BEVs: New registrations of electric cars fell massively in 2024

The market for electric cars is weakening: almost 140,000 fewer electric vehicles were registered in Germany in 2024 than in the previous year. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) reported a total of 380,609 newly registered electric vehicles (BEVs, Battery Electric Vehicles) for the past year – around a quarter less than in 2023. The proportion of private registrations in particular has fallen sharply: At 136,570 vehicles, it was just under 36 percent of all e-cars in 2024. In 2023, private buyers still accounted for almost 43 percent.

The German Automobile Club (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, ADAC) blames this on ongoing uncertainties among private customers. Legislators, charging providers and manufacturers should work together to increase the attractiveness of e-mobility, the association writes in a press release, for example with more affordable models or affordable and transparent charging prices.

Used car market is growing

The ADAC sees it as positive that some manufacturers have announced new models under 25,000 euros for this year. "The range of models is growing and the expansion of the charging infrastructure is also progressing," says Stefan Gerwens. He is Head of Traffic at ADAC. "By 2024, the number of charging points will have increased by over 20 percent, and by almost 40 percent for fast chargers. However, we still see major differences and uncertainties in prices."

The used car market for e-cars is also growing: according to KBA figures, electric cars accounted for 1.6% of all new registrations of ownership in 2023. Last year, the share rose to 2.7 percent. And for December 2024, the authority even reports a share of 3.4 percent. For the ADAC, the high commercial share of new e-car registrations therefore also has positive aspects: Most vehicles used for business come back onto the market as cheaper used cars after two or three years, according to the association.

Higher discounts possible

The ADAC expects more e-car registrations in 2025 as the pressure on manufacturers increases due to reduced CO₂ fleet limits. The EU wants to use this value to limit the average CO₂ emissions of all new cars from a manufacturer to promote climate protection. Car buyers could thus benefit from higher discounts. However, according to the ADAC, the outcome of the federal elections at the end of February is also likely to be decisive. "Reliable political framework conditions are essential for the ramp-up of e-mobility," says Stefan Gerwens.

(str)