Marko Hanželic
China has surpassed one million electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales for the second consecutive month, making September the strongest month for electrified vehicle sales in the world on record.
1,7 million battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and PHEVs were delivered worldwide, including 1,1 million in China. China sales were up an impressive 47,9 percent, while North America sales were up a more modest 4,3 percent and Europe was up 4,2 percent, helped by growth in the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.
Sales of electrified vehicles in China set global records, with 2023 million vehicles sold in the first nine months of 11,5, a 22% increase compared to 2022. In China alone, sales increased by 35 percent and reached 7,2 million units. In the US and Canada, however, sales increased by 10% and amounted to 1,3 million units.
In Europe, usually the second largest region for electrified cars, sales in 2023 fell 4 percent to 2,2 million units. In other regions, sales of electrified vehicles increased by a combined 25 percent to 0,9 million vehicles.
China's steady growth in electrified vehicle sales contrasts with slower growth in other regions, which could mean a loss of global sales momentum, but industry experts remain optimistic.
Rho Motion's Charles Lester highlighted the importance of September's record sales, saying it brings new confidence to the electric vehicle industry, especially after concerns about slowing growth in some key markets.
