Last year, global electric vehicle sales reached 8.02 million units, accounting for 9.9% of total car sales of 80.63 million units, according to the Korea Automotive Research Institute.

Total car sales decreased from 81.44 million in 2021 to 80.63 million in 2022. This decline was attributed to ongoing semiconductor shortages, inflation in various countries, and reduced consumer spending due to high oil prices stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war.

During the same period, electric vehicle sales rose by 68% from 4.77 million units the previous year to 8.02 million units. Regionally, China recorded sales of 5.07 million units, an 86% increase from the previous year’s 2.72 million units. China accounted for 63% of global electric vehicle sales, showcasing a remarkable figure. Europe saw sales grow by 25% to 1.622 million units, up from 1.292 million units the previous year.

In South Korea, electric vehicle sales reached 162,900 units, a 61% increase from the previous year’s 101,112 units.

Last year’s top brand in the electric vehicle market was Tesla. It sold 1.313 million units, up 40% from 938,000 units the previous year. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y targeted the fiercely competitive Chinese market, securing the position of global sales leader. Following Tesla, BYD ranked second with 920,000 units sold, while SAIC ranked third in the global market.

In the domestic electric vehicle market, Hyundai Motor Group sold 120,438 units, a 67.5% increase from 71,897 units the previous year, capturing 73.9% of the domestic market. The best-selling model was the Ioniq 5, with 27,399 units sold, marking a 20% increase from the previous year’s 22,671 units. Kia’s EV6 followed with 24,852 units, a 125% rise from the previous year’s 11,023 units.

The sales surge of Germany’s Big Three in the import electric vehicle market stood out. Mercedes-Benz recorded 5,006 units sold, a 237% increase from 1,363 units the previous year. BMW saw sales soar to 4,888 units, up 1,235% from just 366 units. Audi sold 2,771 units, which is a 78% increase from 1,553 units the previous year.

Isang Jin daedusj@autodiary.kr