E-mobility: Sales of electric cars are stagnating

Sales of electric cars: growth in Europe

The development in China, which is by far the largest market, is crucial for the weak figures. With 1.32 million electric vehicles, PwC counted 20 percent fewer than a year ago. In the USA, the decline was even somewhat steeper at 23 percent to just under 233,000.

Growth in other parts of the world could not compensate for the development, even if in Europe – more precisely in the EU plus Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – sales rose by 26 percent to almost 724,000 cars. The drivers were, among other things, strong sales in Germany and France.

Record market share

Despite the decline in absolute numbers, electric cars have continued to gain in importance worldwide – among other things because sales of pure combustion engines were significantly higher, falling by 8 percent. According to PwC, the market share of electric vehicles was 16 percent, higher than ever in a first quarter.

PwC also assumes that the decline in China is primarily due to one-off effects such as reduced funding bonuses. The trend there is already pointing upwards again. The management consultancy therefore assumes that sales of pure electric vehicles will increase again in the second quarter.

The environment is difficult, but European manufacturers have caught up, said PwC partner Harald Wimmer. “Their new models are technologically sophisticated and meet the tastes of customers. In their home markets, this is already reflected in increasing sales volumes, which could be further supported by a potential surge in demand due to the current fuel price.” However, he sees further need for action for European car manufacturers when it comes to costs and the speed of innovation.