When it comes to future cars, there’s a big debate. Some folks still champion hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as the best alternative to gasoline cars. Others insist battery electric vehicles are the only way to go. But what do drivers around the globe actually prefer? The numbers tell a clear story, and it seems consumers have already made their choice.
Customers are the ultimate deciders for any industry. They show what works and what doesn’t. When we look at cars that aren’t powered by gasoline, electric cars are clearly ahead. People are buying many more battery-powered models than hydrogen ones.
In 2024, about 17.4 million new electric cars hit the roads worldwide. That’s a healthy 17% more than the year before. This means the total number of electric vehicles driving around reached an impressive 55.82 million. These figures come from the ZSW institute in Germany. It’s a top research group focused on applied science.
Hydrogen cars tell a very different story. Their sales numbers have actually fallen. Over the last three years, only about 46,000 hydrogen models were sold globally. This stark contrast shows a clear trend.
Let’s break down those hydrogen sales figures:
- In 2022, 20,704 units were sold around the world.
- By 2023, sales dropped sharply by 30.2%, with only 14,451 units sold.
- The situation got even tougher in 2024. Estimates show that only about 12,000 units were registered.
China’s Electric Car Dominance
When we talk about electric vehicles, China is the undisputed leader. More than half of the world’s 55.8 million electric cars are found on Chinese roads. They added 11.3 million new electric car registrations in 2024 alone.
China is far ahead of other regions. For example, the United States registered 1.6 million new electric cars. The European Union saw 2.4 million new registrations. China’s sheer volume highlights its commitment to electric transport.
Even with the overall European numbers, Norway remains a standout. In 2024, eight out of every ten new cars sold there were electric. This success comes from years of strong government incentives. They really show how policy can shape consumer behavior.
China’s leadership isn’t just in volume. It also shows in the most popular models. Eight out of the ten best-selling electric cars globally are Chinese. Their offerings range from small city cars to large SUVs.
Given this trend, German experts are speaking up. They urge the European auto industry to quickly launch more affordable and competitive electric models. Otherwise, they warn, European carmakers risk losing even more market share to their Chinese rivals. The future of the car seems clear, and it’s largely electric.