The switch to new electric vehicles has slowed in Germany since the withdrawal of purchase incentives by the German government, however second-hand sales remain strong, a new study by HUK-Coburg has found.
According to the study, as of the first quarter of 2025, when switching from traditional combustion vehicles to EVs, 61% of private individuals bought a used electric car, while 39% bought a brand new electric car.
Prior to the withdrawal of government supports, the percentage buying a new EV when switching was as high as 74%.
The share of privately-owned electric cars stands at around 3% nationwide, the study found, with higher concentrations in Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Baden-Württemberg, and lower shares in states such as Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
At the same time, many individuals have concerns about buying electric cars, with three in five (60%) stating that they have more reservations about purchasing a used electric vehicle compared to a used car with a combustion engine.
Used electric vehicles
“The sharp increase in private purchases of used electric cars as part of the switch from combustion engines is certainly due to the growing supply of used electric vehicles,” commented Dr Jörg Rheinländer, board member at HUK-Coburg.
“However, the fact that this rate has doubled, precisely after the end of the purchase premium for new vehicles at the end of 2023, is a cause for concern. Used cars, not new ones, dominate the German automotive market. They will therefore play a central role in the spread of electromobility. In contrast, far too much attention is currently paid to the new car market – including in the political arena.”
Lower expectations
Other findings from the study include that more Germans consider electric cars to be ‘less good’ or ‘not good at all’ (51%) compared to ‘good’ or ‘very good’ (42%). Just a few months ago, in the fourth quarter of 2024, opinions on this matter were almost evenly split, by 47% to 45%.
In addition, the percentage that state they will ‘only purchase an electric car’ in the future has declined from 19% to 15%.
“People’s gut feeling is crucial,” Rheinländer added. “Anything that breaks down prejudices here can therefore particularly help the used electric car market, which will be crucial for the spread of e-mobility in Germany.” Read more here.
