Electric Cars Surge Ahead: A New Era in Global Transportation
Electric vehicles gain traction worldwide, pushing petrol and diesel to the sidelines.
Editorial Team (ET)July 7, 2025
The global automotive landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, as evidenced by the latest data from New AutoMotive’s Global Electric Vehicle Tracker (GEVT). Over the past two and a half years, the dominance of petrol and diesel vehicles has diminished significantly, with their combined market share plummeting from 78% to 63%. Simultaneously, the electric vehicle (EV) sector has experienced explosive growth, nearly doubling its share from 10% to 17.4%. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the world’s journey toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
Electric vehicles are poised to break records once again this year. By October, global EV sales reached a staggering 10.8 million units, a remarkable 11% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge is not an isolated phenomenon; it reflects a broader trend of sustained growth. In October alone, over one million EVs were sold worldwide, with an additional 108,000 vehicles sold compared to the same month last year.
China and the United States have emerged as the driving forces behind this upward trajectory. China, the world’s largest EV market, recorded a 12% year-over-year increase in sales last month. Meanwhile, the United States posted an even more impressive 22% growth rate. These figures underscore the growing consumer confidence in EVs and the increasing availability of models catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
Europe has also witnessed noteworthy growth in its EV markets. The UK, for instance, recorded a 23% rise in sales compared to October 2023, with over 5,000 additional EVs hitting the roads. Smaller European nations such as Bulgaria and Cyprus outpaced expectations, reporting sales growth of over 50%. Countries like Denmark, Croatia, Czechia, Greece, and Malta set an even higher bar, with increases exceeding 80%.
However, this growth is not universal across all markets. Among the ten largest automotive markets globally, three—France, Germany, and Sweden—saw a decline in EV sales last month. Despite these isolated setbacks, the global momentum remains strong, signaling a promising future for electric mobility.
Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, debunked claims of a slowdown in the EV market, emphasizing the robust growth observed month after month. "The data shows the rumours of a slowdown in electric car sales are just rumours," Nelmes stated. "In reality, electric car sales continue to increase not just in the largest car markets but across the globe. This sustained growth is vital to the world’s transition to cleaner, cheaper transport."
The transition to EVs is more than just a technological evolution—it represents a critical step toward reducing carbon emissions and improving public health. Governments worldwide are being urged to maintain their focus on policies that support EV adoption. These policies, including subsidies, infrastructure investments, and regulatory incentives, play a crucial role in fostering consumer confidence and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels.
New AutoMotive’s monthly tracker provides invaluable insights into this transition. Covering 42 major automotive markets that collectively account for 85% of the world’s new car sales, the tracker highlights progress in phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles. It also examines the impact of incentives, regulations, and market trends on accelerating the EV revolution.
As the year draws to a close, the EV market is well-positioned for continued growth. With strong performances in both established and emerging markets, the global shift toward electric mobility is not only inevitable but also accelerating at an unprecedented pace. The sustained rise of EVs marks a transformative chapter in the history of transportation, reshaping industries and redefining the way the world moves.
