Part of EAFO’s Series on EV Market Trends Across Europe

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The Slovenian new‐car market posted moderate growth in 2024, with 53,018 passenger cars newly registered, +8.4% over the previous year. Despite this overall rise, electrified vehicles took a step backward as electric‐only (BEV) sales slumped and hybrid technologies gained ground.

Market Overview

According to data compiled by the Chamber of Commerce (TZS), a total of 53,018 new passenger cars were registered for the first time in Slovenia during 2024, up from approximately 48,900 units in 2023. Notably, though, roughly 8–10% of these vehicles are thought to have been transit or re-export units and did not actually remain in Slovenia.

Volkswagen led the market, achieving a near‐15% share (7,924 registrations), followed by Renault with 5,910 units and Škoda with 5,538. These three brands consistently jockey for the top spots and collectively account for over a third of all new passenger cars.

Declining Electric Sales

A notable development in 2024 was the 27% drop in newly registered battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which numbered just 3,142—down from approximately 4,300 the prior year. This decline took the EV market share in passenger cars from around 4.1% down closer to 3%. Industry watchers point to concerns over charging infrastructure, high prices, and reduced government incentives.

• Tesla remained the leading EV brand with 853 registrations overall. Its Model 3 topped the EV list (446 new registrations), followed by Model Y (390).
• Other notable EV contenders included the Cupra Born (304), MG4 Electric (138), and Volkswagen ID.3 (138).

Mild & Full Hybrids Grow

In contrast to the dip in full electric demand, hybrid technologies—both mild and full—saw an uptick. Overall hybrid registrations advanced by about 16%, reflecting local consumer preference for bridging solutions that reduce fuel consumption but avoid the perceived hurdles of all‐electric motoring.

Chinese Brands Gaining

While still small in volume, Chinese automakers saw rising interest:

• MG tripled its deliveries year on year to 719 vehicles, bolstered by the MG4 and MG ZS.
• Geely (402) and Forthing (185) also appear in registration data.Expect further activity in 2025, as additional Chinese brands (like BYD) plan to enter the Slovenian market.

Outlook

Dealers and manufacturers hope 2025 incentives or a renewed state support scheme might revitalize EV demand, especially with new, more affordable electric models hitting showrooms. For now, however, many Slovene buyers are opting for small crossovers or subcompact SUVs, sticking with conventional or hybrid powertrains rather than fully electric.

Key Figures (Passenger Cars, 2024)

• Total New Registrations: 53,018 (+8.4% vs 2023)
• EV Registrations: 3,142 (–27% vs 2023)
  1. Tesla #1 EV Brand (853 units, Model 3 leads with 446)

While industry observers remain optimistic that supportive policy changes and continued improvements in charging infrastructure might reverse the EV slump, the prospects hinge on better consumer incentives and clearer guidance on Slovenia’s transition to lower‐emission transport.

Source:

• Chamber of Commerce (TZS)

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.