Page last updated: 5 October 2024
Germany has emerged as a leading market for electric vehicle (EV) sales in Europe, driven by strong government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing consumer interest in sustainable mobility.
How many electric vehicles are sold in Germany each year?
Electric car sales in Germany reached 1.54 million in 2023.
- EV sales in Germany have shown a steady upward trend, particularly after 2019, with a significant 57% increase in 2021.
- The surge from 1.29 million EVs in 2022 to 1.54 million in 2023—a 25%, increase, highlighted a rapid acceleration, signalling a promising future for EV adoption.
Learn more about Global EV Sales here.
Electric Car Sales vs Traditional Car Sales in Germany (2012-2023)
In 2023, EVs accounted for 54% of total car sales in Germany.
- Steady growth is evident in EV sales as the number of sales increased from just 24,384 in 2012 to 1.54 million in 2023, reflecting consistent growth over time.
- In 2019, EV market share jumped from 8% to over 54% by 2023, representing a rapid shift in consumer demand for electric vehicles.
Types of Electric Vehicles Sold in Germany (2023)
In 2023, zero-emission vehicles in Germany showed a strong performance across various categories:
- Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs) led the market with 840,304 units sold due to fuel efficiency and transitional appeal.
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) followed with 524,219 sales, reflecting significant consumer interest in fully electric models.
- In 2023, 175,724 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) were sold, appealing to those seeking a blend of electric and traditional power.
Which states led in electric car sales in 2023?
Berlin sold the most BEVs in 2023 (30,469).
- North-Rhine Westphalia followed, with sales of approximately 28,573 units.
- Rhineland-Palatinate sold 14,649 units.
What are the leading models of electric vehicles?
The Volkswagen ID 4 and ID 5 topped the list with approximately 3,456 units of BEVs sold in Germany in 2023.
- The BMW 4ER came second on the list with an estimated 3,222 sales, followed by Skoda Enyaq with 3,185 units in 2023.
Leading Electric Vehicle Models in 2023
- The leading electric vehicle models sold in Germany in 2023 were from Volkswagen, Model ID 4 and ID 5, driven by their advanced technology, range efficiency, and strong brand presence, making them popular choices among German consumers.
Explore the Latest Trends in EV Sales by Brand and Model.
What are the leading brands of electric vehicles in Germany?
BMW led the electric vehicle market in Germany in 2023, with 8,257 units of BEV sold.
- Volkswagen followed in second place with 6,183 EV sales, while Opel ranked third with 4,014 units sold.
How strong is the demand for electric vehicles today?
- Electric car sales in Germany reached 1.54 million in 2023, increasing by 1% in market share from the previous year.
- EV sales in 2023 made up 18% of total car sales, up from 17% in 2022, indicating a strong market demand.
How many EV charging stations are across Germany?
As of July 1, 2024, Germany had a total of 134,226 public charging stations, offering a combined capacity of 6.3 gigawatts (GW), as reported by E-Mobility Monitor.
Why is Germany investing in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV)?
- Decarbonization Goals: Germany is investing in ZEVs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its transport sector, aligning with its goal to become climate-neutral by 2045.
- Market Leadership: As a major automotive hub, Germany’s investment in ZEV technology ensures the country stays competitive in the global automotive market as the industry shifts toward cleaner technologies.
- Infrastructure and Market Failures: Government intervention is necessary to address market failures, such as pollution externalities and the lack of sufficient charging infrastructure, ensuring the transition to ZEVs is effective and widespread.
Projections for EV Sales in Germany
Germany aims to have 100% of all new light-duty vehicle sales zero-emission by 2050.
- Target Phase-Out of Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs): Germany aims to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, aligning with EU regulations to accelerate the shift to ZEVs.
- Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: Germany plans to significantly increase the number of public charging points to 1 million charging stations by 2030 to support the growing number of electric vehicles (EVs).
- Subsidies and Incentives: The German government is continuing to provide financial incentives, such as purchase subsidies and tax benefits, to encourage consumers to switch to ZEVs, targeting a substantial increase in EV market share by 2030.
- Investment in Battery Technology: Germany is investing heavily in battery production and research, aiming to become a leader in battery technology and manufacturing to ensure that ZEV production scales efficiently with domestic and European demand.
Government Policies for ZEV Adoption
The government initiative aims to introduce new regulations to target vehicle emissions as part of efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) uptake.
- ICE Phase-Out: Germany backs the EU ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 to accelerate the shift to electric and hydrogen vehicles.
- Charging Infrastructure Expansion: The government aims to install 1 million public EV charging stations by 2030, boosting nationwide accessibility.
- ZEV Incentives: Germany provides subsidies of up to €9,000 and tax benefits to encourage electric vehicle purchases.
- R&D Investment: Significant funding is directed toward battery technology and hydrogen fuel cell innovation to bolster ZEV production and competitiveness.
What are the economic benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles in Germany?
- Job Creation: The transition to EVs will drive new jobs in manufacturing, battery production, and renewable energy, keeping Germany a global automotive leader.
- Fuel Savings: Reducing fossil fuel imports cuts costs, boosting the trade balance and energy security.
- Lower Consumer Costs: EVs offer lower maintenance and fuel expenses, leading to long-term savings for consumers.
- Health and Environmental Benefits: Reduced emissions improve public health and lower healthcare and environmental costs.
EV Sales Statistics Resources
- Australia EV Sales Statistics
- Canada EV Sales Statistics
- China EV Sales Statistics
- Japan EV Sales Statistics
- Norway EV Sales Statistics
- UK EV Sales Statistics
EV Sales Statistics By Manufacturer
References
KBA: EV Sales Key Figures and Statistics
