Electric cars keep growing in the market, even though it may seem they are losing momentum

The withdrawal of the 2035 date as the start of the ban on selling cars with combustion engines in Europe seems to mark the beginning of the end for electric cars. Moreover, many brands are rethinking their entry into electric mobility and the development of new models that would make people forget about combustion engines.

Everything seems to indicate that electric cars are suffering a fairly significant setback and that their future is, at the very least, compromised. But in reality, things seem to be very different, and there is slow but steady growth that guarantees it is a valid and effective mobility option.

Global growth

The growth in electric car sales has continued throughout this year 2025, according to the figures provided by Rho Motion. According to the company’s data, around 18.5 million units of battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars were sold worldwide. This figure represents a 21% increase in vehicles sold worldwide compared to 2024.

Growth is led by China and Europe, which have seen sales of this type of vehicle rise in their territories. Of course, China is at the top. 11.6 million vehicles of these characteristics were reported in 2025, representing a 19% growth compared to the previous year.

In Europe, growth has been more modest, with only 3.8 million electric and plug-in hybrid cars sold in 2025. Even so, this represents a 33% growth compared to 2024. Specifically, the increase in electric cars sold was 35% higher than last year, while plug-in hybrids saw a 39% increase. Part of these sales took place in France, where there was an increase after a period of stagnation, although it was only 1%.

In Italy there was also growth in the presence of electric cars, as an incentive programme was launched to encourage Italians to scrap cars with combustion engines and buy electric ones.

Sales decline in the United States

By contrast, the situation in the United States is different. Electric car sales have fallen alarmingly, although they remain 1% below 2024. The lack of government incentives and measures to promote their purchase will keep the figures below the level needed for growth.

In the rest of the world, sales reached 1.5 million battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This figure marks a 48% growth compared to 2024. This indicates that there are regions where electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are not commonly sold, which are also experiencing considerable growth, even though we do not focus on those regions.