The year 2024 has marked a pivotal moment for electric vehicles (EVs), with a surge in sales that suggests sustainable mobility is becoming mainstream. This growth reflects consumer interest, government policies’ influence, and the expansion of the charging infrastructure.
“Global EV sales rose by 25%, exceeding 17 million units.” (Reuters, 2025)
China: The unbeatable giant of electric cars?
“Sales in China jumped 36.5% to 1.3 million vehicles in December, and totalled 11 million for the whole of 2024”
(Reuters, 2025)
China continues to dominate the global EV market. What is driving this phenomenon? This success is driven by factors including governmental incentives, a robust charging network, and large-scale local production. Chinese manufacturers are strengthening their position, not only within their domestic market but also in international markets, showcasing their competitiveness on a global scale. In particular, BYD has been on an extraordinary expansion this year, growing capacity and undertaking a massive hiring spree. It recorded its fastest-growing month in 2024, setting BYD up to exceed its global annual sales goal and overtake Ford and Honda.(Reuters, 2024)
North America: Steady Growth
Tesla remains the undisputed king. The company led by Elon Musk sold more than 2 million units in 2024, with the Model Y being the best-selling electric car globally (Foro Coches Eléctricos, 2024). What makes Tesla so unique?
In North America, the EV market continues to expand robustly. Both local and international brands have established a strong presence, leveraging the growing infrastructure and consumer interest in sustainable options. This momentum underscores the role of innovation in accelerating the shift away from fossil-fuel-dependent transportation.
Europe: Who is in the lead?
“Germany saw a 27.4% drop in sales, reducing EV market share to 13.5%” (Europa Press, 2025).
In Europe, results have been mixed. While some countries have experienced rapid growth, others are facing challenges. The United Kingdom, for instance, surpassed Germany as the largest EV market in the region thanks to policies that encourage electric mobility. These contrasts highlight the importance of public policies and market strategies in driving the transition to electric vehicles. This raises an interesting question: can European manufacturers compete against the dynamism of Chinese and US brands?
And Spain?
“In Spain, EV sales hit a record 58,892 units in 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year”
(Coches Eléctricos, 2025).
While this growth is promising, it also highlights challenges, such as the need to enhance charging infrastructure and raise awareness about the benefits of this technology. Spain shows significant potential for faster growth, particularly with implementing policies that encourage widespread adoption.
Looking to the future…
In Europe, EV sales are expected to grow by 40% in 2025, capturing 22% of the market share
(Financial Times, 2025).
The year 2024 has proven that electric vehicles are gaining traction worldwide. Despite this progress, challenges remain, such as reducing production costs, expanding charging networks, and competing in markets where traditional technologies still dominate.
So, are we witnessing the beginning of an era where combustion engines are left behind? This year has set a new benchmark, but the journey toward fully sustainable mobility requires collective efforts from governments, companies, and consumers alike.
