European EV market surges 32% as German plug-in sales double
Sales of battery and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) rose to 135,100 during H1 2017, up 32% on the same period last year, according to EV world sales database EV-volumes.com. While Germany saw plug-in sales double during the first six months of the year, Norway remained significantly ahead of other European nations in terms of EV share. The report said the Scandinavian country's combination of generous tax and toll savings for EVs and a well-developed charging infrastructure provided a model for other nations to follow.

Europe Plug-in Sales for H1 of 2017 + Updates for July and August

Plug-in vehicle sales in Europe reached 135 100 units in the first half of 2017, 32 % higher than for the same period of 2016. These include all Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) in Europe, of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Plug-in share of the European light vehicle market reached 1,63 % in June, the trend so far indicates further increases during the reminder of the year. Results from July and preliminary August indicate that growth is accelerating.

The German market is the highlight of 2017, with over 100 % increase over 2016 H1, making it the second largest market for plug-ins in Europe, after Norway. Plug-in share in Norway is 29 % for BEV and PHEV combined. A good indication of what is possible with compelling savings on vehicle taxes, much lower running cost and a well developed charging infrastructure.

Nearly all countries post growth for 2017, many of them over 100 %, but from still low volumes. For the full year of 2017 we expect 305 - 310 000 plug-ins to be delivered in Europe, up 25 000 units from our previous forecast.