Electric vehicle statistics for 2022 show exponential growth in electric vehicle adoption. This growth continues to show in 2023. Currently, EVs have a global market share of 14%.
As early as the 19th century, electric vehicles were in mass production. The first crude EV was invented in 1832 by Robert Anderson in the US.
A crude electric is simply a vehicle that uses crude oil to generate power in the form of electric current.
It was not until the early 1900s that electric vehicles became popular. At the time, about a third of vehicles were electric in the US. Most New York taxis at the beginning of the 20th century were electric.
Despite their popularity, EVs went into oblivion for close to a century. They have made a comeback, and it is as sure as death that the world is on course to green motoring.
While car sales dropped by 3% in 2022, EV sales grew remarkably. Globally, over 10 million EVs were sold. This impressive growth has been replicated in the 1st quarter of 2023, where over 2.3 million EVs were sold, a 25% increase compared to Q1 of 2022.
China Leads Others Follow
China remains the largest manufacturer and market for EVs, with a global market share of 60%. Other industrial giants are playing catch-up.
The US and Europe, traditional trendsetters in automotive development, are quickly warming up to the reality that the future is electric.
Toyota ignited the flame with the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997. Challenged, legacy car manufacturers scampered to be part of electrifying their fleets.
Before many automakers developed viable hybrid and electric options, Tesla joined the foray and covered considerable ground. It made green driving feasible.
Climate Change?
Governments and international organizations have, for the longest time, been advocating for drastic measures to handle climate change. With deadlines and accords in place, EV adoption is showing some progress.
Electric vehicle adoption is here with us. EVs continue to affirm that green living is possible. Whether climate change is as profound as we are made to believe or another ploy by global buccaneers to make a fortune, the electric vehicle revolution is on course.
EV sales in 2022 grew by more than half (55%). This impressive growth has maintained with the 1st quarter of 2023 recording 2.3 million EVs sold, a 25% increase compared to Q1 of 2022.
Below is an infographic that summarizes electric vehicle statistics for 2022:
China
China is in the driver’s seat and looks set to lead for eons. This is because of an over 1 billion population, strategic advantages, established supply chains, and a growing auto manufacturing capability.
EV sales in 2022 increased by over 80% compared to 2021 in China.
US and Europe
The US and Europe are a distant 2nd and 3rd, respectively. There are notable inroads, and all signs show that most of the population prefers EVs, especially youth and young adults.
Europe is the second-largest market with 15%, while the US comes in third with a share of 8%.
Emerging markets
Emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, and Brazil are quickly catching on. Sales in these regions more than tripled in 2022 compared to 2021.
- In Southeast Asia, Thailand led with a share of 58% of all passenger EVs sold in the region.
- Indonesia came in second with a 19.5% share.
- India recorded over 150% growth in EV sales, with 1.2 million units sold. Over 60% of the sales were 2-wheelers.
India and New Zealand were the fastest-growing markets, with sales increasing by 223% and 151%, respectively.
Two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles (motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds) are hugely popular in Southeast Asia, accounting for most EV sales.
Africa
The African market is unique for the following reasons:
- Priorities
- Cost of purchase and ownership (Recharge or Refuel)
- Power grid
As much as the effects of global warming are more evident in Africa, the continent has more pressing issues, from food insecurity to infrastructure development.
The power grid in Africa is shaky, with frequent energy crises. For instance, South Africa, one of the most developed countries in the continent, has suffered an energy crisis for the past 16 years.
As such, is it easier to purchase a used gas-powered car or a new electric-powered car? The answer is obviously a second-hand gas-powered car.
Hope for Africa
However, there is hope. In the past year, hybrid car sales have considerably increased across the continent. It is common to see hybrid cars on African roads, and car bazaars are stocking and advertising earnestly.
Another promising pointer is the emergence of homegrown EV startups such as Roam in Kenya, Ampersand in Rwanda, BasiGo in Kenya, and Kiira in Uganda.
Established brands have also set up shop, with Stelantis opening a facility in Morocco.
These startups have identified niche sectors, such as the motorcycle and public bus transport niches. It is already starting to take shape. BasiGo has introduced electric public transport buses that are gaining popularity in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi.
Electric motorcycles are also gaining popularity in Kenya, with as many as 6 EV motorcycle manufacturers competing fearlessly for the lucrative market.
On their part, African governments have shown an interest in EV adoption with subsidies and restructuring of import tariffs.
Electric vehicles designed in Africa fit for the African market is the solution. In the process, jobs are created, the cost of ownership is reduced, and vehicles are made based on local context.
While information about the number of EV units sold is scarce, Africa is estimated to have a 1% global market share.
Global Charging Infrastructure Stats
- By the end of 2022, it was estimated that 2.8 million public EV charging stations were available worldwide
- China boasts over 1.15 million charging stations, the highest in the world
- In 2021, 85% of fast-charge stations in the world were in China
- Norway is the global leader in charging infrastructure and ownership
- The Netherlands boasts over 37,000 public charging stations, the highest per capita in the world.
- The global EV charging station market is projected to be worth upwards of $18 billion
- Between 2021 and 2022, the number of charging ports increased by 29% in the US
EV Statistics over the Years
- Since 2010, the number of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased by over 400%, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) increased by more than 8000%
- In 2012, less than 200,000 EVs were in use globally
- Since 2013 EV registration has increased by, 2400%
- The number of EVs purchased in 2016 in China was more than that of the sales in the rest of the world combined
- By 2017 the number of EVs on the roads had risen to more than 3 million
- 40% of the EVs sold in the US between 2010 and 2019 were Teslas
- Between 2017 and 2022, EV sales rose to over 10 million
- In 2021, 6 million PHEVs were sold globally
- China leads in the number of PHEV registrations, with 3.4 million
- Norway, a benchmark for EV deployment, boasts 88% new EV car registration in 2022. Electric vehicles (EVs) now account for more than one in five passenger vehicles in the country and more than four of five new vehicles sold.
- China has the most number of EV models, with about 300 models
- Global carmakers are set to invest over $1 trillion in EV production from now to 2030.
