GLOBAL demand for electric vehicles (EVs) fell 2 percent in September, ending six consecutive months of growth, as record sales in Europe were not enough to offset sharp declines in North America and China, data from United Kingdom-based research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence showed on Friday.
The data highlights growing divergence across major EV markets. Europe is benefiting from strong consumer demand and policy support, while China’s domestic market remains weak and North America continues to feel the impact of the expiration of US federal EV tax credits at the end of September 2025.
Global EV sales slid to 2.15 million vehicles in September, while year-to-date volumes are up 3 percent at 15.5 million units.
“Europe had its strongest month on record, with almost 600,000 EVs sold in September, 10 percent above the previous high set in June,” BMI data manager Charles Lester said.
North American sales fell 44 percent, the steepest monthly decline this year, reflecting the strong year-ago period when buyers rushed to dealerships before the tax credits expired.
From the fourth quarter, these comparisons will ease as they lap the post-tax-credit slump, Lester said.
Sales in China dropped 18 percent to 1.11 million vehicles, prompting carmakers to increasingly rely on exports.
