Global EV Sales Hit Record in 2025

Benchmarks indicate robust international electric vehicle improvement irrespective of regional adjustments in policy and variegated market results.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence cited robust EV trends passing across the world in 2025, showing 20.7 million EVs sold in both passenger and light-duty segments, a 20 percent rise in annual sales. In December on its own, the company registered 2.1 million units, which highlights the continued consumer demand despite economic and policy headwinds.

Based on the data, China was the biggest market, having 12.9 million vehicles sold, and Europe has the highest growth rate of 33%. In Europe, the total EV sales were 4.3 million units, and subsidies and a more lenient regulatory environment favored the aim of meeting the emissions targets. North America was playing last, its sales dwelling with dampened incentives and repositioned manufacturing as priorities.

As Benchmark observed, the EV market across the globe that is projected to be present at the start of 2026 is significantly different than it was just a year ago. The rapid growth in Europe compensated for low growth rates in China, as the sluggish sales there were affected by high previous-year subsidies and stiff domestic pricing. There was also a stronger influence of emerging markets, which was primarily due to the rise in exports by the Chinese manufacturers.

In the future, Benchmark anticipates an EV development in the world, albeit at a more controlled rate. The changes in policies, the shift of the subsidies and the approaches of manufacturers will determine the performance in the area, with the forecast on Europe staying as one of the major EV adopters in 2026.