Sales of electric vehicles in Germany fell by 27.4% in 2024, with only 380,609 EVs registered, as official figures from the KBA federal transport authority showed Monday.

The slowdown in demand marked a significant setback for the country’s auto industry following the withdrawal of key subsidies and ongoing economic struggles.

Analyst Constantin Gall from EY labeled 2024 a ‘lost year for electro-mobility,’ citing high EV prices, limited charging infrastructure, and range concerns as major deterrents.

The sudden end of government support programs in 2023 created uncertainty, while Volkswagen responded to the declining demand by cutting production capacity by 730,000 units and shedding 35,000 jobs. Despite these cuts, Volkswagen retained its position as Germany’s top carmaker with 536,888 new registrations.

Tesla’s market share in Germany dropped to 1.3%, selling just 38,000 units. Chinese brands like BYD, XPeng, and MG Roewe collectively sold 25,000 vehicles but have yet to gain a significant foothold.

In 2024, EVs made up 13.5% of sales, down from 18.4% the previous year, while hybrid car sales surged 12.7% to 950,000. Gall called for new support measures to reignite EV sales, but uncertainty looms with upcoming elections on February 23.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has hinted at a European-level subsidy program, while opposition parties have also pushed for more aid to the struggling auto sector. Manufacturers may need to lower EV prices to meet stricter EU emissions targets for 2025.