How Many Electric Cars in the World?

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Cars | January 8, 2024

Man looking at a globe with electric cars on it wonders how many electric cars in the world exist?

When the first crude electric car in the world was developed in 1832, nobody at the time would have thought to ask, how many electric cars in the world?

When the first modern electric car, the EV1, was sold in 1996, still no one was asking, how many electric cars in the world, because there weren’t enough to measure.

But today, as electric cars are poised to overtake gasoline-powered cars by 2030 and beyond, that same question is extremely relevant, especially given that the emissions and damage to the planet caused by electric vehicles remains a serious concern.

What Percentage of Cars Are Electric?

Before answering the question, how many electric cars in the world, let’s look at what percentage of cars are electric.

It is estimated that 1 in 250 cars on the road is electric, which equals a global market share of around 2.2% for electric vehicles.

When looking at US electric vehicle sales by year, 328,118 electric cars were sold in the country in 2018, which translates to a 75% increase year by year. 153,443 of these cars were sold in California.

Also, in the US plug-in EVs make up less than 2% of the EV market here, in comparison with China which is the largest contributor (growth-wise) to global plug-in sales.

Globally, Norway is at the top of the EV new car sales rankings with 58% of EV sales in 2019.

In 2020, the countries with most electric vehicles per capita were as follows:1

Bar graph illustration of the nine countries with the most number of electric vehicles per 1000 residents.

EVs in Norway, when looking at EVs in Europe in general, are far ahead of the pack. In Norway, the successful rate of EV sales is due to excellent government incentives, and the country is planning to phase out internal combustion vehicles by 2025.

The table below indicates global EV sales (plug-in) between 2015 and 2019.

The ‘other’ category refers to more than 30 countries including countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

CountryUnits Sold in 2015Units Sold in 2016Units Sold in 2017Units Sold in 2018 (H1)Units Sold in 2019 (H1)
China190,000351,000606,000388,000645,000
Japan25,00022,00056,00027,00023,000
Europe196,000222,000308,000194,000261,000
USA115,000157,000200,000122,000149,000
Other20,00023,00055,00044,00055,000

Bar graph illustration of the global sales of plug-in electric vehicles from 2015 to 2019.

It is estimated that by 2030, Japan will only have around 210,000 electric vehicles on the road, out of a sales total of five million cars.2

In addition, the table below indicates EV sales by country in 2021:3

Bar graph illustration of the EV sales by country in 2021.

CountryEV Sales in 2021Percentage of Total EV Sales
China3,519, 05451.7%
US631,1529.3%
Germany695,65710.2%
France322,0434.7%
UK326,9904.8%
Norway153,6992.3%
Italy141,6152.1%
Sweden138,7712.0%
South Korea119,4021.8%
Netherlands97,2821.4%
Rest of Europe469,9306.9%
Rest of World313,1294.6%
TOTAL6,809,322100%

How Many Electric Cars in the World?

When answering the question, how many electric cars in the world, the percentage of electric cars in the world (passenger cars) is estimated to reach 58% in 2040.

In addition to this, it is estimated that Californian roads will see around 4 million EVs by 2030.

How Many Electric Cars in the US?

When considering the question, how many electric cars in the US, EV sales must be factored in. EV sales during October 2022 in North America totaled 85,920 plug-in car sales, which translates to 70,443 battery electric vehicles, and 15,477 PHEVs.

Electric car usage statistics revealed that American consumers love Tesla, with the company selling around 140,000 Tesla Model 3 cars in 2017. By 2018, Tesla enjoyed a 50% EV market share relating to EV plug-in sales in the US.

The below table indicates the ranking of Tesla sales of EVs in North America between 2011 and 2019, compared to other EVs:3

Bar graph illustration of the electric vehicle sales in the US in 2021.

While EVs in China (plug-ins) remain unchallenged when it comes to sales, the uptake of electric vehicles in Japan has had a slow start.

