Documents for the Electric Vehicle Subsidy
These documents must be uploaded with your application. Prepare them before purchasing. This saves time.
Required documents (all applicants)
Original purchase contract with dealer stamp. Must include purchase date, vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle type and purchase price. For leasing: leasing contract with the same details.
Confirms the official first registration in your name in Germany. No registration means no application. The application must be submitted after registration.
Both assessments must show the taxable income (zvE). For joint tax filing, the combined zvE applies. The threshold is per person.
Bank details for the grant transfer. Must be in the applicant's name. A third party's account number will be rejected.
Additional documents for children
Children under 18 increase the grant amount and the income threshold. For verification you need:
Officially certified copies. For adopted children: adoption certificate. Age is calculated at the time of application.
What is taxable income (zvE)?
Taxable income (zvE) is not the same as gross salary. It is the amount remaining after deducting all allowances, work-related expenses, special expenses and extraordinary burdens. Income tax is calculated on this amount.
You can find the zvE in your income tax assessment in the line "Zu versteuerndes Einkommen" (taxable income). For joint filing, the combined zvE is shown; for the subsidy threshold, this is divided by two.
A married couple has a combined zvE of 130,000 euros. For the subsidy check, 65,000 euros per person applies. This is below the 80,000 euro threshold, so a subsidy (without children) is generally possible.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Application submitted before registration | Rejection, new application required | Wait for registration certificate Part I first |
| Wrong tax assessment (only 1 year) | Additional request, delay | Always submit both recent assessments |
| IBAN not in applicant's name | Payment rejection | Use your own IBAN |
| Illegible scans | Additional request, 2-4 week delay | Scan at good resolution (min. 150 dpi) |
| No BundID verification before purchase | Portal access not possible | Set up BundID before purchasing |
| PHEV without CO2 documentation | Vehicle may not be eligible | Have technical data confirmed by dealer |
All clear? Calculate your grant amount now or read the application guide.
Calculate subsidy → Application guide →