On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), NOW GmbH has conducted discussions with leading German and international car manufacturers (OEMs) in compliance with antitrust law to assess current market and technological developments in the field of electric cars. The findings support the evaluation of ongoing measures in the field of electric mobility and are incorporated into the data-driven demand planning of the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure to ensure the continued proactive expansion of a comprehensive and demand-driven charging infrastructure.
The so-called ‘Cleanroom Talks on Passenger Cars’ took place in the summer of 2025 and were conducted for the third time. The participating companies, which together account for more than 80% of passenger car sales and over 90% of electric car sales in Germany, provided insights into their sales and technology forecasts for the German passenger car market. In addition to a data survey, extensive discussions were held, addressing strategic, technical and market-specific aspects.
Dagmar Fehler, Spokesperson and CEO of NOW GmbH: “The Cleanroom format is unique in its nature: Through a systematic process that complies with antitrust regulations, we collect and analyse the automotive industry’s sales plans. This enables us to make informed statements and recommendations on crucial issues for the mobility of the future. With the results of the Cleanroom Talks, we at NOW provide guidance – for policymakers, industry and research, as well as for interested members of the public. We see a clear trend for the coming years: A growing range of models, longer ranges and faster charging are making driving an electric car increasingly attractive.”
Market forecasts for 2030: Solid growth
Based on manufacturers’ sales forecasts as of summer 2025, NOW GmbH has determined the potential development of the total fleet of electrified passenger cars in Germany for the years 2026 to 2030. This results in an expected passenger car fleet for 2030 of around 8 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 2.4 million plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Passenger car sales in 2030 are estimated at approximately 1.8 million BEVs and 0.2 million PHEVs, corresponding to an electric share of total sales of around 70%. Between 2026 and 2030, forecast BEV sales in Germany will grow by an average of 24% annually, which is faster than previously assumed.
Technological developments: Greater range, fast charging and bidirectional charging
The survey highlights significant technical progress in the coming years:
- The range of models is expanding: The number of BEV models will rise by 40% between 2026 and 2030, whilst the range of PHEVs will decline slightly.
- Average usable battery capacities will increase by around 5%; in upper vehicle segments, by as much as 30%.
- Range will increase across all vehicle segments, with particularly strong progress in the upper segments.
- BEVs in the mid-range and upper segments are already designed for ultra-fast charging (HPC, ≥ 150 kW). High power charging capability is also expected to become increasingly common for smaller models over the next 5–10 years.
- Bidirectional charging (V2X) will be widely adopted in new BEV registrations by 2030 – a key component of the energy transition.
Clear commitment to electrification
The results demonstrate the automotive industry’s clear strategic commitment to electric mobility. BEV production is being strategically prioritised in all relevant markets. After 2030, annual new BEV registrations of over two million passenger cars are expected – the market is therefore establishing itself as a genuine mass market.
About the publication
On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport, NOW GmbH conducted surveys with German and international car manufacturers (OEMs) between July and September 2025. These were carried out in compliance with antitrust law and comprised face-to-face interviews as well as a structured data analysis on sales forecasts for the period 2026 to 2030. It serves as the basis for the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure’s demand forecasts and has now been carried out for the third time, following surveys in 2020 and 2022/23.
Download the publication “Climate-friendly passenger cars in Germany: Manufacturer survey on sales forecasts and technology trends 2025” (in German): „Klimafreundliche Pkw in Deutschland: Herstellerbefragung zu Absatzprognosen und Technologietrends 2025“
