Global EV Market Hits Major Milestone with Record Q3 2025 Sales
Global electric vehicle (EV) sales reached a record level in the third quarter of 2025, with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) driving most of the growth.
According to PwC’s Strategy& EV Sales Review, global BEV sales rose 35% year-on-year. This marks the first time fully electric cars account for more than 20% of all new passenger-car sales.
China led the market with more than two million BEVs sold in Q3, accounting for roughly one-third of global volume. Strategy& notes that China continued to set the pace for global EV adoption with the broadest range of affordable electric models.
Europe also recorded significant growth. BEV sales in the region’s five largest markets grew 32% compared to last year. Germany recorded a 45% jump, while the UK’s BEV share reached a record 23%.
Strategy& state that Europe mirrored the global shift toward pure electric models, supported by tighter emissions policies and wider model availability.
However, Plug in hybrid (PHEV) sales weakened across several markets as buyers moved toward BEVs. The news highlights that PHEVs lost momentum globally, reflecting greater consumer confidence in long-range electric models.
The United States saw moderate growth, with BEV sales rising 12%. While the U.S. trailed China and Europe, it still followed the global trend of accelerating BEV demand.
Analysts say Q3 2025 marked a turning point. It shows EVs transition into mass-market acceptance from early adoption. Falling battery prices, policy support, and expanding infrastructure positioned BEVs for continued growth into 2026.
