Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids climbed 29% year-on-year in April, driven by continued growth in China and Europe despite mounting trade tensions, while North America recorded its first decline since September 2024, according to data released on Wednesday by consultancy Rho Motion.
Worldwide, 1.5 million battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in April. China led the growth with a 32% increase from a year earlier, accounting for 0.9 million vehicles. Europe saw registrations rise 35% to 0.3 million, while North American sales slipped 5.6% to 0.1 million. In the rest of the world, sales surged by 50%, largely fueled by Chinese plug-in hybrid exports.
Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion, noted that legacy automakers in Europe outperformed Tesla in EV sales as they work to meet the European Union’s tightening CO₂ emissions targets. “Tesla continued to lose market share ahead of a revamp of its popular Model Y,” Lester said.
In China, local manufacturers increased domestic sales of battery-electric vehicles and boosted plug-in hybrid exports. The government has extended auto trade-in subsidies into 2025 to help sustain momentum and support broader economic growth.
The U.S. market faced headwinds as uncertainties over emissions standards and trade tariffs, including a proposed 25% import tariff on foreign EVs, led some automakers to withdraw their 2025 forecasts. “Trump’s recent deals with Britain and China are positive signs, but their immediate impact on EV sales is marginal,” Lester added, noting potential future negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and the EU.
Plug-in hybrid demand has nearly doubled year-to-date in markets outside China, Europe, and North America, according to the data, underscoring their growing appeal amid shifting global trade dynamics and evolving regulatory environments.
