Automotive sets the bar higher: New prospects for electric drive |

It is a fact that the automakers have embraced electrification in recent years, because they want to reduce the overall footprint of their models on the planet, to show their environmental awareness in practice, but also to achieve low emission limits to avoid heavy fines. European Commission.

Some manufacturers have raised the bar even higher with regard to electric models and are setting new prospects beyond 2025. More than ten of the largest carmakers have announced that they will be launching only electric models in the coming years. Specifically, Volvo will produce only electric models from 2030 onwards. Ford will do the same in the European market. General Motors plans to produce only electric cars from 2035, while the Volkswagen Group targets 70% of electric car sales and 50% in China by 2030. Finally, the Stellantis group also aims for 70% of electric car sales in Europe. and 35% in the US in the coming years.

Last year alone, about 370 new electric models went into production, marking an increase of 40% compared to 2019. This year, the models have become more and now electric propulsion plays a leading role in the choices of drivers. There is a plethora of models in all categories, with a greater emphasis on SUVs where there is greater demand and they are constantly gaining more market share.

The average driving autonomy of new electric cars is steadily increasing over time. In 2020, the average range for a new electric car was about 350 kilometers, from 200 kilometers in 2015 and according to forecasts it is expected to increase very soon. On the other hand, the average electric range of plug-in hybrid models has remained relatively stable at around 50 km in recent years. There are many companies that say that they do not need more autonomy in this type of car, as the average distance traveled by a European driver is close to these kilometers. And they compensate with the fact that if they will be forced to increase the autonomy, they will need a larger capacity battery, so more weight and higher costs for its purchase.

SUVs are the fastest growing segment of automotive in Europe and of course in Greece. Although they have higher prices to get them, one prefers them without a second thought because he wants to have more options for free time, but also a better driving position. At the same time, companies have higher profit margins than smaller vehicles. This means that manufacturers are more comfortable bearing the extra cost of electric propulsion for SUVs as well as driver assistance systems.