Global demand for electric vehicles fell by 2% in September / Europe reported record sales, but China and North America lost ground

Global demand for electric vehicles fell by 2% in September to 2.15 million units, interrupting a period of six consecutive months of growth. Record sales in Europe failed to offset declines in North America and China, according to data from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, cited by Reuters and Agerpres.

Europe recorded its best month ever, with nearly 600,000 electric vehicles sold, 10% above the previous record, set in June. Demand is being supported by public policies and growing consumer interest.

By contrast, sales in North America fell by 44%, amid the expiration of U.S. federal tax incentives at the end of September 2025 and a high comparison base. In China, the domestic market declined by 18% to 1.11 million vehicles, prompting manufacturers to focus increasingly on exports.

In the first nine months, global sales nevertheless rose by 3% compared with the same period last year, reaching 15.5 million units. Analyst Charles Lester estimates that regional trends will balance out in the fourth quarter.