ICCT EV Rating: Tesla Leads in Technology and Sales - BYD and BMW Catch Up

The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has published its first Global Automaker Rating 2022, reflecting the state of how global automotive manufacturers are performing in the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Tesla and BYD lead this inaugural comprehensive analysis, with Tesla being the absolute reference in terms of efficiency, charging speed, and range, as well as most other categories except model coverage. The world's 20 largest manufacturers were evaluated based on their sales, actions, and ZEV strategies in six major global markets. All five manufacturers headquartered in Japan and Tata, headquartered in India, are at the bottom of the ranking. This reflects the complexity and scale of the ZEV transition, as well as the different approaches automotive manufacturers take in the transition, according to analysts.

Reference in Efficiency: Tesla Technology Leader

In terms of consumption, the California-based leaders are far ahead, averaging 12.4 kWh/100 km. Additionally, the U.S. electrics charge the fastest at 172 kW and have the longest range at 502 kilometers. Closest on their heels are BMW, which achieve a consumption of 14 kWh/100 km and perform decently in charging speed at 90 kW. In terms of range, at least according to the formal WLTP cycle, VW can now keep up, with Wolfsburg-based electric vehicles averaging 430 kilometers and the best variants reaching 534 kilometers. Tesla's greatest weakness is the still limited depth of its model lineup, particularly the lack of a base version, which is sorely missed but is expected to soon be addressed with the much-discussed Model 2 and possibly a Model Q. Another drawback for the Californians is that their factories are not yet fully converted to renewable energy, as is the case with BMW. In terms of portfolio breadth, Chinese providers like SAIC (MG), BYD, Geely, or Chang'an clearly lead, with Stellantis also keeping pace with its five-brand diversity, and VW holding its own robustly. However, a small electric car is missing, which is only expected in 2025 with the ID.2.

Nippon Brands at the Very Bottom

The poor performance of all Japanese brands in terms of electrification is striking: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Suzuki occupy the last places along with the Indian Tata group and have simply missed the trend. Currently, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) offerings are thin and the technology is not very efficient. Toyota only has the crossover SUV bZ4X as well as the Stellantis acquisitions of light e-vans in its range, while Honda and Mazda each have one (niche) model. Efficiency is also poor: the Mazda electric vehicle occupies the last place with 17.1 kWh/100 km, and Toyota is at best average, as are Nissan and Honda. Suzuki completely fails to offer any BEVs.

The Chinese are still rather poor in terms of efficiency, as well as range and charging speed, although they do have cheaper and smaller models in their wide portfolio. The Koreans from Hyundai-Kia have to make concessions to Tesla in terms of efficiency, but they fare well in charging speed (partly thanks to 800-volt technology) and range, and also set the bar high in terms of battery recycling, just like Tesla and the Chinese brands.