By A quick survey by the car portal already sees effects on electromobility in Germany as a result of the recently introduced auto tariffs on e-models from China.
New setback for electromobility: A current Carwow survey highlights how much the EU’s decision on punitive tariffs is putting pressure on the German market for electromobility. A recent flash survey by what is claimed to be the most widely read car portal with more than 1,000 participants over three days at the end of October 2024 shows that the newly introduced EU punitive tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles are slowing the development of electromobility in Germany. 56 percent of respondents believe that the tariffs will slow the sales of electric cars. The main reason: the already noticeable price pressure, which will further intensify. For respondents, price is the central purchasing criterion. 70 percent of respondents indicated that cheaper electric cars would boost sales. Better batteries with longer range and more charging infrastructure were also mentioned as important measures to increase the demand for electric vehicles nonetheless. Government incentives such as purchase premiums or a VAT exemption are weighted less heavily and rank only fourth and fifth. The survey shows no unified picture on priorities: 57 percent of respondents focus on protecting the German automotive industry, while 43 percent prefer a rapid electrification of transport.
“The EU has decided – the punitive tariffs were already introduced at the beginning of November, and at a drastic rate. This way, we will not succeed in making the transition to more environmentally friendly vehicle options not only attractive but also financially accessible,” says Philipp Sayler von Amende, CEO and Co-Founder of Carwow Germany, expressing his concerns.
Configuration Data Shows: Declining Demand for Electric Vehicles
The results of the Carwow survey make it clear: Price increases are a crucial obstacle to the spread of electromobility, thereby endangering Germany’s ambitious climate goals. An analysis of the configuration data on the choice of drive on the Carwow platform shows a declining trend in the interest of potential buyers in electric cars. While around 55 percent of interested parties opted for an electric drive in September 2023, it was only around 26 percent in September 2024. This decline is also attributed to the discontinuation of government subsidies that have previously favored the purchase of electric vehicles.
Chinese Car Brands: From Low-Cost Provider to Serious Competitor
Cars “Made in China” are also becoming increasingly popular in Germany – they are no longer just considered a cheap alternative, but also a real competitor to the domestic automotive industry. A Carwow survey from June 2024 examined what consumers associate with Chinese brands. The results show that 22 percent of respondents see the competitive discounts and attractive prices as a major advantage. Additionally, a greater variety of models, which 22 percent of respondents also view as a plus, and the larger range of Chinese electric cars, which matters to 18 percent, enhance their attractiveness. Furthermore, some manufacturers like BYD fully produce their vehicles in-house, leading to a significant reduction in unit costs compared to other manufacturers. These advantages and the growing acceptance of Chinese models put the import duties on Chinese electric cars introduced in the EU into the spotlight and raise questions about the future of electromobility in Germany.
Translated automatically from German.
