EV Sales Up Slightly; PHEVs Fall 30 Percent
Overall car sales last year were down slightly (210,805 units), still topping the 17 million mark for the fifth straight year. Plug-in vehicles sales (pure battery electrics and plug-in hybrids) hit a speed bump after a meteoric rise in 2018, dropping from 361,300 to 325,800.
However, the underlying story was one of a drop-off in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales of 38,000 vehicles, most of which came from the top five sellers—the Toyota Prius Prime, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Clarity PHEV, BMW 530e and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. All dropped significantly, with the discontinued Volt shriveling by almost 75 percent from 2018 to 2019.
On the pure electric side, the boost—and even the underlying support—for sales comes primarily from the new Tesla Model 3, which sold 118,000 units in 2018 and hit 180,000 in 2019. EV sales have had a steady climb the past decade, following this trajectory:
BEV Sales
- 2011 – 10,100
- 2012 – 14,600
- 2013 – 48,100
- 2014 – 63,500
- 2015 – 71,100
- 2016 – 86.700
- 2017 – 104,500
- 2018 – 238,800
- 2019 – 242,000
The steady growth is important, but the total sales remain a small portion of the overall market (approximately two percent), concentrated in California and heavily dependent on one company—Tesla.
Looking ahead to 2020, several vectors make predictions even more volatile than usual. Incentives for EVs are dropping off at the federal level for many automakers and don’t appear likely to be renewed. On the other hand, state and local incentives remain strong, and the number of EVs on the market continues to grow, offering car buyers new and more expanded choices. Tesla is bringing the Model Y to the market early in the year and Ford will be joining with its first real EV, the Mustang Mach-E, later in the year. Volkswagen’s first of many EVs, the ID.4, and General Motors just laid out a 12-vehicle onslaught that’s due to start this year as well.
On the other hand, indicators of an economic downturn remain in the mix and threats like the novel coronavirus pandemic can put a damper on overall automotive sales. At that point EV sales become collateral damage of a larger force affecting everyday life. Hang on, it’s going to be a wild ride—and we’ll be covering all of it here at Clean Fleet Report.
Another Number This Month
Tesla just announced it has produced its one millionth car! A milestone helped by the steady ramp up and success of the Model 3. Congratulations!
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