Electric car news
Electric car sales continue to grow, contrary to what some media outlets are suggesting. Let’s dive into the numbers and analyze the market reality beyond the eye-catching headlines.
The growth of electrical sales: a quantified reality
Contrary to popular belief, sales of electric cars are not declining. They continue to increase, but at a slower pace than before. This development is perfectly logical and expected for a market that is maturing.
Take Norway, a pioneering country in electrification, for example. Last August, electric vehicles reached a record 94% market sharewith 10,480 units sold. Even if the growth is “only” 5% compared to the previous year, it would be absurd to talk about a slowdown in such a mature market.
Globally, there is growth of approximately 10% in advanced economiesand up to 40% in emerging countries. These figures are far from negligible and demonstrate the vitality of the sector.
Factors influencing market dynamics
Several cyclical elements explain the relative slowdown in growth:
- The slowdown in sales of Tesla, the historic market leader
- Delays in the deployment of charging infrastructure
- Political uncertainty in some countries
- The implementation of new regulations and taxes
- A range of models still limited in certain segments
It is important to note that these factors are temporary and do not call into question the underlying trend towards the electrification of the vehicle fleet.
The paradox of thermal vehicles
While the media focuses on a supposed “slowdown” in electrical sales, they miss the most important information: Sales of thermal vehicles are actually falling.
Since their peak in 2017, sales of gasoline cars have fallen by about 25%. This trend shows no signs of reversing. It is very likely that 2017 will go down in history as the record year for sales of thermal vehicles.
The impact of false information on public policy
The repeated dissemination of false information about electric vehicle sales is not insignificant. It influences the decisions of manufacturers and governments, with potentially serious consequences for public health and the environment.
Some observers, such as David Reichmuth of the Union of Concerned Scientists, suggest that this misinformation may be orchestrated to influence regulations in favor of the traditional auto industryBy claiming that electric sales are slowing, manufacturers could encourage governments to relax their energy transition targets.
The environmental and health emergency
Beyond sales figures, it is crucial to keep in mind the fundamental challenge of the transition to electromobility: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Every combustion engine vehicle sold today will continue to pollute for 10 to 20 years. The climate emergency cannot wait. The faster we act to reduce combustion engine vehicle sales, the easier it will be to achieve the carbon reduction targets needed to preserve our planet.
Towards fairer and more responsible information
It is time for the media and journalists to take a more rigorous approach in their coverage of electric vehicle information. Sales figures are easily verifiable and clearly show continued growth, even if less spectacular than before.
As consumers and citizens, you have the right to reliable and objective information. Do not hesitate to cross-reference sources and refer to official data to form your own opinion on the evolution of the electric vehicle market.
The transition to electromobility is underway, and it is accelerating despite the obstacles. Sales of electric vehicles continue to grow, while those of combustion vehicles decline. This is the reality that must be kept in mind, beyond the sensationalist headlines.
Written by Philippe Moureau
Forty-something electric car enthusiast. I am interested in the energy transition and the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. I am a true electric car enthusiast and environmental advocate.
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