In April, global sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid Autos increased by 29% year-on-year, reaching 1.5 million units. Sales in the Chinese market grew by 32% to 0.9 million units, while sales in Europe rose by 35% to 0.3 million units, and sales in North America declined by 5.6% to 0.1 million units. The tariffs imposed by Trump had little effect on electric vehicle sales, but the trade agreements reached with the United Kingdom and China are positive signs for the Automotive Industry.
According to data released on May 14 by the industry intelligence consulting institution Rho Motion, despite Trump's provocation of global trade tensions, global sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid Autos still grew by 29% year-on-year in April.
The sales in the Chinese and European markets maintained steady growth, while the North American market experienced its first decline since last September.
Strong growth in electric vehicle sales in China and Europe.
Data from Rho Motion shows that global sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose to 1.5 million units in April; among them, sales in the Chinese market increased by 32% compared to the same period last year, reaching 0.9 million units.
Sales of electric vehicles in Europe grew by 35% year-on-year, reaching 0.3 million units, while registrations of electric Autos in North America declined by 5.6% year-on-year, to 0.1 million units.
In Other parts of the world (Latin America, Africa, etc.), electric vehicle sales in April increased by 50% year-on-year.
Leicester stated, 'So far, sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles in Other regions of the world have nearly doubled, mainly due to exports from China.'
In January of this year, as part of a consumer stimulus policy, the Chinese government extended the subsidy for trading in old cars for new ones until 2025, which increased the sales of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, several European countries are also implementing policies to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
In contrast, Trump's stance on emission standards and the uncertainty surrounding tariffs in the USA have hindered the sales of electric vehicles in the North American market.
Tesla's market share continues to decline.
Specifically, among global electric vehicle companies, Tesla's market share has been significantly captured by other brands.
In order to meet the European Union's carbon dioxide emission targets, traditional automotive groups in the EU are promoting the sale of electric vehicle models in Europe, which has led to European brands' electric vehicle sales surpassing those of Tesla.
At the same time, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are continuing to increase the domestic sales of pure electric vehicles while also responding to the growing overseas demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Charles Lester, data manager at Rho Motion, expects that Tesla's market share has been declining before improvements are made to its most popular Model Y.
There are positive signs regarding Trump's tariffs.
In April this year, the tariff policy announced by Trump threw the Global Auto Industry into chaos.
The USA is the second largest auto market in the world, and Trump's policy will impose a 25% import tariff on Global Auto Manufacturers in the USA market, causing many auto manufacturers to withdraw their performance forecasts for 2025.
Lester stated that the trade agreements reached by Trump this month with the United Kingdom and China have little impact on electric vehicle sales, but at least this is a positive sign for the Auto Industry before he negotiates with South Korea, Japan, and the European Union.
