Top Performers and Lagging Brands Revealed in Electric Car Market

3

According to a report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released this Thursday, 21 of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers' electric vehicle (EV) plans and offerings were evaluated. The findings depict a dynamic landscape where some carmakers are making remarkable strides while others struggle to keep up.

Significant advancements have been made by companies such as Mercedes-Benz and MG, showcasing their capabilities in the low-emission transport sector. However, familiar brands like Mazda, Honda, and Nissan are facing challenges, slipping further down the rankings compared to their peers.

This report aligns with recent developments in Australia, where new fuel-efficiency standards were passed into law, intending to drive automakers towards greater adoption of low-emission models from the next year. Australia’s elevated focus on electric vehicles could elevate the country’s standings in future comparisons.

The ICCT conducted its Global Automaker Rating 2023 by examining the strategic vision, market presence, and technological achievements of 21 prominent automotive manufacturers. While Tesla secured the top spot with robust sales, BYD, despite lower purely electric vehicle sales, remains close behind with a strong portfolio that includes many plug-in hybrids.

BMW secured third place, and Mercedes-Benz's climb to the fourth rank was noteworthy, partly owing to its innovative recycling and repurposing of EV batteries. The Chinese company SAIC, which oversees the MG brand, achieved the fifth position with commendable growth in electric vehicle sales.

On the other end of the spectrum, brands from Japan and India didn't fare as well. Suzuki, Mazda, and Nissan occupied the lowest ranks, with Suzuki being the least impressive contributor to the zero-emission vehicle market according to the study’s criteria. These brands, while showing increased electric vehicle sales, didn’t offer a broad range of low-emission models or managed high energy consumption, contributing to their lower scores.

Stephanie Searle, ICCT's chief program officer, emphasized the critical nature of these rankings. She believes nearly all passenger vehicles must transition to zero-emission models by 2035 to mitigate global warming effects. "Automakers lagging in technology investment could find themselves overtaken by more forward-thinking competitors," she stated.

Global momentum is also influenced by rigorous transport regulations in Europe, the UK, US, and Canada, where electric vehicle sales are expected to surge rapidly in the upcoming years. Notably, there was a 40% global increase in EV sales between 2022 and 2023, with Australia seeing a dramatic rise of 161% from a lower base compared to other nations.

Starting January next year, the Australian government plans to implement a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. This new policy will set emission limits for vehicle brands, including passenger and commercial vehicles, potentially transforming the market landscape in the country.

This article references findings from an original report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

Published:Friday, 31st May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

RBA Highlights Housing Shortfall as Key Driver of Rental Crisis 17 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In a fresh perspective on Australia's ongoing rental crisis, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has shed light on housing supply shortages as the primary cause, rather than the commonly blamed higher interest rates. - read more

Westpac Ends Cardless ATM Withdrawals: What This Means for Customers 11 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori Westpac Banking Corporation is making significant changes to its ATM services by eliminating the option for cardless cash withdrawals. This shift will require customers to carry a physical card to withdraw cash, starting at 8:00 PM AEST this Friday 11th October. - read more

Small Businesses in Australia: Navigating Turbulent Times 10 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori Amid the prevailing economic challenges, Australian small businesses are feeling the crunch as a wave of insolvencies underscores the depth of the issue. The construction and hospitality sectors are particularly vulnerable, with businesses seeking new strategies to stay afloat. - read more

Financial Worries Surge as Australians Face Economic Challenges 10 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In a decade-long analysis, AMP’s recent Financial Wellness report uncovers a growing cloud of financial anxiety looming over Australian workers, with two-thirds expressing some level of financial distress. Particularly notable is the strain felt by those aged 55 to 59, where almost 40% report moderate to severe stress, highlighting growing concerns as retirement approaches. - read more

Australia Grapples with Prolonged Economic Slowdown 08 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori Australian citizens are currently navigating through an unprecedented economic phase, marked by the most prolonged recession per capita in the nation's history. This downturn has extended through six consecutive quarters of declining economic output, with a total of seven declines across the last eight quarters. - read more

Banks Under Fire for High Fees on Low-Income Accounts 07 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori A directive from Australian regulators is set to benefit nearly two million Australians, primarily from lower income groups, as major financial institutions were mandated to refund $28 million in excessive fees collected over the years. - read more