Europe: 10% of cars are electric in the first quarter of 2022

With a 60% increase from early 2022 on a European market down by 12%, electric cars are clearly in vogue.

Every quarter, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) reports on the different types of energy in the market. Its latest report for the first quarter of 2022 is clear: electric is gaining momentum.

1 in 10 cars is electric

Combining figures from the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, 325,285 electric cars were sold between January and March. This is a 61% increase compared to the same period last year. A remarkable performance, considering the market decreased by 12%. Overall, this powertrain now accounts for 10% of total car sales, compared to 5.7% last year.

Germany is by far the number one country, with nearly a quarter of the total. The UK follows in second place, having doubled sales, surpassing France, which only grew by 43%. Norway is next, the leading country for electric vehicles with 82% of the market share. In this Scandinavian country, diesel and petrol engines each account for only 3% of registrations.

The Top 5 electric car sales in Q1 2022:

• Tesla Model 3 : 32,901
• Tesla Model Y : 26,637
• Fiat 500e : 13,931
• Kia e-Niro : 12,562
• Volkswagen ID.4 : 11,138

Regarding plug-in hybrids, their sales have decreased by 6% to 236,991 units. These rather high-end, powerful vehicles seem to be reaching a ceiling. From 8.2%, they only increased to 8.9% of sales in Europe this quarter. Germany, also a leader in this type of powertrain, is seeing a decline, as is France, which cedes its second place to the UK.

25% hybrid in Europe, but…

Another energy source gaining popularity, hybrids continue to expand in 2022, with a +6% increase. According to the first quarter figures, these vehicles represented more than one in four sales (25.1%) in Europe, up from 20.9% in 2021.

However, beware: the hybrids included here are not necessarily the ones you think. Each country reports either the statistics of “true” hybrids (or full hybrids like Nissan Juke), or including micro-hybrids (also called mild hybrids, such as Suzuki Vitara Boosterjet). These latter are essentially petrol or diesel vehicles with a very small 48-volt battery, offering only a very slight reduction in consumption. Usually, it should be noted that the 25% of hybrids reported by ACEA include most micro-hybrids.

Finally, the rise of electrified cars has significant consequences for internal combustion vehicles. Gasoline sales plummeted by 21%, but still account for 36% of car sales (41% in 2021). Diesel continues its free fall, down 35%, holding only 17% of sales (22% in 2021).

Read also: Particle emissions: an issue also relevant for electric vehicles