Electric Vehicle ModelSales in 2021Percentage of US EV Sales in 2021
Tesla EV Model:
Tesla Model Y
185,99429.5%
Tesla EV Model:
Tesla Model 3
147,46023.4%
Ford EV Model:
Ford Mustang Mach-E
27,1404.3%
Chevrolet EV Model:
Chevy Bolt EV/EUV
24,8283.9%
Volkswagen EV Model:
VW ID.4
16,7422.7%
Tesla EV Model:
Tesla Model S
15,5452.5%
Nissan EV Model:
Nissan Leaf
14,2392.3%
Porsche EV Model:
Porsche Taycan
9,4191.5%
Tesla EV Model:
Tesla Model X
7,9851.3%
Audi EV Model:
Audi e-tron
7,4291.2%

How Many Electric Cars Are on the Road in the US?

The next question then follows, how many electric cars are on the road in the US?

In 2018, one million electric cars were on the road in the US.

Graphic shows the Total EV Units Sold in 2021 and also shows that the top selling EV in the U.S in 2022 is the Tesla Model Y.

In 2022, a 60% rise in EV registrations has led to the estimation that 1 percent of the 250 million cars on US roads are electric.

According to estimated electric vehicle trends 2022, more than half of the cars on American roads in 2050, could be electric vehicles.4

US Electric Car Statistics

US electric car statistics include the answer to the question, how many electric cars in the U.S. 2022, the percentage of electric cars in U.S. by 2030, US electric vehicle sales 2022, and EV sales by state 2022.

  • How many electric cars in the U.S. 2022?

In 2022, there are 2,531, 206 electric cars in the US. This figure was established after an 85% increase in BEV sales in 2021, a 138% increase in PHEV sales, and a 73% increase in HEV sales.

The percentage of electric cars in U.S. by 2030 is estimated to reach around 52%.

The below table indicates the electric car companies instrumental in US electric vehicle sales 2022:

Electric Car CompanySales Period January – May 2022
Tesla, IncPercentage of sales during period: 13.6%
SAIC-GM-WulingPercentage of sales during period: 9.3%
BYD CO.Ltd.Percentage of sales during period: 8.5%
VW GroupPercentage of sales during period: 8.5%
Hyundai-KiaPercentage of sales during period: 6.2%
Geely-VolvoPercentage of sales during period: 6.2%

EV sales by state 2022

In December 2021, the state of California had the highest number of registered electric cars in America, at 563,070. Following behind is Florida with 95,640 registered electric cars, and Texas with 80,900 registered electric vehicles.5

The below table indicates the number of EV registrations between 2020 and 2021 in the USA, as well as the percentage of new car sales that are electric:6

