Electric mobility incentives return

The scheme, offering checks of up to €4,000 for private buyers, will open for application on March 31.

Photo by Michael Marais on Unsplash

The Portuguese government has announced the reopening of its electric vehicle incentive program, with applications starting on March 31.

The scheme, offering checks of up to €4,000 for private buyers, will remain open for 45 days or until the allocated budget of €13.5 million is exhausted.

This new round of support extends to electric passenger vehicles, now including models with more than five seats costing up to €55,000 - an expansion from the previous limit of €38,500 for five-seat cars, all inclusive of VAT and associated expenses.

Under the program, individuals can receive a €4,000 check upon purchasing an electric car, provided they exchange a combustion-engine vehicle that is over 10 years old.

For Institutions of Social Solidarity (IPSS), municipalities, and transport authorities, the incentive remains at €5,000.

In addition to the changes for four-wheeled vehicles, the government is boosting support for two-wheeled electric mobility.

The incentive for conventional urban bicycles, previously capped at €150, has been increased to €500, while electric bicycles continue to benefit from a 50% subsidy on the purchase price—up to €750.

Meanwhile, the maximum support for electric motorcycles has been raised from €500 to €1,500, also at 50% of the purchase price including VAT.

Applications for the program will be submitted through the Environmental Fund’s website, the agency tasked with operationalizing these measures.

Despite the expanded criteria and enhanced incentives, the government maintains that, as in previous rounds, applicants must surrender an old fossil-fuel vehicle to qualify for the support.

The government’s renewed commitment to electric mobility comes as it ramps up efforts to meet environmental targets and promote sustainable transportation options.

Meanwhile, incentives for installing electric car chargers remain unchanged, with 80% of the cost covered - provided the charger does not exceed €800 - and an additional 80% support for installation costs, capped at €1,000 per parking space, with a limit of 10 chargers per condominium.

Officials expect the program to drive significant uptake in electric vehicle purchases, reinforcing Portugal’s shift toward cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions.