Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai and Genesis brands) reported a strong start to 2021, with global vehicle sales in January amounting to 306,296 units, an 8.4 percent increase from the same period last year. Plug-in electric car sales saw even more impressive growth, with combined wholesale shipments (closely related to production) of Hyundai and Genesis plug-in cars reaching 20,718 units, a year-over-year increase of 87 percent. This accounts for nearly 7 percent of the total volume.
The Hyundai sales report includes sales numbers from plants in South Korea, Europe (Kona Electric and Tucson PHEV), Indonesia (Ioniq 5), and plants in China and India (both small numbers). All-electric car sales saw an even more impressive growth of 162 percent year-over-year (18,106 units), accounting for almost 6 percent of the total volume. Plug-in hybrid car sales decreased year-over-year and remain only a small fraction of the business, while hydrogen fuel cell cars remain a niche.
For reference, in 2022 Hyundai Motor Company sold more than 240,000 plug-in electric cars (up 45 percent year-over-year), including nearly 195,000 all-electric (up 56 percent). Wholesale shipments volume by powertrain type in 2022 included BEVs (194,835, up 56%), PHEVs (45,510, up 11%), total plug-ins (240,345, up 45%), and FCVs (10,527, up 9.4%).
The Hyundai brand, which is responsible for the majority of the company’s plug-in car sales, noted a very strong January. The wholesale shipments increased by 82 percent year-over-year to 16,836, including 16,836 all-electric cars. The company explains that Hyundai sales of all-electric cars (customer deliveries) amounted to nearly 14,000 in January, including over 9,000 Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
The hydrogen fuel cell model — Hyundai NEXO — noted 404 units in January. Genesis brand wholesale shipments of all-electric cars (GV60, GV70 EV, and G80 EV) amounted to 1,270 (up 221 percent year-over-year), including 973 GV60.
Overall, Hyundai Motor Company’s strong start to 2021 is a promising sign for the future of electric vehicles. With the addition of the Ioniq 5 N – “the company’s first high-performance EV” – to the lineup in 2023, the company is well positioned to continue its growth in the electric vehicle market.
FAQ
Q1: Are electric car batteries recyclable?
A1: Yes, electric car batteries are recyclable.
Q2: Are electric car chargers free?
A2: It depends on the charger and the location. Some electric car chargers are free, while others may require a fee.
Q3: Can electric car batteries be rebuilt?
A3: Yes, electric car batteries can be rebuilt with the right tools and knowledge.
