China, the Leading Global Market for Electric Vehicles until May 2025

According to research firm Rho Motion, global electric vehicle (EV) sales volume from January to May 2025 reached 7.2 million units, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year.

In January-May 2025, the highest EV sales volume was in China, at 4.4 million units.

Next was Europe with 1.6 million units, North America with 700,000 units, and other regions with 600,000 units.

Below is a review of the conditions in the three main global EV markets in January-May 2025, according to Rho Motion:

• China

From January to May 2025, EV sales in the Chinese market increased by 33% compared to the same period last year. EV sales in China in May 2025 also increased by 10% month-on-month and grew by 25% year-on-year.

"Chinese manufacturers continue to expand their market share overseas, with BYD releasing more BEVs and PHEVs in Europe, where hybrid vehicles are not subject to additional tariffs in the European Union," said Rho Motion in a press release (June 13, 2025).

• Europe

According to Rho Motion, the European EV market grew by 27% in the first five months of the year. The growth rate increased in many countries, with EV sales in Germany reaching 45% year-to-date (ytd) growth and the UK 32% (ytd).

"Other European countries, which were previously slower, are now also growing rapidly, such as Spain with 72% (ytd) growth and Italy with a 58% (ytd) increase," said Rho Motion.

• North America

The North American EV market (United States, Canada, and Mexico) grew by 3% (ytd) until May 2025.

The US market grew by 4% (ytd), supported by tax credit policies for eligible vehicles for the remainder of the year. Meanwhile, the Canadian market fell by approximately 20% (ytd) due to delays in EV subsidies.