This report is analyzing performance parameters of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) in comparison to ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars as of 2018-19 in order to evaluate future BEV competitiveness and the rate of penetration into US private vehicle market. 2018 was another dramatic year for Plug-in EVs and specifically for BEVs – the number of delivered BEVs in US surged to 271,932 units, up from 111,104 units the previous year. Interestingly, this came in line with a continuing trend of decreasing sales of passenger vehicles in the US. The overall percentage of BEVs from among passenger cars reached 4.95% - a dramatic increase from 1.06% in 2016 and 1.83% in 2017. BEVs formed 75% of Plug-in EVs, clearly showing dominance over PHEVs.
Plug-in electric vehicles have dramatically increased in presence at the private vehicle market in recent years, including hybrid PHEVs and fully-electric BEVs. Due to the aggressive BEVs growth rate compared with other passenger vehicle types, some already assume BEV dominance of the private transportation market within several years. Nevertheless, the transition to electric transportation may still encounter various obstacles, including technology, infrastructures, battery supply and of course regulation. Furthermore, it is also very much possible that the current mainstream scheme of private vehicle ownership could shift to other mobility models, based on technologies such as car-sharing, car-pooling, public transport on demand, autonomous drive, etc.
Figure 1. The share of BEVs sales from among annual sales of passenger cars 2014-18 in US. Data obtained from official reports by US government.
2018 was another dramatic year for Plug-in EVs and specifically for BEVs – the number of delivered BEVs in US surged to 271,932 units, up from 111,104 units the previous year. Interestingly, this came in line with a continuing trend of decreasing sales of passenger vehicles in the US. The overall percentage of BEVs from among passenger cars reached 4.95% - a dramatic increase from 1.06% in 2016 and 1.83% in 2017. BEVs formed 75% of Plug-in EVs, clearly showing dominance over PHEVs. This share of sales is beginning to resemble European countries, with a clear trend – BEV dominance in the US market is very likely to be achieved sometime during the 2020s.
Figure 2. Energy-per-weight (Wh/kg) is equivalent to battery energy capacity per BEV weight in comparison to fuel tank energy capacity per ICE vehicle weight. Energy-per-weight can serve as a tool to measure vehicle's normalized energy capacity.
Figure 3. Range-per-weight (km/kg) is equivalent to vehicle's maximum range per BEV weight in comparison to full-tank travel range per ICE vehicle weight. Range-per-weight can serve as a measure for vehicle's normalized travel range.
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