As the world moves towards green energy, savvy investors are looking for EV stocks to buy now — despite facing headwinds such as supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand. The market for electric vehicles is poised for exponential growth.
By 2030, over one in four new passenger cars will be electric, as per S&P Global. Major automakers are expected to drive this transition towards EVs, accounting for over 70% of global EV production by 2030.
Despite the increasing interest in EVs, 2024 will see some moderation in EV sales. The growth is forecasted to slowdown to 21% in 2024 from 33% in 2023. However, global sales are still anticipated to hit 16.7 million units, with a majority being fully electric vehicles.
As the Q2 2024 begins, it’s a prime time for investors to consider EV stocks that could benefit from the industry’s momentum. These three EV stocks are worth a closer look this quarter.
BYD
BYD (OTCMKTS:BYDDY) stands as a leading force in the electric vehicle industry. BYD’s unique position as both a vehicle manufacturer and a battery technology supplier provides a competitive edge.
The company’s strategic market expansion is evident in its operations across continents. In Europe, BYD has established production facilities that cater to an increasing demand for EVs, while in Southeast Asia and South America, the company is capitalizing on emerging market opportunities.
In the fiscal year 2023, BYD reported a remarkable 42% increase in revenues, reflecting robust demand for its EVs and battery products. The company’s aggressive expansion has not compromised its profitability, with earnings per share rising by over 70% from the previous year. This financial health is pivotal as BYD continues to invest heavily in research and development and expand its global footprint.
Last year, BYD achieved a significant milestone by selling more than 1.5 million EVs, capturing a substantial share of the Chinese market, which is the largest EV market globally.
Li Auto
Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI) specializes in producing smart, electric SUVs with a focus on range extension technology. The EV maker’s approach, particularly with the range extender, sets it apart in a market leaning towards fully electric powertrains. This strategy appeals especially to consumers who may have concerns about electric charging infrastructure and range limits.
In the fiscal year 2023, Li Auto reported impressive results that underscored its growth trajectory and market acceptance. The company’s delivery figures were also remarkable, with 376K vehicles delivered in 2023, representing a year-over-year increase of 182.2%. Li Auto’s ability to maintain lower estimated average selling prices while expanding margins is a testament to its operational efficiency and strategic pricing.
The company’s stock has done well over the past year. However, analysts are still bullish and have an average price target of $51 on the stock. This presents a potential 75% upside in the near-term.
Rivian
Despite a sharp decline in stock price, Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN) presents a compelling case for investors seeking long-term EV opportunities. Rivian’s unique market position as a producer of adventure-oriented EVs, such as the R1T pickup truck, sets it apart from competitors.
Despite the operational challenges, Rivian maintains a robust financial position, with over $7 billion in cash reserves. This liquidity is crucial to supporting the company through its restructuring phase and towards achieving gross margin profitability by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, Rivian is focusing on expanding its product lineup and improving operational efficiency. The introduction of new models, such as the anticipated R2, is expected to broaden Rivian’s market appeal and drive future sales. Furthermore, Rivian’s ongoing efforts to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs are pivotal to its strategy to achieve and sustain profitability.
Wall Street analysts remain bullish on the stock and have an average price target of $17.5 on the stock. This provides a near-term potential upside of 98%.
On the date of publication, Mohammed Saqib did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.