VW leads the electric vehicle market in Germany - German electric vehicle sector is primarily ruled by Volkswagen
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the Volkswagen (VW) Group is making significant strides in Germany, dominating the market with a robust portfolio, early investment, and a broad approach to electrification.
According to recent data, VW Group accounted for approximately half of all battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in Germany during May 2025, securing a market share lead of 28.5% for plugin electric vehicles and 18% for BEVs alone [1]. This dominance is largely due to the group's diverse electric lineup, which includes top-selling models such as the Volkswagen ID.7, the best-selling BEV in Germany for five consecutive months [1][3].
The VW Group's portfolio extends beyond Volkswagen, encompassing brands like Audi and Skoda, each contributing to the group's overall dominance. Skoda, for instance, saw a remarkable 182% increase in EV sales in Europe during May 2025 [3]. This multi-brand strategy, coupled with an early and aggressive investment in electric mobility, has allowed VW Group to capture both volume and a wide spectrum of customers in Germany and across Europe [1][3].
While BMW is a strong player in Germany's EV market, it trails behind VW Group in terms of scale and market share. BMW is often listed just behind VW and Skoda in electric car rankings in Europe, indicating a respectable but secondary position [3]. The German manufacturer offers a range of electric models, such as the i4 and iX series, but its sales growth and volume lag behind VW Group’s multi-brand and mass-market approach [3].
BMW's focus on premium segment electric vehicles, which emphasise performance and luxury, appeals to a more niche market compared to VW Group's broader market coverage, which includes more affordable options [3]. As a result, BMW's market share in the German EV market is lower, despite the success of models like the X1, which ranks seventh in the German electric car market at the model level [unspecified source].
In summary, the Volkswagen Group's dominance in Germany’s electric car market is a testament to its multi-brand approach, broad product range, and early large-scale investment in electric platforms. BMW, while a strong premium brand with growing EV offerings, currently holds a smaller share and focuses more on luxury electric vehicles rather than volume [1][2][3].
**Table: Comparison of VW Group and BMW in Germany's Electric Car Market**
| Aspect | VW Group | BMW | |-----------------------------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Market Share (Germany 2025) | ~50% of BEV sales | Lower, trailing behind VW Group | | Popular Models | Volkswagen ID.7 (top-selling BEV) | i4, iX models (premium EVs) | | Brands under Portfolio | VW, Audi, Skoda, others | BMW only | | Strategy | Broad, multi-brand, scalable platforms | Premium segment focus | | Growth | High, driven by mass-market and multiple brands | Moderate, focused on luxury/performance segment |
Sources: [1] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volkswagen-id7-becomes-best-selling-electric-car-germany [2] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/skoda-enyaq-iv-electric-car-sales-up-182-percent [3] https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-i4-electric-car-sales-grow-30-percent-may-2021
In the context of the EU countries' focus on vocational training for the EV sector, the VW Group could heavily benefit from offering technology-focused vocational programs to equip its German workforce with the necessary skills to expand its electrification efforts, aiding in the maintenance, repair, and production of EVs. Simultaneously, engaging in partnerships with educational institutions to develop and implement vocational training programs centered around EV technology could bolster Germany's leadership position in the EV market, ensuring a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future.
