Global EV & Hybrid Vehicle Sales in 2025 - The Real Numbers, Region by Region
If you ever wondered how the world is shifting toward electric and hybrid vehicles, 2025 delivered one clear message:
(source: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2025)
**Electric cars went mainstream…
and hybrids said “Move over, I’m coming too.”**
This year wasn’t just about hype it was about hard data, global adoption, and surprising regional trends that made automakers rethink their entire strategies.
2025 Global Overview - How Many EVs & Hybrids Were Sold?
Let’s start BIG:Over 17 million EVs (BEV + PHEV) were sold globally in 2024
By 2025, forecasts show sales rising toward 22 million plug-in vehicles.
That means roughly 1 out of every 4 new vehicles sold in 2025 is electrified.
Let that sink in:
We’re no longer “early adopters.” We’re “mid-transition humans trying to remember where the charging station is.”
Asia - And Especially China - The EV Superpower of Earth
If EV adoption were a video game, China unlocked every upgrade and finished the campaign twice. (source: https://evwire.com/p/evsales2025h1)
China’s 2025 Sales:
- 3,349,808 battery-electric vehicles sold in the first half of 2025
- Up 43.7% over 2024 H1
- China is responsible for 56.5% of global EV sales
- EV market share: 30.8% penetration (nearly 1 in 3 new cars)
Europe Still an EV Powerhouse, But Hybrids Fight Back
Europe continues to be the global leader in EV policies, incentives, and charging networks. (source: https://ev-volumes.com)
Europe 2025 EV Sales:
- 1,190,346 EVs sold in H1 2025 (EU + EFTA + UK)
- Up 24.9% vs 2024
- Accounts for 20.1% of global EV sales
- BEV market share: ≈17.5% of all new cars
Plug-in hybrids gained traction again due to winter range anxiety and rising electricity prices in some regions.
Europe’s 2025 search trends shifted toward:
- “Best PHEV SUV 2025”
- “Electric car winter range test”
- “Hybrid vs EV cost comparison”
United States — The Year Hybrids Took Over
2025 is officially the Year of the American Hybrid Comeback.
U.S. EV Sales:
- 607,089 EVs sold in the first half of 2025
- About 10.24% of global EV sales
- Growth: only +1.2% vs 2024 (flat market)
Hybrids. Tons of hybrids.
Top U.S. search trends 2025:
- “Best hybrid SUV 2025”
- “Hybrid vs EV which is better”
- “Hybrid for long road trips”
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Ford Maverick Hybrid
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Canada - The Winter Hybrid Capital of the World
The Great White North loves EVs… until the temperature hits –25°C and the range drops faster than your motivation on a Monday.
Canadian shoppers searched for:
- “Best AWD hybrid for winter 2025”
- “Hybrid SUV Canada”
- “Electric car winter range Canada”
- Strong EV sales in big cities
- Massive hybrid growth everywhere else
- Plug-in hybrids become the “middle-ground sweet spot”
Canada may not lead global EV volume, but its hybrid adoption is among the strongest per capita in North America. (source: https://about.bnef.com/insights/clean-transport/electric-vehicle-outlook)
South America - The Hybrid Hotspot
South America made a noticeable jump in 2025 - but mostly in hybrid vehicles, not full EVs.
Why?
Charging infrastructure is still growing, but fuel prices and import taxes make hybrids extremely attractive.
Most popular markets:
- Brazil
- Chile (the EV leader of the region)
- Colombia
- Argentina
- “Affordable hybrid car 2025”
- “Hybrid SUV Latin America”
- “EV tax incentives Chile”
Africa - Hybrids Lead, EVs Emerging
Africa is entering the EV era, but at a measured pace.
2025 Trends:
- EV growth strongest in South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Kenya
- Solar-powered home charging increased EV interest
- Hybrids remained the dominant electrified option
Search trends:
- “Hybrid SUV for bad roads”
- “Electric car charging Africa”
- “Hybrid vs petrol cost savings”
Africa’s EV surge is coming but hybrids currently fill the practical gap.
Rest of World - Quiet but FAST Growth
This category includes:
- Middle East
- Southeast Asia
- Oceania
- Emerging markets worldwide
Numbers:
- 781,809 EVs sold in H1 2025
- Growth: +47.7% year-over-year
- Share of global EV market: 6.3%
A very small share but the fastest-growing region on Earth.
Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) — The Underrated Champions
PHEVs grew faster than most people expected:
- In China, PHEV share rose from ~15% (2020) to nearly 30% by 2024–2025.
Why?
People want electric driving without charging anxiety.
PHEVs remain the world’s favorite “transition technology.”
Final Conclusion: What Did the World Really Buy in 2025?
Asia / China: EVs dominate
Europe: EVs strong, PHEVs rebounding
USA: Hybrids win the year
Canada: Hybrids win winter
South America: Hybrids dominate
Africa: Hybrids preferred
Rest of World: EVs growing fastest
If 2024 was the warm-up, then 2025 is the moment the world collectively said:
**“EVs are the future…
but hybrids are still VERY welcome.”**
What do YOU think?
Will EVs dominate by 2030?
Or will hybrids remain the practical choice in many regions?
Drop a comment — I’d love to hear your prediction!