StateNumber of EV Registrations in 2020Percentage of Total EVs in 2020Number of EV Registrations in 2021Number of Total EVs in 2021Year-on-Year Growth
AlabamaEV registrations 2020:
2,890
Percentage total 2020: 0.30%EV registrations 2021:
4,750
Percentage total 2021: 0.33%YOY Growth: +64.40%
AlaskaEV registrations 2020:
940
Percentage total 2020:
0.09%
EV registrations 2021:
1,290
Percentage total 2021: 0.09%YOY Growth: +37.23%
ArizonaEV registrations 2020:
28,770
Percentage total 2020:
2.80%
EV registrations 2021:
40,740
Percentage total 2021: 2.80%YOY Growth: +41.61%
ArkansasEV registrations 2020:
1,330
Percentage total 2020:
0.13%
EV registrations 2021:
2,390
Percentage total 2021: 0.16%YOY Growth: +79.70%
CaliforniaEV registrations 2020:
425,300
Percentage total 2020:
42%
EV registrations 2021:
563,070
Percentage total 2021: 38.71%YOY Growth: +32.40%
ColoradoEV registrations 2020:
24,670
Percentage total 2020:
2.4%
EV registrations 2021:
37.000
Percentage total 2021: 2.54%YOY Growth: +50.00%
ConnecticutEV registrations 2020:
9,040
Percentage total 2020:
0.90%
EV registrations 2021:
13,350
Percentage total 2021: 0.92%YOY Growth: +47.70%
DelawareEV registrations 2020:
1,950
Percentage total 2020:
0.20%
EV registrations 2021:
3,010
Percentage total 2021: 0.21%YOY Growth: +54.40%
District of ColumbiaEV registrations 2020:
2,360
Percentage total 2020:
0.23%
EV registrations 2021:
3,700
Percentage total 2021: 0.25%YOY Growth: +56.80%
FloridaEV registrations 2020:
58,160
Percentage total 2020:
5.7%
EV registrations 2021:
95,640
Percentage total 2021: 6.58%YOY Growth: +64.44%
GeorgiaEV registrations 2020:
23,530
Percentage total 2020:
2.3%
EV registrations 2021:
34,020
Percentage total 2021: 2.34%YOY Growth: +44.58%
HawaiiEV registrations 2020:
10,670
Percentage total 2020:
1.1%
EV registrations 2021:
14,220
Percentage total 2021: 0.98%YOY Growth: +33.30%
IdahoEV registrations 2020:
2,300
Percentage total 2020:
0.23%
EV registrations 2021:
3,500
Percentage total 2021: 0.24%YOY Growth: +52.20%
IllinoisEV registrations 2020:
26,000
Percentage total 2020:
2.6%
EV registrations 2021:
36,520
Percentage total 2021: 2.51%YOY Growth: +40.50%
IndianaEV registrations 2020:
6,990
Percentage total 2020:
0.70%
EV registrations 2021:
10,360
Percentage total 2021: 0.71%YOY Growth: +48.21%
IowaEV registrations 2020:
2,260
Percentage total 2020:
0.22%
EV registrations 2021:
3,660
Percentage total 2021: 0.25%YOY Growth: +62.00%
KansasEV registrations 2020:
3,130
Percentage total 2020:
0.31%
EV registrations 2021:
4,500
Percentage total 2021: 0.31%YOY Growth: +43.77%
KentuckyEV registrations 2020:
2,650
Percentage total 2020:
0.26%
EV registrations 2021:
4,220
Percentage total 2021: 0.29%YOY Growth: +59.30%
LouisianaEV registrations 2020:
1,950
Percentage total 2020:
0.19%
EV registrations 2021:
3,180
Percentage total 2021: 0.22%YOY Growth: +63.10%
MaineEV registrations 2020:
1,920
Percentage total 2020:
0.19%
EV registrations 2021:
3,040
Percentage total 2021: 0.21%YOY Growth: +58.33%
MarylandEV registrations 2020:
17,970
Percentage total 2020:
1.8%
EV registrations 2021:
25,630
Percentage total 2021: 1.76%YOY Growth: +42.63%
MassachusettsEV registrations 2020:
21,010
Percentage total 2020:
2.1%
EV registrations 2021:
30,470
Percentage total 2021: 2.09%YOY Growth: +45.03%
MichiganEV registrations 2020:
10,620
Percentage total 2020:
1%
EV registrations 2021:
17,460
Percentage total 2021: 1.20%YOY Growth: +64.41%
MinnesotaEV registrations 2020:
10,380
Percentage total 2020:
1%
EV registrations 2021:
15,000
Percentage total 2021: 1.03%YOY Growth: +44.51%
MississippiEV registrations 2020:
780
Percentage total 2020:
0.08%
EV registrations 2021:
1,310
Percentage total 2021: 0.09%YOY Growth: +68.00%
MissouriEV registrations 2020:
