Are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) disappearing? The PHEV market in the imported car sector is shrinking. They are being overshadowed by efficient hybrids and pure electric vehicles with significantly increased battery capacities.
The Korea Import Car Association reported that new imported car sales in September fell by 5.7% compared to the previous year, with 22,565 units sold this year versus 23,928 last year.
Sales figures for powertrains saw a noticeable decline in both diesel and PHEV. From January to September this year, diesel sales totaled 17,777 units, down 28.9% from 25,011 units during the same period last year. PHEVs recorded 8,576 units, down 13.9% from 9,909 units during the previous year.
In contrast, hybrids saw sales increase to 62,405 units, a rise of 15.2% compared to 54,184 units the previous year, while pure electric vehicles rose to 18,423 units, an increase of 33.8% from 13,768 units during the same period last year.
Leading the imported car market, both Mercedes-Benz and BMW are following this trend. BMW, which recorded the highest sales of PHEVs, saw a drop from 4,298 units last year to just 2,224 units this year, marking a 48% decrease by September. Conversely, the sales of BMW’s pure electric i-series increased to 5,490 units, up 84.6% from 2,973 units during the same period last year.
Mercedes-Benz saw its PHEV sales fall to 1,827 units by September this year, down 31.5% from 2,670 units the previous year. Their EQ series of pure electric vehicles surged to 6,156 units, up 131% compared to the 2,664 units from the previous month.
An automotive sales representative noted, “There are still many people looking for PHEVs,” adding, “However, when considering various factors such as driving and charging conditions, the significant increase in the range of electric vehicles is driving sales towards electric cars.”
PHEVs were once regarded as the most pragmatic electric vehicle, boasting the advantages of both electric and internal combustion engines. They are now struggling to keep up with the offensive from extended-range electric and hybrid vehicles.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr