E-mobility in China continues to grow

The Chinese electric mobility market continues to grow at the beginning of 2021, as evidenced by initial figures from manufacturers such as BYD, Nio, and Xpeng. Especially compared to the pandemic-related subdued start of 2020, the sales of e-cars have stabilized again.

BYD reports sales figures of 54,751 units for electric cars and plug-in hybrids for the first quarter, the majority of which were passenger cars with 53,380 units, divided into 38,599 BEVs (+113.1%) and 14,781 PHEVs (+333.2%). For March, the manufacturer recorded 24,218 e-cars sold, with 23,386 passenger cars sold, representing a 97.6% increase over the same month last year. In this segment, 16,301 BEVs (+56.2%) and 7,085 PHEVs (+432.7%) were sold by the end of the quarter. For BYD, this marks continuous growth over seven months compared to the previous year. Not surprisingly, significant investments are being made in electric models accordingly. Currently, the Qin PLUS EV and Song PLUS EV are two new models appearing on the market, alongside revised versions of the Tang EV, Qin EV, and e2.

Xpeng is similarly optimistic about the numbers: With an increase of 487% compared to the previous year's quarter, the e-car manufacturer reported 13,340 deliveries, with 5,102 e-cars sold in March alone, representing a sales increase of 384% compared to March 2020. Among them were 2,855 units of the P7 and 2,247 of the G3.

Xpeng states that it has sold more models in this quarter than ever before. This is likely to facilitate further development towards Europe; following the market launch of the G3 SUV in Norway, other European countries are to be tapped in the future. Meanwhile, on the home market of China, the sales start of the third series model is imminent, with the first deliveries planned for the final quarter of 2021.

Nio also shines in the first quarter of 2021: With 20,060 vehicles sold, it has sold 423% more electric cars than in the first quarter of 2020. In March alone, 7,256 units were delivered, 373% more than in the same month last year, composed of 1,529 ES8 models, 3,152 ES6 models, and 2,576 EC6 models. Similar to Xpeng, Nio also plans to expand its product line and add the ET7 sedan, as announced in January of this year.