6,740
Percentage total 2020:
0.66%
EV registrations 2021:
10,050
Percentage total 2021: 0.69%YOY Growth: +49.11%
MontanaEV registrations 2020:
940
Percentage total 2020:
0.09%
EV registrations 2021:
1,650
Percentage total 2021: 0.11%YOY Growth: +75.53%
NebraskaEV registrations 2020:
1,810
Percentage total 2020:
0.18%
EV registrations 2021:
2,710
Percentage total 2021: 0.19%YOY Growth: +49.72%
NevadaEV registrations 2020:
11,040
Percentage total 2020:
1.1%
EV registrations 2021:
17,380
Percentage total 2021: 1.19%YOY Growth: +57.43%
New HampshireEV registrations 2020:
2,690
Percentage total 2020:
0.26%
EV registrations 2021:
4,000
Percentage total 2021: 0.28%YOY Growth: +48.70%
New JerseyEV registrations 2020:
30,420
Percentage total 2020:
3%
EV registrations 2021:
47,830
Percentage total 2021: 3.29%YOY Growth: +57.23%
New MexicoEV registrations 2020:
2,620
Percentage total 2020:
0.26%
EV registrations 2021:
4,150
Percentage total 2021: 0.29%YOY Growth: +58.40%
New YorkEV registrations 2020:
32,590
Percentage total 2020:
3.2%
EV registrations 2021:
51,870
Percentage total 2021: 3.57%YOY Growth: +59.16%
North CarolinaEV registrations 2020:
16,190
Percentage total 2020:
1.6%
EV registrations 2021:
25,190
Percentage total 2021: 1.73%YOY Growth: +55.60%
North DakotaEV registrations 2020:
220
Percentage total 2020:
0.02%
EV registrations 2021:
380
Percentage total 2021: 0.03%YOY Growth: +72.73%
OhioEV registrations 2020:
14,530
Percentage total 2020:
1.4%
EV registrations 2021:
21,200
Percentage total 2021: 1.46%YOY Growth: +45.91%
OklahomaEV registrations 2020:
3,410
Percentage total 2020:
0.34%
EV registrations 2021:
7,180
Percentage total 2021: 0.49%YOY Growth: +111.00%
OregonEV registrations 2020:
22,850
Percentage total 2020:
2.2%
EV registrations 2021:
30,290
Percentage total 2021: 2.08%YOY Growth: +32.60%
PennsylvaniaEV registrations 2020:
17,530
Percentage total 2020:
1.7%
EV registrations 2021:
26,770
Percentage total 2021: 1.84%YOY Growth: +52.71%
Rhode IslandEV registrations 2020:
1,580
Percentage total 2020:
0.16%
EV registrations 2021:
2,550
Percentage total 2021: 0.18%YOY Growth: +61.39%
South CarolinaEV registrations 2020:
4,390
Percentage total 2020:
0.43%
EV registrations 2021:
7,440
Percentage total 2021: 0.51%YOY Growth: +69.50%
South DakotaEV registrations 2020:
410
Percentage total 2020:
0.04%
EV registrations 2021:
680
Percentage total 2021: 0.05%YOY Growth: +66.00%
TennesseeEV registrations 2020:
7,810
Percentage total 2020:
0.80%
EV registrations 2021:
12,160
Percentage total 2021: 0.84%YOY Growth: +55.70%
TexasEV registrations 2020:
52,190
Percentage total 2020:
5.1%
EV registrations 2021:
80,900
Percentage total 2021: 5.56%YOY Growth: +55.01%
UtahEV registrations 2020:
11,230
Percentage total 2020:
1.1%
EV registrations 2021:
16,480
Percentage total 2021: 1.13%YOY Growth: +46.75%
VermontEV registrations 2020:
2,230
Percentage total 2020:
0.22%
EV registrations 2021:
3,370
Percentage total 2021: 0.23%YOY Growth: +51.12%
VirginiaEV registrations 2020:
20,510
Percentage total 2020:
2%
EV registrations 2021:
30,660
Percentage total 2021: 2.11%YOY Growth: +49.50%
WashingtonEV registrations 2020:
50,520
Percentage total 2020:
5%
EV registrations 2021:
66,810
Percentage total 2021: 4.59%YOY Growth: +32 by company.30%
West VirginiaEV registrations 2020:
600
Percentage total 2020:
0.06%
EV registrations 2021:
1,010
Percentage total 2021: 0.07%YOY Growth: +68.33%
WisconsinEV registrations 2020:
6,310
Percentage total 2020:
0.62%
EV registrations 2021:
9,330
Percentage total 2021: 0.64%YOY Growth: +47.90%
WyomingEV registrations 2020:
330
Percentage total 2020:
0.03%
EV registrations 2021:
510
Percentage total 2021: 0.04%YOY Growth: +54.60%
TOTAL1,019,260100%1,454,480100%+42.70%

