Top Performers and Lagging Brands Revealed in Electric Car Market

3

According to a report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released this Thursday, 21 of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers' electric vehicle (EV) plans and offerings were evaluated. The findings depict a dynamic landscape where some carmakers are making remarkable strides while others struggle to keep up.

Significant advancements have been made by companies such as Mercedes-Benz and MG, showcasing their capabilities in the low-emission transport sector. However, familiar brands like Mazda, Honda, and Nissan are facing challenges, slipping further down the rankings compared to their peers.

This report aligns with recent developments in Australia, where new fuel-efficiency standards were passed into law, intending to drive automakers towards greater adoption of low-emission models from the next year. Australia’s elevated focus on electric vehicles could elevate the country’s standings in future comparisons.

The ICCT conducted its Global Automaker Rating 2023 by examining the strategic vision, market presence, and technological achievements of 21 prominent automotive manufacturers. While Tesla secured the top spot with robust sales, BYD, despite lower purely electric vehicle sales, remains close behind with a strong portfolio that includes many plug-in hybrids.

BMW secured third place, and Mercedes-Benz's climb to the fourth rank was noteworthy, partly owing to its innovative recycling and repurposing of EV batteries. The Chinese company SAIC, which oversees the MG brand, achieved the fifth position with commendable growth in electric vehicle sales.

On the other end of the spectrum, brands from Japan and India didn't fare as well. Suzuki, Mazda, and Nissan occupied the lowest ranks, with Suzuki being the least impressive contributor to the zero-emission vehicle market according to the study’s criteria. These brands, while showing increased electric vehicle sales, didn’t offer a broad range of low-emission models or managed high energy consumption, contributing to their lower scores.

Stephanie Searle, ICCT's chief program officer, emphasized the critical nature of these rankings. She believes nearly all passenger vehicles must transition to zero-emission models by 2035 to mitigate global warming effects. "Automakers lagging in technology investment could find themselves overtaken by more forward-thinking competitors," she stated.

Global momentum is also influenced by rigorous transport regulations in Europe, the UK, US, and Canada, where electric vehicle sales are expected to surge rapidly in the upcoming years. Notably, there was a 40% global increase in EV sales between 2022 and 2023, with Australia seeing a dramatic rise of 161% from a lower base compared to other nations.

Starting January next year, the Australian government plans to implement a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. This new policy will set emission limits for vehicle brands, including passenger and commercial vehicles, potentially transforming the market landscape in the country.

This article references findings from an original report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

Published:Friday, 31st May 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Increasing Number of Qualified Financial Advisers Opt Out of Practice 11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori Recent analysis from WealthData indicates a growing trend among financial advisers in Australia, where a significant portion of those who have successfully passed the financial adviser exam are opting not to practice. As of now, 5,096 individuals, representing 33.31% of active advisers, have chosen not to proceed into practice after passing the exam—up from 28.36% a year prior. - read more

Melbourne's Housing Market: A Prime Opportunity For Buyers 11 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently surprised many by maintaining the interest rate at 3.85%, against expectations of a cut. This decision is seen as a measure to continue moderating inflation, but it simultaneously delays potential spikes in the housing market, providing a favorable window for prospective homebuyers. In particular, Melbourne's current market presents significant value, offering a promising opportunity for those looking to enter the property market. - read more

Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers 09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori In a recent discussion, James O'Reilly, Director and Financial Planner at Northeast Wealth, underscored the benefits that could come from granting financial advisers access to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal. Speaking on The ifa Show, O'Reilly proposed that this access would significantly simplify the services financial advisers provide to clients, particularly at tax time and the end of the financial year (EOFY). - read more