Global plugin vehicle registrations reached a record high of 1.74 million units in October 2024, representing a 36% increase compared to the same month the previous year. This growth is significant as it contradicts the prevailing narrative of declining electric vehicle (EV) sales.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) accounted for over one million units, reflecting a 23% year-over-year increase. Plugin hybrids (PHEVs) demonstrated even more impressive growth, with a 65% year-over-year increase and achieving their fifth consecutive record month. Collectively, plugin vehicles now make up 26% of the overall auto market, with BEVs holding a 16% share.
Year-to-date figures show that the plugin electric vehicle market share has risen to 20%, with approximately 13.46 million units sold, of which 8.5 million are BEVs. The growth rate for plugin sales, excluding China, is 13% year-over-year, with BEVs outside China growing by 16% and PHEVs by 4%. This highlights the significant role that plugin hybrids play in driving growth within the Chinese market.
The growth in plugin vehicle sales is not limited to a single region but is a global phenomenon. Sales have increased in China, North America, Europe, and the Rest of the World. China experienced a remarkable 67% year-over-year growth, while North America saw a more modest increase of 10%. Europe returned to growth with a 2% rise in sales over the past two months. The remaining markets exhibited a robust 35% growth rate, indicating a shift in the global landscape as regions outside of North America and Europe embrace electrification, often influenced by Chinese EV manufacturers.
The dominance of Chinese EV producers poses challenges for traditional automakers in the U.S. and Europe. As Chinese manufacturers solidify their position in domestic markets, they are poised to make significant inroads into export markets that lack a strong local automotive presence. This shift could leave legacy automakers with limited options as they focus on their home markets while facing intensified competition from agile and innovative Chinese brands.
In terms of individual vehicle performance, the Tesla Model Y continues to lead the global market, with approximately 85,000 registrations in October, representing a 9% year-over-year growth. The Tesla Model 3, on the other hand, experienced a decline of 10% year-over-year. BYD, a prominent Chinese manufacturer, placed 11 models in the top 20 best-selling EVs, demonstrating the effectiveness of its 2024 strategy. Other notable performers include the Wuling Mini EV, Xiaomi SU7, Geely Galaxy E5, FAW's Bestune Xiaoma, and XPeng's Mona M03, all gaining traction in the market.
Legacy automakers face ongoing challenges as they strive to keep pace with the rapidly evolving EV market. The Volkswagen ID.3 emerged as the best-selling EV, with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 also making a noteworthy appearance. Looking at the year-to-date rankings, the Tesla Model Y and BYD Song remain in the top positions, with the Tesla Model 3 expected to maintain its third-place position.