Explosive increase in sales of plug-in cars

According to the sales figures for all new passenger vehicles registered in 2021, the number of plug-in cars on European roads is increasing explosively. The manufacturers’ organisation ACEA says this strong growth is partly due to various subsidy schemes in EU member states. Car manufacturers are also said to be prioritising the development and production of electric models in response to European emission standards. 

New car sales
The market share of alternative propulsion cars in the EU in the third quarter of 2021 continued to grow at the expense of petrol and diesel cars. In fact, for the first time ever, more hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) were sold than diesel cars, with market shares of 20.7% and 17.6%, respectively. Fully electric cars and plug-in hybrid models (market shares of 9.8% and 9.1%, respectively) also performed well. The market share of petrol-driven cars, which currently stands at 39.5%, has fallen further as a result.

A good example is the Tesla Model 3, which in September beat the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero, the petrol bestsellers, and the Porsche Taycan in the luxury segment, which is now outselling the iconic 911.

More EVs, more potential danger
The influx of plug-in cars to Europe is becoming greater and greater. Lynk & Co already has 27,000 subscribers in Europe who have opted for the monthly rental formula, and car rental company Hertz has ordered no less than 100,000 cars from Tesla, which will be driven in the United States and parts of Europe. Furthermore, several Chinese car manufacturers have announced that their models, such as the Ora Cat and Xpeng P7, will soon be available in Europe.

Even more EVs. Good for meeting climate targets, but also more challenges for first responders to accidents involving an EV. It goes without saying that existing models can be accessed in the Crash Recovery System and that all new models will be added. For example, Wey, part of Great Wall, has already approached us with regards to collaborating on the Coffee 01. These are positive developments.

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