German electric car sales have fallen “significantly” as the EU faces growing calls to delay its net-zero car target. [emphasis, links added]
Sales of new battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany fell nearly 70% to 27,024 units in August, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said.
France is the EU's second-largest electric vehicle market after Germany, with vehicle deliveries falling 33% to 13,143 vehicles.
ACEA said the “alarming decline” in the two countries meant just 92,627 pure electric vehicles were registered across Europe last month, a 43.9% drop compared with the same period last year. This resulted in a significant 18% drop in new car sales across the EU.
Electric car sales have plummeted due to concerns over their range, high prices and a lack of charging infrastructure across the European Union.
“The reality is that electric vehicles are not yet convincing, either commercially or privately,” said Felipe Munoz, global automotive analyst at JATO Dynamics.
There are also concerns about UK motorist demand for electric vehicles. Separate data shows the growth rate of UK electric car sales has slowed sharply.
In the first eight months of 2024, electric vehicle sales were approximately 213,500 units, an increase of 10.5% over the previous year. This compares with an annual growth rate of 40.5% for the same period in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Mike Hawes, head of SMMT, said earlier this month: “Encouraging the mass market to switch to electric vehicles remains a challenge. Urgent action must be taken to help buyers overcome affordability issues and concerns about the supply of charge points.“
Muñoz added that the decline in German EVs was driven by economic uncertainty and new EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, which pushed up cheaper prices in the market.
He predicted that Germany would face “more problems” in the coming months as enthusiasm for electric vehicles among corporate fleets wanes.
Mr Munoz said: “I don’t think we’re going to see growth. I'm not saying we're going to continue to see big declines like we did in August, because Thanks to heavy lobbying by German carmakers, it was only a matter of time before the government took action.“
Earlier this month, Volkswagen warned it might have to close a factory in its home market due to falling sales. The automaker has also backed away from a decades-long pledge to protect workers' jobs, fearing that as many as 15,000 jobs could be at risk.
EV sales crisis prompts ACEA to call for 'urgent action' to tackle new EU net-zero car sales rules This will put European electric vehicle manufacturers at risk of huge fines.
The European Commission, which makes and enforces EU law, is preparing Introducing new rules for car and van manufacturers aimed at reducing carbon emissions and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles.
New rules require all new European cars to produce no more than 93.6 grams (3.30 ounces) of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Brands that exceed CO2 emissions per kilometer multiplied by the number of cars sold will be fined 95 euros ($101).
ACEA said the “continued decline” in EU electric car sales meant manufacturers risked billions of euros in fines and said new rules needed to be reconsidered.
it warns Demand for electric vehicles remains well below the levels needed for the EU's new car emissions rules to be implemented effectively. …shear…
Top carmakers including Volkswagen, BMW and Renault have suggested delaying the targets, which would see companies fined for failing to comply.
at the same time, Italy urges EU to suspend its 'ridiculous' plan to ban petrol cars by 2035 People are worried that policy risks will trigger the collapse of the auto industry.
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