Starting Cost for Popular Electric Cars in the US

While Norway is top of the charts when it comes to the question, of which country uses the most electric cars, electric vehicle growth projections show that the EV market in the US is poised to grow by 23.1% between 2022 and 2027.

The starting cost for popular electric cars in the US is as follows:7

Electric Car ModelStarting Cost (Average)
Tesla Model YCost: $65,990
Tesla model 3Cost: $46,990
Ford Mustang Mach-ECost: $46,895
Tesla Model XCost $120,990
Hyundai IONIQ 5Cost: $39,950
Kia EV6Cost: $41,400
Tesla Model SCost: $104,990
Nissan LeafCost: $27,800
Kia Niro ElectricCost: $39,990
Audi e-tronCost: $70,800

How Many Electric Cars in the UK?

The next question about electric cars then would be, how many electric cars in the UK?

Statistics reveal that almost 250,000 electric vehicles were registered in the UK in 2022.

The UK electric car market includes BEVs, PHEVs, and HEVs.

How Many Electric Cars in the World?

The question, how many electric cars in the world, doesn’t only relate to the US share of the EV market, but also the UK and Europe share of the EV market.

The EV market share 2022 stands at 14% for new electric vehicles. Electric vehicle sales statistics 2022 show that EV registrations are continuing to rise, with 19,933 new BEVs registered in 2022.

EV sales Europe 2022 have increased by 2% in August 2022. Plugin vehicle percentages sold between January and September 2022 are as follows:8

Bar graph illustration of the sales of plug-in vehicles by car groups from January to September 2022.

When it comes to electric vehicle forecast 2030, Europe is predicted to take 14% of the EV market share in 2022, 27% of the market share in 2025, and up to 50.5% of the market share by 2030.

Further to the above information, the global EV sales 2022 by brand are as follows (October 2022):9

  • Tesla Model Y – Units: 64,780
  • BYD Song (both BEV and PHEV) – Units: 42,522
  • BYD Qin Plus (both BEV and PHEV) – Units: 35,716
  • Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV – Units: 33,877
  • Tesla Model 3 – Units: 31,529
  • BYD Han (BEV and PHEV) – Units: 25,994
  • BYD Dolphin – Units: 23,486
  • BYD Yuan Plus (BEV) – Units: 18,518
  • Volkswagen ID.4 – Units: 17,246
  • GAC Aion S – Units: 11,683

In addition to this, by September 2022 EVs in Australia totaled 26,356 new vehicles sold. This equals a 65% increase in the EV market share in this country in 2021.

How Many Miles Can Electric Cars Go?

Another common question about electric cars, other than which electric car is the cheapest, or what is the global EV market share by company, is how many miles can electric cars go? Modern battery electric vehicles have an average range of 250 miles after being charged once.

How Many Miles Do Electric Cars Last?

So, if EV batteries have an average range of 250 miles, how many miles do electric cars last overall?

The average EV battery will last up to 200,000 miles. However, some battery manufacturers have stated that their batteries will last much longer.

Read More About: 734 Trees: How Many You’d Have to Plant to Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Is an Electric Car Worth It?

After all the information stated above, the last, and perhaps most important question remains: is an electric car worth it?

Aside from the fact that it is far less harmful to the environment than gasoline-powered cars, the following factors should also be considered when purchasing an EV:

  • EVs make up the fastest-growing sector in the new car market in 2022.
  • EVs are typically more expensive than conventional cars, but there are cheaper versions. EV running costs are also generally cheaper than petrol or diesel car running costs.
  • Some EVs offer fantastic ranges, up to 600 miles.

