Demand for Used Electric Cars in Germany Soars

ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Ansgar Scheffold

JAKARTA - Demand for used electric vehicles in Germany is expected to increase sharply by 2026 as fuel prices rise due to the conflict in the Middle East.

According to a report by Der Spiegel magazine, citing data from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), nearly 120,000 used electric vehicles were sold across Germany during the first four months of 2026. That number is almost double compared to the same period in 2025 and almost three times compared to the first four months of 2024.

In addition, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found that the share of electric vehicles among all used cars registered in Germany increased from three percent to 7.7 percent in the period April 2025 to April 2026.

As reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Tuesday, June 2, the report noted that the increase was very visible since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, when fuel prices jumped sharply.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on a number of targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which resulted in damage and casualties among civilians. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

On April 7, Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire. However, the subsequent negotiations held in Islamabad ended without producing a breakthrough.

The escalation involving Iran led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for the shipment of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets. The situation also impacted oil exports and production.

Due to the disruption in the shipping route, most countries in the world have experienced an increase in fuel prices and various industrial products.