
Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity worldwide, with more than 40 million in use globally in 2024, up from 26 million in 2022 and just 1 million in 2018. China leads the way in the production and sale of EVs, with 20.41 million plug-in passenger cars as of December 2023, almost half of the global fleet. Norway has the highest percentage of electric cars, with around 80 EVs per 1,000 people, and other European countries like Sweden and the Netherlands are also major markets. The rise in EV sales can be attributed to various factors, including government incentives, improving charging infrastructure, and increasing environmental concerns due to rising fuel prices.
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What You'll Learn

Electric vehicle sales in China
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in China, with the country experiencing significant growth in its EV market in recent years. In October 2024, China's share of the global electric vehicle market reached 76%, reflecting strong domestic demand. This demand is driven by a combination of factors, including the Chinese government's stricter emissions regulations and promotion of sustainable development, as well as consumers' growing environmental consciousness.
China's EV market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projected revenue reaching US$377.9 billion in 2025. The market is anticipated to experience a steady annual growth rate of 2.61% from 2025 to 2029, resulting in a projected market volume of US$419 billion by the end of that period. This growth can be attributed to factors such as increasing disposable incomes, government incentives, the development of charging infrastructure, and strong economic growth.
Between January and October 2024, EV sales in China reached 14.1 million units, according to the China Passenger Car Association. This surge in sales is not limited to the domestic market, as China's auto sales to Russia have increased by 109% in the past two years. However, exports to the US have dropped by 23% due to increased tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Despite these challenges, China's EV market is expected to reach a significant milestone of 9.57 million vehicle units sold by 2029. This growth aligns with the global trend towards electrification of the automotive industry, with more than 40 million electric cars in use worldwide as of 2024. The increasing demand for EVs in China and globally contributes to the expansion of the industry, with sales expected to accelerate further in the coming years.
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Norway's high EV adoption rate
As of 2024, there are more than 40 million electric vehicles in use globally, with 26 million on the road in 2022. Electric vehicles are experiencing steep market expansion, with sales exceeding 10 million in 2022, a 60% increase from 2021.
Norway has the highest electric vehicle adoption rate in the world. In 2023, 82% of new car sales in Norway were electric vehicles, compared to 7.6% in the US and 24% in China. In 2024, Norway became the first country in the world with more electric vehicles than gas-powered cars on the road.
Additionally, Norway's capital, Oslo, is electrifying its public transportation and construction equipment, replacing gas pumps and parking meters with chargers. The country's abundance of hydropower has kept electricity costs low, making electric vehicles more affordable to operate than gasoline-powered cars.
Norway's success in EV adoption provides valuable insights for other countries aiming to increase the use of electric vehicles and reduce their environmental impact.
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Global EV market share
The global electric vehicle (EV) market has witnessed significant growth in the past few years. In 2020, global EV sales increased by 43% compared to 2019, and the global electric car industry's market share rose to a record 4.6%. The year 2021 was pivotal, with sales doubling to 6.75 million, and 2022 broke records, with sales exceeding 10 million, resulting in 26 million electric cars on global roads and representing a 60% increase from 2021. This growth continued into 2023, with sales of 13.1 million units, a 29.8% increase from 2022.
Several factors have contributed to the success of electric vehicles. High fuel prices have been a significant incentive for consumers to shift towards EVs. The rising oil prices have, in some cases, even outweighed environmental concerns as the primary motivator for purchasing an electric vehicle. Additionally, various stimulus measures, tax benefits, and subsidies introduced by governments worldwide have also played a role in encouraging EV adoption.
Europe and China are the two largest markets for electric vehicles. In 2023, Europe accounted for 25% of global electric car sales, projected to continue in 2024. Within Europe, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands are the largest markets, with 95%, 60%, and 30% of cars sold being electric, respectively. France and the United Kingdom follow closely, with 25% of all cars sold being electric. China, the largest EV manufacturer, is expected to see a market share for EVs of around 45% in 2024.
In terms of EV manufacturers, Tesla held the largest global market share in 2023 at 19.9%. However, BYD, a Chinese automaker, is predicted to overtake Tesla in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales by the end of 2024, with a market share of 17.1% in 2023. Other top EV manufacturers include GAC Aion (5.2% market share), SAIC-GM-Wuling (4.9%), Volkswagen (4.6%), and BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, MG, and KIA, with market shares ranging from 3.6% to 2%.
Looking ahead, the global electric vehicle stock (excluding two/three-wheelers) is projected to reach nearly 250 million vehicles by 2030 and grow to approximately 525 million by 2035. This would mean that one in four vehicles on the road would be electric, with sales potentially surpassing 50%.
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The environmental impact of electric cars
Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely considered to be a more environmentally friendly option than traditional vehicles. There are now more than 40 million electric cars in use globally, and this number is growing quickly. In 2022, this figure was 26 million, with 14% of all new cars sold being electric.
One of the main environmental advantages of EVs is that they produce little to no tailpipe emissions, which are a significant source of planet-warming emissions and air pollution. However, it is important to consider the emissions associated with charging EVs, which depend on the energy mix used to generate the electricity. If EVs are charged using electricity generated by burning coal or natural gas, they can still produce significant carbon emissions. However, if charged using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, EVs can be almost emissions-free.
Another environmental concern with EVs is the production of their batteries, which can require more energy and create more carbon pollution than manufacturing a traditional gasoline car. Additionally, the disposal of EV batteries needs to be carefully managed to avoid environmental and social impacts. However, advancements in technology, recycling, and ethical sourcing are helping to mitigate these issues.
Despite these considerations, EVs are generally much greener than conventional cars. They are more energy-efficient, with electric motors converting a higher percentage of energy from the battery into motion. This means that, on average, EVs emit far fewer grams of CO2 per kilometre than petrol or diesel cars. For example, EVs average 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre, compared to 165 grams for petrol cars and 170 grams for diesel cars. As a result, just one EV can save 1.5 million grams of CO2 in a year, equivalent to four return flights from London to Barcelona.
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The future of the electric vehicle market
There are now more than 40 million electric cars in use globally, and this number is expected to reach nearly 250 million by 2030 and 525 million by 2035, with one in four vehicles on the road being electric. This projected growth is driven by several factors, including the push for decarbonization and zero-emission targets, as well as high fuel prices that incentivize consumers to consider electric vehicles.
However, there are challenges to be addressed for the electric vehicle market to reach its full potential. Firstly, battery production and charging infrastructure need to improve to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles. Secondly, the cost of purchasing and maintaining electric vehicles needs to become more competitive with gasoline cars. While the total cost of ownership for an electric car is lower, the initial purchase price is often higher, and expenses like installing home chargers and replacing batteries can be costly.
Automakers are also working towards converting their offerings to all-electric vehicles, with varying timetables. Some have committed to ending gasoline car sales by 2035, while others may take until 2045-2050 without legal requirements. Additionally, government policies and incentives play a crucial role in the adoption of electric vehicles. The removal of financial incentives and tax credits in some countries could slow down EV sales and affect the industry's growth.
Overall, the future of the electric vehicle market is bright, with increasing sales and a push towards decarbonization and zero-emission targets. However, addressing the challenges in battery production, charging infrastructure, and cost will be essential to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are more than 40 million electric vehicles on the road globally.
China is the frontrunner in terms of electric vehicle sales and adoption. In 2023, the number of new electric car registrations in China reached 8.1 million, increasing by 35% compared to 2022.
In 2023, around 1-in-5 new cars sold globally were electric. This share was over 90% in Norway and almost 40% in China.
In the United States, new electric car registrations totalled 1.4 million in 2023, an increase of more than 40% compared to 2022.











































