Roughly 145,000 new plug-in vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) were sold in Europe last year – twice as many as in 2014 – making plug-ins’ market share more than 1% of the Continent’s total automotive market, according to a new report from advocacy group Transport & Environment. Figures for the year to date suggest that more than 200,000 plug-ins will be sold in 2016, bringing the number on European roads to over half a million.

Europe (including Switzerland and Norway) is now the second-biggest plug-in market in the world, after China. There are currently 34 EV and PHEV models available on the European market, and manufacturers have announced plans to expand their offerings over the next five years.

The T&E report found that the growth in sales matched the slow increase in the variety of electrified models available. However, for vans, the limited choice of models has resulted in very low sales.

The report also notes that battery prices dropped by two-thirds in 2015, to €250/kW.

“The electromobility revolution is underway and Europe is well placed to take a leading position,” said T&E Electromobility Officer Julia Hildermeier. “To fully grab this chance, Europe needs four important boosts from regulators: ambitious European CO₂ limits for new cars in 2025 including a specific target for EV sales to stimulate competition among carmakers; the accelerated roll-out of EV charging infrastructure across Europe; a ban on dirty diesels from cities; and tax breaks for battery electric vehicles.”

Source: Transport & Environment
Image: Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr