Key facts
- Global EV sales increased 2% to 1.83 million vehicles in August.
- Europe's monthly EV sales grew 36% to 380,000 units, with year-to-date growth at 29%.
- China's EV sales decreased 11% to 1.03 million units in August.
- North American EV sales fell 33% to 140,000 units in August.
Global demand for electric vehicles rose for a sixth consecutive month in August, with Europe leading the growth, according to data from UK-based research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles showed significant differences across major markets.
Europe's monthly sales climbed 36% to 380,000 units, driven by continued subsidy-backed demand in the region's major markets, pushing year-to-date growth to 29%. In contrast, Chinese automakers are increasingly relying on exports for growth as domestic sales fell 11% to 1.03 million vehicles in August, affected by a tougher year-ago comparison. North American sales dropped 33% to 140,000 vehicles, reflecting a buying rush last year before the expiration of federal EV tax credits. Sales for the rest of the world jumped 97% to 290,000 units.