The global electric vehicle (EV) market achieved a remarkable milestone in September 2025, with sales reaching an unprecedented 2.1 million units, according to Rho Motion, a company under Benchmark Mineral Intelligence specializing in EV supply chain insights.
Record-Breaking Sales
Charles Lester, Rho Motion Data Manager, stated, “Global EV sales topped two million units in a single month for the first time, driven by record-breaking demand across major markets.” The surge was notably influenced by expiring tax credits in the US, new registration plates coupled with the Electric Car Grant in the UK, and substantial contributions from Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, and BYD in South Korea. Year-to-date, global EV sales reached 14.7 million, marking a 26% increase.
Year-to-Date Sales Overview
- Global: 14.7 million, +26%
- China: 9.0 million, +24%
- Europe: 3.0 million, +32%
- North America: 1.5 million, +11%
- Rest of World: 1.2 million, +48%
European Market Dynamics
Europe reported a record month with 427,000 EVs sold in September 2025, a 36% year-on-year increase and 55% rise from the previous month. The UK’s EV sector flourished, bolstered by the demand boost from the new registration plates and the recently introduced Electric Car Grant. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales surged by 30%, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw a nearly 60% increase.
Germany anticipates a resurgence in EV interest following the approval of a EUR3 billion incentive package aimed at aiding low- and middle-income households. Meanwhile, Italy and Spain continue benefiting from supportive incentives, with Italy’s market growing by two-thirds and Spain’s more than doubling year-on-year.
North American Trends
In North America, particularly the US, September 2025 marked another high for EV sales as consumers hurried to capitalize on federal tax credits expiring on September 30. Sales rose by 66% year-on-year, driven by the 30D and 45W tax credits. However, a decline in demand is projected for Q4 2025 as these credits expire, prompting manufacturers like Hyundai to implement short-term strategies such as price reductions.
The cessation of tax credits has also led to production cuts. General Motors has reduced shifts in Tennessee, Mercedes-Benz halted four EV models, and Volkswagen is set to stop ID.4 production by October’s end. Nissan has abandoned its US EV production plans entirely.
China’s Market Insights
China’s EV market achieved 1.3 million units in September 2025, driven by a 28% year-on-year increase in BEV sales to just over 0.8 million units. Conversely, PHEV sales, including range-extended EVs, saw a slight 2% decline to 0.47 million units. Throughout the first nine months of 2025, nearly nine million EVs were sold in China, highlighting the country’s status as the most significant and advanced EV market globally.
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Notes to Editors
Rho Motion defines ‘Electric Vehicles’ as passenger cars and light-duty vehicles, excluding e-scooters or heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Founded in 2018 by Adam Panayi, Rho Motion is a leading global research house for actionable insights in electric vehicle and battery markets, associated technologies, and the wider energy and renewables markets. In June 2024, Rho Motion merged with Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, forming the largest platform dedicated to critical mineral and energy transition supply chains.
For more information about Rho Motion and their upcoming events, visit: rhomotion.com
Original Story at rhomotion.com