FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

World EV Sales Up

Most regions see first-quarter growth, though trade war, reduced incentives likely to slow adoption.

by Hannah Mitchell
April 15, 2025
World EV Sales Up

First-quarter EV sales in North America rose 16% to half a million, though tariffs and tax break elimination would curb growth.

Credit:

Pexels/Kindel Media

2 min to read


Global electric-vehicle sales jumped in the first quarter, though market analysts expect the growth to slacken as a trade war and reduced incentives are poised to dampen sales.

EV deliveries surged 29% year-over-year to four million, according to data by EV and battery research provider Rho Motion. The growth was led by China, which saw a 36% uptick to 2.4 million.

Ad Loading...

Meanwhile, EV sales in North America rose 16% to half a million. And though about three-fifths of EVs sold in the states are made there, U.S. trade tariffs will likely increase prices of both EVs and gas-powered models, said Rho Motion, which indicated that most of the remaining U.S.-sold EVs are made in Japan, Korea and Mexico.

President Donald Trump signaled on Monday that he’s considering giving automakers a break on 25% auto import tariffs to give them more time to transition overseas production to the U.S. 

But it remains to be seen how the many trade permutations the White House has introduced over the past six weeks would ultimately gel into a long-term policy. The administration also recently stopped providing EV charger development funding to states and aims to eliminate federal tax breaks for EV purchases and leases.

“This quarter, while turbulent, has seen a strong rate of growth globally for the EV market,” said Rho Motion Data Manager Charles Lester.

“What is sure is that the electric vehicle market is already struggling to compete with ICE on cost, so reductions in subsidies and hefty tariffs for a very international supply chain are guaranteed to have a cooling effect on the industry.” 

Ad Loading...

Many European countries saw sharp upsurges in EV adoption in the quarter, the company observed. Germany’s sales grew 37%, Italy’s 64% and the United Kingdom’s 42%. France, though, has ended government incentives for EV purchases and consequently saw an 18% drop in sales, Rho Motion said.

LEARN MORE: EV Owners Stay Loyal to the Segment

More Industry

Exterior of Porsche dealership
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•October 28, 2026

Mainstay Georgia Auto Group Sells

Acquisition by Group 1 extends its presence in the U.S. luxury retail market with the addition of the 10-store stable.

Read More →
The outside of a Mt. Pleasant car dealership.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 28, 2026

New Auto Group Enters the Market

The Iowa transaction involved a Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram rooftop.

Read More →
Interior of black car with persons hands on steering wheel.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 19, 2026

Connection Drives Consideration

Convenience and safety are top priorities for American drivers when it comes to connected vehicles and the services they expect with their next car.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Silver Subaru STI parked in lot.
Showroom•by Lauren Lawrence•October 14, 2026

New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put

Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.

Read More →
White electric vehicle parked at charging station.
Showroom•by Lauren Lawrence•October 12, 2026

EV Buyer Consideration Shifts

What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'

Read More →
White Ford truck pulling a boat on a trailer.
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•October 7, 2026

Auto Nameplate Loyalty Holds in Tough Times

Consumers have been faithful to brands despite financial pressures, and JD Power says that’s because automakers have made some wise moves.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two vans parked on road with scenic views behind.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 7, 2026

Top New Jersey RV Store Sells

Myer’s RV Superstore is expanding its footprint in the state with two new locations that it acquired from Ed Hutchinson Jr.

Read More →
mechanic standing under lifted car in a garage
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 5, 2026

Alliance Analyzes Technician Pipeline

A new industry report examines the state of skilled trades in the U.S. and details the drivers of demand for automotive repair and how technicians enter and grow in the workforce.

Read More →
Blue Genesis car sitting in front of scenic mountainscape.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•October 1, 2026

Luxury Rooftop Changes Hands

Genesis of Glenview is getting a new owner and a new location, but its name will stay the same.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tires hung up on wall in factory.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 28, 2026

Future-Proof Your Business

A new industry outlook details several ways that automotive companies can use the rise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to their advantage.

Read More →