Things are getting really bad for Germany these days: now the next bubble is bursting, namely that of the green mobility turnaround before the eyes of the chief ideologues. Car drivers are not professional ideologues but rational individuals who confirm what anyone who understands the market economy knows: if something has to be subsidized as heavily as the e-car, it cannot survive on the market and the illusion of a sham existence cannot be maintained in the long term.
A recent survey by "Kfz-Betrieb" reveals a significant issue in the electric vehicle (EV) market: over two-thirds of car dealers (68.7%) are refusing to accept used electric cars as trade-ins. More alarmingly, 51.1% of dealers report that these vehicles are almost impossible to sell.
The market for used EVs is so challenging that sellers are offering substantial discounts—averaging 27% off the original sale price—to move inventory, according to Focus.
Dealership Woes: Red Ink on Used EV Sales
Data from June 2024 shows 80.2% of dealerships losing money on used battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Of these, 61.1% face significant losses, while 19.1% report minor losses. An ADAC test corroborated these findings: gasoline and diesel cars fetched better prices on buying platforms, while EVs often received no offers or offers significantly below estimated values.
Small EVs Hit Hard
Even small electric cars, such as the Jeep Avenger PEV and MG ZS EV, have disappointing residual values. Schwacke's data shows a three-year-old small electric SUV retains just 51.5% of its value.
Despite a low supply of used EVs, demand remains weak. Interest is slightly higher for nearly new models (under one year old), but older EVs suffer from rapid technological obsolescence. This struggle suggests that the reality of e-mobility may not live up to its ideological promise, with manufacturers producing EVs primarily to meet fleet emission targets.