E-cars in a worldwide comparison

By 2020, one million e-cars are supposed to drive on German streets. But how is the situation in other countries? Have a look at our infographics.

In Germany as well as in the U.S., the proportion of e-cars is below the one-per-cent threshold. In China it is slightly above one per cent, whereas in Sweden, 2.26 per cent of all cars are electrically powered. The figures comprise pure e-cars as well as plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles.

Most charging stations for e-cars can be found in the U.S. (12,700), the second-largest country after Canada in this statistics. Germany has more than 5,800 charging stations, the neighbouring country The Netherlands possesses 3,700 charging stations.

In 2015, more than 207,000 e-cars have been registered in China, more than in any other country. The U.S. with 115,000 new registrations follows China. In Germany, only 23,000 e-cars have been admitted.

For a better comparison of e-mobility in the different countries, it’s worth to take a look at the following states: The U.S., China, Sweden and Germany.

United States of America

Within the next five years, the U.S. plans to invest 22 billion dollars in the expansion of e-mobility. Up to now, e-drivers are only allowed to drive on bus and car-pool lanes. E-car owners can save up to 7,500 dollars on tax. The most common e-car model in the U.S. is the Tesla Model S.

China

Last year, more than 200,000 e-cars have been newly registered in China, which makes it the biggest market for e-mobility. The Chinese government has ambitious plans: The number of e-cars is supposed grow to 5 million cars until 2020. Additionally, the expansion of charging stations shall be pushed until then. For the realisation of these plans, the most populous nation worldwide plans to invest 3.3 billion euros. Up to now, e-cars are mainly reserved to the government and public institutions. The actual state subsidies are only valid for this group. Buyers are exempted from the motor vehicle tax and receive a buyer’s premium of 6,000 euros.

Germany

Only recently, the government announced to support buyers of e-cars with 4,000 euros. Up to now, there are only 55,000 e-cars in Germany, even if German car manufacturers offer 18 different models, more than anywhere in the world. The range of products is diversified – however, the demand is low. Due to the high energy price, the savings potential with an e-car isn’t as good as in other countries. Owners of e-cars are exempted from motor vehicle tax for five years and get a buyer’s premium of 4,000 euros. There are no actual plans for additional savings. The most successful e-car model is the Kia Soul.

Sweden

The Scandinavian country also liberates e-car buyers from motor vehicle tax for five years and grants a buyer’s premium of 4,360 euros. Additionally, they receive an income tax relief up to 1,750 euros. The most sold e-car is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a plug-in-hybrid. A new online portal serves as a platform for private people offering charging stations for e-cars at their homeplace. The name of the platform is Elbnb. The idea is that suppliers and users negotiate the price for electricity on their own. Sweden is on the third position worldwide regarding the proportion of e-cars among all registered cars. It also has ambitious goals: by 2030, all cars shall be equipped with renewable drive systems.

However, the number one in regards to e-mobility is Norway. In the Scandinavian country, 18 per cent of all cars are e-cars. Buyers get the VAT tax of the purchase and of the motor vehicle tax back. Moreover, they don’t have to pay the toll fee, have the permission to park on public parking spaces for free and can charge their car for free as well.

Read more: The market for pure electric cars keeps growing strongly