The Belgian automotive world is undergoing an impressive transformation, driven by the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Recently released figures from the statistics agency Statbel reveal that the number of EVs in Belgium has doubled in just one year. In 2022, there were 71,651 electric vehicles, and this number rose to a remarkable 138,749 in 2023. This extraordinary growth sheds light on the shifting automotive landscape, with striking trends and fascinating statistics.
Electrification in the Fast Lane
The figures show that the electrification of Belgium's roads has gained momentum. EVs have almost doubled, accounting for a significant share of the total number of registered vehicles. In 2022 they accounted for a 3.7 percent share, but by 2023 they will have risen to 7.3 percent. This remarkable increase is a sign of growing awareness of eco-friendly mobility and the growing acceptance of EVs.
Business Electric: A Trend in Emergence
An intriguing aspect of this rise is the role of corporations in electric vehicle adoption. No less than 81 percent of registered electric vehicles are in the name of a corporation, amounting to 112,056 cars. Only 26,440 electric cars belong to private owners. This statistic suggests that corporations are leading the way in promoting electric mobility, perhaps driven by environmental concerns and favorable tax breaks for company vehicles.
Hybrid Growth: An Intermediate Stop on the Road to Electrification
In addition to the dramatic increase in the number of electric vehicles, the growth of hybrid cars also stands out. Currently, hybrid vehicles make up 8.9 percent of the total fleet, up 43.4 percent from 2022. Interestingly, as with EVs, commercial vehicles are the majority in the hybrid category. Nearly six in 10 hybrid vehicles are registered in the name of a corporation, while private owners represent 41 percent.
The Electric Future
With the lion's share of electric cars serving as commercial vehicles, it is clear that the corporate world is playing a crucial role in the transition to sustainable mobility. The question arises as to whether this trend will continue and whether individuals will play a larger role in electric vehicle adoption in the near future. With technological advances and a growing awareness of environmental issues, Belgium's electric future seems exciting and promising.
Diesel on the Way Back
While electric and hybrid vehicles flourish, the traditional diesel car seems to be losing ground. The number of diesel cars in 2023 is down 9.2 percent from the previous year. This decline accelerates a trend that has been underway since 2015. In contrast, the number of gasoline cars continues to increase, showing that gasoline still occupies a prominent position in the Belgian fleet.
Conclusion
Belgium is on the brink of an electric revolution, with an unprecedented growth of electric vehicles in just one year. Companies are playing a key role in this rise, while hybrid cars are also showing significant growth. The decline in diesel cars underscores changing consumer preferences and the shift toward cleaner, greener mobility. The figures show that Belgium is witnessing not only a change in car choice, but also an evolution towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future on the road.
