Germany proves that almost no one buys an electric car without subsidies

Germany decided in December to abruptly end incentives for electric cars. And this can also be seen in the sales figures a month later.

Anyone who buys an electric car in Germany could receive a subsidy of 4,500 euros from the state. However, this measure was suddenly stopped at the end of last year as the government had to make cuts.

Sell ​​electric cars

However, this has a direct impact on cross-border sales of electric cars. Compared to December, 55 percent fewer electric vehicles were sold in January.

German car market declining

The German car market didn’t have an easy time of it in January anyway. Although more petrol and diesel cars were registered (plus 9.1 and 9.5 percent respectively), this had little impact.

The overall market fell by 11.7 percent, also because 20 percent fewer plug-in hybrids were sold.

Weak German economy

Additionally, the decline in electric vehicle sales began back in December. Experts assume that high interest rates, the weak German economy and political tensions on the world stage also play a role.

Grant in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the SEPP subsidy has been gradually reduced from 4,000 euros a few years ago to 2,950 euros now. The effect is visible because the funding pot becomes empty less and less often.

Cheaper models

Electric cars are relatively expensive (all new cars are expensive, but that’s not the point…) and accessible to relatively few Dutch people. Fortunately, cheaper models are coming onto the market this year and next.

Think of the Citroën ë-C3 with a starting price of 24,290 euros and later the Volkswagen ID.2. The currently “cheapest” electric vehicle on the Dutch market is the Dacia Spring, which costs 21,750 euros.