Fact Check: Sales of electric vehicles have been increasing globally.

Fact Check: Sales of Electric Vehicles Have Been Increasing Globally

What We Know

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have been on a significant upward trajectory globally. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric car sales exceeded 17 million worldwide in 2024, marking a sales share of over 20% of all new cars sold. This represents a substantial increase from previous years, with the additional 3.5 million electric cars sold in 2024 alone surpassing the total number sold globally in 2020. Notably, China has maintained its dominance in the EV market, accounting for nearly half of all car sales in the country, with over 11 million electric cars sold in 2024, which is more than the total global sales just two years prior.

In Europe, despite some stagnation in sales due to waning subsidies, the sales share of electric cars remained around 20%. The United States also saw a year-on-year growth of about 10%, with electric cars making up more than 10% of total sales. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, have also experienced significant growth, with electric car sales in these regions jumping over 60% in 2024.

Furthermore, a report from EV Volumes indicates that global EV sales surged nearly 50% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, demonstrating a continued trend of increasing adoption.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that electric vehicle sales are increasing globally is robust and comes from multiple reputable sources. The IEA's report is particularly credible, as it is an authoritative body that provides comprehensive data on energy-related trends. Their findings indicate not only a significant increase in sales but also highlight the geographical distribution of this growth, with China leading the charge and emerging markets catching up rapidly.

The EV Volumes report corroborates these findings, offering detailed statistics and forecasts that reflect the current market dynamics. Their insights into the strategic complexities affecting EV sales, such as geopolitical tensions and local production pressures, add depth to the understanding of the market's evolution.

While some sources, such as the World Economic Forum, provide context on global risks that could impact the EV market, they do not directly contradict the claim of increasing sales. Instead, they emphasize the importance of balancing immediate crises with long-term growth strategies, which could indirectly support the ongoing increase in EV sales.

Overall, the sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a comprehensive view of the current state of the global electric vehicle market. The data presented is consistent across multiple reports, reinforcing the validity of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that sales of electric vehicles have been increasing globally is substantiated by reliable data from multiple authoritative sources. The significant growth in sales figures, particularly in key markets like China and emerging economies, along with supportive policies and market dynamics, confirms that the trend of increasing electric vehicle sales is indeed accurate.