Global electric vehicle market monitor for light-duty vehicles in key markets, 2025 H1
Press release
Global Race for Clean Transportation Leadership Still Open as EV Sales Reach 23% Market Share
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept 8, 2025 – The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) today released its latest Global Electric Vehicle Market Monitor analyzing the first half of 2025 (2025 H1), revealing continued acceleration of the global transition to clean transportation while underscoring the critical importance of supportive policies for market success.
Record Growth Continues Despite Regional Disparities
Global electric vehicle sales reached over 9 million units in the first half of 2025, representing 23% of all new light-duty vehicles sold worldwide—a significant increase from 19% for the full year 2024. This milestone demonstrates the sustained momentum of the clean transportation transition across automotive markets.
“The global electric vehicle market shows remarkable growth, with nearly one in four new vehicles sold worldwide now being electric,” said Ilma Fadhil, researcher and lead author on the semi-annual report from the ICCT. “However, our data also reveals distinct gap between markets with strong, consistent policies and those lacking supportive frameworks.”
China Leads While U.S. Production Declines
China maintained its dominant position with 5.4 million EV sales in 2025 H1, representing 47% of the country’s total light-duty vehicle market—well ahead of its national policy targets. The country now accounts for 72% of global EV production, strengthening its leadership in the clean transportation economy.
Meanwhile, concerning trends emerged in other major markets. U.S. EV production share declined from 8% in 2024 H1 to just 5% in 2025 H1. This decline occurred as U.S. EV market share stagnated at 9%, highlighting the risks of policy uncertainty in a rapidly evolving global market.
“Strong policy frameworks are critical for EV market success,” said Fadhil. “Markets with clear targets and consistent policies—from China to Thailand—are seeing the fastest EV adoption and supporting domestic car brands.”
Figure. China leads major markets as sales share for EVs reach 47%
Europe Advances While U.S. Risks Losing Ground
Europe demonstrated steady progress, with EVs comprising 23% of new light-duty vehicle sales in 2025 H1, up from 20% in 2024. The region maintained 15% of global EV production, supported by comprehensive policy frameworks and manufacturer compliance with CO₂ standards.
In contrast, the United States showed warning signs of falling behind in the global race for clean transportation leadership. EV sales declined 15% compared to 2024 H1, with the market share dropping to 9% from 10% the previous year.
“The U.S. risks falling behind without stable, supportive policies, and domestic manufacturers risk losing out on the global market,” warns Fadhil, echoing themes from previous market assessments.
Looking Ahead: New Markets Enter the Clean Transportation Race
As the global automotive industry transforms, the ICCT analysis shows how markets with progressive policies supporting clean transportation are capturing the economic opportunities of the EV transition, while those without risk being left behind.
New markets are entering the race with success stories from Türkiye to Vietnam. The question now is whether established automotive markets will maintain supportive policies to capture the economic benefits of this transition or cede leadership to more forward-thinking competitors.
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Media contact:
Kelli Pennington, communications@theicct.org
Publication details:
Title: Global electric vehicle market monitor for light-duty vehicles in key markets, 2025 H1
Authors: Ilma Fadhil and Chang Shen
Download: https://theicct.org/publication/global-ev-market-monitor-for-ldvs-in-key-markets-2025-h1-sept25/
About the International Council on Clean Transportation
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.
Find us at:
www.theicct.org
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