KATHMANDU: Global sales of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles reached a record 2.1 million units in September, up 26% year-on-year, according to market research firm Rho Motion.
The growth was mainly driven by strong demand in China and a surge in U.S. purchases ahead of expiring tax incentives.
China led the market with about 1.3 million units sold, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global EV sales. North America also posted record numbers as U.S. buyers rushed to secure the $7,500 federal tax credit before its expiry, Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester said.
Europe followed with robust growth, supported by incentives in Germany and rising demand in the U.K. Tesla’s introduction of a lower-cost Model Y in Europe is expected to intensify competition further.
According to Rho Motion, global sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles totaled 2.1 million in September. Europe saw a 36% rose to 427,541 units, while North American sales climbed 66% to around 215,000. Sales in other regions rose 48% to 153,594 vehicles.
Rho Motion noted that U.S. demand is expected to fall sharply in the final quarter as tax credits expire. “With the federal incentive gone, U.S. demand is expected to drop sharply in the final quarter of the year,” Lester said.
