Global EV Sales Fell 2% in September, Ending a Six-Month Growth Streak

Global demand for electric vehicles fell 2% in September, ending six consecutive months of growth, according to data from UK-based research firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence reported by Reuters on October 15. Global EV sales slid to 2.15 million vehicles for the month, while year-to-date volumes remain up 3% at 15.5 million units.

The headline hides three very different markets. Europe had its strongest month on record, with almost 600,000 EVs sold in September — 10% above the previous high set in June — on strong consumer demand and policy support. China’s domestic market dropped 18% to 1.11 million vehicles, pushing carmakers to rely increasingly on exports. And North American sales fell 44%, the steepest monthly decline this year, reflecting the strong year-ago period when buyers rushed to dealerships before U.S. federal EV tax credits expired at the end of September 2025.

“Europe had its strongest month on record,” BMI data manager Charles Lester said — but Europe alone couldn’t carry the world. The divergence is the real story: electric demand is accelerating where products, incentives and operating costs align, and stalling where they don’t.

What comes next: Lester notes that from the fourth quarter, the North American comparisons will ease as the market laps the post-tax-credit slump — so the year-over-year numbers should look better even without a real demand surge. For buyers, the takeaway is regional: Europe’s record is evidence that EVs win on economics when the conditions are right, and the U.S. market is still finding its post-subsidy footing.