Electric cars on the rise: Vienna with over 50% innovations!

Electric cars on the rise: Vienna with over 50% innovations!

A lot is happening in the Austrian automotive industry: 31,534 new battery-electric cars were registered in Austria in the first half of 2025, which is a clear sign of the growing popularity of electric vehicles. The total share of electric cars in Austria is now 22%. This is an impressive increase of a whopping 42% compared to the first half of 2024, and shows that electromobility is still on the rise. In the federal states of Salzburg and Upper Austria in particular, the proportion of electric cars is over 25%, while Styria brings up the rear with only 17%. elektro.at also reports that the share of electric cars in all state capitals is over 20%.

What is the reason for this trend? On the one hand, it is due to the improved environmental balance of electric cars. According to the Federal Environment Agency, CO2 emissions from electric cars are 53% lower than from conventional combustion engines. In addition, electric cars use three times less energy per kilometer than their gasoline or diesel-powered counterparts. This not only leads to a reduction in environmental impact, but also to lower operating costs, which continue to serve as a selling point for many people.

The pioneers in the districts

The fact that there are now two districts in Austria with over 50% electric car share comes as a surprise to many. In Vienna Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus this proportion is an impressive 58%, while Vienna-Mariahilf follows with 56%. Linz also took first place in the state capitals with almost 29%, followed by Salzburg and Eisenstadt.

• Top Bezirke mit E-PKW-Anteil über 50%:
  • Wien Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus: 58%
  • Wien-Mariahilf: 56%
• Weitere bemerkenswerte Bezirke:
  • Wien Innere Stadt: 46%
  • Wien Leopoldstadt: 45%
  • Bezirk Rohrbach: fast 35%
• Schlusslichter:
  • Bezirk Liezen: rund 4%
  • Bezirk Reutte: rund 6%

The VCÖ is calling for clear EU guidelines for manufacturers in order to promote the production of smaller and more economical models. This demand is becoming all the more urgent as not only is the climate crisis worsening, but the average CO2 emissions of newly registered diesel cars have also risen to almost 153 g/km.

Criticism of tax concessions

Another debate is looming: The VCÖ is criticizing the tax incentives for company cars with combustion engines. In times in which climate protection plays an increasingly important role, it is questioned whether such incentives are still appropriate. Interestingly, 80% of diesel cars were registered to companies or legal entities, which makes this issue even more important.

In view of these developments, it is clear that electromobility is well on its way to establishing itself in Austria. The demand and acceptance of electric cars is constantly increasing, and this is reflected not only in the registration numbers, but also in the constantly growing charging infrastructure and production capacities. We can only hope that the political framework supports this trend and the necessary changes can be implemented as quickly as possible. [vcoe.at].