The number of electric (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) delivered in Europe increased by 72% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2020. In contrast, the total number of cars delivered in Europe fell by 26% during this period.
This is according to figures from research firm Canalys. In the European market, a total of 3 million new cars were delivered in Q1 2020. This is one million fewer than a year earlier, representing a 26% drop. A combination of factors related to measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus hit car sales hard. For instance, measures in Asia disrupted the supply chain of many companies, while car makers' factories were also temporarily closed. In addition, demand for cars is falling, partly because people are working more from home.
'Results could have been even better'
"EVs' impressive results could have been even better," said Chris Jones, chief automotive analyst at Canalys. "Demand for EVs exceeded supply and there are long waiting lists and delivery times for popular EVs. Some automotive OEMs were forced to delay launches and some even offered older model EVs for longer to meet demand - the VW e-Golf turned a record quarter in Europe. Incentives from governments and trade-in programmes are significantly discounting new EVs in Europe - which is good news as dealers reopen and the market rebounds."
Supply grew strongly
The supply of EVs and PHEVs in Europe has grown significantly. More than 75 different models of EVs and PHEVs are currently available in the European market, with the launch of more models on the horizon. The Tesla Model 3 is the most popular with 200,000 units delivered in Q1. The most successful newly launched model is the Peugeot e-208. "Many popular compact cars in Europe, such as the 208, will get an electric variant in 2020. This prominence boosts sales," Jones said.
The lockdown took place in large parts of Europe in the final weeks of Q1. Despite this, the total number of new cars delivered fell by a whopping 26%. In absolute numbers, the figure is three million units, about a million fewer than a year earlier. Contributing factors include rising unemployment, economic uncertainty, lockdown measures and travel restrictions. Canalys expects these factors to make 2020 a tough year for the automotive sector.
More cars with driver assistance systems
Zooming in on the car models delivered in 2020, we find that nearly 490,000 units (16% of the total) were equipped with level 2 driving assistance in Q1. Such systems use sensors, cameras and other technology to support the driver. This aims to make journeys not only safer, but also more comfortable. Among other things, the systems ensure that vehicles stay in their lane and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
"Level 2 driving systems are no longer limited to premium models. 23 car brands, including many mainstream brands, now provide the functionality as an option or as standard in their new cars in Europe," says Jones. "We see a clear segmentation in the available systems. The latest and most advanced systems offer a 360-degree view of a vehicle's surroundings, can anticipate upcoming speed limit changes, can overtake and can sense when you don't have your hands on the wheel."
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
