September 20, 2023
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, August 2023; S&P Global Mobility, Vehicles in Operation
Number of Registered Electric Vehicles in the United States
In 2021, the number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EV) on the roads in the United States reached 2.13 million vehicles, a significant increase from the less than 100,000 EVs on the roads in 2012, according to the Monthly Energy Review.
Factors Driving the Increase in Electric Vehicle Adoption
EVs have become increasingly popular in the United States over the past decade. This growth can be attributed to several factors:
- Consumer preferences
- An increasing number of available EV models, particularly in the luxury sector
- Government policies aimed at increasing EV uptake, including EV purchase incentives, zero emission vehicles sales requirements, and fuel economy standards
Types of Electric Vehicles
The count of EVs includes both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). BEVs use only an onboard electric motor powered by a battery pack, while PHEVs use both onboard battery packs and an internal combustion engine. In 2021, BEVs accounted for 65% of registered EVs in the United States.
Registered Vehicle Stock
The registered vehicle stock includes all currently registered on-road vehicles. It excludes any past vehicle sales that are no longer registered to an individual or business. The registered vehicle stock provides a better measure of how many EVs are on U.S. roads compared to cumulative EV sales, as not all sold EVs are still in use. Out of the 2.26 million EVs registered in the United States between 2012 and 2021, approximately 135,000 were no longer on the road in 2021.
Average Age of Electric Vehicles
In 2021, the average age of an EV in the United States was 3.6 years, while the average age of a non-EV was 11.1 years. The relatively recent surge in EV sales contributes to the younger average age of EVs. Additionally, 27% of registered EVs in the United States were purchased in the previous three years, compared to only 5% of the overall vehicle fleet.
Learn More About Electric Vehicles
To learn more about EVs, check out our Energy Explained article.
Principal Contributors
Melissa Lynes, Michael Dwyer
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses the increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States, which contributes to the transition to clean energy in the transportation sector.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article mentions the increasing availability of EV models and government policies aimed at increasing EV uptake, indicating advancements in the EV industry and infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The adoption of EVs can contribute to creating sustainable cities by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The increase in EV adoption helps combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency – The increasing number of EVs indicates progress towards improving energy efficiency in the transportation sector.
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable – The availability of EV models and government policies indicate efforts to upgrade infrastructure and promote sustainable industries in the EV sector.
- SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management – The adoption of EVs can contribute to improving air quality in cities by reducing emissions.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The increase in EV adoption aligns with integrating climate change measures into transportation policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) – This indicator reflects the progress in increasing the adoption of EVs, which contributes to SDG 7.3, SDG 9.4, SDG 11.6, and SDG 13.2.
- Percentage share of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) among registered EVs – This indicator shows the shift towards fully electric vehicles, indicating progress in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions (SDG 7.3 and SDG 13.2).
- Age of registered EVs compared to non-EVs – This indicator demonstrates the recent surge in EV sales and the average age of EVs, providing insights into the pace of adoption and potential environmental impact (SDG 7.3 and SDG 11.6).
- Percentage of registered EVs purchased in the previous three years – This indicator indicates the rate of recent EV purchases and the potential for future growth in EV adoption (SDG 9.4 and SDG 11.6).
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency | Number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) Percentage share of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) among registered EVs Age of registered EVs compared to non-EVs Percentage of registered EVs purchased in the previous three years |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Number of registered light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) Percentage share of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) among registered EVs |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: eia.gov
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