Greetings, fellow electric car aficionados! If you’ve been keeping a close watch on the latest happenings in the world of automobiles, then hold onto your seats because something electrifying has taken place in Europe. In June, an electric vehicle (EV) frenzy gripped the continent, and here’s the twist – the market was completely taken over by EVs made in China!
Picture this: a staggering 293,588 EVs, including both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), hit the roads in Europe last month, as reported by José Pontes, data director at EV Volumes. Despite a slight 5% decline from the previous year, the real shocker was the overwhelming dominance of EVs made in China, with a whopping 208,622 of them hitting the European market. On the flip side, plug-in hybrids plummeted by 15%, totaling only 84,966 units, painting a striking contrast against the overall new-car market growth of 4% in the same period.
What sparked this surge, you ask? Well, provisional tariffs on BEVs made in China certainly lit a fire under demand, leading to a rush for popular models like the MG4 and Volvo EX30 before the new tariffs came into effect. Not to mention, the German market witnessed a decrease in BEV registrations due to the discontinuation of private subsidies back in December 2023.
But here’s another plot twist – it wasn’t just BEVs that witnessed a surge in demand. Hybrid models, both full and mild, emerged as the fastest-growing technology in Europe, accounting for 30% of the overall market.
Let’s talk top-selling electric models now. The Tesla Model Y took the crown with 23,869 deliveries, making it the reigning champion of EVs in Europe for the month. However, it faces tough competition from new players in the market, causing its sales volume to reach a plateau. Following closely behind was the Tesla Model 3, with 20,829 registrations, boosted by a pull-forward effect before the provisional tariffs came into play.
Other models like the MG4, VW ID.3, and Volvo EX30 also left their mark as top sellers, each enjoying record deliveries in June.
In the grand scheme of things, Tesla’s Model Y seems set to retain its title as Europe’s most popular plug-in model for the year, with over 100,000 deliveries from January to June. However, with contenders like the Audi Q4 e-Tron and Volkswagen ID.3 making significant gains, it’s evident that the electric vehicle landscape is rapidly evolving.
In conclusion, the influx of Chinese-made electric cars has undeniably shaken up the traditional hierarchy in the European market, providing consumers with an abundance of options. As the electric vehicle revolution continues, we can anticipate even more thrilling developments in the near future. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an electrifying journey into the future of mobility!
Leave a Reply