Global EV sales continued to climb in August 2025, with 1.7 million electric vehicles hitting the roads worldwide. This marked a 5% increase compared to July and a 15% jump from August 2024, according to the latest data from Rho Motion.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for the majority of sales at 1.16 million units, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up the remaining 570,000. Overall, a total of 12.5 million EVs have been sold in the first eight months of the year.
Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion, shed light on the driving factors behind these numbers. He mentioned that the North American market saw a record monthly high as US consumers rushed to purchase EVs before the tax credit expires at the end of September. Additionally, Europe maintained its momentum, fueled by emissions legislation, with significant growth seen in major automotive countries like Germany and the UK.
Comparing year-to-date sales to the same period in 2024, the figures stand as follows:
– Global: 12.5 million, up 25%
– China: 7.6 million, up 25%
– Europe: 2.6 million, up 31%
– North America: 1.3 million, up 6%
– Rest of world: 1.0 million, up 44%
Europe has experienced some of the fastest growth in EV sales, with a 31% increase year to date. Germany led the charge with a 45% surge, while the UK saw a 31% rise. Spain doubled its EV sales, Italy increased by 41%, but France was an outlier with a 9% decline in sales so far in 2025.
In terms of specific models, Ford’s Puma Gen-E and E-Tourneo Courier qualified for the maximum UK discount of £3,750 ($5,100), while Chinese automaker BYD continued to make strides in Europe with the Seal U becoming one of the region’s bestselling PHEVs.
In North America, sales are up 6% year to date, with August setting a new monthly record as US buyers rushed to take advantage of the federal tax credit before it expires. Analysts anticipate a strong September followed by a dip in Q4, prompting automakers like VW and GM to adjust their production plans.
China, the largest EV market globally, saw an 11% increase in August compared to July and a 6% growth year over year. BYD adjusted its 2025 sales target, with expectations of up to a million units coming from overseas markets.
As the EV market continues to evolve and expand, it’s clear that a shift towards sustainable transportation is underway. With advancements in technology and shifting consumer preferences, the future of mobility looks increasingly electrified.
