Ralentissement des ventes de VE aux États-Unis : Un simple incident ou un effondrement ?

Selon une récente étude de l Bloomberg Selon le rapport de la Commission européenne, le démarrage lent des ventes de véhicules électriques aux États-Unis en 2024 n'est peut-être pas aussi inquiétant qu'il n'y paraît à première vue. Si certains indicateurs signalent un ralentissement potentiel, d'autres suggèrent que l'industrie est sur le point de connaître sa prochaine poussée de croissance.

Signaux mixtes au 1er trimestre 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, US EV sales were flat compared to the previous year. This, coupled with Ford scaling back expansion plans and Tesla laying off 10% of its global workforce, painted a grim picture. However, a closer look reveals that six of the ten biggest EV makers in the US saw sales grow significantly, ranging from 56% at Hyundai-Kia to 86% at Ford.

Stephanie Valdez-Streaty, directrice des études sectorielles chez Cox Automotive, attribue cette différence au fait que les consommateurs se tournent vers des marques offrant une meilleure autonomie de batterie, une recharge plus rapide et des prix compétitifs. Les retards dans le lancement de nouveaux véhicules ont également contribué à la perception d'un ralentissement du marché.

GM prêt pour une croissance significative

General Motors and Tesla had the worst start to the year, largely due to product cycles. GM discontinued its popular Chevy Bolt before replacements were ready, while Tesla’s Model 3 production was interrupted for a design facelift. Despite these setbacks, GM is expected to drive significant EV growth in the US for the remainder of 2024, with the introduction of affordable SUVs and pickups boasting impressive range.

Tesla’s Uncertain Future

Tesla, responsible for half of the US EV market, relies heavily on the Model 3 and Model Y for 95% of its sales. The company’s calendar of new vehicle launches is essentially blank, apart from the aspirational Roadster and vague hints of more affordable models next year. The uncertainty surrounding Tesla’s high-speed Superchargers in the US, following the firing of its 500-person Supercharger staff, adds to the ambiguity of the company’s future.

La production de masse est essentielle

As Tesla stumbles, other EV makers have an opportunity to gain market share. However, some automakers are holding back investments until there’s more market clarity. Analysts suggest that aggressively introducing affordable EV models to build economies of scale is the way forward. Hyundai, GM, and Ford are each on track to reach the 100,000 threshold of mass production this year, potentially signaling a turning point for US EV competition.

L'avenir reste prometteur

Malgré ce ralentissement apparent, les prévisions à long terme concernant les ventes de véhicules électriques aux États-Unis restent optimistes. L'Agence internationale de l'énergie estime que les ventes américaines de véhicules entièrement électriques atteindront 2,5 millions en 2025, contre 1,1 million l'année dernière. Les ventes de VE aux États-Unis et dans le monde devraient augmenter d'environ 20% cette année, un rythme plus lent que l'expansion de 46% aux États-Unis en 2023, mais toujours impressionnant.

EVXL’s Take

The US EV market is experiencing growing pains, but the future remains promising. As more automakers introduce affordable, long-range EVs and invest in charging infrastructure, the industry is poised for significant growth. The temporary slowdown in sales growth should not be mistaken for a lack of demand or interest in electric vehicles. Instead, it is a natural part of the market’s evolution as it matures and becomes more competitive. With continued investment and innovation, the US EV market is set to thrive in the coming years.

Avec l'aimable autorisation de Tesla, Bloomberg et COX Automotive.