For the first time, sales of 100% electric cars in Europe reached a market share of 21%. It happened last August. Although the data hides the two, or three speeds at which the Old Continent moves in this matter. In our country, that share was three times lower and in Italy, even lower, since it remained at only 5.1%. Without abandoning the large markets, in France it reached 17.3%, in the United Kingdom it climbed to more than 20% and in Germany it shot up to almost a third of registrations. In fact, more than half of all battery-powered cars (BEVs) sold in August were purchased by buyers in that country.

The data of Portugal (one in five registrations) also portrays us, since its income level is lower than that of Spain, so there are other levers, in the case of tax ones, that are working better. The cases of Iceland (60% penetration) and Norway (eight out of 10 sales) do not admit comparison, we cite them because they are the extreme case.

What happened in August has also meant that, for the second time so far this year, the demand for BEVs has exceeded that of diesel cars (12.5% of operations). Although the growth of battery-powered models has also been achieved at the expense of gasoline cars, which are still the kings of the market, but whose share has fallen six points compared to a year ago and stands at 32.7%.

Thirteen months on the rise

Considering all technologies, registrations in the EU reached 787,626 units, with a growth of 21% that represents the thirteenth consecutive month on the rise. Thus, the accumulated of the year already reaches 7.1 million units, with an increase of 18% that becomes a decline of 21% compared to the volume that was before the pandemic.

In fact, this weakness of the market would also be behind the (comparative) boom of battery-powered cars: those with more economic relief are buying new cars in a context of almost permanent rise in prices. While many more, and the Spanish case is illustrative, they have to opt for the second-hand market and not precisely the pre-owned or zero km.

Another factor, without a doubt, is the aggressive pricing policy that Tesla has adopted: between January and August it has registered 179,155 units, with a spectacular growth of 192%. It is the largest among all the manufacturers present in the EU, at the expense of knowing the data of MG, well positioned among the BEVs, but also with an important portfolio in cars with combustion engine. Until June, the British ensign now in the hands of the Chinese SAIC, already exceeded 100,000 cars. ACEA has not provided that figure.

If the rest, with Volkswagen again in the lead, in the month and in the year. Its 782,687 cars in 2023 are an unattainable figure for Toyota (457,000 cars); Renault (416,628) or Peugeot (403,000 cars). The good performance of premium brands stands out, with Audi at the head and 386,000 registrations.

  • Tesla Motors
  • Electric cars
  • Motor industry