Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales greatly increase

Global passenger electric vehicle (EV) sales have continued to grow. However, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales have significantly increased year-on-year, leaving their battery-only counterparts trailing, Report informs referring to The Register.

According to figures from Counterpoint, PHEV sales significantly rose in the first quarter of 2024, with a 46 percent year-on-year growth. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) registered just seven percent growth.

The shift will alarm some – Greenpeace memorably described PHEVs as "the car industry's 'wolf in sheep's clothing'" thanks to their relatively limited battery-only range, and greater weight.

There is also the issue of charging a BEV. In a country like the UK, customers without off-street parking must first find a working charge point and be prepared to navigate an often complex – and expensive – array of options to charge their battery.

Overall EV (BEV+PHEV) sales grew by 18 percent year-on-year, with China being the clear leader with a 28 percent uptick. Growth in the US was considerably more modest, with two percent overall growth recorded and a three percent drop in BEV sales.

Along with their challenges in charging infrastructure, BEVs remain expensive. While companies such as Tesla can reduce their costs, others have found themselves facing significant losses in order to remain competitive. Ford recently announced it would rethink its EV strategy amid losses and delays.