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The Big Review: Analysts Predict Continued Growth in Electric Vehicle Sales Globally

Explore the latest trends, market dynamics, and technological advancements shaping the global electric and hybrid vehicle industry.

Theresa Ferner | Feb 13, 2025 | 5 min read

Table of Contents

The global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) continues to rise. Analysts forecast a worldwide EV sales increase of at least 17% in 2025, surpassing 20 million units sold for the first time.

This growth is driven by government policies on emissions reduction, increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers, and advancements in battery and charging technology.

Current Market Overview of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Global Presence of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

By early 2025, the number of registered battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) worldwide exceeded 50 million units.

  • China remains the largest EV market, accounting for over 40% of global EV sales.
  • Europe is the second-largest market, with steady growth driven by stricter CO₂ regulations and the introduction of more affordable EV models.
  • North America is seeing moderate growth, with EVs expected to make up 11% of all new car sales in the U.S. by 2025.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in the German Market

Germany saw a 53.5% increase in new EV registrations in January 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite the sudden end of government EV subsidies in 2023, the growth trend continues.

  • 16.6% of all new registrations in January 2025 were fully electric vehicles (BEVs).
  • Commercial buyers are driving EV growth, as companies increasingly switch to electric fleets.
  • Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are losing market share, as they are no longer eligible for government incentives.

Automakers’ Response to Market Changes

The removal of government subsidies has led manufacturers to adjust their pricing strategies and incentives.

  • Tesla and Volkswagen have reduced EV prices to maintain demand.
  • New financing and leasing models are making EVs more affordable for businesses and private buyers.
  • Used car dealers benefit from increasing demand for young, pre-owned electric vehicles.

EV Trends – Europe as a Key Market for Chinese EV Innovations

Expansion of Chinese Automakers into the EU

Chinese manufacturers like BYD, NIO, and Xiaomi are expanding their presence in Europe.

  • BYD surpassed Volkswagen in China and is now targeting the European market.
  • Xiaomi leverages its technology expertise to develop innovative EV models with advanced battery and AI-driven systems.
  • Chinese brands benefit from lower production costs, giving them a price advantage over established automakers.

Sales Trends in the EU Market

  • One in five new cars sold globally is now electric.
  • Europe is tightening CO₂ regulations, further boosting EV adoption.
  • Long-range EVs are growing in demand, as consumers seek vehicles with extended battery range.

Pricing Trends and Market Dynamics in the EV Sector

Tesla’s Strategic Price Adjustments

Tesla has reduced prices on several models to increase European sales.

  • The Model Y Long Range RWD was introduced in Europe, offering a range of over 600 km per charge.
  • Discounts and increased production volumes are making EVs more affordable for a broader audience.

General EV Pricing Trends

The average cost of EVs in the EU is decreasing:

  • 2023: Average price of a new EV: €47,000 (vs. €35,000 for an internal combustion engine vehicle).
  • 2025: Prices are expected to drop further due to improved production technology and economies of scale.
  • The used EV market is expanding, as many leased vehicles return to the market.

Emerging Technologies in the EV Industry

Battery Technology Advancements

New battery technologies are reducing costs and increasing range:

  • Solid-state batteries provide higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety.
  • Lithium-sulfur batteries could enable even longer driving ranges in the future.
  • Battery recycling technologies improve sustainability and reduce material shortages.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) as a Key Technology

  • Bidirectional charging allows EVs to feed electricity back into the grid.
  • Businesses increasingly adopt V2G, using it to lower operational costs through energy management.
  • Governments support V2G initiatives to integrate renewable energy more effectively.

Wireless Charging Becomes Market-Ready

  • Automatic charging systems enable contactless charging in parking garages and fleet operations.
  • Early pilot projects in Germany and Norway demonstrate high potential for everyday use.

Cardino’s Role

Cardino simplifies the buying and selling process for used car dealers. Our platform enables dealers to quickly and efficiently expand their inventory with high-quality used vehicles, especially EVs. Thanks to our optimized sales process, dealers can acquire vehicles hassle-free without extensive negotiations or unnecessary formalities.

Conclusion

Global EV sales continue their upward trajectory, with Europe playing a key role due to the expansion of Chinese manufacturers and stricter emission regulations.

  • Falling prices and technological advancements make EVs more affordable and efficient.
  • The demand for long-range EVs is increasing, helping to eliminate range anxiety.
  • The used EV market is growing, as businesses and individuals embrace electric mobility.

FAQs

What is the current market share of electric and hybrid vehicles?

As of early 2025, over 50 million EVs are registered worldwide, with continuous growth in China, Europe, and North America.

How have policy changes affected the EV market in Germany?

Despite the elimination of EV subsidies, Germany is seeing strong growth in commercial EV adoption.

What EV trends are shaping the European market?

  • Expansion of Chinese automakers like BYD and Xiaomi
  • Rising demand for long-range EVs with extended battery capacity
  • Bidirectional charging and wireless charging as emerging key technologies

(Reuters, 2025) (Financial Times, 2025) (theicct, 2025)