Analyses and studies (economy in general)

A study commissioned by the car rental lobby portrays German taxi fares as overpriced and calls for more price competition. But the comparison omits central cost factors. Those who only look at the fare overlook why taxis in Germany operate differently than many platform models.

Already in its tenth year, the Deutsche Bank Research Institute publishes the study "Mapping the World’s Prices." In 2026 as well, among other things, the global taxi prices of various capitals will be compared.

(dpa) While the real list prices of comparable electric vehicles have fallen significantly since 2020, internal-combustion cars have become more expensive. Researchers see several reasons why this development could continue.

Unique taxi data from Hamburg – a new study shows the development of rides, revenues and fixed fares. Accordingly, the Hamburg taxi industry has visibly changed between 2017 and 2025 under the influence of the pandemic, a growing fleet of vehicles and new tariff models.

The uptake of electromobility remains sluggish. The reason for this cannot be reduced to a single cause. This is the result of a representative Electromobility Survey, commissioned by ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr from the market research institute Civey. One thing is particularly striking: the perception of electric cars differs significantly depending on whether people are already driving electric or continue to rely on the internal combustion engine.

The electrification of the taxi industry is often framed as a political objective. How it works in everyday life remains a challenge for many taxi operators. In Berlin, a research project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is to help analyze the situation.

Since 2023, the German public has been increasingly confident about its own finances year after year – but this upward trend is currently faltering. Purchasing restraint is growing. The poor financial mood is also affecting the taxi industry.

The Deutsche Bank Research Institute published mid-year the study “Mapping the World’s Prices – 2025.” Among other things, it compares the worldwide taxi prices of various capitals.

(ots) An analysis of nearly one million charging points shows: The European Union has only reached 26 percent of its 2030 targets. Large differences between the individual countries: Norway and the Netherlands lead, Germany sits in the middle of the pack. Retail is becoming a driver of charging infrastructure.

Many drivers of electric cars delay switching on the air conditioning in summer—out of concern about putting too much strain on the battery. A new analysis, however, shows that it’s not cooling or heating that has the greater impact on range, but speed.

A technical article is misinterpreted, leading to questionable advice for electric car drivers. The headline sounded tempting: Those who drive sportily should do something good for their battery. What initially seemed like an invitation to a swift driving style in an electric car turned out to be a fallacy upon closer examination.

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is persistent in research – with a business model that appeals to major clients. An example of how targeted financing and media utilization work is shown in a study on Uber - paid for by the provider itself.

(dpa) The automotive industry is in crisis. However, an analysis shows that problems are primarily occurring in Germany and the USA. Elsewhere, things are going significantly better.

(dpa) Slumps in profits and savings programs: German car manufacturers have had a difficult year. A new analysis shows that they have performed worse than many competitors.

Where in Germany can one find the fastest, best, and most environmentally friendly taxis? Just in time for International Taxi Driver Day on March 22, 2025, Freenow has gathered insights about taxi driving based on the rides mediated through the platform – and there were some surprises in the results.

The development of autonomous vehicle technologies is gaining increasing importance, especially in the ride-sharing sector. A recent analysis by the investment firm Bernstein highlights that the years 2025 and 2026 will be crucial for the transition of autonomous vehicles (AV) from proof of concept to commercial use. This shift could have a lasting impact on the competitive structure of the industry.

(ots) With a foreign trade volume (sum of exports and imports) of 252.8 billion euros, the United States was Germany's most important trading partner in 2024 for the first time since 2015.

Confidence in the range of electric vehicles is increasing significantly in Germany - this is a result of the latest Shell Recharge E-Mobility Study. Shell is presenting the annual study for the seventh time as a key player in the industry.

(dpa) The ramp-up of e-mobility is stalling. However, according to a survey, customer resistance to the new technology is decreasing. But there are still plenty of problems.

Ordered via an app, a car with an empty driver's seat pulls up, remotely controlled from the headquarters, it then brings the boarding passengers to their destination: Already 49 percent of Germans are familiar with remote-controlled driving, while 47 percent have not heard of it yet.

A representative survey commissioned by the Federal Association of Taxi and Rental Cars (BVTM) has revealed that 60 percent of Germans support the demands of the taxi associations for minimum prices for platform operators.

(dpa) Those who book a rental car rarely drive electrically, especially in typical vacation countries. But there are exceptions, because in the end it also depends on the availability. 

(ots) Worldwide demand for batteries will more than triple by 2030, rising to between 4.0 and 4.6 terawatt-hours, depending on the scenario.

(dpa/fn) In 2024, more electric cars were sold than ever before. However, growth has slowed - and Germany is losing its place among the top three.

(dpa) Electric cars have an acceptance problem. According to a new survey, this could be because the majority of the driving population has not yet been behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

(ots) To achieve our climate goals, more electric cars would need to be sold - instead, the popularity of combustion engine cars in Germany is increasing. According to a representative survey by Deloitte, 53 percent of consumers prefer a vehicle with a combustion engine for their next car purchase.