New research from Transport and Environment (T&E) campaign group shows that electric car sales in Europe approximately doubled in 2013 with the aid of top-selling new EV models from Renault, Mitsubishi and Volvo.
The second-stage of T&E’s Annual Cars and CO2 report focuses on the progress of electric vehicles in Europe from 2010 to the end of 2013.
The report shows that European sales have risen year on year since production vehicles were first marketed in 2010. Moreover, the introduction of new EV models such as the Renault Zoe, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Volvo V60 PHEV in 2013 contributed significantly to the boost in sales figures.
Almost 50,000 plug-in vehicles were sold across the EU in 2013, compared to 22,000 in 2012. Following the current trajectory, EV sales are forecast to exceed 100,000 by 2015, 500,000 by 2021 and 1 million by 2025.
“Electric cars are growing strongly, but at the same time the simple truth is that they are too expensive for most people to consider,” said T&E’s Greg Archer. “But the price will come down over time and you will see this technology start to compete. This is a revolution and it will take time to happen. The hype that surrounded electric vehicles back in 2010 was never going to be delivered.”
The Renault Zoe was Europe’s bestselling EV in 2013 with 8,500 sales, closely followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with 8,200 sales. The Outlander PHEV has met high demand in the UK in 2014 since it hit the market earlier in the year.
In terms of global sales, the EU accounts for about a quarter of EV sales world-wide. Internationally, EV sales are also on a similar path approximately doubling year on year overall.
China is predicted to accelerate EV sales in years to come with their commitment to electric transport as a solution to the country’s dangerous levels of air pollution and CO2. Recently, the Chinese government brought in more incentives to encourage growth in the EV market.
In the UK, the Office of Low Emission Vehicle’s (OLEV) has announced they are about to record their best month in Plug-in Car Grant claims, estimated to be up 70% on June 2014’s 649 claims and 400% since July 2013. In April 2014, the government further signalled its committment to Ultra Low Emission Vehciles (ULEVs) announcing £500 million of funding to support growth in the EV market till 2020.
Now over 11,000 plug-in car claims have been made in the UK with 2,500 grants handed out from April to June alone.
For more information about European EV sales by manufacturer, as well as T&E’s recommendations regarding EU policy to support the EV market, download the full Transport and Environment ‘Electric Vehicles in 2013: A progress report”
Transport and Environment, The Guardian
