Tesla’s Model Y overtook the VW Golf to become Germany‘s best-selling car in September 2026. In the same month, EVs accounted for 35 percent of new vehicle registrations.
More drivers are going electric in Germany, and Tesla is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the switch. The company’s models topped two of the four categories reported by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The Model Y led the SUV segment with 8,038 units, rocketing past the VW Golf despite the compact SUV leading its own segment with 6,580 units.
For context, the VW hatchback was Germany’s long-running best-seller, holding the top spot since 1981. This is the second time the electric Model Y has surpassed the fossil-fuel-powered model, with the first time coming exactly four years ago.
The Model 3 topped the mid-sized category with 4,512 units, also beating traditional ICE vehicles.
September was a good month for EVs generally, as buyers opted for them in increasing numbers. Registrations grew by a respectable 9 percent month-on-month, reaching a 34.5 percent market share. In raw numbers, 88,599 electric vehicles were registered out of a total of 256,774. The growth is even more pronounced year-on-year, up 94.7 percent.
Tesla may owe its good fortune to federal subsidies. The incentives took effect in May and could knock off up to 6,000 euros for non-business buyers.
Meanwhile, the Model Y remains an international bestseller by a wide margin. Tesla delivered nearly 750,000 units globally in the first eight months of 2026, with the BYD Song/Seal U coming second with 325,000 units. In Europe, the Model 3 finished 2nd place behind the Model Y in September.
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