Electric cars do much better than diesel, the proof with these figures

For the first time ever, the market share of electric cars exceeds the 20% mark in Europe. In addition, this engine beats diesel models for the second time in the year, which are in slight decline. Plug-in hybrids are also seeing their registrations drop slightly.

Although detractors of the electric car still put forward many arguments against it, they are less and less valid. This is for example the case of autonomy, price, and even battery recycling. And this even if we know that this engine is not yet perfect in environmental terms. Regardless, the latter is enjoying growing success.

A new symbolic milestone

This was already the case in France, where sales of electric cars have exceeded those of diesel since December 2022. In June, we expected to have the same thing on a European scale, and this quickly became a reality. For the very first time in history, more electric cars were sold than diesel cars on the Old Continent at the start of the summer.

A performance that has just been reproduced, for the 2nd time, since the beginning of the year. In any case, this is what ACEA is telling us, which is none other than the organization bringing together all the car manufacturers in Europe. In a press release, the latter details the registrations of new cars on the Old Continent.

And the first good news is that these are increasing slightly, of around 17.9% since the start of the year. A figure that includes all engines. But what interests us most here is obviously what concerns electricity. And the least we can say is that his progress is more than promising. And for good reason, the market share of the latter has increased significantly.

She has exceeded the 20% mark for the first time in August, to reach 21%. For comparison, the market share of this engine was only 11.6% last August also on a European scale. A great progression, which we undoubtedly owe to the success of the Tesla Model Y.

Growing success

In fact, the American firm saw its sales increase by 242% compared to last year in Europe, in particular thanks to its electric SUV, and the sharp price reductions. Enough to make its competitors shudder, while the latter must also face a massive arrival of Chinese brands. We think in particular of MG, whose MG4 was sold in 5,890 units last July in Europe.

The electric compact then surpasses the Tesla Model 3 as well as the Dacia Spring despite a lower price for the latter. On the other hand, we also note that sales of plug-in hybrid cars increased slightly in August compared to last year, with an increase of 5.5%. However, their market share is declining, going from 8.5% last year to 7.4% in 2023. Good news, since this engine would be harmful to the environment.

It’s a bit the same trend for gasoline, whose market share continues to decline to go from 38.7% last year to 32.7% in August 2023. And this despite a slight increase in registrations. This can be explained by the growing success of electric vehicles, which are taking up more and more space in sales figures. And this is expected to continue, as supply continues to expand and prices fall.

This is expected to increase further over time as lithium has fallen sharply. However, the anti-Chinese car bonus should change the situation somewhat, reshuffling the registration cards. This will encourage certain brands like BYD and MG to manufacture their cars on the Old Continent. With an increase in prices expected for certain models.