Electric car news
The year 2024 marks a turning point for the electric car market. Contrary to what some media suggest, sales of electric vehicles are far from declining.
Continued growth despite rumors
Sales of electric cars continue to rise, with overall increase of 22% over the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Rho Motion. This progression is particularly marked in China (+35%) and the rest of the world (+25%), while North America recorded an increase of 10%.
It is true that the growth rate has slowed compared to previous years, when we sometimes observed annual doubling of market shares. However, it is mathematically impossible to maintain such growth percentages in the long term. Take the example of Norway, a pioneering country in terms of electrification:
- Electric vehicle market share in September 2024: 96,4%
- Number of vehicles sold: 12,495 units
- Growth compared to September 2023: 10%
With such figures, it would be absurd to speak of a “slowdown” of the Norwegian market.
Manufacturers facing the electric revolution
Although certain brands experienced difficulties at the start of the year, notably Tesla which saw its sales decline in the first half of 2024, the general trend remains very positive. Most manufacturers display double-digit growth of their sales of electric vehicles.
Here is an overview of the performance of some brands in the American market in the third quarter of 2024:
| Marque | Sales growth (Q3 2024 vs Q3 2023) |
|---|---|
| BMW | +146,1% |
| Ford | +14,8% |
| Hyundai | +109,5% |
| Come on | +74,3% |
| Tesla | +19,5% |
These figures demonstrate that the electric car market is far from losing momentum. On the contrary, more and more consumers are opting for this technology, attracted by its advantages in terms of ecology and long-term savings.
The impact of public policies on the market
The variations observed in certain countries are largely explained by changes in public policies. For example, in Germany, the end of subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles led to a temporary drop in sales. Likewise, new tariff actions against Chinese manufacturers may have slowed the growth of the European market.
Despite these obstacles, the global market continues to grow. Governments are realizing the importance of supporting this energy transition. In the United States, for example, the tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of an electric vehicle remains a powerful incentive.
Technological development in the service of autonomy
One of the historical obstacles to the mass adoption of electric cars was their limited range. Today, this problem tends to disappear thanks to technological progress. Many models now offer a range of more than 500 km, thus rivaling thermal vehicles.
Let's take the example of some of the most durable models on the market:
- Peugeot e-3008 98 kWh: up to 701 km autonomy WLTP
- Tesla Model S: up to 723 km autonomy (19-inch rims)
- Mercedes EQS 450+ : up to 821 km and cycle WLTP
- Lucid Air Dream Edition Range : 883 km autonomy according to the WLTP cycle
These impressive performances help reassure consumers and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The inevitable decline of thermal cars
While the media is busy talking about an alleged slowdown in electric car sales, they are missing the most important information: the real and continuous decline in sales of thermal vehicles.
Since peaking in 2017, global sales of gasoline-powered cars have fallen by around 25%. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. It is very likely that 2017 will go down in history as the record year for sales of thermal cars on our planet.
This reality is obscured by many media which prefer to focus on an alleged “slowdown” in the electricity market, even though it continues to grow year after year.
Health and environmental issues
Beyond the sales figures, it is crucial to recall the major issues linked to the electrification of the vehicle fleet. There air pollution caused by thermal vehicles is responsible for millions of premature deaths each year around the world. In addition, the transport sector represents a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to global warming.
The transition to electric cars is therefore not just an economic or technological question, it is above all a imperative of public health and preservation of our environment. Each electric vehicle sold to replace a thermal vehicle contributes to improving the quality of the air we breathe and reducing our impact on the climate.
Ultimately, the figures speak for themselves: the electric car market continues to grow, despite obstacles and false information. This automotive revolution is underway and nothing seems to be able to stop it. It is time for the media and decision-makers to become fully aware of this reality and support this movement rather than trying to minimize it. The future of our mobility and our planet depends on it.
Written by Albert Lecoq
Specialist in electric car buying guides, I am passionate about new technologies and am a strong supporter of the adoption of electric technology and sustainable mobility.
React to the article
