February saw plugin EVs at 19.3% share of the German auto market, still in a hangover from sudden incentive changes in late December. BEVs were down some 15% in YoY volume, while PHEVs were up some 22%. Overall auto volume wasunits, down some 13% from pre-2020 seasonal norms . The best selling BEV was the Tesla Model Y.BEV sales are still in turmoil after late December’s sudden surprise government cancellation of purchase incentives.
The Dacia Spring came in 6th, above its typical 15th spot, thanks to a temporary discount price of 12,750€ . This is a rare example in Europe of a simple BEV with a reasonable sticker price .. The Spring’s pack is ~27 kWh, a simple design with modest power and no active cooling, so should cost under 1,600€. The motor and inverters are also modest power , so similarly inexpensive.
One new model appeared in February, the Vinfast VF8, with a 10 unit debut. The Vinfast may struggle to reach notable volumes in the competitive German market, but we will keep an eye on it.The Tesla Model Y is still very dominant, well ahead of the Skoda Enyaq in second and Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 in third.