Germany ranks 12th in European EV market as charging infrastructure lags

Germany places 12th among European electric‑vehicle (EV) markets in the Ayvens Mobility Guide 2026, achieving an EV readiness score of 61 out of 100. Battery‑electric cars are slightly more economical than combustion‑engine vehicles in the country, costing about €0.35 per kilometre versus €0.36 for a petrol car. Tax incentives and attractive company‑car taxation continue to boost EV adoption, but the national charging network remains below the level of leading markets.

Martin Kössler, managing director of Ayvens, said, “The availability of e‑cars is no longer the problem – implementation is.” He noted that companies can turn EV adoption into an efficiency lever by managing total operating costs, taxes, and charging infrastructure. In contrast, Norway leads the European EV landscape with a readiness score of 93, followed by Belgium (78) and the Netherlands (74). The guide highlights that while northern and western European countries benefit from favorable tax regimes and extensive charging networks, southern and eastern markets progress more slowly.

The report also observes a policy shift in 2025‑2026, with governments moving from blanket subsidies toward targeted, long‑term fiscal measures, phasing out incentives for combustion‑engine and plug‑in hybrid vehicles while tightening penalties for high‑emission cars.