Renewable Energy Pulse: Week 3 ???

Welcome to this week’s edition of Renewable Energy Pulse, your source for the latest in renewable energy, EV innovation, and sustainable breakthroughs. This week, we explore record-breaking EV sales, Amazon’s bold steps toward zero-emission deliveries, and the sales data of China in the EV market. Let’s dive in:

?? 2024 Breaks Global EV Sales Record

2024 was a landmark year for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with 17.1 million EVs sold globally, marking a 25% growth compared to the previous year. December alone achieved 1.9 million sales, a 5% increase over November, setting a record-breaking fourth consecutive month.

Regional Highlights

• China: The undisputed leader in EVs, 11 million units sold (+40%), accounted for nearly 65% of global growth. Policies like the car trade-in scheme, doubled mid-year, and a strong push for plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) boosted demand. BYD, the market leader, produced over 4.25 million units, representing a third of all EVs sold globally.
• United States & Canada: Sales reached 1.8 million (+9%), driven by tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act. However, uncertainties loom as incoming President Trump has announced plans to cut EV subsidies.
• Europe: While December sales exceeded 300,000 units (+12% MoM), the region ended the year with a 3% decline. Subsidy removals in Germany led to slower growth, while the UK emerged as a bright spot, with 400,000 BEVs sold (+20%), surpassing Germany for the first time.
• Norway: Cemented its position as the global leader in EV adoption, with over 90% of passenger car sales being EVs.

Key Statistics

• Global Snapshot: 17.1 million units (+25%)
• China: 11 million (+40%)
• EU, EFTA, UK: 3 million (-3%)
• US & Canada: 1.8 million (+9%)
• Rest of the World: 1.3 million (+27%)

“While the global EV market boomed by 25%, regional disparities have grown,” noted Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion. “Policy-driven incentives like the UK’s ZEV mandate drove local growth, while subsidy cuts in Germany caused a ripple effect across Europe.”

?? Amazon Expands EV Fleet for Zero-Emission Deliveries

Amazon continues its sustainability journey by placing the UK’s largest-ever EV truck order and introducing rail deliveries for the first time. These initiatives mark significant steps in Amazon’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Fleet Expansion Highlights

• 140+ EV Trucks: Amazon will integrate 120 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 and 8 Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks into its UK delivery network over the next 18 months.
• Zero Emissions: The fleet is expected to transport 300 million packages annually with zero exhaust emissions.

Charging Infrastructure

To support its fleet, Amazon is installing fast-charging stations with 360kW chargers capable of powering 40-tonne trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour. These trucks, with a range of 310 miles (500 km) on a full charge, ensure efficient operations.

Innovations in Logistics

• Rail Deliveries: Amazon’s use of the UK’s electric West Coast Main Line will transport 20 million products annually, reducing emissions and avoiding road congestion.
• On-Foot Deliveries: In central London, Amazon has introduced on-foot deliveries and expanded its fleet of e-cargo bikes, reducing van trips and emissions in one of the world’s most congested cities.

"Decarbonizing our transport network is key to achieving net-zero emissions," said Nicola Fyfe, EU VP of Amazon Logistics. “This investment underscores our commitment to cleaner, more efficient logistics.”

Since 2022, Amazon has completed over 150 million deliveries using electric vans and e-cargo bikes in the UK, removing millions of diesel vans from the road and improving air quality in urban areas.

?? 2024 China EV Brand and Model Sales Rankings

China’s EV market achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, with 1.5 million EVs sold in December alone, representing a 35% YoY growth and a 5% MoM increase. The market’s penetration rate exceeded 50%, reinforcing its leadership in new energy vehicles (NEVs).

Top Brands

1. BYD: Dominated with 509,440 units sold inDecember and 4.25 million units sold in 2024, maintaining its market leadership.
2. Tesla: Recorded 93,766 sales in December (+18.9% MoM), with a cumulative total of 916,660 units for 2024.
3. Geely Auto: Secured third place with 888,235 cumulative sales, despite a 9.2% decline in December.

Top Models

• Tesla Model Y: The global bestseller with 480,309 units sold in 2024.
• BYD Seagull: Achieved 453,593 sales, solidifying its place in the domestic market.
• Hongguang MINI EV: Maintained popularity with 261,141 units sold.
• BYD Song PLUS PHEV: A hybrid success with 266,189 units sold.

EV Innovation and Growth

China's policy-driven incentives, such as subsidies and trade-in programs, continue to drive the expansion of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and range-extended EVs (REEVs). BYD and Tesla remain at the forefront of innovation, setting benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability.

?? Key Takeaways

1. Record-Breaking EV Sales: 2024 was a pivotal year for the global EV market, with unprecedented growth despite regional disparities.
2. Corporate Sustainability: Amazon’s commitment to zero-emission deliveries highlights the role of businesses in driving decarbonization efforts.
3. China’s EV Leadership: With over 50% market penetration and record sales, China continues to lead the global transition to sustainable transportation.

As the renewable energy and EV sectors evolve, 2025 promises to bring even more innovation, collaboration, and opportunities for a greener future. Stay tuned for next week’s insights as we continue to explore the latest in sustainable technology. ???