BERLIN, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Germany's battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations surged 66.2 percent year-on-year to 70,700 units in March, lifting their market share to 24 percent, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) said on Tuesday.
By comparison, registrations of gasoline and diesel vehicles showed only modest changes, falling 4.9 percent and 0.6 percent respectively, reflecting a gradual shift in consumer demand toward electric and hybrid models.
Overall new passenger car registrations rose 16.0 percent to 294,000 units in March.
In January, the German government announced subsidies of up to 6,000 euros (6,960 U.S. dollars) for households purchasing new electric vehicles, applicable to BEVs and certain plug-in hybrid models registered from 2026. Analysts said the incentives have helped support demand and improve consumer sentiment.
Rising energy prices, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East, have pushed up fuel costs across Europe, prompting consumers to reassess long-term running expenses. Analysts said that, together with government subsidies, this has strengthened the appeal of electric vehicles. However, challenges such as charging infrastructure, electricity prices and supply chain stability could continue to affect the sector's medium- to long-term outlook. ■