The global electric vehicle (EV) market continues its rapid expansion, with EV sales rising by 29 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a new report from market research firm Rho Motion.
A total of 4.1 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide between January and March 2025, with China leading the charge, accounting for 2.4 million units — or 58.5% of total global EV sales.
China Dominates the EV Race
China’s electric vehicle market remains unmatched in scale, with sales increasing by 36 percent year-on-year in Q1. The country saw a record-breaking March, during which nearly one million EVs were sold in a single month.
Despite existing tariffs between China and the U.S., Rho Motion notes these measures are expected to have minimal impact on the global EV landscape, citing the relatively low volume of direct EV trade between the two nations. For instance, Tesla’s Model S and X, which are exported from the U.S. to China, remain niche imports and are nearly double in price due to import duties.
North America Sees Modest Growth
In the United States, Canada, and Mexico, EV sales rose by 16 percent in Q1. The U.S. continues to rely heavily on domestic production, with 60 percent of EVs sold in 2024 made within the country. The remainder primarily originated from Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, reinforcing the region’s growing emphasis on regional supply chains.
Europe’s EV Momentum Gathers Speed
Europe’s EV market expanded by 27 percent, buoyed by significant growth in key markets:
Germany saw a 37 percent increase in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales.
Italy surged ahead with a 64 percent jump.
The UK posted a 42 percent increase, with March breaking a national record as over 100,000 EVs were registered in a single month.
However, the outlook in France was more subdued, with EV sales declining by 18 percent, attributed to a reduction in government incentives aimed at encouraging EV adoption.
Rest of the World
In other global markets outside the top three regions, approximately 300,000 EVs were sold in Q1, suggesting gradual growth in emerging and developing markets where infrastructure and affordability remain key challenges.
A Fast-Changing Global Landscape
The first quarter of 2025 confirms the continued shift towards electric mobility, led by powerhouse markets in Asia and Europe. While policy, pricing, and infrastructure will play vital roles in shaping the pace of adoption in different regions, the figures from Rho Motion paint a clear picture: the EV revolution is accelerating, and its global reach is expanding fast.
