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Munich overtakes Berlin in the use of electric vehicles

The Bavarian metropolis leads in Germany with over 24,900 registered electric vehicles. Berlin and Hamburg follow behind, with figures of around 24,900 and 20,600 e-vehicles.

Public charging station of Stadtwerke München. In the Bavarian metropolis, there are about 1,100 public charging points, which is more than in Hamburg or Berlin. (Photo: SWM/Steffen Leiprecht)
Public charging station of Stadtwerke München. In the Bavarian metropolis, there are about 1,100 public charging points, which is more than in Hamburg or Berlin. (Photo: SWM/Steffen Leiprecht)
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Despite its reputation as the capital of technological innovation and progress, Berlin lags behind in the acceptance of electric vehicles, according to an analysis by the International Drivers Association. As of January 2024, Munich leads in Germany with over 24,900 registered electric vehicles. Berlin and Hamburg follow closely behind, with figures of approximately 24,930 and 20,600 electric vehicles.

Dominic Wyatt, automotive expert at the International Drivers Association, puts it succinctly: “For electric vehicles to become popular, an accessible charging infrastructure, government incentives, and a public mindset open to adopting new technologies are needed. Munich promotes these factors.”

Further Reasons

To further illustrate why Munich is so far ahead, here are some additional points:

  • Proactive Government Policies and Incentives: The local government of Munich has been actively promoting electric mobility. They offer a range of incentives, including grants and discounts for purchasing electric vehicles. This significantly reduces the initial costs of purchase
  • Robust Charging Network: There are many places in Munich where electric cars can be charged. In the city, there are approximately 1,100 public charging points, which is more than in Hamburg or Berlin
  • Presence of Major Automotive Companies: The automotive giants in Munich play a crucial role. Their commitment to the transition to electric mobility leads to a better market for electric vehicles – offering a wide range of models to choose from

The Berlin Dilemma: Why the Lag?

  • Delayed Infrastructure Development: A large part of the city's charging network is still in development and is expected to be operational by 2030, which could make potential buyers of electric vehicles hesitant. The so-called "range anxiety" remains
  • Lack of Government Incentives: Attractive incentives like those in Munich are not as aggressive or readily available in Berlin. This could deter potential buyers, as the initial costs of electric vehicles are relatively higher compared to conventional cars
  • Public Attitude: The population of the capital might adapt more slowly to electromobility, likely due to a combination of perceived impracticality, a lack of sufficient knowledge about EVs, or simply resistance to change

However, these forecasts do not signal the end for Berlin's hopes for an electric future. 

“The reality is that electric vehicles are the future of road transport,” emphasizes Dominic Wyatt. “It's only a matter of time before Berlin catches up.”

What does this mean?

Acceleration of the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles, provision of attractive incentives, improvement of public knowledge about the benefits of e-vehicles, and acceleration of the transition to a sustainable future: The race is therefore not yet over – the capital has the potential to close the gap, lagging behind today, but could be leading in the electric revolution tomorrow.

Translated automatically from German.
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