Global sales of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (EVs) rose 30.5% year-on-year in September, bolstered by record numbers in China and renewed growth in Europe, according to market research firm Rho Motion. The U.S. market saw slower but steady progress ahead of the Nov. 5 election, adding uncertainty to future sales trends, Rho Motion’s data manager Charles Lester told Reuters.
In September, global EV sales reached 1.69 million units. China led the surge with a 47.9% increase, reaching 1.12 million vehicles sold. North America, including the U.S. and Canada, saw a modest rise of 4.3%, with sales totaling 0.15 million vehicles. European sales grew by 4.2%, reaching 0.3 million units, aided by a 24% jump in the UK and gains in key markets like Italy, Germany, and Denmark.
Lester noted that the penetration of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in China is advancing faster than anticipated, with the potential for record sales each month until the end of the year. Germany’s 7% year-on-year increase was described as “positive news,” especially as the EU faces its upcoming carbon emission reduction goals.
Despite the strong September performance, Rho Motion revised its EV sales forecast for Europe, predicting sales of 3.78 million in 2025 and 9.78 million in 2030, down by 24% and 19% from earlier estimates. These adjustments reflect recent policy changes, including France’s reduction of EV buyer incentives and Germany’s decision to end a subsidy scheme while offering tax relief to companies selling EVs.
The report highlights growing competition between Chinese and European automakers, who went head-to-head at the Paris car show amid challenges from cooling global demand for electric cars and the EU’s potential import duties of up to 45%.
