Fact Check: Electric vehicles are increasingly adopted worldwide as a sustainable transportation option.

Fact Check: "Electric vehicles are increasingly adopted worldwide as a sustainable transportation option."

What We Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen significant growth in adoption globally, with sales reaching record numbers. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electric car sales exceeded 17 million in 2024, representing over 20% of new cars sold worldwide. This marks a substantial increase of more than 25% compared to the previous year, with notable contributions from major markets like China, where electric car sales surpassed 11 million, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global sales. The IEA report also highlights that the total electric car fleet reached almost 58 million by the end of 2024, tripling the number from 2021 and displacing over 1 million barrels of oil consumption per day.

In Europe, while growth has been more tempered due to the phasing out of subsidies, approximately one in five new cars sold in 2024 was electric, maintaining the previous year's sales share. Countries like Norway have achieved near-total electrification, with 88% of car sales being battery electric vehicles (BEVs) (IEA).

Analysis

The claim that electric vehicles are increasingly adopted worldwide is supported by robust data from credible sources. The IEA's Global EV Outlook 2025 provides comprehensive statistics and trends regarding electric vehicle sales and market dynamics. The report's credibility stems from its backing by the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI) and its reliance on extensive data collection and analysis.

However, it is important to note that while the overall trend is positive, the growth rate in some regions, particularly in Europe, has faced challenges due to reduced government incentives and policy changes. For instance, the IEA noted stagnation in electric car sales in Europe, where subsidies were reduced or eliminated in key markets like Germany and France. This has led to a situation where despite the overall increase in global sales, certain regions are experiencing slower growth (IEA).

Additionally, the data from Our World in Data corroborates the IEA's findings, showing a consistent upward trajectory in electric vehicle sales across various countries, further validating the claim of increasing adoption.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that electric vehicles are increasingly adopted worldwide as a sustainable transportation option. The significant growth in sales, particularly in major markets like China and the overall expansion of the electric vehicle fleet, demonstrates a clear trend towards greater acceptance and integration of electric vehicles into the global transportation landscape. While challenges exist in certain regions, the overall trajectory remains positive.

Fact Check: Electric vehicles are increasingly adopted worldwide as a sustainable transportation option.