The European automotive market has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales during the third quarter of 2023. Despite a slowdown in vehicle registrations overall, the demand for EVs continues to rise. According to a report by JATO Dynamics, European new vehicle registrations in September increased by 10% to 1,155,648 units, the slowest growth rate recorded this year. However, compared to the same period in 2022, the total volume was down by 11%. On the other hand, the demand for EVs surged by 47%.
Felipe Munoz, a Global Analyst at JATO Dynamics, attributed the overall market growth to various factors, including the continued demand for EVs. Munoz stated, “Despite financial pressures such as rising inflation and interest rates, alongside geopolitical uncertainty – the European car market has seen consistent growth over the course of this year.”
While EVs have played a significant role in this growth, sustaining it will require the launch of a truly affordable EV alternative that can compete with traditional combustion engine vehicles in terms of upfront cost.
The demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, even though affordable options are still limited. In September, EV registrations reached 186,380 units, accounting for an impressive 16.1% of the market, a 13% increase compared to September 2022. Year to date, a total of 1,465,249 new electric passenger cars have been registered, marking a substantial 47% increase compared to the same period last year.
Munoz emphasized the presence and significance of EVs in the market, stating, “Despite higher prices, these vehicles have a considerable presence within the market. Now, we will only see this growth continue if and when cheaper alternatives arrive.”
MG, a British brand, has emerged as a strong competitor in the EV market. With popular models like the MG4, which offers multiple performance, range, and price options, MG recorded over 26,500 registrations in September, a remarkable 91% increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date, MG has sold nearly 163,200 units, representing an impressive 126% increase.
MG has outperformed competitors such as Suzuki, Mazda, and Mini in terms of sales volume. The brand also offers leasing options for customers who prefer not to make an outright purchase.
The MG ZS has also gained traction, with a 118% increase in registrations to 11,862 units, making it Europe’s 12th best-selling SUV in September.
In addition to MG and Tesla, other brands offering hybrid models have also performed well. These include Nissan, Cupra, BMW, and Mercedes.
The surge in EV sales, particularly in the SUV segment, reflects a growing preference for electric vehicles among consumers, according to JATO. Despite challenges such as inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty, the trend towards electric mobility in Europe continues to gain momentum. As automakers introduce more affordable electric models, the EV market is expected to experience even greater growth in the coming years.
One notable trend highlighted by the report is the dominance of SUVs in the EV market. SUVs accounted for 60% of total battery electric vehicle (BEV) volumes in September, surpassing the already impressive 54% market share in the overall vehicle market.
Tesla’s Model Y, an electric SUV, became Europe’s most popular new car last month with 29,309 units registered, leading both the monthly and year-to-date rankings. Munoz predicts that the Model Y will likely finish the year as Europe’s most registered new vehicle. He also suggests that Tesla has the potential to outsell legacy local OEMs such as Fiat or Citröen.
However, it’s worth noting that Tesla’s overall registrations slightly declined in September due to declining demand for the old Model 3, as consumers await the arrival of the new and improved model.
JATO Dynamics, founded in 1984, provides timely and accurate information on vehicle specifications, pricing, sales, and registrations. The company operates in over 51 countries worldwide.
Despite an overall market slowdown, European EV sales continue to experience significant growth
In recent years, the global automotive industry has been witnessing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. While the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the overall automobile market, causing a noticeable slowdown in sales, the European market stands out as an exception. European EV sales continue to defy the odds, experiencing significant growth even in these challenging times.
The coronavirus pandemic, with its disruptions to global supply chains and heightened economic uncertainty, has dealt a heavy blow to the automotive industry worldwide. As a result, many automakers have experienced declines in sales and have had to rethink their growth strategies. However, the European EV market has stood out as a beacon of hope in an otherwise gloomy landscape.
One of the key factors that have contributed to the growth of EV sales in Europe is the strong commitment displayed by various European countries towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. The European Union’s ambitious target of reducing CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 has spurred governments across the continent to implement robust policies and incentives to promote the adoption of EVs. These policies include generous subsidies, tax incentives, and the development of an extensive charging infrastructure network.
Additionally, European automakers have made significant strides in the development and production of EVs. Companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Renault have introduced a wide range of electric models, catering to various segments of the market. The availability of affordable and appealing EV options has played a crucial role in attracting European consumers towards electric mobility.
Despite the economic downturn, the demand for EVs in Europe has remained strong. According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), EV and plug-in hybrid sales in the European Union increased by a staggering 137% in the third quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in the previous year. Furthermore, market shares of EVs reached record highs, accounting for 9.9% of total car sales in Europe during that period.
The growth of EV sales in Europe has been particularly pronounced in countries such as Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden, known for their sustainability-oriented policies and incentives. Norway, in particular, stands out as a global leader in the EV market, with electric cars accounting for over 54% of all new car registrations in 2020. The country’s success can be attributed to a combination of financial incentives, exemption from certain taxes, and an extensive charging infrastructure network that effectively addresses range anxiety concerns.
However, it is important to note that challenges remain for the European EV market. The high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure in some regions pose barriers to adoption. Moreover, as the pandemic-induced economic downturn leaves consumers more cautious with their spending, affordability and range anxiety continue to be significant concerns.
Nevertheless, the overall trend remains positive, with European EV sales experiencing significant growth despite the market slowdown. The commitment of European governments, the efforts of automakers, and the increasing demand from consumers all converge to drive the upward trajectory of the EV market. As the technology continues to improve and costs decrease, it is expected that electric mobility will become even more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
In conclusion, while the overall automotive industry faces the challenges of a market slowdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the European EV market continues to flourish. Strong government commitment, improved charging infrastructure, and a growing range of appealing electric models have all contributed to the significant growth of EV sales in Europe. As the world aims for a more sustainable future, it is evident that electric mobility will play a pivotal role in shaping the European automotive landscape in the years to come.