Last year, the number of electric vehicles registered worldwide, excluding China, increased by 6.1% compared to the previous year, surpassing 6 million units. Tesla, Volkswagen, and Hyundai Motor Group ranked first to third, while growth among Chinese brands, including BYD, was notable.

According to energy market research firm SNE Research on the 14th, the number of electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids) registered in 80 countries last year, excluding China, was 6.01 million, an increase of 6.1% compared to the previous year.

Cumulative global electric vehicle deliveries in 2024 excluding China. /Courtesy of SNE Research
Cumulative global electric vehicle deliveries in 2024 excluding China. /Courtesy of SNE Research

By brand, Tesla sold 1.132 million units, down 6%, marking the top spot. Tesla's market share outside of China decreased from 21.3% to 18.8%.

The second place went to the Volkswagen Group, which sold 787,000 units, representing a 1.7% increase. While models like the Audi Q4 and Q8 e-tron showed solid growth, Volkswagen's main models, the ID. 3, 4, and 5, struggled in sales.

Hyundai Motor Group ranked third, selling 545,000 units, a decrease of 2.7%. The Stellantis Group sold 467,000 units, down 17.3% due to weak demand in the European market, relinquishing the third position to Hyundai Motor Group.

The ATTO3 vehicle is making its appearance at the media showcase for the launch of the BYD passenger brand held at the SangSang Platform in Jung-gu, Incheon on Jan. 16. /Courtesy of News1
The ATTO3 vehicle is making its appearance at the media showcase for the launch of the BYD passenger brand held at the SangSang Platform in Jung-gu, Incheon on Jan. 16. /Courtesy of News1

Last year, the growth of Chinese electric vehicle brands was prominent. The sales volume of Geely Group, ranked sixth, increased by 22.2% compared to the previous year, recording 396,000 units. Rank ninth BYD sold 254,000 units, a 125.4% increase.

Among the brands in the top ten in sales volume, BYD was the only one to show a triple-digit increase rate. BYD's market share outside of China more than doubled to 4.2% in a year.

A spokesperson for SNE Research noted, “Chinese electric vehicle brands are seizing leadership in emerging markets for electric vehicles, accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in developing countries,” adding that “automakers should establish response strategies considering short-term policy risks while focusing on technological innovation and establishing production systems in preparation for a market rebound beyond 2026.”