Automotive Industry
Electric cars are becoming more popular. In fact, a record has been set worldwide for new registrations. (File photo)
Keystone
People around the world are buying more and more electric cars. In the first nine months of this year, there were about 11 million new registrations—a record.
Today at 04:48That represents a 12 percent increase in the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) compared with the same period last year, according to a PwC analysis of the world’s major markets. In the third quarter, growth was even slightly higher at 16 percent.
Europe is the key driver of growth, according to the consulting firm. Since the beginning of the year, 2.5 million electric cars have been sold there—a 42 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Largest Market Stalls
In China, by far the largest market, electric vehicle sales have stagnated at just over 6 million, however. The overall market has shrunk by several million vehicles, which is why the market share of BEVs has increased.
The U.S. is an exception. There, BEV sales fell by 29 percent to 746,000. The market share is now only 6 percent. Here, the internal combustion engine vehicle remains the vehicle of choice.
More “electric cars” on Swiss roads
Demand for electric cars is also on the rise in Switzerland. Last September, 36 percent of newly registered cars in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein were purely electric, according to the industry association Auto-Schweiz. This marks the first time that electric cars have accounted for more than one-third of new car registrations.
According to PwC, persistently high fuel prices are making gasoline- and diesel-powered cars increasingly unattractive. For consumers, the costs of electricity and fuel are no longer a minor consideration but play a significant role in purchasing decisions. According to the calculations, electric cars are significantly more economical to operate than diesel or gasoline-powered vehicles.
