In the 12 months leading up to August 2024, global sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) reached 10.6 million, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year, according to New AutoMotive’s latest Global Electric Vehicle Tracker.
The tracker also revealed that nearly one in six vehicles sold in August 2024 was fully electric.
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In August alone, 861,500 BEVs were sold globally, with notable year-on-year growth seen in countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Mexico.
China, the largest market for electric vehicles, experienced an 81% surge in plug-in hybrid vehicle sales compared to August 2023, while sales of petrol and diesel vehicles dropped by 18%.
The United States, the second-largest market for electric vehicles, recorded over 120,000 monthly sales in August, its highest figure for 2024 and the second-highest on record. US sales were up 26% compared to August 2023, contributing to a 17% increase in sales over the past year.
The UK’s BEV market also saw growth, with a 10% year-on-year increase, alongside a 20% decline in petrol vehicle sales. Belgium set a new record with BEVs accounting for 34% of the market, while Denmark achieved a 55% market share for electric vehicles. Additionally, about one-third of cars sold in the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Luxembourg were fully electric, with Sweden and Finland also seeing substantial sales of plug-in hybrids.
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By GlobalDataGermany, the third-largest EV market, has struggled to recover from the end of consumer incentives in 2023. However, the country recorded its second-best month of sales in 2024, with a market share of 13.7% in August, ranking 16th in Europe.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, said: “Global sales of electric cars have climbed despite Germany’s slower recovery. It’s particularly encouraging to see strong growth in the US. While the EU’s decision to introduce tariffs is disappointing, it won’t hinder the rise of EVs and the potential for cleaner, cheaper transport.”
