Import an Electric Car to Spain: Zero Tax and the Best Deals in Europe

The double advantage of importing an EV to Spain

Importing an electric car to Spain offers a unique double advantage that no other category of car can match. First, the price gap between northern European markets and Spain is wider for electric cars than for combustion vehicles because the supply of used EVs in Germany and the Netherlands is enormous while the Spanish market is still developing. Second, electric cars are completely exempt from the Spanish registration tax at any price point, while a high-end combustion car would pay up to 14.75% of its market value. These two factors combine to create the largest savings of any import category.

Best markets for used electric cars

The Netherlands is the top market for used EVs in Europe. The Dutch government subsidized corporate EV purchases aggressively, and now three to four year old Teslas, Polestars and VW ID models are flooding the second-hand market. Germany is second with massive volumes of every EV brand. Norway has the highest EV penetration in Europe but importing from Norway to Spain involves customs duties because Norway is not an EU member. Belgium and France round out the top markets with growing supplies of corporate fleet EVs.

Price comparison: Europe vs Spain

• Tesla Model 3 LR 2023: 28,000 euros Netherlands vs 40,000 euros Spain — saving 12,000 euros
• VW ID.4 Pro 2023: 23,000 euros Germany vs 32,000 euros Spain — saving 9,000 euros
• BMW iX1 2023: 30,000 euros Germany vs 40,000 euros Spain — saving 10,000 euros
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023: 25,000 euros Netherlands vs 34,000 euros Spain — saving 9,000 euros
• Polestar 2 2022: 21,000 euros Netherlands vs 30,000 euros Spain — saving 9,000 euros

Battery health: the critical check

Before buying any used EV, verify the battery State of Health. Most EVs lose 2% to 5% of battery capacity per year under normal use. A three-year-old EV with SOH above 90% is in excellent condition. Request a battery health report from the seller or dealership. For Tesla, the in-car display shows estimated range which can be compared to the original specification. For other brands, an independent Aviloo Battery Certificate (check the current tariff) provides a laboratory-grade assessment. Do not skip this step on a high-value purchase.

Additional benefits in Spain

Beyond zero registration tax, electric cars in Spain enjoy up to 75% reduction in annual road tax in most municipalities, the Zero emissions label from the DGT which grants unlimited access to all low emission zones, free or reduced parking in many cities, access to bus lanes in some cities like Madrid, and potential eligibility for MOVES III subsidies of up to 7,000 euros with scrapping of an old vehicle, though availability depends on the autonomous community and remaining budget.