Global electric car sales in January reached 1.3 million units, registering an 18% increase compared to the same month in 2024, as reported by the Electric Vehicle Research Institute Rho Motion. However, there was a 35% decrease compared to December.
In January, electric car sales in the European Union, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and the United Kingdom increased by 21% annually, reaching 0.25 million vehicles. Meanwhile, in the United States and Canada, sales rose by 22%, totaling 0.13 million units.
On the other hand, **China showed a more moderate growth**, with a 12% increase in electric car sales in January 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. This is because the first two months of the year are less active commercially in China due to the Chinese New Year celebrations.
### Lower sales expected due to Chinese New Year festivities
Experts at Rho Motion predict that **electric car sales and vehicle sales in general in China in February will also be lower**, as the Chinese New Year is mainly celebrated this February 2025.
Electric car sales in other regions of the world increased by 50% year-on-year, reaching 0.13 million units in January.
Charles Lester, Rho Motion’s data manager, stated on the company’s website: “With the entry into force of the [CO2 emissions regulations](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/reduccion-de-emisiones-hasta-un-67-el-plan-de-brasil-contra-el-cambio-climatico/) for European manufacturers this year, all eyes are on the data for the first month, which shows an encouraging 21% growth compared to the same period last year.”
“As expected, the Chinese market decreased by 43% compared to the previous month, as drivers tend to make their transactions before the [Chinese New Year festivities](https://noticiasambientales.com/energia/como-evolucionaron-las-ventas-de-autos-electricos-en-2024/), which are celebrated in January and February. The US and Canada market has not yet been affected by the new president’s policy and continues to show a steady 22% year-on-year increase. Ultimately, the year started without controversies for the **global electric car market**, although it will not be like that for long,” he explained.
### Strong electric car sales in Europe
The market of the European Union, the EFTA, and the United Kingdom started the year strong, with electric car sales reaching **250,000 units in January**.
The modification of European regulations on CO2 emissions this year could drive manufacturers to make a more marked transition to electric vehicles to **avoid high fines**.
Electric car sales in **Germany** increased by over 40% in January, while in **France** they fell by 15% year-on-year. This is mainly due to the vehicle weight tax applied to **plug-in hybrid electric cars** starting in January, leading consumers to buy more of these vehicles in December to avoid the fees.
Despite the EU authorities imposing higher import taxes on **Chinese electric cars** last year, the electric vehicle market in the European Union remained strong in January. The Chinese government unfairly subsidizes domestic electric car manufacturers, allowing them to sell their products at much lower prices in Europe, harming **European manufacturers**.
However, the current tariffs only cover the battery electric vehicle sector, leading several Chinese companies to focus on **hybrid vehicles** to continue increasing their European market share.
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