When you buy an EV (electric vehicle) in Hiroshima Prefecture, where do the subsidies come from? The bottom line for FY2026 (Reiwa 8): "Hiroshima Prefecture has no purchase subsidy for individuals. You use the national CEV subsidy (up to 1.3 million yen for EVs) plus top-up subsidies from some municipalities such as Hatsukaichi City." Also note that Hiroshima City offers no purchase subsidy, only a loan program. Hatsukaichi City's program is easy to use, offering 100,000 yen each for EVs, PHEVs, and FCVs, with electronic applications accepted via LINE. This article sorts out how to combine the national and municipal programs based on FY2026 information.
Think of Hiroshima's EV Subsidies as a "Two-Tier" System
CEV Subsidy (the main purchase support)
A national subsidy available to both individuals and corporations. In FY2026 it offers the largest amounts, such as up to 1.3 million yen for EVs.
Hatsukaichi 100,000 yen; Hiroshima City loans only
Hatsukaichi City offers 100,000 yen each for EVs and similar vehicles (LINE applications accepted; now open). Hiroshima City has no purchase subsidy, only a loan program.
No prefectural subsidy for individuals
There is no prefecture-level vehicle purchase subsidy (it is not listed in the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center's directory either). Individuals combine national and municipal programs.
[National] CEV Subsidy FY2026 (the Main Purchase Support)
"Up to 1.3 million yen" is a cap. The subsidy amount is set per model based on evaluations such as the vehicle's environmental performance. Applications close once the budget runs out, and subsidized vehicles carry a mandatory holding period of, in principle, 4 years; disposing of the car within that period may require repayment. Check the exact subsidy amount for the car you plan to buy 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.
[Hiroshima Prefecture] No Prefectural Subsidy for Individuals
Hiroshima Prefecture has no EV purchase subsidy for individuals. No prefecture-level vehicle purchase subsidy appears in the directory of local government support compiled by the CEV subsidy's administering body (the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center). For FY2026, the right approach for individuals is to combine the national CEV subsidy with municipal subsidies.
[Municipalities] Hatsukaichi Offers 100,000 Yen Each; Hiroshima City Has No Purchase Subsidy
| City | FY2026 status |
|---|---|
| Hatsukaichi City | Now accepting applications: 100,000 yen each for EVs, PHEVs, and FCVs (ultra-compact mobility vehicles also eligible; microcars 50,000 yen). For individuals residing in the city or corporations located in the city; a national CEV subsidy grant decision is required; no delinquent municipal taxes; up to 5 vehicles per household. Applications accepted until March 19, 2027 (first come, first served). From FY Reiwa 8, electronic applications via LINE are supported (individuals only) |
| Higashihiroshima City | There is information about a flat 80,000 yen for EVs, PHVs, and FCVs (can be combined with the CEV subsidy), but implementation in FY2026 should be confirmed with the city's official sources |
| Hiroshima City | No purchase subsidy (loan program only) |
Hatsukaichi City's subsidy is conditional on a "national CEV subsidy grant decision." Since applications proceed in the order national first, then city, work backward from your delivery schedule and check the application status of both programs.
Also Check EV "Taxes" (Automobile Tax Reductions)
Separately from subsidies, EVs are exempt from the automobile tax environmental performance levy (the FY2026 tax reform has 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. For details, see EV taxes and the 2026 automobile tax reform.
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 is due if this and your other occasional income total 500,000 yen or less for the year. National and local subsidies combined usually stay within this limit, but be careful about the total in a year when you receive multiple large subsidies. Business use is treated differently, so consult a tax accountant or similar professional.
What to Do Today
What to do today
- Check the national CEV subsidy amount for your candidate models in the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center's list (the amount for your specific car, not "up to 1.3 million yen")
- Search your municipality's official website for "EV subsidy"; for Hatsukaichi City, since a national CEV grant decision is a prerequisite, check the remaining budget and application status
- Build your application schedule working backward from your delivery date (check three things: registration date, application deadline, and budget exhaustion)
FAQ
Q. I live in Hiroshima City. Are there EV subsidies?
A. Hiroshima City has no purchase subsidy for individuals; it only has a loan program. For Hiroshima City residents buying an EV, the main support is the national CEV subsidy (up to 1.3 million yen for EVs) and automobile tax reductions.
Q. What are the conditions for Hatsukaichi City's subsidy?
A. You must be an individual residing in the city (or a corporation located in the city) and have received a national CEV subsidy grant decision. It offers 100,000 yen each for EVs, PHEVs, and FCVs, requires no delinquent municipal taxes, allows up to 5 vehicles per household, and supports electronic applications via LINE.
Q. Is Higashihiroshima City's 80,000 yen still available?
A. There is information about a flat 80,000 yen program, but implementation in FY2026 (Reiwa 8) has not been officially confirmed. Check with the city's official website or office before applying.
Q. Are there plans to create a new prefectural subsidy?
A. As of August 2026, no information about a new program has been confirmed. We recommend checking the prefecture's and municipalities' official websites at the start of the fiscal year (April).
Reference Links (Sources)
Note: Subsidy amounts, requirements, and application status reflect information as of August 2026. Programs may end early depending on budget consumption. Always check the latest information on each official website before applying.