Read More About: Individual Carbon Footprint Calculator: Your Eco Footprint in 60 Seconds

Best Electric Cars 2022

The best electric cars 2022 in the UK include the following:10

EVCost to Charge(£)Cost per Mile (p)Added MilesAdded kWhElectric Range in MilesCharge Time in Minutes
Fiat 500 Hatch5.767.1811910124
MINI Electric7.827.51052613130
Honda e8.528.31032812936
Mazda MX-308.529.1942811836
SEAT Mii Electric8.837.21222915336

In addition to this, some of the best electric cars include:

  • Electric SUV: Tesla Model Y
  • Best Small EV: Mercedes EQA
  • Best 7-Seater EV: Peugeot e-Rifter
  • Best Electric Car: BMW i4

When looking back at the above information, it is clear to see that the answer to the question, how many electric cars in the world, is constantly evolving and will look a lot different in the not-too-distant future.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Electric Cars in the World

How Many Electric Cars in the World?

Around the globe, there are more than 16.5 million EVs, which is triple the number of EVs that were on the road in 2018.

Which Country Has the Highest Percentage of Electric Cars 2022?

The country with the highest percentage of electric cars is Norway, with around 80 EVs per 1,000 people.

What Percentage of Cars Are Electric in the World?

Around 2.2% of the global vehicle market consists of EVs.

How Many People Own Electric Cars?

More than 6.4 million people own electric cars around the world.

How Many Electric Cars Sold in 2022?

4.3 million electric cars were sold in 2022.

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Electric Cars vs Gasoline?

When considering the carbon footprint of electric cars vs gasoline, electric cars have smaller than gasoline cars. However it must be considered that lithium-ion batteries are a large source of CO2 emissions.

What Is Zero Emissions Cars?

Zero emission cars are vehicles that do not produce tailpipe emissions or other types of pollutants while driving.

What Are the Cars With Lowest CO2 Emissions?

Cars with the lowest CO2 emissions include:

  • Skoda Superb Estate
  • Toyota CH-R
  • Mercedes A-Class
  • Ford Focus
  • Audi A4

What Is the Carbon Footprint Driving vs Flying?

The carbon footprint of driving vs flying depends on how far the journey is, either by car or plane, and what time of ticket is purchased for a plane journey.

How Much CO2 Does a Car Emit per Mile?

On average, a car emits 411 grams of CO2 per mile.


References

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2Kopestinsky, A. (2022, September 29). Electric Car Statistics and Facts 2021 | Policy Advice. Policy Advice. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/electric-car-statistics/>

3Bhutada, G., Lu, M., & Venditti, B. (2022, August 8). Visualizing 10 Years of Global EV Sales by Country. Visual Capitalist. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://www.visualcapitalist.com/visualizing-10-years-of-global-ev-sales-by-country/>

4Blanco, S. (2022, August 8). EV Turning Point May Be Happening; Sales Up 60%. Car and Driver. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39998609/electric-car-sales-usa/>

5Indah, K. (2022, September 18). How Many Electric Cars in the US in 2022? (NEW Stats). EarthWeb. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://earthweb.com/how-many-electric-cars-in-the-us/>

6Lambert, F., Weintraub, S., & Lewis, M. (2022, August 24). Current EV registrations in the US: How does your state stack up and who grew the most YOY? Electrek. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://electrek.co/2022/08/24/current-ev-registrations-in-the-us-how-does-your-state-stack-up/>

7YAA. (2022, September 22). The Average Price of an Electric Car (Updated Monthly). YAA. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://joinyaa.com/guides/average-price-of-an-electric-car/>

8Pontes, J. (2022, October 25). Europe Electric Car Sales — 16% of New Cars Fully Electric, 24% Have a Plug. CleanTechnica. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://cleantechnica.com/2022/10/25/europe-electric-car-sales-16-fully-electric-24-have-a-plug/>

9Kane, M. (2022, October 3). Global Plug-In Electric Car Sales Increased 60% In August 2022. InsideEVs. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://insideevs.com/news/613800/global-plugin-car-sales-august2022/>

10Moldrich, C. (2022, November 7). Should I buy an electric car in 2023? CAR Magazine. Retrieved November 24, 2022, from <https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/electric/should-i-buy-an-electric-car/>