Global EV Sales Surge 24% in June Despite U.S. Setback

Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids rose 24% year-over-year in June, driven by strong demand in China and Europe, according to market research firm Rho Motion. Worldwide EV sales hit 1.8 million units, with China leading the charge at 1.11 million units—up 28% from the same month last year. Europe followed with a 23% gain, reaching approximately 390,000 vehicles.

However, the U.S. market bucked the trend, posting a 1% decline in June, with North American sales falling 9% to just over 140,000 units. Rho Motion’s Charles Lester attributed the dip to President Trump’s new spending bill, which accelerated the phase-out of EV tax credits. Canada’s slowing demand also weighed on regional performance. For the first time, North America fell behind emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where EV sales surged 43% to over 140,000 units.

In Europe, continued government incentives and the rise of affordable models from automakers like Volkswagen and Renault are expected to sustain momentum. Meanwhile, Chinese brands such as BYD are rapidly expanding their presence, gaining ground in both Europe and developing markets.

The policy shift in the U.S. comes as global automakers face a looming 25% import tariff, prompting some to revise or withdraw their 2025 forecasts. Despite reports of slowing growth in some Chinese cities due to subsidy exhaustion, Lester expects renewed subsidies to boost sales in the latter half of the year.

Overall, the global EV market continues its upward trajectory, with demand shifting toward regions offering incentives and affordable electric options. As legacy and Chinese automakers compete for market share, EV adoption in emerging economies is becoming a key growth driver.