THERE ARE CONFLICTING MESSAGES about EVs. Despite the pullback in the US, BYD sales prove there is still demand. BYD sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in Europe tripled in August. Sales across the EU reached 9130. When non-EU countries UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are included, sales have more than tripled to 11,455 vehicles. BYD sales overtook those of Tesla in Europe in July and in August, Tesla sales plummeted almost 37%, despite the EV market improving overall, especially in Germany which recorded 46% year on year growth in sales of battery electric vehicles.

While some European manufacturers seem unable to convince customers to transition to EVs, BYD and SAIC Motor, with their relatively cheap and highly varied range, go from strength to strength and continue to gain market share across the continent. In contrast, Porsche announced that unpredictable demand for EVs has led to it delaying and deferring the launch of new all-electric models.