The BMW Group increased its deliveries of all-electric vehicles in the third quarter by 10.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Across all BMW brands, the manufacturer delivered a total of 103,440 electric vehicles.
This is the second quarter in a row where BMW delivered over 100k BEVs. In Q2 2024, they delivered 107,933 all-electric vehicles, slightly more than the 103,440 delivered from July to September. While not their highest numbers, this still ranks as their third-best quarter for electric deliveries.
While BEV deliveries increased by 10.1% year-on-year, the overall growth for ‘electrified’ vehicles (BEV and PHEV) was just 0.1%. Out of the 140,065 electrified vehicles delivered, plug-in hybrids accounted for 36,625 units. The same trend can be seen throughout 2024, with BEV deliveries growing by 19.1% to 294,054 vehicles, while the growth of ‘electrified’ vehicles (409,122 units) has been only 6.2%. This means plug-in hybrids have fallen by about 17%. Of the 294,054 electric cars sold in 2024, 266,151 had the BMW logo (+22.6%).
The full details and deeper insight are in the original article.
What we’re missing from the Electrive article and the original BMW press release is why the drop in PHEV sales is happening. Is it temporary? Related to subsidies ending? Or is BMW pushing BEVs more aggressively than PHEVs? I’m curious to know.
BMW pulled out of the price war in China a few months ago, raising prices and causing their August sales to drop by 42%. That could definitely have something to do with the drop in PHEV sales.
[PHEVs are growing in popularity in many markets, so if BMW is seeing a drop, it might be due to something they’ve done or some localized issue.]
@sorphia
PHEVs aren’t exactly skyrocketing—they’re replacing combustion sales. The problem with PHEVs is that they are still essentially combustion engine cars with some EV features tacked on. Consumers are starting to recognize that, and legislation in places like Norway is treating PHEVs like ICE cars, which may eventually become the norm elsewhere too.
@jessicah
You could argue they’re EVs with ICE components bolted on, but either way, PHEVs solve a big concern for many people—range and price. It’s a stepping stone for folks not quite ready for full BEVs. Over time, as technology improves, PHEVs will probably fade, but for now, they are an important part of the market.
@sorphia
I agree mostly, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say hybrids are fully EV-focused. The Chevy Volt was one of the few that leaned more toward an EV with an engine backup. Most other hybrids are primarily combustion vehicles with an electric boost.
@sorphia
PHEVs are just a way for legacy automakers to delay the full transition to EVs. They maintain the same combustion engine infrastructure while adding a little bit of electric range to look “green.” It doesn’t fundamentally shift away from fossil fuels, and that’s the real issue.
@jessicah
I just bought a PHEV because it fits my lifestyle better than a full BEV. I do short trips on electric power but have the flexibility of a gas engine for longer trips. It’s a middle ground that works for now, but I can see the day when full BEVs will make more sense.
@jessicah
Most people’s daily driving falls within the typical PHEV range, and having a gas engine for longer trips makes it convenient. Eventually, full EV infrastructure will be ready, but until then, PHEVs are a solid option for many drivers.
@Christopher
But without at-home charging, a PHEV doesn’t make much sense. Most people who live in cities don’t have the ability to charge at home, making full BEVs a better option.
Michael said: @Christopher
But without at-home charging, a PHEV doesn’t make much sense. Most people who live in cities don’t have the ability to charge at home, making full BEVs a better option.
In North America, most people live in homes where they can charge at home. That makes PHEVs viable for a lot of people.
Michael said: @Christopher
But without at-home charging, a PHEV doesn’t make much sense. Most people who live in cities don’t have the ability to charge at home, making full BEVs a better option.
@Nathan
Not really. With BEVs, you can charge during errands or at public charging stations, which isn’t always feasible with PHEVs because their electric range is so short.
@sorphia
There was a stop-sale earlier this year on some of BMW’s models that affected PHEVs but not their BEV lineup. That could also be part of the reason for the drop.
EV sales grew by 10% year-over-year but dropped slightly from Q2 to Q3. PHEV sales, on the other hand, are tanking. BMW is going to need to step it up if they want to stay competitive.
EV sales grew by 10% year-over-year but dropped slightly from Q2 to Q3. PHEV sales, on the other hand, are tanking. BMW is going to need to step it up if they want to stay competitive.
Why would BMW join the price war in China, though? That seems like a race to the bottom.
EV sales grew by 10% year-over-year but dropped slightly from Q2 to Q3. PHEV sales, on the other hand, are tanking. BMW is going to need to step it up if they want to stay competitive.
They can’t really speed things up right now due to the braking system issues that caused a stop-sale on some of their vehicles.