In the past year, global sales of new energy models have been amazing, rising against the trend at a time when the overall market is struggling, further clarifying the trend of automobiles in the next few years. According to an analysis report by overseas data agencies, more than 907,000 passenger plug-in electric vehicles (including EV pure electric, PHEV plug-in hybrid, and REEV extended-range electric vehicles) were registered in December 2021, a record high. Among them, pure electric EV models account for 11% of the entire automotive market, and plug-in hybrid PHEV models account for 4% of the share.
In 2021, nearly 6.5 million new passenger plug-in electric vehicles were added worldwide, an increase of about 108% from 3.1 million in 2020. The average market share increased to about 9%, compared to 4% in 2020. Passenger plug-in electric vehicles sold approximately 4.6 million EV units and 1.9 million PHEV units, for a total of approximately 6,495,300 units.
The top three models sold in 2021 are the Tesla Model 3, the Wuling Hongguang MINI EV and the Tesla Model Y. According to the data, Tesla Model 3 sales exceeded 500,000 units, which is the first time in a single model. It also means the fourth consecutive year (2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021) that the Model 3 is the best-selling electric vehicle. Notably, Model 3's quarterly performance in the fourth quarter was lower than model Y's, suggesting that the lead in 2022 may shift.
The Wuling Hongguang MINI EV also sold more than 55,000 units in December, setting the latest single-month record, and the annual sales reached an excellent result of 424,000 units. The key to the car's success is its refined appearance and low price.
The Tesla Model Y reached almost 80,000 units in December (a new record). Sales are expected to exceed 410,000 units in 2021, making it the best-selling electric vehicle in 2022. Importantly, two new plants will be put into operation this year, one in Germany and one in Texas, USA.
Tesla Model 3
When the Model 3 was just listed a few years ago, many people still had a high evaluation of the appearance, and the "faceless" front and sneaky body contours have also become the elements imitated by many new forces, but this homogeneous design trend is easy to make people have aesthetic fatigue. The body length, width and height are 4694/1850/1443mm, and the wheelbase is 2875mm. Although positioned as a mid-size sedan, the body size is not outstanding in its class, and the length is shorter than the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class with standard axles.
There is neither a dashboard nor a shortcut control key in the car, and the 15-inch central control screen can perform all the functions of the vehicle, even the steering wheel, exterior mirrors, lights and other common adjustments need to be achieved through it. This minimalist interior design style is indeed not luxurious, but the use of space is an absolute advantage, and the ride is excellent.
The roof of the Model 3 is equipped with an unopenable double-section canopy, which is different from other members of the family, not only has good lighting, but also ensures the torsional rigidity of the body, which is necessary for the car that focuses on performance.
Wuling Hongguang MINI EV
Hongguang MINI EV is an economical, convenient and practical car, do not have too high requirements for its endurance and power. In the urban area, go to the wet market, supermarket and other crowded or densely trafficked places to play its greatest advantage. There are a variety of exterior colors to choose from, and the fashionable tones are also in line with the aesthetics of young people, but the car's endurance is a short board, and the entire series does not have a NEDC model with a range of more than 200km.
The central control adopts a straight design, the air outlet of the through-type air conditioner is retro and simple, and the co-driver position is not equipped with a glove box, but instead a net pocket. The front seats are one-piece design, although it looks slightly thin, but to a certain extent, it optimizes the interior space, and the actual mileage will not make people drive to the backache. The rear seats can be independently reclined for added practicality.
Tesla Model Y
The model Y is very similar to the appearance of the Model 3, but the body size has increased by about 10%, although positioned in a medium-sized SUV, but from the side it looks "bone amazing", the chassis is low, much like a crossover, and it has also been ridiculed by many as a "skin-pulling" Model 3. The rear shape of the sneakback is similar to the Model X, and the taillights are consistent with the Model 3, which highly integrates the family design.
The interior of the Model Y also continues Tesla's simple and rough style, with a large-size central control screen, wood grain trim, matte chrome strips, and through-air conditioning air outlets all copied the design of the Model 3. The 15-inch central control screen is the control hub of the vehicle, and all functions are brought together here. The all-touch operation may be awkward at first, but once you get used to it, it's not as good as the physical button experience. When the touchscreen mobile phone came out, I also refused at the beginning, and once the user habit was formed, it would become a major trend.
Practicality is a highlight, the rear seats support 4/2/4 ratio reclining, the maximum depth can be extended to 2 meters, the interior is unconventional, and the hatchback tailgate further enhances the loading capacity, which is significantly improved compared to the Model 3. Because of this, the model Y, which looks more like a crossover, will be officially defined as an SUV.
Top 10 in terms of global sales of plug-in electric vehicles for passenger vehicles in 2021
Finally, let's take a look at the complete list, in 2021, the top 10 new energy vehicles in the world, 6 are from Chinese brands, in addition to the Above-mentioned Wuling Hongguang MINI EV, there are BYD Qin Plus PHEV, Ideal ONE, BYD Han EV, BYD Song Pro/Plus PHEV, Changan Benben EV. We often pay attention to the changes in the domestic automobile market, but we really did not expect that so many independent brands would appear on the global sales list. Judging from the expansion momentum of new energy models, it may only be a matter of time before "China Intelligent Manufacturing" achieves curve overtaking, and it is also hoped that while establishing a brand, it will rely on sales profits to feed back technology, because no core technology will only make the road narrower and narrower.