Global EV Sales Surge 25%, But North America Lags at 6%
▼ Summary
– Global electric vehicle sales grew by 25% in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, totaling 12.5 million units including both battery and plug-in hybrid EVs.
– Europe saw even faster growth at 31%, with 2.6 million plug-in vehicles sold, led by significant increases in Germany (45%), Italy (41%), and Spain (100%).
– France experienced a 6% decline in EV sales year-on-year, despite new models from Renault and Stellantis brands.
– Tesla’s sales in Europe collapsed by 40% in July, contrasting with the overall regional growth in EV adoption.
– China added 7.6 million new EVs from January to August 2025, though growth slowed in July and August, and BYD reduced its sales target by 900,000 vehicles due to profitability challenges.
The global electric vehicle market continues its impressive expansion, with sales climbing by a remarkable 25 percent during the first eight months of this year compared to the same period in 2024. According to data from Rho Motion, this surge represents a total of 12.5 million electric vehicles sold worldwide, a figure that includes both fully battery-powered models and plug-in hybrids.
Europe stands out as a particularly strong performer, where adoption rates are accelerating even faster than the global average. The continent recorded a 31 percent increase in EV sales, translating to 2.6 million plug-in vehicles finding new owners. Certain European markets are experiencing truly explosive growth, with Germany up 45 percent, Italy rising 41 percent, and Spain doubling its sales with a stunning 100 percent jump.
Not every market is sharing in the success, however. France has bucked the regional trend with a noticeable 6 percent decline in EV sales year-over-year, despite new offerings from Renault and Stellantis brands. Tesla, often seen as a bellwether for the sector, has faced its own challenges in Europe, where its sales plummeted by 40 percent in July alone.
China remains the world’s largest electric vehicle market by volume, adding 7.6 million new EVs to its roads between January and August. Growth did slow during the summer months, partly due to exceptionally strong sales during the same period in 2024 driven by government incentives. In a related development, industry giant BYD recently revised its annual sales target downward by 900,000 units amid falling profitability, now aiming to sell 4.6 million vehicles this year.
(Source: Ars Technica)
