Global EV sales rose 29% against the trend in April

According to foreign media reports, the latest data from automotive market consulting firm Rho Motion shows that global sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) reached 1.5 million units in April, up 29% YoY. Despite trade tensions, the Chinese and European markets maintained steady growth, while the North American market saw its first decline since September last year.

Among them, EV sales in the Chinese market increased by 32% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 900,000 units. As part of an expanded consumer trade-in program in January, China extended its auto trade-in subsidy policy until 2025, aiming to avoid a decline in EV sales and boost economic growth.

Charles Lester, Data Manager at Rho Motion, stated that while Chinese EV automakers continue to expand domestic sales of EV models, they are also actively expanding their overseas market presence in the PHEV segment.

Lester also noted, "Since the beginning of this year, PHEV sales in global regions outside of China, North America, and Europe have nearly doubled, with Chinese exports contributing the majority of the increase."

In the European market, new vehicle registrations for BEVs and PHEVs increased by 35% YoY, with sales reaching 300,000 units.

The main reasons for Europe's growth are that traditional European automakers are accelerating their electrification transformation to meet EU carbon emission standards, and BEV model sales have surpassed those of Tesla. Regarding Tesla, Lester said that its market share continued to decline before the Model Y received a product refresh.

In North America, EV sales fell by 5.6% YoY to 100,000 units. Global automakers face a 25% import tariff in the US, the world's second-largest automotive market, leading many manufacturers to withdraw their 2025 performance outlooks. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's stance on emission standards and uncertainty surrounding tariff policies have also hindered the growth of the North American EV market.

Lester stated that the trade agreements reached by Trump with the UK and China this month have had a minimal impact on EV sales, but they are a positive signal for the industry ahead of potential trade negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and the EU.

The global EV industry is currently at a critical turning point, with governments worldwide introducing policies to encourage the purchase of EVs. However, trade tensions and a slowdown in automotive market growth may signal factory closures and layoffs.