by Global Electric Vehicle Sales in October
In October, the global electric vehicle market demonstrated significant growth, despite challenges in certain regions. Approximately 1.9 million plug-in vehicles were sold in total, of which 1.3 million were fully electric models. European electric vehicle sales increased by 36% to 372,786 units for the month.
Global Sales Dynamics
While the loss of the federal tax credit for electric vehicles in the United States negatively impacted sales in October, the global picture looked more optimistic. New data indicates that global sales of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids increased by 23%, thanks to a rapid increase in demand in Europe and China.
According to Rho Motion, approximately 1.9 million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in October, which is 23% more than in October 2024. However, this figure turned out to be slightly lower than in September, when 2.1 million plug-in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were sold.
Market Leaders
Unsurprisingly, Rho Motion’s data confirms China’s leadership, where 1.3 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids were sold last month, a 6% increase compared to the same month last year.
Electric vehicle sales from the beginning of the year (January-October) compared to 2024:
European Market
In Europe, deliveries in October increased by 36% compared to last year, reaching 372,786 units, including a 32% growth in sales of fully electric cars and an even more significant 47% increase for plug-in hybrids. Although the total volume was lower than in September, when 427,000 vehicles were registered, the growth of electric vehicle sales in Europe since the beginning of the year remains at 32%.
Electric vehicle sales in Germany have increased by 45% since the beginning of the year, in the UK by 31%. France has seen a slight decrease of 2%. Spain more than doubled its figures, and Italy matched Germany’s pace with a 45% growth since the beginning of the year.
Other Regions and Contrast with North America
Outside these regions, sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the rest of the world increased by 37% to 141,368 units. However, the contrast with North America is hard to miss.
What Happened in North America?
After the Trump administration canceled the $7,500 tax credit for new and leased electric vehicles, sales in North America fell by 41% to 100,370 units. This followed record figures in August and September, when buyers rushed to receive the incentives before their termination on September 30, 2025.
A comparison of monthly figures demonstrates how sharp the decline was. Sales of Ford’s fully electric vehicles fell by 60%, Hyundai by 77%, Kia by 77%, Honda by 83%, and Subaru nearly disappeared, dropping by 97%. Each brand also recorded an annual decline.
In Canada, according to Rho Motion, electric vehicle sales remained sluggish throughout 2025, explained by reduced buyer incentives and the government’s decision in September to suspend the electric vehicle mandate from 2026.
Market Prospects
Rho Motion Data Manager Charles Lester expects European and Chinese markets to remain strong until the end of the year:
In Europe, the overall growth rate since the beginning of the year remains relatively high, and we expect strong sales until the end of the year.
He added that the Chinese market should remain stable in November and December, aided by a “pull-forward” effect during the country’s transition from a full exemption from the new energy vehicle purchase tax to a 50% exemption.
The global electric vehicle market continues to develop unevenly, with a clear focus on Europe and China, while North America faces temporary difficulties. Policy decisions, such as tax incentives, remain a key factor influencing sales dynamics. In the long term, the transition to clean vehicles remains a global trend, but local conditions can vary significantly. Technological innovations and infrastructure projects are likely to play a decisive role in further growth, especially in lagging regions.
