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Selling a Registered Electric Car in Germany 2025
Learn how dealers can efficiently sell registered electric cars in Germany in 2025. From insurance transfers to battery condition reports and new regulations—stay informed for a smooth and compliant sales process.
Selling a registered electric car in Germany can be a straightforward process if all necessary steps and legal regulations are followed. This guide provides dealers and businesses with an overview of the most important aspects of selling registered electric cars in 2025.
1. Ensuring Proper Insurance Transfer
For dealers, it is essential to know that the existing insurance policy is automatically transferred to the buyer when selling a registered electric car. To avoid unnecessary risks and costs, dealers should take the following steps:
- Inform the Buyer: The buyer must transfer the insurance to their name after purchase.
- Notify the Insurance Provider: Dealers should immediately inform the insurance company about the sale to minimize liability risks.
- Ensure Deregistration: To prevent misuse or additional costs, a contractual deadline for re-registration can be included in the sales contract.
2. Transferring Electric Car Documentation
For dealers, it is crucial that the registration certificate Part I & II (vehicle registration & title) is correctly handed over to the new owner. Additionally, the sale of electric cars requires extra documentation:
- Battery Certificate: This document confirms the battery's capacity and condition and can significantly impact resale value.
- Charging History: A record of past usage and charging cycles may be relevant for buyers, especially for commercially used electric cars.
- Detailed Documentation: The handover of electric car documentation should be confirmed by the buyer.
- Digital Archiving: If possible, dealers should store digital copies of all documents to ensure a smooth transaction history.
3. Validity of the General Inspection (HU) for Electric Cars
For dealers, the General Inspection (HU) is a key factor in determining the resale value of electric cars. Therefore, they should:
- Ensure electric cars are sold with a valid HU to facilitate a smooth transfer to the buyer.
- Consider specific requirements for electric cars: Unlike combustion vehicles that require an emissions test (AU), the focus for electric cars is on battery health and electrical components.
4. Financial and Tax Considerations for Electric Car Dealers
When selling registered electric cars, dealers must be aware of various financial and tax obligations:
- Vehicle Tax: Electric cars are exempt from vehicle tax for up to ten years after first registration. Dealers should check if this applies to the sale.
- Business Tax Processing: Dealers should ensure that the sales transaction is correctly recorded in their accounting.
- Incentives and Subsidies: Some electric cars still qualify for government incentive programs, which can influence the sale. Dealers should stay updated on current incentives to adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.
5. Liability Exclusion and Warranty for Dealers
Dealers are subject to different legal regulations compared to private sellers. They must:
- Clearly Define Warranty Conditions: Dealers are legally required to provide warranties unless the electric car is explicitly sold as a “parts vehicle” or “as-is.”
- Cannot Fully Exclude Liability for Defects: Unlike private sellers, dealers cannot completely exclude liability for defects. Any faults must be transparently disclosed before the sale.
- Document Battery Condition: A comprehensive report on battery status and charging history helps prevent future complaints.
6. New Regulations for Selling Electric Cars in Germany 2025
In 2025, stricter requirements apply to the electric car market, particularly for dealers:
- New Safety Standards (GSR2): Dealers must ensure that sold electric cars meet the latest EU safety regulations.
- Battery Recycling Certification: Buyers increasingly request proof of sustainability and battery recycling. Dealers should familiarize themselves with these requirements.
- Growing Importance of Bidirectional Charging: Electric cars with Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities are becoming more popular, and dealers should be prepared to address this feature.
For detailed information, dealers should regularly check the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) guidelines.
Cardino’s Role in the Electric Car Market for Dealers
Cardino simplifies the buying and selling of electric cars for dealers. Our platform provides:
- Fast and transparent electric car evaluations for optimized buying and selling.
- Efficient transaction processing with digital document management.
- Access to a broad network of electric car listings.
- Automated processes that significantly reduce administrative efforts for dealers.
Conclusion
Selling a registered electric car in Germany presents an opportunity for dealers to efficiently manage their inventory and maximize profits. By considering insurance transfers, proper document handover, valid HU inspections, tax processing, and compliance with new regulations, dealers can ensure a smooth sales process. Dealers who stay informed about market changes can optimize their business operations and remain competitive.
FAQs
What additional documents do dealers need when selling an electric car?
In addition to standard vehicle documents, battery certificates and charging histories should be documented to provide buyers with complete information.
What new regulations apply to electric car dealers in 2025?
New EU safety regulations (GSR2), battery recycling requirements, and bidirectional charging (V2G) are key factors in the used electric car market.
How can dealers avoid liability issues?
By documenting the car’s condition in detail, providing transparent battery reports, and including clear warranty terms in the sales contract.
Do dealers need to conduct a new HU inspection before selling an electric car?
It is recommended to sell electric cars with a valid HU, as this simplifies the sales process and increases resale value.
