Volkswagen Group’s Electric Vehicle Dominance Grows
The Volkswagen Group has been making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market, marking a turning point for the company that once struggled with its transition to electric mobility. After years of challenges, including delays, corporate overhauls, and shifting strategies, the automaker is now seeing impressive growth in its EV sales.
According to recent data, the Volkswagen Group has captured 49% of the German EV market, a substantial increase from 32% in the same period last year. This success highlights how far Tesla has fallen in Germany, dropping from second place to eighth. The decline in Tesla’s market share is attributed to increased competition and public sentiment against Elon Musk following his support for far-right political groups in the country.
In Europe, the EV market continues to grow rapidly, accounting for 15% of new car sales so far in 2025. The Volkswagen Group’s diverse range of EVs, from affordable city cars to high-end luxury models, provides buyers with a wide array of options. Porsche, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, also saw strong performance, with 36% of its first-half sales being EVs and plug-in hybrids.
Volkswagen reported a 50% increase in global EV deliveries during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This trend was particularly strong in Europe, where the growth reached around 90%. One in five vehicles delivered in Western Europe is now purely electric, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences.
Now Is the Time to Buy an EV in America
With the expiration of new and used EV tax credits on September 30, it’s becoming increasingly urgent for consumers to consider purchasing an electric vehicle. The Big Beautiful Bill has led to a change in the availability of these incentives, prompting potential buyers to act quickly.
Various dealerships are offering attractive lease deals for EVs. For example, a Hyundai dealership in New Jersey is promoting a $169-a-month lease on its Ioniq 6 sedan, which has a sticker price of about $38,000. Similarly, Kia offers a small Niro EV SUV for as low as $129 a month. GMC is also showcasing the Hummer EV, with a monthly lease payment of $650, comparable to the cost of a gas-powered car that is significantly cheaper.
Despite these offers, analysts do not expect a surge in EV interest due to the challenges associated with transitioning to electric vehicles. These include the cost of home chargers and the lack of a robust charging infrastructure in many U.S. cities and along major highways. Automakers like Ford, BMW, and Hyundai are addressing these concerns by providing free home-charger installation or covering the cost of public charging.
Mercedes-Benz Expands Charging Infrastructure
Mercedes-Benz is taking steps to address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption: charging infrastructure. The automaker’s High-Power Charging arm has announced an initiative to bring more than 500 fast-charging stalls to open-air malls owned by Federal Realty. This collaboration aims to make charging more accessible and convenient for drivers.
The initial rollout includes 20 sites, such as Camelback Colonnade in Phoenix, Lawrence Park Shopping Center in Broomall, Pennsylvania, and Shops at Pembroke Gardens in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Each location will feature up to 10 charging stalls with 400 kW charging speeds, available to all drivers regardless of their vehicle brand. These chargers will support both CCS-1 and NACS-equipped EVs and are expected to come online in 2026.
What Would You Choose If You Bought an EV Right Now?
For those considering an EV purchase before the tax credits expire, there are several compelling options. The Hyundai Ioniq 6, for instance, is a 300-plus-mile EV sedan that stands out as a non-Tesla alternative. Although used Ioniq 6 prices remain high, the model continues to attract attention.
As the EV market evolves, consumers have more choices than ever. Whether it’s a luxury model from Porsche, a practical option from Hyundai, or a high-performance vehicle from Mercedes-Benz, there’s something for everyone. With the right information and guidance, making the switch to an electric vehicle can be a smooth and rewarding experience.
