The 1st half of 2020 was overshadowed by the COVID-19 lockdowns, causing never-before-seen declines in monthly vehicle sales from February onwards. For the first 6 months of 2020 the volume loss was 28 % for the total light vehicle market, compared to H1 of 2019. EVs held up better and posted a loss of 14 % year-on-year for H1, around the world. The (related to a large area) developments were very (many different kinds of people or things), though: In China, where the 2020 numbers compare to the still healthy sales of 2019 H1, NEVs lost 42 % y/y in a car market that was down 20 %. Lower helping payments and more strict technical needed things are the main reasons. In USA, the sales of EVs followed the overall market.

Europe is the guiding light of EV sales in 2020 with 57 % growth for H1, in a vehicle market which (lowered in number/got worse/gotten worse) by 37 %. The fast increases of EV sales started in September 2019 and gained further speed and power this year. The WLTP introduction, together with changes in national vehicle taxation and grants created more (knowing about something) and demand for EVs. The industry geared up to meet the 95 gCO2/km target for 2020/2021. Over 30 new and improved BEV PHEV models were introduced in the 2nd half of 2019 and production increased to high volume, (even though there is the existence of) a 1-2 month industry halt.