The imminent reduction of the ecological bonus and the significant increase in electricity prices in Germany are raising concerns about the competitiveness of electric cars. Experts fear a negative impact on sales and adoption of these vehicles.
Reduction of the ecological bonus: a controversial measure
As in France, Germany offers an attractive ecological bonus system for new electric cars. Currently, electric vehicles sold for less than €40,000 benefit from a bonus of €6,000, while those costing between €40,000 and €65,000 receive €5,000. However, from 2023, this bonus will be reduced to €4,500 for vehicles under €40,000 and to €3,000 for those priced between €40,000 and €65,000. Cars costing more than €65,000 will no longer benefit from this bonus at all.
This reduction is seen as a threat to the electric car market in Germany, which saw a 25% growth in sales in the first half of 2022. Declining financial incentives could slow this dynamic, especially for high-end vehicles.
Rising electricity costs: an additional challenge
At the same time, Germany is facing a dizzying rise in electricity prices. At the end of 2021, a kWh of domestic electricity cost 32 euro cents, but this price has already exceeded 37 cents in 2022. According to the German Association of Energy and Water Industries, this cost could reach 50 cents per kWh for households. This increase would cancel out the economic advantage of electric cars compared to thermal vehicles.
Experts from the CAR (Center of Automotive Research) believe that rising electricity costs could tip the balance of user costs, making electric vehicles less attractive, especially when taking into account the higher costs of fast charging.
The impact on electric car sales
The combination of reduced purchasing aid and rising electricity costs could dissuade German consumers from purchasing electric cars. Although sales increased in 2022, this trend could be slowed by the new economic measures. Experts fear that these changes could interrupt the momentum gained by the electric car market in Germany.
Prospects for the future
Despite these challenges, electric cars remain an unavoidable necessity with the planned ban on internal combustion engines by 2035. Manufacturers and consumers will have to adapt to these new economic realities. Technological innovations and tailored support policies will be crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of electric cars.
The future of electric cars in Germany faces significant challenges. Reductions in ecological bonuses and rising electricity costs could slow down the adoption of these vehicles. It is imperative to find solutions to guarantee their competitiveness and support the transition to sustainable mobility.
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