Germans Embrace Electric Vehicles?
The used electric vehicle (EV) market in Germany is experiencing a significant surge in 2025, driven by increasing consumer interest in electrification and attractive pricing compared to new EVs. However, the path to widespread acceptance of electric mobility still faces challenges, particularly in terms of affordability for entry-level buyers and battery longevity concerns.
Rising demand for used EVs is a key trend in the market, with prices 30–40% lower than new cars making 2020–2023 models particularly attractive for buyers seeking value. This trend aligns with the broader shift toward electrification, where battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) comprise about 18.4% of new car registrations in Germany in early 2025.
Consumer affordability and price pressure are significant challenges, as while BEVs’ share in new registrations is rising rapidly, total car sales are stagnant partly due to affordability issues. Rising production and pricing challenges strain access, especially for entry-level EVs.
Battery warranties and performance are crucial factors in alleviating consumer concerns about battery degradation, a major historic barrier to used EV adoption. Many used EVs still have strong battery warranties (up to 8 years) and preserve over 85% of their original range, reducing uncertainty.
Competition from Chinese manufacturers is another challenge, as Chinese EV brands, such as BYD, are gaining significant market share globally and in Germany owing to cost advantages, putting pricing pressure on European used models.
Popular used EV models include the Renault Zoe (2019–2023), which remains a benchmark for used city EVs with prices from about €5,000 to €18,000 and solid battery performance. Premium models like the first-gen Audi e-tron also show depreciation rates around 45% after three years, offering accessible luxury options in the used market.
Germany leads Europe’s BEV and PHEV sales volumes and contributes significantly to the growth in used EV demand. However, the overall new car market is slightly declining, reflecting economic pressures and broader challenges in the automotive sector.
Despite these challenges, the interest of private customers in electric mobility is strong, as indicated by the DAT Barometer. Two-thirds of respondents want cheaper and uniformly priced charging, instead of high purchase incentives for the car itself. The podcast with Martin Endlein and the DAT Barometer also highlights a strong interest in electric mobility among private customers.
Martin Endlein, from DAT, believes that purchase premiums are not the best solution to boost the electric car market, and that sustainable market development is achieved through thoughtful product policy, not short-term discounts. Among new car buyers, 34% would choose an electric car, 25% prefer a gasoline car, and almost as many favor a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
However, many people have no personal experience with electromobility, with only a quarter having ever sat behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. For many, the path to an electric car often goes through a used electric car. Creating incentives to try out e-mobility, such as short leasing periods, car subscriptions, test fleets, or used car purchases, is important to establish trust and a stable, healthy used car market for electric vehicles.
In summary, the used EV market in Germany in 2025 is growing rapidly with attractive value propositions for consumers but confronts challenges related to affordability, competitive pressures from international brands, and ensuring buyer confidence in battery and vehicle longevity.
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