Europe has seen sales of electric vehicles drop by 4% this year so far, the only region in the world to see a decline according to new research.
Just over 180,000 EVs were sold in the EU, European Free Trade Area and UK in August 2024, reaching a total of 1.9 million units sold for the year or down 4% from a year ago.
Both hybrids (PHEVs) and battery-powered (BEVs) are down year-on-year, by 3% and 5%, respectively said Rho Motion, which carried out the analysis.
The European Union has cut subsidies and imposed a range of tariffs on imported EVs which has further hit demand that already suffering due to high prices and a lack of charging points.
Germany saw a 23% drop in sales, said Rho Motion which dragged down the rest of the EU.
UK sales are up by 12% with another boost expected in September due to new registration plates.
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Away from Europe, China remains the strongest market by far growing by 33% to six million vehicles and in August becoming the first place anywhere to see monthly unit sales top one million. That beat the previous record by 70,000.
North American sales rose by 9% to 1.1 million with the rest of the world up by 29% to 800,000.
For the market overall sales rose by 20% to 9.8 million units.
Charles Lester, Rho Motion Data Manager, commented: “China surpassing one million EV sales in a month is just the beginning.
“We anticipate this milestone to be reached multiple times before the end of the year as sales typically surge in the latter half of the year.
“Meanwhile, continued subsidy cuts and trade barriers in Europe are having a negative impact on sales which have shrunk for the first time for any region.
“The US & Canada are enjoying healthy sales growth rate with the outcome of the Presidential election set to have a major impact later this year.”
