Never before have so many electric cars been sold worldwide

“Global EV sales topped two million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets. The US surged ahead as buyers raced to claim expiring tax credits, the UK hit new highs on the back of fresh registration plates and the Electric Car Grant, and South Korea set records thanks to Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and rising BYD imports," commented Rho Motion Data Manager, Charles Lester.

Year to date, EV sales have reached 14.7 million – up 26%.

China’s EV market reached 1.3 million units in September 2025, driven by record monthly BEV sales. BEV volumes rose 28% year on year to just over 0.8 million units, while PHEVs (including range-extended EVs) declined by 2% to 0.47 million units.

In the first nine months of 2025, nearly nine million EVs have been sold in China, a 24% year-to-date increase, underscoring the country’s position as the world’s largest and most mature EV market.

China is the world's biggest car market, accounting for more than half of global EV sales. September, typically China's busiest month for car buying, saw sales rise as shoppers looked to make the most of trade-in subsidies before some regions started phasing them out.

The US market recorded its second consecutive monthly high for EV sales in September 2025, as consumers rushed to take advantage of federal tax credits ($7,500) that expired on 30 September. EV sales were 66% higher year on year, driven by both the 30D tax credit, available for around 20 battery electric vehicles, and the 45W credit, which supported attractive leasing options.

Following a record-breaking quarter, demand is expected to fall sharply in Q4 2025, as both consumers and businesses lose access to the federal incentives that have underpinned EV purchases,

Rho Motion said. It pointed out that the end of the tax credit has also led several OEMs to scale back production. General Motors has suspended one shift at its Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant; Mercedes-Benz has paused production of four EV models; Volkswagen will halt ID.4 production in Tennessee at the end of October; and Nissan has cancelled plans to produce EVs in the United States entirely.

Europe also hit a new high, helped by incentives in Germany and strong demand in Britain, while Tesla's rollout of a lower-cost Model Y in Europe is expected to further intensify competition in coming months.

Cover image (for illustration purposes only): Getty Images