Global Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales Led by Emerging Markets
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining traction worldwide, with predictions indicating that they will account for over 25% of new car sales globally by 2025. According to a recent report by Ember, this surge is prominently fueled by emerging markets, which were once slow adopters of the technology.
The Global Expansion of EV Sales
The landscape of electric vehicle adoption has expanded significantly, with 39 countries now reporting that EVs constitute over 10% of new car sales. This marks a substantial increase from just four nations in 2019. The ASEAN region, particularly, has emerged as a key player in the EV market. Notably, Singapore and Vietnam have achieved EV sales shares of approximately 40%, surpassing figures from both the UK and the EU.
Indonesia’s transition is also noteworthy, with a 15% share of EV sales, overtaking the US for the first time. Thailand, boasting a 20% share, has outpaced Denmark in EV sales in the first three quarters of 2025. These trends highlight a remarkable shift in leadership within the region.
Euan Graham, an electricity and data analyst at Ember, emphasized, “This is a major turning point. In 2025, the center of gravity has moved. Emerging markets are no longer catching up; they are leading the shift to electric mobility. These countries see the strategic advantages of EVs, from cleaner air to reduced fossil fuel imports.”
Latin America is also experiencing significant growth, with Uruguay matching the EU’s EV share at 27%. Meanwhile, Mexico and Brazil have surpassed Japan’s stagnant 3% EV share since 2022. Türkiye, with a 17% share, has surpassed Belgium to become Europe’s fourth-largest battery electric vehicle (BEV) market by volume.
Chinese EVs in Demand Across Emerging Markets
Since mid-2023, there has been a notable increase in Chinese EV exports to non-OECD countries. Brazil, Mexico, the UAE, and Indonesia have emerged as leading importers of Chinese EVs, spurred by governmental incentives such as reduced taxes and support for domestic manufacturing.
The rise in EV adoption is already impacting fossil fuel consumption. EVs, being three times more efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles, are contributing to significant reductions in oil use, even in countries reliant on fossil fuels for power. In Brazil, EVs have cut fossil fuel demand by about 90%, while Indonesia has seen a reduction of nearly 50%.
Graham noted, “Emerging markets will shape the future of the global car market. The choices made now on charging infrastructure and early support will determine how fast this momentum continues.”
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Original Story at electrek.co