Germans trust homegrown EVs but eye China's rising market share

A recent German survey has revealed strong confidence in homegrown electric vehicles. Nearly half of those asked ranked Germany as the top producer of competitive EVs. The findings come as the country's electric car market continues to grow rapidly.

The nationally representative survey, carried out by management consultancy Oliver Wyman, showed 43 percent of respondents placing Germany first for the most competitive electric vehicles. China followed in second place, chosen by 23 percent of those questioned.

Attitudes toward Chinese brands were mixed. While 42 percent of respondents said they would consider buying a Chinese EV over a German one—citing better pricing as the main reason—34 percent ruled out the idea. Their concerns centred on perceived lower quality and safety standards.

Market data highlights China's growing presence. In 2025 alone, over 545,000 new fully electric battery vehicles (BEVs) were registered in Germany. Chinese manufacturers, particularly BYD, have expanded their share significantly since 2023. BYD's market share jumped from 2.1 percent in 2019 to 16.2 percent by 2024, driven by a 43.2 percent surge in BEV registrations projected for 2025. The company's success has been linked to high vertical integration, a strong position in the EV market, and rising demand across Europe, especially in Germany.

Simon Schnurrer, a partner at Oliver Wyman, views the situation as a chance for Europe. He believes the region can preserve and even expand its automotive sector's value creation by staying competitive in the evolving EV market.

The survey results reflect both trust in German electric vehicles and a cautious openness to Chinese alternatives. With registrations climbing and market shares shifting, the competition between domestic and foreign brands is set to intensify. The industry's next moves will likely shape how value is created and maintained in Europe's automotive sector.