Global electric vehicle sales rose to 1.6 million units in May, driven by strong demand in China and Europe, while growth in North America remained slow.
China led with more than 1 million vehicles sold, a 24% increase from a year earlier, according to Rho Motion data.
Sales in Europe rose 36.2% to 330,000 units, supported by fleet incentives in Germany and demand in southern markets. In contrast, North American sales grew just 7.5% to 160,000 vehicles, as the expiry of Canadian subsidies and ongoing uncertainty over U.S. tariffs weighed on the market.
BYD’s exports to Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Uzbekistan contributed to higher sales in those regions. In Europe, new incentives for fleet buyers in Germany are expected to support further sales in the second half of the year.
Global automakers face a 25% import tariff in the U.S., leading some companies to withdraw their 2025 forecasts. Tesla’s Model Y, made in Berlin, is shielded from these tariffs but continues to face pressure as global production expands.
Uncertainty over U.S. emissions policy and the future of EV tax credits, which are set to begin phasing out from 2026, is also affecting demand. Sales in other parts of the world rose 38% to 150,000 vehicles.
Rho Motion said Chinese market growth continues to outpace slower performance in North America.
