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Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) hit a record 2.1 million units in September, fueled by surging demand in China and a final rush of tax-credit buyers in the United States, according to market research firm Rho Motion. The figure marks a 26 percent year-over-year increase, breaking the two-million threshold for the first time.
China accounted for roughly 62 percent of total global deliveries, equivalent to 1.3 million units. The world's largest car market continues to anchor global EV growth, supported by an expanding lineup of locally produced models and strong government incentives ahead of scheduled tax changes.
"The Chinese market remains the biggest engine for global EV expansion," said Cui Dongshu, general secretary of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). "Domestic brands are leveraging both scale and innovation to extend their reach abroad."
According to the CPCA, China's EV manufacturers, including BYD, Nio, and Li Auto, delivered a record 826,000 battery-only vehicles in September, up 28.5 percent from a year earlier. When plug-in hybrids are included, the total rises to 1.3 million, or 15.5 percent growth.
BYD, now the world's top EV maker, expects exports to account for about 20 percent of its global sales this year, double last year's figure. The company projects between 800,000 and 1 million deliveries outside China in 2025.
In Europe, EV sales climbed 36 percent to a record 427,000 units, boosted by strong demand in Germany and the United Kingdom. Tesla's Model Y, particularly the new six-seat variant built in Shanghai, continued to perform strongly in both markets.
North America also saw a spike, with sales rising 66 percent to 215,000 units, as consumers rushed to take advantage of expiring federal incentives worth up to $7,500 per vehicle.
Analysts warn, however, that the fourth quarter could see slower growth once U.S. incentives expire. Still, global EV penetration continues to deepen, with battery and hybrid models now representing about 20 percent of all new passenger vehicle sales worldwide, a milestone reflecting how quickly the automotive landscape is shifting.
