The landscape of EV (electric vehicle) subsidies in Fukushima Prefecture changed in fiscal 2026 (Reiwa 8). The prefecture ended its EV (BEV) subsidy, and what remains at the prefectural level is only an FCV (hydrogen vehicle) subsidy (one-third of the price difference, up to 1 million yen, individuals also eligible). Meanwhile, municipal subsidies are the most extensive in the Tohoku region: Iwaki, Aizuwakamatsu, Shirakawa, and Date are all running programs. Aizuwakamatsu City even has a unique extra 10,000 yen for child-rearing households. This article sorts out how to combine them with the national CEV subsidy (up to 1.3 million yen for EVs).
Think of Fukushima's EV Subsidies as a "Two-Story" Structure
CEV Subsidy (the main player for purchases)
A national subsidy available to individuals and corporations alike. It offers the largest amounts, such as up to 1.3 million yen for EVs in FY2026.
Municipalities are Tohoku's most extensive
Iwaki City offers 50,000 yen for BEVs; Aizuwakamatsu City offers 50,000 yen for EVs plus an extra 10,000 yen for child-rearing households; 4 cities are accepting applications.
The prefectural EV subsidy ended; FCVs only
The prefecture's BEV subsidy (50,000 yen) ended in FY2024 (Reiwa 6). In FY2026 (Reiwa 8), only the FCV subsidy (1/3, up to 1 million yen, individuals eligible) remains.
[National] CEV Subsidy for FY2026 (the Main Player for Purchases)
"Up to 1.3 million yen" is a cap. The actual amount is determined per model based on evaluations such as the vehicle's environmental performance. Applications close once the budget runs out, and a subsidized vehicle carries a mandatory holding period of, in principle, 4 years; disposing of it within that period may require repaying the subsidy. Check the exact amount for the car you are buying in the figures published by the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center.
For the full picture of the CEV subsidy and the situation nationwide, see our guide to EV subsidies in all 47 prefectures.
[Fukushima Prefecture] EV Subsidy Ended — What Remains Is the FCV (Hydrogen Vehicle) Subsidy of up to 1 Million Yen
Fukushima Prefecture's "Electric Vehicle Adoption Promotion Subsidy" (50,000 yen), which individuals could also use, ended in FY2024 (Reiwa 6). What the prefecture is running in FY2026 (Reiwa 8) is only the "Hydrogen Energy Expansion Program (FCV Adoption Promotion) Subsidy": up to one-third of the FCV's vehicle price difference (capped at 1 million yen, with per-model caps). Individuals are also eligible, and applications are accepted from June 12, 2026 to March 5, 2027.
In parts of the Hamadori and Nakadori regions that have hydrogen stations, this is a realistic option; but since the prefectural subsidy for EV buyers is gone, you build your package from the national CEV subsidy plus municipal subsidies.
[Municipalities] Iwaki, Aizuwakamatsu, Shirakawa, and Date Are Accepting Applications — Including a Child-Rearing Bonus
| City | Status in FY2026 |
|---|---|
| Iwaki City | 50,000 yen for BEVs, 200,000 yen for FCVs (HEVs and PHEVs not eligible). Requires resident registration in the city and full payment of city taxes; first registration between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Applications accepted until March 31, 2027 |
| Aizuwakamatsu City | 50,000 yen for standard EVs, 40,000 yen for kei EVs, 40,000 yen for PHEVs, 200,000 yen for FCVs. Child-rearing households get an extra 10,000 yen in each category. First-come, first-served; budget of 2.1 million yen (about 40 cases). Applications accepted until March 1, 2027 |
| Shirakawa City / Date City | Running FY2026 (Reiwa 8) subsidies (check amounts and requirements on each city's official website) |
Aizuwakamatsu City's bonus for child-rearing households (+10,000 yen) is small but a rare design nationwide. Even though the amounts are modest at around 50,000 yen, the fact that "many cities run programs" is itself Fukushima's strength within Tohoku.
Also Check EV "Taxes" (Automobile Tax Reductions)
Separately from subsidies, EVs are exempt from the environmental performance levy of the automobile tax (the FY2026 tax reform also decided to abolish the levy itself), and the following year's automobile tax (type-based levy) is reduced by roughly 75% under the green tax special measure. See EV taxes and the 2026 automobile tax reform for details.
Are Subsidies Taxable?
EV subsidies received by individuals are treated as occasional income (ichiji shotoku). Because there is a special deduction of 500,000 yen per year, no tax arises if your occasional income for the year, combined with other such income, is 500,000 yen or less. Combining national and municipal subsidies usually stays within this range, but watch the total in a year when you receive several large subsidies. Business use is treated differently, so consult a tax accountant or other professional.
What to Do Today
What to do today
- Check the national CEV subsidy amount for your candidate model in the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center's list (your car's actual amount, not "up to 1.3 million yen")
- Search "EV subsidy" on your municipality's official website; in Fukushima, eligible vehicle types differ by city (e.g., whether PHEVs qualify), so check the remaining budget and application status
- Build your application schedule backward from the delivery date (check three things: registration date, application deadline, and budget exhaustion)
FAQ
Q. Is the prefecture's 50,000 yen subsidy really gone?
A. The prefectural EV subsidy (50,000 yen) ended in FY2024 (Reiwa 6). In FY2026 (Reiwa 8), the only prefectural program is the FCV (hydrogen vehicle) subsidy. For EVs, you combine the national CEV subsidy with municipal subsidies.
Q. How do I get Aizuwakamatsu City's child-rearing bonus?
A. Under Aizuwakamatsu City's subsidy (50,000 yen for standard EVs, etc.), child-rearing households receive an extra 10,000 yen in each category. Check the definition of the household requirement in the city's guidelines.
Q. Are PHEVs eligible for subsidies?
A. It depends on the city. Iwaki City excludes HEVs and PHEVs, while Aizuwakamatsu City covers PHEVs at 40,000 yen. The national CEV subsidy also covers PHEVs (up to 850,000 yen), so even if your city excludes them, you can still use the national portion.
Q. Can individuals use the FCV subsidy of up to 1 million yen?
A. Yes. The prefecture's Hydrogen Energy Expansion Program is open to individuals as well, covering up to one-third of the vehicle price difference, capped at 1 million yen (with per-model caps). Consider it together with the locations of hydrogen stations.
Reference Links (Sources)
* Subsidy amounts, requirements, and application status are as of August 2026. Programs may close early depending on budget consumption. Always check the latest information on each official website before applying.