An internal combustion engine might be on its way to retirement, at least in the UK. According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in 15 years’ time, you will no longer be able to buy new petrol, diesel or even a hybrid car in Britain.

Britain’s attempt to reduce fossil fuel emissions and air pollution comes five years earlier than planned, and more countries are joining in.

France also plans to ban the sale of fossil fuel-powered cars as of 2040. PSA Group (with five car brands such as Peugeot, Opel, and Citroen) and Renault, the two largest automakers based in Paris have confirmed their electrification strategy.

In addition to these efforts, the EU introduced stricter rules for CO2 emissions starting with 2021.

Diesel vehicles are in a tight spot after announcements from cities and countries around the world to put an end to driving these automobiles. Diesel cars are about to be banished from city centers in Paris, Madrid, Athens and Mexico City by 2025.

Norway – the Country With the Highest Rate of EV Use

Entirely electric-powered cars have become increasingly popular in Norway. Actually, Norwegians are switching to EVs faster than anyone else on the planet, according to Bloomberg.

The Parliament has announced that by 2025 there might be no petrol- or diesel-powered vehicles sold in the country.

Due to generous government subsidies, there is a boom in the EV market in this Nordic country. The battery-powered vehicles are free from car purchase taxes.

Charging at municipal power points is free, drivers are excluded from paying tolls and they are even allowed to use bus lanes to avoid traffic.

With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that EVs snatched a 44% share of new car sales in January 2020.

The U.S. Electric Vehicle Market

In the U.S. electric vehicle sales in 2019 declined by 9% in comparison to strong sales growth in 2018. Many things contributed to the stagnant market including relatively cheap gas, limited supply, and availability and higher upfront costs compared to traditionally powered cars.

With more than two-thirds dealership not having a single EV on their lot and the automakers scarcely advertising them, the slump in plug-in EVs sales is not surprising.

Union of Concerned Scientists survey found that 63% of Americans are interested in EVs with one-third considering an EV for their next purchase, so the demand exists.

Financial and non-financial incentives are not to be underestimated. They strongly affect sales – when there are incentives offered there is a spike in sales, followed by a severe drop when incentives expire.

California is a state with a strong EV support and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards. No wonder it is the largest U.S. electric vehicle market with over 10 times the sales of the next highest state.

However, US sales have had considerable variations year-to-year, and the growth rate since 2013 is still 25% per year on average.

Top Selling Electric Cars

When it comes to the electric car range, Tesla and Chevrolet are the vehicle producers with the best range overall. These two companies are clashing at the forefront.

Tesla has announced a range increase in three vehicles thanks to the engineering improvements. Model Y SUV is estimated to drive 315 miles between charges, while the Model S sedan has received an increase and now can achieve a maximum range of 380 to 390 miles.

All-wheel drive and an adaptive air suspension are standard features in these models.

Chevrolet Bolt is climbing the ranks with its relatively small price tag and nearly as many miles per charge as a Tesla. You can expect to travel up to 238 miles between charges.

Nissan Leaf is praised as a green, efficient and affordable car with handy performance. Small running costs are another perk keeping customers satisfied.

Availability of Charging Points

Prospective buyers of greener models in the UK can relax since the Britain government said it will fund more than 1,000 new charging points for electric vehicles.

And even today, there are 29,000 charging stations across the country – outnumbering the petrol stations. Supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl provide rapid chargers in their car parks.

Also, EV charging points can be installed in homes and offices by a certified electrician.

And wireless car charging areas are on their way in the UK. Hopefully, this technology will encourage consumers to switch from traditional cars to electric ones.

In the U.S. there are more than 20,000 EV charging points with the highest number found in California – about a third of all nationwide stations.

You can find more info on EV charging networks on Energy Central.

The Future of the Auto Industry

Over the next 10 to 15 years the automotive industry is expected to go through a major transformation. Three trends are believed to profoundly change the industry.

With manufacturers trying their best to make affordable EV models and tax benefits offered in many countries vehicle electrification is one of them.

Autonomous driving and shared mobility are also considered to make a shift in the source of profitability for carmakers.

With these new trends, the entire industry is gearing up for new challenges and new opportunities.

Also, the state power grids may be challenged by the rise in EVs use. If charging electric vehicles coincides with the peak of electricity demand in the early evening, the system could get overloaded.

Negative impacts could be neutralized by off-peak charging and smart charging technology.

Electric automobiles are no longer just a dream, and their future is bright. Switching to EVs might help us offset the devastating effects of ongoing climate change and preserve nature while enjoying the ride in high-performing, sleek cars.