Revealed: 1/3 of SUV Sales to be Electric by 2030

SUVs are becoming increasingly popular and growth in electric SUV sales is expected to play a key role in reducing global CO2 emissions. Latest data from The International Energy Agency has revealed that SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, with their global share of new sales rising from 17% in 2010 to 39% in 2020.

We here at Saxton 4x4 have crunched the numbers and it makes for interesting reading...

Electric car sales by powertrain and available models by car size in selected regions, 2018-2022

However, the transition to EVs is currently slower in the SUV segment than in other segments. As of 2023, only 4.6% of new SUV sales are electric, compared to 8.3% for other types of passenger vehicles. This slower transition is partly due to the higher cost and lower availability of electric SUVs, as well as consumer preferences for more powerful engines in their larger cars.

Despite these challenges, the market for electric SUVs is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2030, 30% of new SUV sales will be electric, up from just 4.6% in 2023.

Breakdown of available cars by powertrain and segment, 2022

This growth in electric SUV sales is expected to play a key role in reducing global CO2 emissions and achieving climate goals.

Electric car adoption soars across the UK

Electric car adoption has increased rapidly across the world in the last few years and nowhere more so than in Europe and the UK specifically.

Why? Well, in Europe, policy support, including stringent CO2 emission standards and incentives for electric vehicle purchase, has been a significant driver of the electric vehicle market. The UK government has also announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, which is expected to further boost the electric vehicle market.

Europe and the UK have also been investing heavily in charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric vehicles. The UK, in particular, has one of the highest numbers of charging points per electric vehicle.

• The global stock of electric light-duty vehicles (LDVs) reached 17 million in 2022, up from 7.2 million in 2019, showing a significant increase in adoption.

• China and Europe are leading in terms of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with China accounting for 44% of the global EV stock and Europe for 31%.

• Europe has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, with a growth rate of 137% in 2022. This growth is primarily driven by policy support, including stringent CO2 emission standards.

• The United Kingdom is one of the leading markets for electric vehicles in Europe. The country has seen a substantial increase in electric vehicle sales, with a growth rate of 186% in 2022.

The latest data projects that by 2030, there will be 125 million electric vehicles on the road globally. Given the current growth trends and policy support, a significant portion of these vehicles are expected to be in Europe and the UK.

Saxton 4x4, the UK's largest 4x4 dealership, is witnessing a remarkable shift in consumer preference towards electric SUVs. This change aligns with the global trend of increasing electric vehicle adoption, as highlighted in the recent International Energy Agency (IEA) report.

As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, Saxton 4x4 is excited to be at the forefront of this transition. The dealership is continually expanding its range of electric SUVs and investing in services to support electric vehicle owners.

Source: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2023/trends-in-electric-light-duty-vehicles