China lifts global EV sales to record high in September

Global sales of electric vehicles (EV) surged to 2.1 million units in September, driven by booming demand in China, according to data published by Rho Motion. China alone accounted for about 1.3 million of those, more than half the global total.

For the first nine months of 2025, China sold 9.0 million EVs, a 24% increase over the same period last year. Total global EV sales for January to September reached 14.7 million, up 26% year-on-year.

Outside China, Europe’s EV market also saw strong growth. In September, 427,000 units were sold there, up 36% from a year earlier and 55% from August. Italy’s EV sales jumped 66%, and Spain’s more than doubled. The UK saw a 30% rise in September, helped by a new Electric Car Grant. In the U.S., many buyers rushed to take advantage of a $7,500 federal subsidy before it expired.

But high sales do not guarantee profits. Automakers outside China are struggling with slim margins. The Financial Times recently reported that major carmakers are scaling back EV growth plans because the electric revolution has yet to deliver expected returns.

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