Global EV Sales Top 20.7 Million in 2025, China Accounts for 60%, North America the Only Declining Market

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales reached a record high of 20.7 million units in 2025, up 20% year-over-year. China led the market with 12.9 million units sold, accounting for over 60% of global sales and marking a 17% increase from the previous year. Europe saw sales surge by 33% to 4.3 million units, while other regions recorded a 48% jump, reaching 1.7 million units. The only decline occurred in North America, where sales fell by 4% to 1.8 million units, primarily due to quarterly fluctuations triggered by adjustments to U.S. federal tax credit policies. In Germany, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) registrations hit 545,000 units, raising their market share to 19.1%, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales soared by 62%. The Volkswagen Group delivered 983,000 BEVs globally, a 32% year-over-year increase. Its European deliveries surged by 66%, but overall sales in China and North America declined by 8% and 10.4%, respectively, impacted by intensifying competition in China and reduced subsidies in North America. Globally, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales have dropped by approximately 25% compared to their 2017 peak, underscoring the deepening trend toward vehicle electrification.