What Country Imports the Most Electric Cars?

Promoting environmental responsibility and technological advancement in recent years has increased interest in electric vehicles. There is now more of a need for electric automobiles as more countries use them.

But which country imports the most electric cars? We'll explore the top countries that import electric cars and the reasons behind their high demand.

Many factors contribute to a country's import of electric cars, from government subsidies to a push toward renewable energy.

Electric Car Imports by Country in 2022

Worldwide use of electric vehicles is soaring as nations work to cut carbon emissions and air pollution. Many predict the trend will continue in the upcoming years with the appearance of more affordable EVs. Several nations have already enacted legislation that favors the rise of electric automobiles.

According to recent data, the total imported value of electric cars in 2022 was $86.2 billion.

The leading 15 nations that imported electric vehicles in 2022 for the most amount of money accounted for 95% of the total imported value and are as follows:

1. United States: 16.2% ($13.95 billion)
2. Germany: 14.8% ($12.69 billion)
3. Norway: 11.5% ($9.88 billion)
4. China: 11.1% ($9.57 billion)
5. France: 10.2% ($8.77 billion)
6. Netherlands: 7.5% ($6.45 billion)
7. Japan: 5.6% ($4.83 billion)
8. United Kingdom: 3.8% ($3.28 billion)
9. Sweden: 3.4% ($2.92 billion)
10. Canada: 3.1% ($2.67 billion)
11. Belgium: 2.6% ($2.23 billion)
12. Australia: 2.5% ($2.16 billion)
13. Switzerland: 1.9% ($1.63 billion)
14. Spain: 1.8% ($1.56 billion)
15. Italy: 1.6% ($1.37 billion)

China imported 11.1% of electric vehicle sales in 2022. At the same time, they hosted more electric car makers and led the production of such cars than anywhere else on Earth.

According to several recent reports, China's projected electric vehicle production in 2023 is estimated at 13 million units, more than all three regions combined.

Global electric car markets are growing quickly, and key importing countries are critical in driving this expansion.

China is projected to become an influential producer of battery and plug-in hybrid electric automobiles in the future.

Tesla: The Most Popular Import Brand

Studies of global electric car imports provide insight into which brands are the most widely adopted in each nation.

Let's examine the United States. Tesla dominates in the US with a 35% share.

In Europe, Tesla also dominates the market in the following markets:

• United Kingdom (30%)
• Norway (56%)
• Switzerland (20%)
• Spain (32%)

In other European countries, Tesla is at number two. For instance, in the German market, Volkswagen is at the top, but Tesla follows as a runner-up. The same situation happens in France and Italy, where Renault is at the top.

Meanwhile, in Asia and Oceania, Tesla is still a favorite, although the brand comes second to others. In Australia, it's the top choice of EVs, but Japan prefers its homegrown brand of Toyota.

Interestingly enough, Volkswagen dominates the market share in China for imported EVs. Tesla once again comes in second place. Rounding up the top three, Toyota has a substantial market share in China.

It's clear that Tesla is a leader in many countries. But other car manufacturers tail it closely and are growing in popularity.

China: The Top EV Producer in 2023

China is increasingly supplanting other countries as the world producer of electric vehicles.

By 2023, it's estimated that China will produce over 13 million battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (BEV/PHEV).

This amount exceeds the total output of other big markets like the United States, Germany, and Japan.

China's total stock volume of BEVs and PHEVs has grown dramatically over the past few years from just 1.8 million in 2018 to around 3.3 million in 2019—an astonishing increase of 46%.

This large investment into electro-mobility has given China a solid foundation to build for the future of electric transportation.

The Chinese government has been encouraging individuals with subsidies and other incentives to switch to eco-friendly modes of transport— namely BEV and PHE cars—allowing them access to these technologies at an affordable price.

This has proved hugely successful as more consumers can now own these vehicles for personal use or for businesses.

With so many incentivized tax breaks in place, Tesla set up a factory in Shanghai, China, in 2020 and has since become the leading EV producer in the country.

Tesla's production of BEV and PHEV vehicles has increased rapidly during the previous few years. The brand will rule over the Chinese market with no signs of slowing down.

As such, China stands unique amongst other nations in its ambition for a greener future powered by EVs' mass-scale adoption.

The USA is the second producer of EVs in 2023, with estimates of up to 5 million vehicles produced that year. Germany manufactured more than 1.6 million electric vehicles. Japan sold 1.5 million, and France reached one million EVs in annual sales.

The US leads the pack regarding charging infrastructure, with around 100,000 public charging stations installed nationwide.

This strong infrastructure makes it easier for individuals to switch to an electric vehicle and helps ensure better accessibility for those who live in apartment complexes.

How China Dominates the EV Market

China's ascent to global leadership in electric cars was not easy. But the generous support of the government provided the essential basis for achievement.

Factors that lead to China's dominance:

• Beijing investments
• R&D of battery technology
• Investment in lithium-ion batteries by the government
• The creation of factories
• Competition lowered their prices
• China banned gas cars in certain cities
• Government incentives and tax benefits

One key element in this support was subsidies; Beijing pumped tens of billions of dollars into the industry to help propel it forward from being a fringe technology to becoming mainstream.

This helped cover costs like research and development for battery technology, which allowed Chinese automakers to stay competitive and offer affordable EVs.

The Chinese government also heavily invested in lithium-ion batteries that power most modern electric automobiles.

It spent billions creating factories and developing processes that improve yields and contain costs.

As production increased, competition drove down price points, making EVs even more attractive to consumers.

Additionally, China cracked down on air pollution by banning petrol cars from certain cities and instituting policies like trade-in bonuses, incentivizing people to purchase electric vehicles instead.

All of these measures helped propel China into the lead position when it comes to electric car adoption worldwide.

China's EV Exports to Europe

China's exports of electric vehicles to the European Union have reached startling new heights. According to data from China's customs authority, a staggering $3.2 billion worth of electric vehicles was shipped in this monthly sales period. It's an impressive 165% higher than the previous period.

Interestingly, most of these fuel cell vehicle exports were not from Chinese brands but from parts and cars made by European manufacturers.

This comes as major carmakers Volkswagen Group and BMW Group are increasingly putting effort into making components inside China due to their limited capacity back home.

China dominates the production and sales of EVs worldwide this year. This dominance is largely due to generous government subsidies, billions of dollars invested in developing battery technology, and policies like trade-in bonuses incentivizing people to switch.

Exports of electric passenger vehicles accounted for over 50 percent of total car shipments from China for two months, with November being a record-breaking $6 billion worth of exports.

EV Imports

Observing which countries are leading the way in electric automobiles is intriguing. There is an obvious rising demand for electric vehicles from China to Norway.

According to the International Energy Agency estimates, China will account for almost 50% of global electric car sales by 2025.

We anticipate that the electric car market will continue to expand as more nations establish ambitious goals for lowering emissions and enhancing air quality.

Meanwhile, you can ship your electric vehicles with A1 Auto Transport. We can evenimport your car to the US from various places around the world. Get a free quotetoday and ship safely with us.