German EV Sales Surge 43.2% in 2025, Chinese Brands Shine

In 2025, electric vehicle (EV) sales in Germany rebounded strongly, with 545,142 units sold throughout the year—a 43.2% year-on-year increase—accounting for 19.1% of total new car sales. Despite the European Union imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, Chinese brands continued to grow against the trend. BYD alone sold over 23,000 vehicles in Germany, surging by 700% year-on-year, capturing a 0.8% market share and surpassing Tesla to become the world’s top-selling EV brand. In December 2025, the German government reinstated its EV purchase incentives, offering up to €5,000 in subsidies for domestically produced electric vehicles. However, widespread adoption still faces challenges due to insufficient charging infrastructure, high electricity prices, and limited eligibility for subsidies. Meanwhile, German automakers are accelerating their transition to electric mobility to meet the EU’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 90% by 2030. Nevertheless, the overall automotive market remains sluggish, with total new car sales for the year reaching only 2.9 million units—750,000 fewer than in 2019.