According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), more than 1.5 million new electric cars were registered in the European Union last year. This is 37% more than a year ago.
Statistics show that demand in this segment is constantly growing, and manufacturers are electrifying more and more of their models. Which of them stood out with something special in 2023?
Beats diesel engines
In 2023, the market share of new electric cars in EU countries has reached 14.6 percent – this is more than diesel cars, whose share has shrunk to 13.6 percent. After an aggressive price-cutting campaign, the Tesla Model Y compact crossover became the best-selling electric car. It sold 254,822 units last year, according to Dataforce. Thus, the American electric car manufacturer managed to convincingly beat the sales figures of internal combustion engine models: Dacia Sandero (235,893) and Volkswagen T-Roc (206,438) ranked behind Model Y.
Kia EV9 (Publicity photo)
Last year, the electric car segment was supplemented by new models in the European markets, and some were really intriguing. A number of them are expected to show high sales figures this year.
The European Car of the Year 2024 jury of 59 experts from 22 European countries nominated three fully electric vehicles for the final vote – BYD Seal, Kia EV9 and Volvo EX30, as well as the new Peugeot 3008, which has both electric and internal combustion versions. These contenders competed against the BMW 5 Series, Renault Scenic and Toyota C-HR, all powered by an internal combustion or hybrid powertrain.
Noteworthy rides from Korea
Almost all the finalists of the European competition were presented on the Old Continent at the end of 2023, so these models could not participate in the Latvian Car of the Year 2024 competition, which ended in early December. However, there was no shortage of electric cars in our national competition either. Competitors included Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron, Škoda Enyaq Coupe iV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 – the latter was also recognized as electric car of the year.
Škoda Enyaq Coupe RS iV (Publicity Image)
Of all the electric cars he tested last year, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz made a vivid impression on Tom Timoshko, a member of the competition jury and a reviewer of Klubs auto magazine. However, it was not the electric drive that surprised, in this case the design and the daring of the manufacturer turned out to be unexpected.
When it comes to electric cars, of course the Hyundai Ioniq 6 stands out. Its bold, aerodynamic design and dynamics make it one of the best electric cars on the market. The range of electric cars has also been supplemented by a completely unexpected novelty – the Kia EV9. What makes this massive luxury SUV so impressive is mainly because there aren’t many cars like it around right now. The EV9 pushes the boundaries of electric cars and proves that they can succeed in every segment.
Tomas Timoshko, the auto reviewer of the Klubs magazine
This electric car is also praised by experienced experts in other countries. The Kia EV9, which has just become available for purchase in Latvia, also won the luxury class at the German Car of the Year competition. It has also gained recognition across the Atlantic Ocean: a jury of 50 people recognized this Korean car as the most practical model of the North American region in 2024. On the other hand, the main laurels in North America were taken by the new generation Toyota Prius. The victory of the electric car in the practicality category may seem a little unexpected, but the EV9 stands out with a spacious seven-seater cabin, and the E-GMP platform, specially developed for the electric drive, provides many advantages.
Kia EV9 (manufacturer’s photo)
The Kia EV9 is available with a 76.1 kWh or even a 99.8 kWh battery, which allows you to drive a full 668 km on a single charge. The maximum power reaches 318 kW and is driven forward by all-wheel drive. Thanks to the 800-volt system, you won’t have to wait long at the charging point. In just 15 minutes at the fast station, the reserve of the largest battery can be replenished enough to drive another 250 km.
Unanswered questions
Photographer Toms Svilāns, who participated in the Latvian Car of the Year 2024 test sessions, also mentions Korean models as the most memorable electric cars of last year. The first is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which left a great overall impression, but he also highlights the new electric Hyundai Kona.
I haven’t had a chance to drive it yet, but I’m eager to try the Kia EV9. It impresses with its body dimensions and eccentric design, so I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and seeing how it drives and, of course, how it looks in front of the camera.
Photographer Toms Svilans
According to ACEA data, in 2023, electric car sales in the European Union grew fastest in Belgium (+148%), Denmark (+104%) and Portugal (+102%). In absolute terms, the highest sales were in Germany (524,219 or +11%), France (298,219 or +47%), the Netherlands (113,981 or +56%) and Sweden (112,208 or +18.1%).
Looking ahead to this year, Toms Timoško predicts that we will not see a sharp jump in sales of electric cars in Latvia, but sales will continue to gradually increase.
One of the main stumbling blocks is the charging infrastructure. I am an optimist and believe that in the near future companies will invest more in this sector. This should in turn encourage the purchase of electric cars. We are also waiting for models in the budget class. And another important point – the issue of state support for electric car buyers is still unresolved. For now, it is only available to private individuals, but entrepreneurs are left alone.
Tomas Timoshko, the auto reviewer of the Klubs magazine
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2024-04-04 12:26:52
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