The prices for electric cars in Germany continue to rise

At the beginning of its analysis, the CAM states that the availability of electric models in Germany in 2024 (the period from January to October was considered) has grown from 105 models in 2023 to 134 models. “However, SUVs make up more than half (56.7% or 73 models), while the model range in the mini and small car classes that are important for the ramp-up is being reduced,” the CAM immediately clarifies.

One consequence of this is that the average purchase price for electric cars has risen by a whopping 3,976 euros – primarily due to the larger number of electric vehicles in the mid-range SUV segment. At 56,669 euros (gross, without deducting the subsidy), electric cars were 7.5 percent more expensive in the first three quarters of 2024 than in 2023. However, the environmental bonus that was discontinued at the end of 2023 is also likely to have played a role: those with a tight budget Anyone who wanted to buy a small or compact electric car might no longer have done so in 2024 without the funding – while the environmental bonus plays a smaller role for more expensive cars anyway played. Of course, this cannot be quantified exactly.

The small electric car segment is actually shrinking

The trend towards larger cars can also be observed elsewhere: the average range according to WLTP has increased to 463 kilometers, while the average DC charging power has increased to 156 kW. However, this is not only due to improvements in the larger cars, but also simply because smaller cars with “lower” values ​​are no longer on the market and therefore no longer part of the average values. According to CAM, the number of electric minis and small cars has fallen from 12 to seven models, while electric vehicles such as the Renault Zoe and Smart Fortwo have been discontinued.

While electric cars are on average 7.5 percent more expensive in Germany, the prices for the most popular battery-electric cars in China have fallen by an average of five percent compared to the previous year – for both the entry-level model and the top models. In Germany, the CAM calculated a price increase of 10.6 percent for the 15 models with the highest number of registrations, and even 14.5 percent for the top models.

In some cases there are enormous differences between manufacturers in the pricing of electric cars compared to combustion engines (except PHEV). The CAM calculated a difference of 16,000 euros for the Mercedes-Benz Group and 14,000 euros for the VW Group. At Stellantis the difference is 9,000 euros, at BMW it is only 950 euros. “The Mini brand has a particular influence here, as it has an affordable electric model in its portfolio, the Mini Cooper,” says the press release. However, Chinese manufacturers operating in Germany are also significantly more expensive for their electric cars than some of the combustion engines on offer – the CAM states a price difference of 13,000 euros.

“While the range and charging performance of electric models are developing relatively well, the market ramp-up of electromobility in Germany is suffering significantly from competitive purchasing prices compared to combustion engines,” says CAM study leader Stefan Bratzel. “The further price increase for electric models is poison for the new market phase of electromobility, in which customer segments with smaller budgets now have to follow the technology-savvy early adopters.”

However, Bratzel is optimistic for 2025, also when it comes to the CO2 fleet limits: “In the coming months, a significant reduction in purchase prices or high special conditions and discounts can be expected, as manufacturers have to significantly increase their electric vehicle sales.” in Europe in order to achieve the stricter CO2 fleet targets. Overall, reducing the manufacturing costs of electric vehicles will be a key success factor for automobile manufacturers, especially since the world market leaders Tesla and BYD as well as other Chinese manufacturers already operate on a significantly better cost basis.

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