Increase in Automobile Usage: Germans Are Driving More Vehicles Once More - Increase in automobile usage: More Germans are opting for driving cars
In a notable shift, Germany has seen an increase in the number of kilometres driven by cars in 2024, marking a reversal of a five-year decline. This resurgence in driving activity, according to preliminary data, is likely linked to changes in vehicle usage patterns and the mix of vehicle types on the road.
The total distance driven in 2024 corresponds to approximately four times the distance from Earth to the sun, with cars covering around 594 million kilometres. This figure represents a 3 million kilometre increase compared to 2021, a year that saw a significant decrease in driving performance due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority of this distance was covered by vehicles with internal combustion engines. Around 283 million kilometres were covered by gasoline vehicles, and approximately 230 million by diesel vehicles. The driving performance of motorcycles in 2021 was not specified in the given information.
Gasoline and diesel cars likely contributed notably to this increase since hybrids and conventional vehicles remain dominant, despite rising electric vehicle (EV) shares. The German passenger car market in 2024 saw growth in certain vehicle types such as hybrids, which increased by about 12.7% during the year, indicating that transitional technologies between conventional combustion engines and full electric vehicles are gaining popularity.
Despite the growth in EVs and hybrids, sales of gasoline and diesel vehicles in Germany remain significant contributors to overall kilometres driven. The electric vehicle (EV) market itself is thriving, with an 8.6% increase in new EV registrations in June 2025, reflecting continued shifts towards electrification.
The increase in total kilometres driven in 2024 could be due to resumed mobility and economic activity after pandemic-related restrictions eased, combined with sustained reliance on gasoline and diesel vehicles alongside gradual electrification.
It's worth noting that diesel is extensively used for trucks, tractors, or buses, and the driving performance of these larger commercial vehicles decreased slightly in 2021. Together, these larger commercial vehicles covered approximately 102 million kilometers in 2021.
In summary, the 2024 increase in kilometres driven in Germany after five years of decline is probably driven by resumed travel activity and the continued use of gasoline and diesel cars, alongside growing hybrid and EV adoption. Gasoline and diesel vehicles still play a major role as the backbone of passenger mobility, thereby significantly contributing to the rise in total kilometres driven. Meanwhile, hybrids and EVs are becoming more important but have not yet replaced combustion vehicles entirely in contributing to overall driving distances.
- The rise in total kilometers driven in Germany in 2024, despite the ongoing shift towards electric vehicles, suggests a continued importance of community policy regarding the regulation and promotion of traditional employment in the automotive, transportation, and finance industries.
- As the transportation sector remains heavily reliant on gasoline and diesel vehicles, employment policy should focus on implementing strategies to encourage the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles to align with industry trends and foster a sustainable future.
