Islamabad: Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle sales surged globally in April 2025, rising 29% year-on-year, according to new research from Rho Motion.
The growth came in spite of mounting trade challenges and geopolitical tensions, with Europe and China posting robust figures, while North America experienced its first monthly decline since September 2024.
Regional Breakdown: China and Europe Lead, North America Lags
China, the world’s largest EV market, recorded a 32% increase in combined electric and plug-in hybrid sales, reaching 900,000 vehicles for the month.
In Europe, sales jumped 35% to 300,000 units, driven in large part by legacy automakers striving to meet EU carbon emissions targets.
Meanwhile, North America bucked the global trend, with sales slipping 5.6% to around 100,000 units.
Analysts pointed to regulatory uncertainty and evolving trade policies in the United States—particularly the threat of a 25% import tariff on foreign EVs—as key factors deterring consumer demand and manufacturer confidence.
Tesla’s Market Share Shrinks
In Europe, traditional automakers outperformed Tesla, which continues to see its market share erode.
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Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion, said the American EV giant is losing ground ahead of a planned refresh of its flagship Model Y, further complicating its position in a competitive market.
Chinese Automakers Expand Plug-in Hybrid Footprint
Chinese manufacturers remain dominant in their home market, particularly in the battery-electric segment. At the same time, they are ramping up plug-in hybrid exports to meet increasing demand in overseas markets.
Sales Snapshot: April 2025
- Global EV and PHEV Sales: 1.5 million units
- China: 900,000 vehicles sold (+32% YoY)
- Europe: 300,000 vehicles sold (+35% YoY)
- North America: 100,000 vehicles sold (−5.6% YoY)
- Rest of the World: Sales up 50% YoY
Trade Uncertainty Clouds 2025 Outlook
Ongoing trade tensions, particularly in the U.S., have led several automakers to withhold guidance for the remainder of 2025.
President Donald Trump’s push for higher tariffs and opposition to stricter emissions rules has contributed to a slowdown in EV momentum in the region.
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While recent trade arrangements with the UK and China had minimal direct impact on electric vehicle sales, Lester noted they could pave the way for broader negotiations involving South Korea, Japan, and the European Union, potentially shaping the global EV landscape in the months ahead.
