China vs. Europe: A Comparison of EV Sales Figures

Each year, we witness significant improvements in electric vehicles. Range anxiety is now a rare concern, and charging options are increasingly available even in rural regions of Germany. How does the European EV market fare compared to China? Despite our rapid advancements, are we falling behind, or can our market development compete with China's? We explored this complex question and summarized our findings for you.

‍

1. EV Sales Figures from China to Europe

Twenty years ago, China was synonymous with cheap production and manufacturing, but the nation has since established a new reputation. China not only leads in the latest EV battery technology but also boasts well-known brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng Motors. Europe is also strong in EV development, with leading brands such as VW, BMW, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz. But how do the sales figures compare?

‍

China:

• China is the world's largest market for EVs. In 2023, over 5 million EVs were sold in China.
  ‍
• EVs make up about 25% of all new car sales in China.

‍

Europe:

• Approximately 2 million EVs were sold in Europe in 2023.
  ‍
• EVs account for about 20% of all new car sales in Europe.

‍

2. Charging Stations for EVs - Who Leads?

For a long time, the biggest criticism of EVs was the availability of charging stations. Both Europe and China are doing their best to promote public and private networks. More stations are becoming available in parking lots at hotels, shopping centers, and workplaces.

‍

China:

• China has the world's largest network of charging stations with over 2.2 million publicly accessible charging points.
  ‍
• The network in China is rapidly expanding, with thousands of new charging stations added monthly.

‍

Europe:

• Europe has about 1.5 million publicly accessible charging points.
  ‍
• Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands lead in Europe regarding the number of charging stations.

‍

3. Further EV Trends and the Future in China and Europe

It quickly becomes apparent that China is a step ahead. This is mainly due to the different strategies of the two regions. While China is a leader in battery technology and the production of cost-effective EVs, Europe invests heavily in sustainability and strict emissions regulations. These different approaches are reflected in the respective infrastructures, technologies, and policies driving the growth of the EV market in both regions.

What can we expect in the near future of the EV market?
‍

• Both China and Europe are expected to see continued growth in the EV market. China anticipates selling 6 million EVs in 2024, while Europe also hopes for a higher market share.
  ‍
• China plans to increase the number of publicly accessible charging points to over 3 million to meet growing demand. In Europe, there are planned investments to expand the charging infrastructure, especially through projects like the European Green Deal, to significantly increase the number of charging stations.
  ‍
• Chinese manufacturers are expected to expand their presence in international markets and introduce new models in Europe and other regions.
  ‍
• Europe aims for increased collaboration between car manufacturers, technology companies, and governments to drive innovation and promote e-mobility.
  ‍
• China envisions continuing the development and implementation of battery swap stations and improved battery technologies with higher energy densities and shorter charging times, while Europe focuses on advanced recycling.

‍

Conclusion

China remains in the lead in the EV market. With significant advances in research and development of new technologies, China is considered a visionary. Europe takes a different approach, with a strong focus on environmental protection, and is not far behind. Both regions contribute to the global spread of EVs in their own ways and have the potential to learn from and inspire each other. The coming years will be crucial to see how these different strategies will impact the long-term development of the EV market.

Cardino’s Role: Cardino removes all unnecessary difficulties in buying and selling cars for both used car dealers and private sellers. We make a seamless process for EV owners to sell their cars and for dealers to buy them. By freeing the EV sellers from the complicated process of selling their EVs in a traditional marketplace way and providing a platform for dealers to broaden their inventory.

‍

‍

‍

FAQs

‍

How do EV sales figures in China compare to Europe?

China is the global leader with over 5 million EVs sold in 2023, while approximately 2 million EVs were sold in Europe.

‍

How many charging stations are there in China and Europe?

China has more than 2.2 million publicly accessible charging points, while Europe has about 1.5 million.

‍

Which are the leading EV brands in China and Europe?

In China, BYD, NIO, and XPeng Motors are leading. In Europe, brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz dominate.

‍

What strategies are China and Europe pursuing in the EV market?

China focuses on technological innovations and cost-effective production, while Europe invests heavily in sustainability and strict emissions regulations.

‍

What are the future expectations for the EV market in China and Europe?

China plans to increase the number of charging stations to over 3 million and expects 6 million EV sales in 2024. Europe is focusing on expanding the charging infrastructure and increased collaboration to promote e-mobility.

‍