Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular in 2021, with countries such as France leading the way. According to a report released by the French government, 13% of new cars registered in France in January 2021 were battery electric vehicles (BEVs), showing a stark shift away from traditional gasoline and diesel powered engines. This article will explore how this trend is being driven by heightened environmental concerns, government incentives, and technological advances. We’ll also look at French EV sales figures compared to other European countries and discuss what this could mean for the future of the automobile industry.
France’s Love for BEVs
In January, France saw a massive surge in the number of new BEVs registered. With a total of 4,290 new BEVs registered, this represented a huge increase of 362.5% compared to January 2020. This is a clear indication that the French market is shifting towards electrification, with an increasing number of consumers opting for BEVs over traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles.
There are a number of reasons behind this growing trend. First and foremost, BEVs are much more environmentally-friendly than conventional combustion engine cars. With the climate crisis becoming an increasingly pressing issue, more and more people are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Driving a BEV emits zero emissions, making it a much more sustainable option.
In addition, BEVs are becoming increasingly affordable as technology improves and production costs decrease. The upfront cost of purchasing a BEV is still higher than that of a traditional car, but with government incentives and lower running costs (including no fuel costs), they are becoming increasingly attractive to cost-conscious consumers.
Finally, France has been investing heavily in infrastructure to support the growth of electric vehicles. In 2019, the government announced its plan to install 7,000 public charging points by 2025. This commitment is part of France’s larger goal to have one million EVs on the roads by 2022. With the necessary infrastructure in place, driving a BEV is becoming easier and more convenient for French motorists.
All these factors contribute to the growing popularity
The Different Types of BEVs
There are four main types of battery electric vehicles (BEVs): all-electric cars, hybrid electric cars, plug-in hybrid electric cars, and range-extended electric cars.
All-electric cars are powered solely by electricity, while hybrid electric cars use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Plug-in hybrid electric cars can be plugged into an external power source to recharge the battery, while range-extended electric cars have a backup gasoline generator to extend the range.
BEVs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small hatchbacks to large SUVs. The most popular BEVs on the market include the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt EV, and the Nissan Leaf.
France has seen a surge in sales of BEVs in recent years, with January 2020 seeing a record market share of 12.4%. This is due in part to government incentives for purchasers of EVs, as well as increasing public awareness of the environmental benefits of driving an electrically-powered car.
The Pros and Cons of BEVs
When it comes to BEVs, there are a few pros and cons to consider. On the plus side, BEVs emit no tailpipe emissions, which is great for the environment. They’re also very efficient, meaning you’ll save money on fuel costs in the long run. However, BEVs can be more expensive to buy than traditional gas cars, and they require a longer charging time.
