Top Performers and Lagging Brands Revealed in Electric Car Market

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

According to a report from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released this Thursday, 21 of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers' electric vehicle (EV) plans and offerings were evaluated. The findings depict a dynamic landscape where some carmakers are making remarkable strides while others struggle to keep up.

Significant advancements have been made by companies such as Mercedes-Benz and MG, showcasing their capabilities in the low-emission transport sector. However, familiar brands like Mazda, Honda, and Nissan are facing challenges, slipping further down the rankings compared to their peers.

This report aligns with recent developments in Australia, where new fuel-efficiency standards were passed into law, intending to drive automakers towards greater adoption of low-emission models from the next year. Australia’s elevated focus on electric vehicles could elevate the country’s standings in future comparisons.

The ICCT conducted its Global Automaker Rating 2023 by examining the strategic vision, market presence, and technological achievements of 21 prominent automotive manufacturers. While Tesla secured the top spot with robust sales, BYD, despite lower purely electric vehicle sales, remains close behind with a strong portfolio that includes many plug-in hybrids.

BMW secured third place, and Mercedes-Benz's climb to the fourth rank was noteworthy, partly owing to its innovative recycling and repurposing of EV batteries. The Chinese company SAIC, which oversees the MG brand, achieved the fifth position with commendable growth in electric vehicle sales.

On the other end of the spectrum, brands from Japan and India didn't fare as well. Suzuki, Mazda, and Nissan occupied the lowest ranks, with Suzuki being the least impressive contributor to the zero-emission vehicle market according to the study’s criteria. These brands, while showing increased electric vehicle sales, didn’t offer a broad range of low-emission models or managed high energy consumption, contributing to their lower scores.

Stephanie Searle, ICCT's chief program officer, emphasized the critical nature of these rankings. She believes nearly all passenger vehicles must transition to zero-emission models by 2035 to mitigate global warming effects. "Automakers lagging in technology investment could find themselves overtaken by more forward-thinking competitors," she stated.

Global momentum is also influenced by rigorous transport regulations in Europe, the UK, US, and Canada, where electric vehicle sales are expected to surge rapidly in the upcoming years. Notably, there was a 40% global increase in EV sales between 2022 and 2023, with Australia seeing a dramatic rise of 161% from a lower base compared to other nations.

Starting January next year, the Australian government plans to implement a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. This new policy will set emission limits for vehicle brands, including passenger and commercial vehicles, potentially transforming the market landscape in the country.

This article references findings from an original report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT).

Published:Friday, 31st May 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Why Cheaper Building Cost Growth May Not Mean Cheaper First Homes

22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh housing market analysis points to a frustrating reality for Australians hoping to build their first home: construction cost growth is cooling, but the total price of getting into a new property is not necessarily becoming easier to manage. - read more

RIC Loan Rate Rise Adds a Fresh Planning Point for Farm Borrowers

22 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

The Regional Investment Corporation’s latest rate move is a timely reminder that farm borrowing costs can shift even when a loan is designed to provide concessional support. From 1 August 2026, the variable interest rate applying to RIC loans is set to rise from 5.18 per cent to 5.71 per cent, ending a two-year period without an increase. - read more

What ASIC’s Private Credit Alarm Means for Small Borrowers

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s corporate regulator has renewed attention on private credit, warning that a fast-growing part of the lending market is now facing a tougher test. Private credit generally refers to loans arranged outside the traditional banking system, often through funds, investment managers or specialist lenders. While this may sound distant from everyday small loans, the health of non-bank credit can still influence how finance is priced, assessed and made available. - read more

July Motorcycle Finance Rates: What Riders Should Know

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian riders have a fresh snapshot of the motorbike finance market, with Money.com.au updating its motorcycle loan comparison guide on 20 July 2026. The table shows several advertised motorcycle and vehicle finance offers starting in the mid-five per cent range, led by a secured Harmoney car loan at 5.66% p.a. with the same comparison rate, followed closely by Liberty and MoneyPlace secured vehicle products starting from 5.67% p.a. - read more

Why Personal Loan Borrowers Need to Look Past the Advertised Rate

21 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian borrowers comparing personal loans in July are facing a market where the headline rate can tell only part of the story. Canstar’s latest personal loan update, published on 21 July 2026, shows some competitive rates remain available, but the gap between the cheapest and most expensive unsecured offers is still substantial. - read more

Click for more Finance News