European demand for electric vehicles up 65% in June

The latest vehicle registration data in Europe shows demand for electric vehicles increased by 65% in June to 183,300 units, despite the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic.

The data from JATO Dynamics shows that while petrol and diesel registrations fell by 32% and 31% respectively, compared to June 2019, the volume of new EVs registered rose from 111,300 units in June 2019 to 183,300 units last month, up by 65%.

In other words, the market share of EVs was 16.2%, which closes the gap to less than eight percentage points compared to the market share for diesel cars.

For every EV registered, in June 2019, there were 1.7 diesel cars registered – a ratio of 4.1 to 1. 

Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, said: “Despite the decline in consumer confidence and employment, the new landscape seems to be offering a prime opportunity for electrified cars – one not seen since their introduction.

“The combination of greater offers, better deals, higher incentives, and more consciousness among consumers for a green future, is boosting EV demand more than ever.”

In June, the three main EV technologies posted strong growth, with hybrids accounting for half of the segment registrations. 

Among the most successful hybrids were Suzuki, Ford and Fiat, which, thanks to the mild-hybrid technology, were able to outsell other large players such as Kia and Lexus.

The plug-in hybrids market was dominated by three premium brands (Volvo, Mercedes and BMW), leaving the previous leader (Mitsubishi) in sixth place.

In the pure electric segment, Renault took first place as its volume more than doubled, in contrast to Tesla in second place given a 42% decline in volume.