The Nissan Leaf was the best-selling EV in Europe in 2013 with 11,120 vehicles sold. Sales increased 204% compared to 2012 and are 25% greater than the next best-selling EV, which was the Renault Zoe.
Norway accounted for a large portion of overall EV sales, 7,882 EVs were sold there in 2013— this accounts for 5% of overall car sales. The government of Norway has invested heavily in charging infrastructures for EVs and offer substantial incentives for purchasing an electric car. In October 2013 the Leaf was the best selling car in the country— including non-electrified vehicles.
France has seen a 55% year-on-year growth in electric vehicle sales with 8,779 EVs registered in 2013; while the UK saw sales double since 2012, to 2,500. The number of pure electric cars sold worldwide for 2013 is estimated to be more than 112,000.
The growth of electrified cars has not been as rapid as forecasters would have hoped, however the growing infrastructure of charging points has helped.
Europe’s 1,000th rapid charger has been installed in the UK. Rapid chargers have sprung up as rapidly as they charge, in 2010 there were only 16 in the UK and now there are around 200. The rapid charger can recharge a battery to 80% in under 30 minutes.
