Electric Vehicle Sales Continue to Break Global Records

Global Electric Vehicle Sales Set Historic Highs in 2025

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have shattered previous records once again in 2025, with global momentum accelerating faster than anticipated. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 20% of new cars sold worldwide in 2024 were electric, and projections for 2025 show that global sales will exceed 20 million units—a 25% increase year-on-year. In the first quarter of 2025, sales soared by 35%, with more than 4 million electric vehicles sold between January and March alone. China has led the charge, accounting for more than 60% of these sales, but Europe, the US, and emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are also seeing steep growth.

These numbers reflect a sweeping transition in the automotive sector, driven by stricter emissions regulations, declining battery costs, and broad consumer interest in sustainable transport. EVs now represent more than a quarter of all new cars sold this year—an extraordinary leap from just a few years ago when their market share was under 5%.

Ready to embrace clean transport? Atlantic Renewables can help you future-proof your solar infrastructure for the next generation of EVs. Speak to our expert engineers today!

Electric Vehicle Adoption Is Transforming Energy Demand Globally

The rise of electric cars has major implications for the future of energy demand and renewable infrastructure. As EV adoption expands, demand for electricity and robust charging infrastructure is surging worldwide. Bloomberg reports that electricity consumption from EVs is expected to rise from just 6TWh in 2016 to 1,800TWh by 2040. This trend is driving growth in home solar PV systems and battery storage as households and businesses seek to offset increased energy use with clean, self-generated power.

Research also shows a strong complementarity between solar panels and electric vehicles: each existing solar adoption leads to about 0.184 additional EV sales, while each EV ownership inspires 0.26 further solar system installations. The shift to electric transport is accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels and propelling solar energy adoption worldwide.

How Electric Vehicle Uptake Varies Globally in 2025

EV sales growth is not uniform—regional variations highlight where policies and incentives have the biggest impact. According to Rho Motion’s latest statistics, electric vehicle sales for January–May 2025 reached 7.2 million globally, up 28% year-on-year2. China is the undisputed leader, with 4.4 million sales over the same period, (+33%), followed by Europe with 1.6 million (+27%), and North America at 0.7 million (+3%). Emerging markets outside these top regions saw the fastest proportional growth at +36%, reflecting rapid electrification in Asia and Latin America.

In China, electric cars are projected to hit nearly 60% of all car sales in 2025, an extraordinary milestone fueled by aggressive incentives and a price war among local manufacturers. Europe’s EV market share is forecasted to reach 25% due to stricter emissions targets and supportive tax policies. The US market is growing at around 10% annually, with new tax credits encouraging adoption, though growth is slower compared to Asia and Europe.

Why Battery Costs and Competition Drive Record Sales

A primary driver of record EV sales is the falling cost of battery production and heightened competition among manufacturers. The average price of a battery-electric vehicle dropped in 2024 and continued into 2025, especially in China, where many EVs are now cheaper than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Globally, battery EVs are becoming increasingly affordable, which is helping to break down barriers for mass-market adoption and lower the overall carbon footprint of transport.

Improved affordability is also making home charging solutions paired with solar panels and battery storage more attractive for homeowners. At Atlantic Renewables, we provide turnkey solar and battery integrations perfectly suited to EV charging demands—contact our team of experts for a tailored consultation.

What Policies and Incentives Are Fueling the EV Boom?

Government policies remain instrumental in the accelerating demand for electric vehicles. In China, the continuation of purchase incentives for new EVs and aggressive phase-out targets for older vehicles have significantly boosted market share. The European Union has implemented tough emissions standards requiring automakers to increase the share of zero-emission vehicles sold, while national and local tax breaks have spurred consumer interest across member states.

North America presents a different landscape: while the US market is showing steady growth thanks to tax credits, any pause or repeal of government support—as seen recently in Canada—can quickly dampen adoption. Emerging markets are responding to targeted policies as well, with sales in Brazil up 40% in Q1 2025, India up 45%, and Southeast Asia nearly doubling its electric car sales.

How the Rise of EVs Supports Growth in Solar Power

The synergy between electric vehicles and solar PV systems extends beyond household economics—it is essential for grid reliability and decarbonisation. As more EV owners install at-home solar arrays, peak electricity demand is being offset by local generation, reducing strain on national grids. This means greater energy independence, less exposure to fossil fuel price volatility, and lower cumulative transport emissions—an outstanding climate win.

Integrating intelligent battery storage with solar also lets homeowners store renewable energy and use it for overnight or off-peak EV charging. The engineers at Atlantic Renewables specialise in seamless solar and EV charging installations that future-proof homes while maximising long-term value.

What Is Next for Electric Vehicles and Clean Energy in the UK?

The UK, following Europe’s lead on sustainability, is transitioning rapidly toward electric vehicles and renewable energy. With new regulations mandating a higher share of zero-emission vehicles from 2025 onward, Britons are increasingly turning to EVs paired with home solar and battery systems. According to the IEA, the UK is expected to hit a 25% electrification rate for new car sales by the close of 2025, keeping pace with the European average.

Atlantic Renewables is dedicated to helping homeowners and businesses across the UK meet their low-carbon goals with industry-leading solar PV and bespoke EV charging solutions.

Get in Touch

If you are looking to install a home solar PV system designed for EV charging, or you want to future-proof your energy use with battery storage, our specialists at Atlantic Renewables are here to help. Reach out to our expert team on 0161 207 4044 and start unlocking the benefits of the clean energy revolution today!