Overview

• More than 1.6 million battery‑electric cars are on German roads, and a wave of lease returns is swelling used inventories, with one dealer citing roughly €1,500 in holding costs per car for 50 days on the lot.
• Consultancy Berylls reports that three‑year‑old EVs have lost about €6,400 more in value than comparable petrol cars, and many shoppers are waiting for next‑generation models, producing a buyer’s market.
• Center of Automotive Management’s Stefan Bratzel says battery audits commonly show around 90% of original range after several years, countering fears about degradation and bolstering the case for pre‑owned EVs.
• Dealers and manufacturers face pressure from lower residual values; large retail groups recommend leasing to shift risk, while stores trim prices and proactively pitch vehicles to existing customers.
• A recently extended tax exemption could spur purchases, and E.ON touts bidirectional charging potential from about 225,000 vehicles, though key standards and tariffs are still not in place.