A drive increasingly popular
Fewer new electric cars registered
Updated on November 5th, 2024Reading time: 1 Min.
New registrations of electric cars are declining slightly. Sales of plug-in hybrids are currently doing much better.
Electric cars continue to have a difficult time in Germany. Almost 35,500 battery-electric cars (BEVs) hit the roads in October, as the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) announced. That was around five percent less than in the same month last year. Their share of all new registrations last month was around 15 percent. This corresponds to a decrease of almost two percentage points compared to October 2023.
However, demand for so-called plug-in hybrids, which have both an electric and a combustion engine drive, increased significantly. More than 19,300 hybrid vehicles were newly registered in October, around 18 percent more than in the same month last year. However, their climate benefit is considered to be significantly lower than that of fully electric cars.
In order to become 100 percent climate neutral, the negative trend in battery-electric vehicles must be reversed quickly, said André Schmidt, President of the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK). “Financial incentives for vehicle purchases and charging current as well as further improvements to the charging infrastructure are essential prerequisites for the successful ramp-up of electromobility.”
Demand stabilized somewhat across all drive types in October. In total, the KBA registered around 232,000 new registrations last month, around six percent more than in the same month last year.
The German auto industry has been struggling with sales problems for a long time. Car manufacturer Volkswagen therefore recently announced a rigid austerity program and wants to reduce wages and salaries for its employees. There is also talk of the closure of three locations.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Electric Vehicle Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anna Müller, an expert in electric vehicles and sustainable transport. Dr. Müller, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. According to recent data, registrations for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Germany have declined slightly. Can you explain what might be contributing to this trend?
Dr. Müller: Absolutely. There are a few factors at play here. Firstly, the market is experiencing what we might call “electric fatigue.” After several years of rapid growth, consumers may be reassessing their options, particularly as the availability of charging infrastructure remains inconsistent in many areas.
Editor: Interesting point about the infrastructure. So, is the decline in BEV registrations linked to the rise in sales of plug-in hybrids?
Dr. Müller: Yes, precisely. Plug-in hybrids are currently enjoying better sales because they offer consumers the best of both worlds: the ability to drive on electric power for short distances while still having a traditional combustion engine for longer trips. This flexibility is appealing, especially for those who might have concerns about the current limitations of battery electric vehicles.
Editor: It seems that while there’s a strong push towards electric drives, consumer behavior is not always aligned with that ambition. What role do government incentives play in this context?
Dr. Müller: Government incentives are crucial. They have successfully encouraged many to consider electric options. However, as the incentives evolve, such as reducing subsidies for BEVs or shifting focus towards hybrids, consumers may feel less inclined to go fully electric. The regulatory landscape has to adapt continuously to consumer needs and infrastructure progress.
Editor: That’s a crucial insight. With the current market situation, how do you foresee the future of electric vehicles in Germany?
Dr. Müller: I think the future is still bright for electric vehicles, but it may take a bit of fine-tuning. I anticipate a renewed focus on improving charging infrastructure and technological advancements in battery life and efficiency. If the challenges can be addressed, we can expect a rebound in BEV popularity.
Editor: Considering the environmental goals that many countries are striving for, do you think public perception will shift toward fully electric cars?
Dr. Müller: Yes, I believe it will eventually shift. As awareness of climate issues grows and as electric vehicles become increasingly integrated into a more sustainable transport ecosystem, consumers will start favoring BEVs. It’s a gradual process, but education and infrastructure are key.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear there are challenges in the electric vehicle sector, but also significant potential for growth and innovation.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how the landscape develops in the coming years.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more insights as we continue to track this evolving story in the electric vehicle market!