The US automobile market is undergoing a massive transformation towards 100% all-electric mobility, and the process is accelerating. According to reports for the month of January, the share of new light-duty, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the country exceeded 7 percent of the total volume. This is not only indicative of an increase in general volume, but also of an expanding market with more and more models to choose from. The Department of Energy (DOE)’s Vehicle Technologies Office states that the number of available BEV models nearly doubled from 20 in the 2021 model year to 38 in the 2022 model year – the highest growth ever and a clear sign that more manufacturers are joining the segment.
Interestingly, for the first time since 2014, the number of BEV models available on the market in the US is higher than the number of plug-in hybrid models (PHEVs). This is a significant indicator of where the market is heading, as manufacturers are increasingly investing in specially developed all-electric platforms rather than plug-in hybrid versions of existing conventional cars.
It remains to be seen whether BEVs will vastly outnumber PHEVs in the coming years, but it is likely that all-electric cars will grow faster than plug-in hybrids this decade. Additionally, more and more all-electric cars, their batteries, as well as battery materials and other components, are being produced locally. This further highlights the transformation taking place in the US automobile 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.