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

First-quarter EV sales in North America rose 16% to half a million, though tariffs and tax break elimination would curb growth.
Pexels/Kindel Media
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.
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.”
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.
More Industry

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 →
New Auto Group Enters the Market
The Iowa transaction involved a Chevrolet GMC Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram rooftop.
Read More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →