Top 5 positive EV trends in 2024: Celebrating World EV Day
As we celebrate World EV Day in 2024, it's incredible to look back at how far the electric vehicle industry has come. What once seemed like a futuristic concept has now become a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, transforming the way we think about transportation and sustainability. So, buckle up your golden seat belt as we take a look at the top five positive EV trends of 2024!
Accelerated adoption of EVs
A world on the move
One of the most thrilling developments in 2024 is the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles across global markets. During 2023, nearly one in five cars sold were electric. In Europe alone, new electric car registrations reached roughly 3.2 million, a 20 per cent increase relative to the year before. In the United States the yearly increase was even larger, with 40 per cent more EVs registered compared to the previous year.
Although you might be thinking that increased adoption of EVs is limited to the US and Europe, you’d be wrong. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest report shows increased growth in emerging markets such as India, Vietnam, and Thailand, with sales more than quadrupling in some markets.
Looking at these figures, it's safe to say that the transition to electric mobility is well on its way and, in some cases, even speeding up.
Expanding infrastructure
Of course, none of this would be possible without the expansion of charging infrastructure. Although not quite a chicken and egg scenario, the two go hand in hand. Charging stations are popping up in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, making long-distance EV travel more convenient than ever.
At the end of 2023, there were about 730,000 public chargers available in Europe. By 2035, this number is expected to grow significantly to around 2,7 million chargers, if current rates of growth continue.
Advances in EV battery technology
The power of progress
If there’s one area where we’ve seen jaw-dropping advancements, it’s in EV battery technology. Remember the days when range anxiety was the biggest hurdle for potential EV buyers? In 2024, that’s becoming a thing of the past, thanks to new battery tech pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Faster, faster, faster
Imagine being able to charge your car in just minutes rather than hours—that’s the reality we’re moving toward. Earlier this year, a team of Polestar battery specialists charged a prototype Polestar 5 battery pack from 10 to 80 per cent in exactly 10 minutes. A world first for a fully functioning car, without showing the eventual power reduction often seen during charging. (This paragraph would have been riddled with exclamation marks had we not tried to contain our excitement).
Click here if you want to read the full story about how we charged a Polestar in 10 minutes.
Integration of advanced AI and connectivity features in EVs
Autonomous driving
In 2024, AI-driven features like autonomous driving and smart navigation systems are becoming standard in many EVs. These technologies not only make driving safer but also more enjoyable. Imagine sitting back and letting your car handle the complexities of traffic while you focus on the fun country roads.
Experts predict that vehicles with Level 4 autonomous driving features, such as driving on highways and self-parking, will be widely adopted around 2026. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a little while longer for full autonomy, but that only means more time for joy behind the wheel of your Polestar.
Connectivity for the modern driver
Connectivity is another game-changer. From vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows your car to feed energy back into the grid, to seamless smart home integration, today’s EVs are more connected than ever. Your car isn't just a vehicle—it's a part of your digital life, constantly evolving and improving.
If you want to learn more about V2G technology, click here.
The surge in EV-only manufacturing
Committing to an electric future
The final trend we’re celebrating this World EV Day is the surge in EV-only manufacturing and the sustainability initiatives that go hand in hand. Major automakers and governments around the globe are committing to an all-electric future, setting ambitious targets for phasing out internal combustion engines. For example, Norway is requiring all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to have zero tailpipe emissions by 2025 (that’s next year).
This shift toward electric-only production isn’t just about regulations or environmental concerns—it’s also driven by consumer demand. More and more drivers are looking for eco-friendly vehicles that don’t compromise on performance or style. The market is responding, and the dynamic is clear: the future is electric, and it’s coming faster than anyone expected.
The future is bright
As we wrap up our celebration of World EV Day 2024, it’s clear that the electric vehicle industry is on a thrilling trajectory. These five trends are all signs of a vibrant and promising future. All we need to do now is keep driving in the right direction.
