Canalys: New energy vehicle sales in Europe up over 50% in Q4 2019

According to the latest research from Canalys, 160,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were delivered to customers in Europe in Q4 2019, a 52% increase. Despite the growth, NEVs still only represented 4.4% of the 3.7 million cars delivered in Q4 2019. In full-year 2019, approximately 520,000 NEVs out of a total of 15.3 million cars were delivered in Europe.

Sales of NEVs, which comprise plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs), increased in Q4, though from a low base, meaning NEVs still represent a small percentage of total sales. “The industry needs a boost, and it should come, in part, from the new, more affordable, compact EVs launching in the first half of 2020 from mainstream brands such as Honda, Mini, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot and VW. Priced between €30,000 and €40,000 (US$34,000 and US$45,000), with improved ranges of between 200 and 500 kilometers (120 to 310 miles), early customer interest is encouraging. But there is much more to be done by car-makers, local authorities and governments to convince consumers to make the switch to a NEV,” said Chief Analyst for automotive at Canalys, Chris Jones.

“2019 was another challenging year in the European car market. While there was year-on-year sales growth for both Q4 and the full year, the growth is misleading due to the negative sales impact of the WLTP fuel economy and emissions test, introduced in 2018. Underlying demand for new cars in 2019 in most European countries was muted and the impact of the COVID-19 virus will prove an inhibitor to consumer sales well into 2020. The supply chain has been adversely affected, with shortages of key components affecting the whole global automotive industry, not just NEVs. Car manufacturers are also likely to prioritize supply for vehicles that are more profitable. Margin is low on NEVs, in some cases non-existent, so manufacturers will seek to protect profits.”

Each quarter, Canalys produces a comprehensive intelligent vehicle sales database showing the advanced driver assistance, connectivity, convenience and safety features in new cars.

For more information, please contact:

Canalys China
Johnny Xie: johnny_xie@canalys.com +86 159 2128 2961

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Rushabh Doshi: rushabh_doshi@canalys.com +91 99728 54174

Canalys Singapore
Jermaine Tan: jermaine_tan@canalys.com +65 9798 6301

Canalys UK
Sandy Fitzpatrick: sandy_fitzpatrick@canalys.com +44 7887 725868

Canalys USA
Marcy Ryan: marcy_ryan@canalys.com +1 650 862 4299

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