastructure and centralized management are positive steps, the exclusion of the Moves waiting list and the reliance on private sector subsidies for home charging raise concerns. The plan’s ultimate success will depend on its ability to address these challenges and deliver tangible benefits to consumers.
Several key trends are likely to shape the future of EV adoption in Spain:
- Increased Competition: The EV market is becoming increasingly competitive, with a growing number of manufacturers offering a wider range of models.
- Battery Technology Advancements: Ongoing advancements in battery technology will lead to longer ranges, faster charging times, and lower costs.
- Government Regulation: Stricter emissions regulations and incentives will continue to drive demand for EVs.
- Smart Charging Solutions: The development of smart charging solutions will optimize energy consumption and reduce strain on the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens to my Moves application?
A: The government has stated they will work to assist those on the Moves waiting list, but specific details on how this will be implemented are currently unclear.
Q: Will the Auto+ Plan cover home charging points?
A: No, the Auto+ Plan primarily focuses on vehicle purchases. Home charging point subsidies are expected to be provided by automakers or regional authorities.
Q: How much aid will be available under the Auto+ Plan?
A: The amount of aid offered under the Auto+ Plan has not yet been finalized, but it is expected to be comparable to the levels offered under Moves (e.g., €7,000 for electric vehicles with vehicle scrappage).
Q: Where can I find more information about the Auto+ Plan?
A: Information will be available on the Industry ministry’s website (link to be confirmed) once the plan is fully finalized.
What are your predictions for the future of electric vehicle adoption in Spain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
