BY KORAY OZTOPCU
According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles continue to grow worldwide, with more than 26 million electric vehicles traveling on the roads. This impressive number is considered an indicator of a new ecosystem, sustainable e-mobility.
Automobile sales in Europe increased by 20.89 percent to 1 million 108 thousand units, while Turkey ranked 5th with 85 thousand 916 units in July 2023,
In the first 7-month period of 2023, automobile sales in Europe increased by 19.60 percent and reached 8.1 Mio units at the end of 7 months, and Turkey ranked 6th in that period.
Electric vehicle sales are projected to reach 20.6 million units in 2025 in the global auto industry, compared to 6.6 million this year. By 2025, electric vehicles share will account for 39% of passenger car sales in China and Europe and around 40% to 50% in the UK, Germany, and France.
It is estimated that China and Europe will account for 80% of all EV sales globally by 2025, with the US representing only 15% of total EV sales.
By 2030, the number of electric vehicles worldwide will reach 80.7 million.
Consumer interest in hybrid and electric vehicles is increasing in Türkiye
According to ODMD data, 17.307 electric units were sold in Türkiye in the first seven months of 2023, and the market share increased % by 3.4. In the same period of 2022, 2.532 units of electric and 32,550 units of hybrid cars had been sold. Electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more preferred year by year in Türkiye.
At the end of the 7-month period of 2023, the share of electric vehicles in Europe reached 14%, while it was 2.61% in Turkey. The percentage of cars with electric motors (including hybrid vehicles) in Europe was 45.33% and 13.63% in Turkey.
The share of diesel continues to decline in Europe, but gasoline maintains its position. It is believed that 2.5 million electric vehicles will be on the road in Türkiye in 2030.
The charging station network is expanding in Türkiye
To rapidly expand the charging infrastructure, one of the most critical elements in the development of electric vehicles in Turkey, government incentives continue for electric charging stations to be implemented by the private sector. In this context, Türkiye is becoming one of the countries that increase its fast charging capacity the fastest.
According to the latest announced figures, Turkey’s charging stations increased to 3,790 units, and the number of charging points increased to 8.001. 6,112 units of these stations serve as alternating current (AC) and 1889 as direct current (DC) charging points (sockets).
As of the end of June 2023, there are 27,476 rechargeable electric vehicles across Turkey.
Türkiye ranks first in the number of charging services in the EU
Turkey ranks high in Europe in the number of charging points per vehicle compared to EU countries.
Turkey ranks 2nd in Europe in AC charging points, 3rd in DC charging points, and 2nd in total.
As of June this year, there is approximately one socket for every 3.5 electric vehicles in Turkey. This rate is calculated as one socket for every 13 cars on average across EU countries. In this direction, Turkey’s electric vehicle market and charging network infrastructure are developing rapidly. Public charging points in all 81 provinces of Turkey serve electric vehicle owners. The number of charging network operator license holders is expected to increase, and the number of charging points will continue to grow throughout the country with the support and incentives provided in this field.