Global Electric Vehicle Sales Growth Slows to 21% in July

Data released by market research firm Rho Motion on the 13th showed that global electric vehicle (EV) sales rose 21% year-on-year in July, down from June’s 25% and the slowest pace since January. The slowdown was mainly due to a decline in plug-in hybrid sales in mainland China.

According to Rho Motion, global sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) reached 1.6 million units in July, with mainland China accounting for about 900,000 units.

Lester, data manager at Rho Motion, noted that China’s EV sales grew only 12% year-on-year in July, far below the average monthly growth rate of 36% seen in the first half of the year. He added that BYD’s registered sales fell for the third consecutive month.

Other markets, however, partly offset the slowdown in China. In Europe, boosted by incentive programs, EV sales surged 48% in July to around 390,000 units. North America also recorded a 10% increase to over 170,000 units, while sales in other regions outside China, Europe, and North America climbed 55% to roughly 140,000 units.

Lester emphasized that although sales growth varied across regions, the overall adoption of EVs continues on a strong upward trajectory in 2025. He pointed out that China’s subsidy program will soon release funds, which is expected to drive a rebound in August sales. On the other hand, the expiration of the EV tax credit in the U.S. this September could weigh on local demand.