In May 2025, 1.6 million EVs were sold worldwide, according to the most recent figures from EV research firm Rho Motion. In comparison to the same period in 2024, that puts the year-to-date total at 7.2 million EVs, a 28% increase.
China became victorious. In May alone, the nation sold a record one million EVs. That is a 10% increase over April and a 33% increase over the previous year. North America trailed considerably behind the rest of the world, mostly because of Canada’s reduced incentives.
Charles Lester of Rho Motion explained, “The story this month with global vehicle sales is the continued chasm between the faltering market in North America and the Chinese market growth, which saw 1 million vehicles sold in May.”
Let’s examine this more closely:
With assistance from Italy and Spain, Europe remains stable. From January to May, 1.6 million EVs were sold in Europe, a 27% increase thus far this year. While nations like the UK (+32% YTD) and Germany (+45% YTD) are leading the way, southern Europe is really picking up speed. This year, EV sales have increased by a staggering 72% in Spain and 58% in Italy.
A new set of EV incentives targeted at commercial fleets was just introduced by Germany. Those tax reductions and special depreciation incentives should boost sales in the upcoming months, as business cars account for over half of the German auto market.
North America is unable to move. Mexico, Canada, and the US are trailing behind, with YTD growth of only 3%. Canada’s halt on EV subsidies is mostly to blame for the sharp 20% decline in sales.
The federal EV tax credit, which is in effect through the end of the year, is helping the US maintain its 4% growth rate. If the Republicans don’t eliminate those incentives even sooner, they will phase out in 2026 and be gone by 2027. A late-year uptick is to be expected as buyers scramble to profit while they can.
China is now again in control. The EV superpower is still China. It became the first nation this year to sell one million EVs in a month, in May. It initially reached that milestone in August 2024, and shortly before the summer push, it did so once more.
Nor are Chinese automakers slowing down. With new plug-in hybrids and BEVs, BYD is increasing its footprint in Europe. Its little, low-cost EV, the Dolphin Surf (known as the Seagull in China), just went on sale in Europe for about $25,000. Because it’s a hybrid, it’s exempt from the new EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Here’s how 2025 EV sales stack up through May:
- Global: 7.2 million (+28%)
- China: 4.4 million (+33%)
- Europe: 1.6 million (+27%)
- North America: 0.7 million (+3%)
- Rest of World: 0.6 million (+36%)
Consider installing a battery storage system and switching to solar power if you live in a region that experiences regular natural disasters and want to increase your home’s resistance to power outages. Check out EnergySage, a free tool that makes going solar simple, to ensure you locate a reputable, trustworthy solar contractor in your area with affordable prices. They guarantee that you will receive high-quality solutions and save 20–30% compared to going it alone because they have hundreds of pre-screened solar professionals vying for your business. Additionally, you won’t receive sales calls until you choose an installer and provide them your phone number, and it’s free to use.