E-Car Sales in Germany Plummet by Over 27% in 2024

The abrupt end of government subsidies and high vehicle costs are cited as key reasons for the decline in electric vehicle registrations.

Electric vehicle registrations in Germany dropped to 380,600 in 2024, a 27.5% decrease compared to the previous year, according to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA).
The share of electric vehicles in total new car registrations fell from 18.4% in 2023 to 13.5% in 2024, raising concerns about meeting Germany's 2030 target of 15 million battery-electric cars.
Experts attribute the decline to the sudden termination of state purchase incentives at the end of 2023, which created uncertainty among potential buyers.
The high cost of electric vehicles remains a barrier, with only a limited number of models priced under €30,000 available in Germany, compared to more affordable options in Scandinavian countries.
Political parties, including the CSU and SPD, are proposing new subsidy programs, with suggestions ranging from direct purchase incentives to tax reforms, as the issue becomes a key topic ahead of the upcoming federal elections.