As of: February 17, 2024, 7:12 p.m
By: Nadja Zinsmeister
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Economics Minister Robert Habeck visited a Mercedes Benz factory in Berlin on Monday.
What is the future of electric cars in Germany?
Berlin – As part of his state tour, Vice Chancellor and Economics Minister Robert Habeck (The Greens) visited the Mercedes-Benz “Digital Factory Campus” in Berlin on Monday.
Together with Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and the production director of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Jörg Burzer, he spoke about the development of electromobility in Germany.
In conversation with journalists during the visit, Habeck was also asked about the faltering sales of electric cars.
“The linear update of the registration numbers means that we will not reach 15 million in 2030, that is correct,” replied Habeck, according to information from
Bild
.
The traffic light government had stated in its coalition agreement that Germany would become the lead market for electromobility.
“Our goal is at least 15 million fully electric cars by 2030,” the contract officially states.
However, in mid-December 2023, the state subsidies abruptly stopped.
Since then, the market has not developed as planned.
Habeck comments on the future of electric cars in Germany: Development of electric cars is “not linear”
Despite everything, Robert Habeck was confident on Monday.
“Technical development and, above all, social acceptance do not develop linearly,” the Vice Chancellor continued.
Despite the lack of government funding, he expects a high level of demand after a certain “tipping point”.
Then the numbers would rise significantly again.
At least the basis seems to be there.
According to a new analysis, nowhere in Europe is the auto industry as well prepared for the transformation to electromobility as in Germany.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (m), Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (r, CDU) and Jörg Burzer, production director at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, on the Mercedes Benz “Digital Factory Campus”.
© Monika Skolimowska/dpa
The federal government had actually planned to grant a purchase bonus of up to 4,500 euros for new electric cars until the end of 2023.
In addition, there was a half allowance from the manufacturer, i.e. up to 2250 euros.
On January 1, 2024, the state premium should be reduced to 3,000 euros and then expire at the end of 2024.
Because the federal government had to correct its budget planning, this funding abruptly stopped in mid-December.
Numerous car manufacturers subsequently announced that they would pay for the premiums themselves.
For many buyers, the price of the new vehicle has not changed, at least currently.
Sales of electric cars and expansion of the electric car infrastructure are stalling: “We are under pressure”
The expansion of the associated infrastructure in Germany is currently only growing slowly.
“We are under pressure.
The country and the automotive industry have to prove themselves,” said Habeck, according to
Bild
information.
But he is not afraid of competition from China and the USA.
“If we were afraid of it, then we should let it be.
“I’m not afraid of that,” said the Economics Minister.
Since government funding stopped, German experts have seen great uncertainty in the future of electromobility.
“The surprising complete end to the state purchase bonus will lead to a decline in new electric vehicle registrations this year,” predicted Felix Gall, Head of Mobility at the management consultancy EY, in a statement at the beginning of January.
“The market for electric cars is not yet standing on its own two feet, but depends on government subsidies.
Where there is no funding and investment in a good charging infrastructure, only a few electric cars are sold.”
(nz with dpa)