Battery electric vehicles in use - worldwide 2016-2020

There were some 6.8 million battery electric vehicles in use globally in 2020. That year, more than three million new battery electric vehicles were added to the worldwide fleet.

Electric vehicle demand gains steam

In light of tightening environmental regulations and increasing worldwide acceptance of electric transmission vehicles, a growing number of automakers are intending to tap into the market for electric vehicles. The world’s best-selling battery electric vehicle is Tesla's Model 3. California-based Tesla Motors was among the first carmakers to assemble electric vehicles exclusively. In the second quarter of 2021, Tesla delivered more than 200,000 vehicles worldwide.

Europe takes the lead

Europe is ranked as the largest market for plug-in electric vehicle sales. The growing demand for electric cars in markets such as Germany and Norway was triggered by government incentives including subsidies, exemptions from tolls, and parking fees. Seven out of ten cars sold in Norway are plug-in electric vehicles.