Global EV sales rise 21% in 2025, Europe leads growth
What's the story
Global electric vehicle (EV) sales have surged by 21% in November compared to the same period in 2024, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. The research firm noted that two million EVs were sold worldwide during the month. This brings the total global EV sales for the year to date to an impressive 18.5 million units. Europe has emerged as a major contributor to this growth, while North America continues to lag behind.
Market dynamics
Europe's EV market outpaces North America
The European EV market witnessed a remarkable 36% year-on-year growth in November 2025. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sales rose by 35%, while Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) sales jumped by an impressive 39%. This brings Europe's total EV sales for the year to date to a whopping 3.8 million units, up by 33% from January-November 2024. Meanwhile, North America continues to trail after US EV tax credits expired on September 30, 2025.
Growth factors
France and Italy boost EV sales with new initiatives
France has finally returned to year-to-date growth in November, up 1% after spending most of 2025 in the red due to earlier subsidy cuts. The rebound was led by automakers such as Volkswagen and Renault, a wider selection of EV models, and France's "leasing social" program aimed at helping lower-income households switch to EVs. Meanwhile, Italy saw record EV sales of just under 25,000 units in November after launching a new incentive program aimed at replacing older internal combustion vehicles.
Policy changes
UK expands access to EV subsidy
The UK government has expanded access to its full £3,750 ($4,400) EV subsidy by adding five more eligible models: Nissan Leaf (built in Sunderland with deliveries starting early 2026), MINI Countryman, Renault 4, Renault 5 and Alpine A290. This move is expected to further boost the country's EV sales as more consumers will be able to take advantage of this financial incentive.
Market performance
US EV sales record month-on-month rise in November
In North America, US EV sales did see a month-on-month rise in November after a sharp decline in October following the expiration of federal tax credits in September Brands like Kia (up 30%), Hyundai (up 20%), and Honda (up 11%) all posted gains. However, overall volumes remain below levels when these incentives were still available.
Market dominance
China remains the world's largest EV market
China continues to dominate the global EV market by a wide margin. The country's market grew by 3% year-on-year and 4% month-on-month in November. Year-to-date, China's EV sales have increased by an impressive 19%, with a total of 11.6 million units sold. One of the biggest highlights from China is its exports, with BYD reporting a record-breaking 131,935 EV exports in November alone.