Global EV sales surged to an all-time high in September, driven by strong demand in China and rising popularity in Europe.
Worldwide deliveries of pure-electric cars and plug-in hybrids reached 2.1 million units, a 24% increase from the previous year and the first time monthly sales exceeded two million, according to London-based consultancy Rho Motion.
The figure also marked a 20% growth from August and surpassed the previous record of 1.9 million set in December 2024.
China, the world’s largest EV market, accounted for 62% of global deliveries. Data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) showed that mainland EV makers delivered 826,000 pure-electric cars in September, up 28.5% from a year earlier.
Including plug-in hybrids, total Chinese EV deliveries reached 1.3 million units, a 15.5% year-on-year increase. “China’s dominance in the EV sector has helped the country’s automotive industry increase its share of the global market,” said CPCA General Secretary Cui Dongshu.
Leading Chinese manufacturers, including BYD, are expanding their global footprint with new model launches and improved logistics to challenge international competitors such as Volkswagen and Toyota.
BYD expects exports to account for about 20% of its global sales in 2025, compared with less than 10% in 2024, with overseas deliveries projected between 800,000 and 1 million units out of total expected global sales of 4.6 million.
European EV sales also reached record levels, rising 36% year-on-year to 427,000 units in September.
frimufilms
In China, Tesla boosted deliveries from its Shanghai factory with the introduction of the six-seat Model Y L, a larger, longer-range variant priced at 339,000 yuan (US$47,486), roughly 30% more than the standard edition.
Meanwhile, Voyah, an EV division of Dongfeng Motor, began accepting orders for its Taishan flagship SUV, a hybrid capable of 1,400 km combined range, with 370 km achievable on battery power alone.
Government incentives continue to support growth, with EV buyers currently exempt from the 10% sales tax. From January, purchases will incur a reduced 5% tax until the regular 10% rate returns in 2028.
“Strong sales will continue through this year because the consumption tax will come back in 2026,” said Tian Maowei, a sales manager at Yiyou Auto Service in Shanghai. “China is still the biggest engine to power the growth of the global EV industry.”
NEW LAUNCH | Greenhous Group Adds Geely, Expands UK Chinese Auto Portfolio
