While major markets, adding the United States and China, reported expansion in electric car sales 2024, the same cannot be said for Germany. In fact, sales of electric cars plunged in the country last year, down 27. 4%, because significant subsidies were reduced and the German economy was struggling. According to one analyst, 2024 represented a “year lost to electro-mobilization” in the country.
Germany is Europe’s largest and most important car market, but the figures don’t make for easy reading. In total, only 380,609 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in the country last year, a sharp fall from 2023’s numbers and a slump that dragged EV market share down to just 13.5%. For a country often regarded as a bellwether for automotive trends in Europe, it’s a bleak showing.
That of hybrids in the middle of the recession of EV
While electric cars were fighting, classic hybrids have had a much more pink year in Germany. Hybrid sales increased by 12. 7%, with 947,398 examples. This represents a percentage of 33. 6% of all new cars sold. Sales of plug -in hybrids also higher in the calendar year, expanding 9. 2% to 191,905 units. Despite this jump, they still have a relatively low percentage of 6. 8% of the market.
Gasoline cars remain the maximum non -unusual motor train type in Germany, which represents 35. 2%of all sales. 991,948 were sold, which represents a gain of 1. 4%. enough for a percentage of 17. 2%.
The main explanation why for the decrease in sales of electric vehicles throughout the country was the debatable government resolution to reduce subsidies at the end of December 2023. Local buyers had presented themselves in the past to € 4,500 (~ $ 4,700) When buying an EV, while the brands would get € 2,250 (~ $ 2,300). Local transport minister, Volker Wissing, sought to see the electric vehicle market in their own feet without government help, however, things were not issued in that way, at least not in 2024.
Read: EV Sales Sink 22% In Germany, Tesla Crashes 55%, But Hybrids Gain 20% In November
However, all hope is not lost to the Germans who hope to receive help to obtain an EV. The country chooses a new leader on February 23 and Foreign Minister Olaf Scholz reported that a new program can be introduced in European Point. Several politicians have joined the choir, arguing that the automotive industry wants more assistance, especially since the EU advances with their plans to ban the sale of new combustion cars over the future of the years.
Winners and Losers in the Brand Race
Amid the turmoil, Germany’s auto market saw a mix of triumphs and tragedies among automakers. Unsurprisingly, Volkswagen held its dominant position, selling 536,888 cars (a 3.4% increase) and capturing a 19.1% market share. But not everyone shared in the good news. Tesla, for example, took a massive hit, with sales dropping 41% to just 37,574 units—proof that even the electric giant isn’t immune to subsidy cuts and economic uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Toyota saw an impressive 27% jump in sales, bolstered by its strong hybrid lineup, and Peugeot posted a massive 44% increase. On the flip side, luxury brands like Audi (-18.1%) and BMW (-0.1%) struggled to gain traction, while smaller players like Polestar (-49.4%) and BYD (-30.2%) got caught in the EV sales freefall.
Even small market players have largely experienced the contrasting effects. Lexus experienced a remarkable building through 75. 3%of sales, while Aston Martin (-46%) and Maserati (-48. 3%) were strongly divided. Surprisingly, some startups such as Lucid provided effects that attracted attention despite incredibly modest volumes, with 392 sets sold, a 296%building, indicating that there is still a niche audience in a position to invest in ultra electric cars, prize , even in a complicated market.