Chinese electric vehicles have seen significant gains in market share across Germany recently. According to an analysis by the consulting firm EY, reported by “Die Welt am Sonntag”, manufacturers based in China accounted for 12.1% of all registered electric vehicles during the third quarter, spanning July to September. This is a substantial increase compared to the 8.0% recorded during the same period the previous year.
In the third quarter alone, roughly 39,500 electric vehicles from Chinese manufacturers were registered in Germany, representing an impressive growth of 168%. Notably, truly independent Chinese brands tripled their vehicle registrations during this period, while European producers that are owned by Chinese conglomerates only managed to double their presence. While the German automotive industry is also growing-for example, Volkswagen registered more than any other automaker with 26,500 EVs-this growth was less impressive year-on-year, increasing by only 13%.
The German auto industry is expressing growing concern over the intensified competition from China, particularly because many Chinese models are offered at exceptionally low prices throughout Europe. In response, the EU, spearheaded by Germany and France, is aiming to impose stricter regulations on Chinese car imports. More recently, Brussels and Beijing reached an agreement to place a cap on the number of hybrid vehicles imported from China into Europe.
