Electric and hybrid cars, a real alternative? The figures say yes

Hybrid cars and electric cars appeared on the market “for real” only a few years ago and, although they seem to have been the “ugly duckling” of vehicles on the market, they appear to be taking off slowly but surely. This is, at least, what the data we are receiving from monthly vehicle registrations in Spain tell us. It is still a very limited market, and one in which cars registered for companies make up a large share, but their presence is becoming ever greater and they could become a real alternative to fossil fuels.

Potential buyers are increasingly appreciative, and more and more people are becoming interested, above all, in hybrids. This combined propulsion model is highly valued, since it allows a considerable reduction in fuel consumption, with all the advantages that entails. The use of electric motors is not viewed as favourably, not because of their advantages, but because their range is still far from what is needed for daily use. At least, in small city cars. On the downside, there is an excessive price that places these cars out of reach for many potential buyers.

Hybrid cars

So far in 2016, the number of hybrid cars sold has nearly exceeded the total for 2015, which is already a considerable milestone. Up to 31 July 2016, 16,807 units have been sold. In relative terms, this means a 70.32% increase in sales compared with the same period of the previous year. This is a good sign that confirms the healthy state of the market for this type of vehicle. Hybrid car prices are high, but they are gradually coming down thanks to advances in technology and the growing number of models of this type. This is probably the option that will be most successful in the medium term.

Electric cars

In the case of 100% electric cars, sales up to 31 July 2016 have already surpassed the total for the whole of 2015. A total of 2,727 units were registered in those first seven months of the year. This represents an increase of 107.8% compared with the same period last year. This increase shows that electric cars can enjoy good health in the car market, although there is still a long way to go and they remain behind hybrids.

The market share of hybrid and electric vehicles stands at 3% of vehicles registered up to the last day of July, a figure that is still very low but which is growing year after year and may bring more than one surprise in the coming years. Will we see them take a privileged place among buyers’ preferences?

Source | ANFAC