T&E report: electric cars sales in Europe doubled in 2015; now at 1% market share
14 November 2016
Roughly 145,000 new electric vehicles (EV) were sold in Europe in 2015—double the 2014 tally, according to a recent T&E report. EV sales have now reached the milestone of a 1% market share; figures for 2016 to date suggest significantly more than 200,000 plug-in vehicles will be sold in Europe this year. That would take the total number of EVs on the road to more than half a million cars.
Currently, there are 34 EV models on the European market available, including battery-, plug-in-hybrid- and range-extended-electric vehicles. Established manufacturers have announced new plans to expand their portfolio of EVs within the next five years. Although EVs still constitute only a fraction of all car models available, Europe (including Switzerland and Norway) is the second biggest EV market in the world behind China.
The T&E report found that the growth in sales matched the slow increase in the variety of electric cars. However, for vans the very restricted choice of models has resulted in very low sales.
Battery prices dropped by two-thirds to €250/KW in 2015, and prices are estimated to fall further towards the €150/KW level at which electric models become highly competitive.
The electromobility revolution is underway and Europe is well placed to take a leading position. To fully grab this chance, Europe needs four important boosts from regulators: ambitious European CO2 limits for new cars in 2025 including a specific target for EV sales to stimulate competition among carmakers; the accelerated roll-out of EV charging infrastructure across Europe; a ban dirty diesels from cities; and tax breaks for battery electric vehicles.
—T&E electromobility officer Julia Hildermeier
At that rate, electrified vehicle sales in EU could reach many millions/year by 2025/2027.
The use of fossil and bio fuels could be reduced drastically with positive effects on GHG and pollution reducctions.
Will USA keep pace, specially in the next 4 years?
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 November 2016 at 11:45 AM