New models drive EU electric vehicle sales to double

According to the “Guardian” report, the EU’s electric vehicle sales have doubled in 2013 due to the stimulation and promotion of new models, but there are only 250 ZEVs for every 250 new vehicles sold.

Nowadays, electric vehicles have become an important measure for governments to solve air pollution and climate change problems. According to data from environmental protection lobby group Traffic and Environment, the number of plug-in vehicles sold in the EU in 2012 was 22,000 units, up from 50,000 units in 2013, of which sales of three major models were 8,000 units each.

The three main sales models are respectively Renault's Zoe, after subsidy sales price of 14,000 pounds; Mitsubishi Outlander, subsidized sales price of 28,250 pounds, and Volvo's V60 plug-in cars, after the subsidy price of 44275 pounds From. (£1 is about 10.40 RMB)

Greg Archer of “Traffic and Environment” said: “Electric vehicles have a strong growth momentum, but they are too expensive for most people. The price of electric cars will gradually decrease over time. Electric vehicle technology will also become more competitive."

In 2012, sales of mainstream sales vehicles, Opel's Ampera and PSA Peugeot Citroën (iOn/C-zero) both declined in 2013. Archer pointed out that some automakers are now offering sales of traditional car use services on long-distance travel as a sales package, helping to overcome the current battery mileage problem. He said: "We are seeing better cars and services entering the market."

Archer believes that the subsidies for electric vehicles are not sustainable, but require vehicles to reduce carbon emissions to more effectively stimulate the development of zero-emission vehicles. At present, automobile emissions account for 15% of total carbon dioxide emissions in Europe.

The EU has already set targets for reducing vehicle emissions in 2015 and 2021. The 2015 target was completed in 2013, but the emission targets for 2025 and 2030 have been difficult to introduce. In contrast, the United States has set a clean vehicle target and will begin implementation in 2017. Archer said: "Of course, the auto industry will work hard to resist the introduction of new emission standards."

In addition, Lord Mayor of London (Boris Johnson) said recently that it will increase the cost of diesel vehicles in order to reduce urban air pollution. Archer said: "Electric cars will be an important part of London to solve the air pollution problem, but the number of electric vehicles in the next decade may not be able to achieve substantial growth, so we need to resort to other measures."