The EV Sales Race

Tesla outpaces BYD in the latest EV sales race. Meanwhile, UK fire services enhance training to tackle EV fire incidents.

Tesla Reclaims EV Sales Crown 

In a recent twist in the electric vehicle (EV) market, Tesla has dethroned BYD to become the world’s top EV seller once again, as reported by the Financial Times. 

During the first three months of 2024, BYD experienced a 42% decrease in electric vehicle deliveries compared to the last quarter of 2023, with sales figures showing a shift to 300,114 battery-only vehicles. This downturn allowed Tesla to get ahead, posting sales of 386,810 vehicles, despite not meeting the anticipated 450,000 mark.

BYD’s ambitious pricing strategy, with significant price cuts across its lineup under the slogan “electricity is cheaper than oil”, aims to ignite consumer interest and bolster sales. On the other side, Tesla has hinted at a subdued growth outlook for 2024 which is a reflection of the broader shifts occurring within the global EV landscape, where pricing strategies, government policies, and consumer preferences play pivotal roles.

This is despite Tesla Inc. experiencing a shortfall in forecasted deliveries, put down to early production stages of its updated Model 3, logistical disruptions, and an arson attack at its Berlin factory. Analysts suggest Tesla CEO Elon Musk has divided attention too, due to his leadership roles in multiple companies including X and a new AI venture.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that EVs are becoming more affordable with the decline in the prices of critical battery metals lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Predictions of a 40% drop in battery pack prices by 2025, is making EVs cost-competitive with traditional petrol-powered vehicles and price parity is anticipated to be a turning point in making EVs the preferred choice for consumers.

In China, six out of the ten best-selling cars in February were electric, and industry projections suggest that nearly half of all cars sold by mid-year will be electric. The competitive pricing of EVs on affordability and performance will disrupt traditional markets.

UK Fire Crews Gear Up

As electric vehicles (EVs) become a common sight on UK roads, fire services in the UK are ramping up their efforts to tackle the unique challenges posed by EV fires reports the BBC. Many Fire and Rescue Services have introduced specialised training focused on the intricacies of extinguishing fires originating from lithium-ion batteries. The main way is to let them burn out under controlled conditions, and that can be several hours longer than a fossil-fueled car.

EV fires, while rare, present a challenge as the batteries are often nestled deep within the vehicle, but can unleash directional jet flames and explosive vapours. In addition, EV fires pose a risk of reignition, sometimes weeks after and recommendations include increasing spacing between parked EVs to prevent fire spread, 

The true scale of EV fires remains somewhat of a mystery, with Fire Service data scarce and the recording of such incidents not yet standardised across UK fire services.