Decline in e-car registrations in May
The registration figures for electric cars in Germany recorded a significant decline in May 2024. With only 29,708 newly registered electric cars, the figures are significantly lower than the 42,780 registrations in the same month last year. This decline reflects a general trend, as fewer vehicles were registered in May than in April and March.
Effects of planned EU punitive tariffs
The planned EU punitive tariffs on electric cars from China could have a further negative impact on registration figures. These tariffs would lead to higher prices for Chinese e-models, which could make these vehicles less attractive. In May 2024, Chinese manufacturers accounted for around 14.4% of newly registered pure electric cars in Germany. German manufacturers who produce their vehicles in China would also be affected by the punitive tariffs.
ADAC warns of negative consequences
The ADAC firmly rejects the planned EU punitive tariffs and warns of negative effects on the urgently needed traffic turnaround and the goal of 15 million electric vehicles by 2030. Gerhard Hillebrand, ADAC Transport President, emphasizes the danger of a trade war that could hit German consumers and the domestic industry hard. Higher prices would influence purchasing decisions and make the switch to environmentally friendly electromobility more difficult.
Tesla Model 3 Affected by punitive tariffs
Price increase for Tesla Model 3 from July
The Tesla Model 3, produced in Shanghai for the European market is also affected by the planned EU punitive tariffs. Tesla has already announced a price increase from July 1, 2024 to compensate for the expected import duties. The price for the Model 3 could rise to just under 50,000 euros, which would make it as expensive as the VW ID.7 Pro.
Sales figures and effects
The Model 3 recorded around 3,000 units sold in Germany in the first five months of 2024, which is significantly lower than the 5,600 units sold in the same period of the previous year. In comparison, the Model Y, which is partly produced in Grünheide, remains significantly more popular with over 13,000 units sold in the same period.
Tesla has also introduced an environmental bonus of 6,000 euros specifically for pre-configured existing models of the Model Y to further boost sales figures.
Conclusion
The planned EU punitive tariffs on electric cars from China could have a further negative impact on the already declining registration figures in Germany. The ADAC warns of the far-reaching negative consequences for consumers and the industry. Tesla The German car industry and other manufacturers are facing the challenge of coping with rising prices and the associated impact on market demand.
