The Electric Revolution: How 2017 Was the Year Electric Cars Outpaced Gas Cars in Key Markets
In 2017 the car market changed. Electric vehicles sold more than gas cars in key parts of the world. Government rules, new tech, and shifting buyer taste helped bring this change.
Key Drivers of EV Adoption
Government Rules and Laws
Around the world strict rules cut waste gas and poor air. Law makers saw a need to slow air harm and climate change. They set up offers that helped sell more electric cars. China, for example, backed local production and set tight city rules. This state help pushed the shift from gas to electric.
Market Performance: A Global View
Many regions showed a big jump in electric car sales. In 2017 sales went from about 80,000 in 2016 to nearly 267,000 in the first nine months. Key markets changed a lot:
- China: China led with 227,000 electric vehicles sold from January to September 2017. Sales grew 126% from the previous year. Strong rules and a fight with poor air boosted growth.
- Europe: European sales hit roughly 100,000 electric vehicles in the same period. Sales rose by 42% from last year. Countries like Norway, the UK, Germany, and France helped with local rules to cut car waste.
- North America: In the US 67,000 electric vehicles were sold. Sales grew by 21%. Many buyers still picked larger gas vehicles. Worry over battery range and calls for tax changes slowed the shift.
Top Brands in the Electric Car Market
Among makers Tesla led the pack. Between January and September 2017, Tesla sold 57,000 vehicles, a 33% increase. Tesla made only electric cars and earned strong buyer trust. Next, BAIC’s EC model came in as a top seller. Old car makers also began to add electric cars as buyers shifted their view.
The Road Ahead
The change seen in 2017 marks a new path away from gas cars. Buyer care, tech progress, and strong state help push the shift ahead. Countries in Europe and China prove that with firm rules and more charging points the change can spread widely. Old gas cars slowly lose lead as makers adjust to new clean choices.
In coming years more funds will go to car tech, battery range, and new charging stations. Government and makers will work together to urge more buyers to choose electric. The year 2017 may well be seen as the start of a cleaner, smarter car market.
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