Market size and pace of growth
The IEA puts worldwide BEV and PHEV passenger car sales in 2025 at more than 20 million, with growth of 20%.
The chart uses a full year to avoid comparing an annual market total with one that only has partial data. Read units sold, year-on-year change and share of all new passenger cars together. They answer different questions: how many are bought, how much sales change and how much of the market plug-in cars account for.
[S1]Three measures for a meaningful comparison
Editorial perspective: a small country can record a striking growth percentage while adding fewer cars than a large market with moderate growth. Before choosing a region to study, look at the comparison baseline as well. When that baseline is very low, a small difference in units changes the percentage significantly.
Check that both columns cover the same technology and vehicle type. A total that includes non-plug-in hybrids answers a different question from a BEV total. To compare models, prioritise national registrations or sales from the same period.
Supporting reading for our editorial analysis[S1]What this means for an individual buyer
Sales leadership helps build an initial list of candidates. The next selection should consider your budget, parking space, access to charging and usual journeys. A model that is popular in another region deserves a check of its version, equipment and local availability.
Use the consumption specifications and savings calculator with your own tariff. Our editorial approach separates the market trend from the household decision: global growth puts the available choice in context, while your routine determines whether an electric car fits.
Supporting reading for our editorial analysis[S1]