Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating across the globe.
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is no longer a distant future — it’s happening now. In 2025, millions of people around the world are buying electric cars , driven by government incentives, falling prices, and growing environmental awareness.
In this article, we’ll explore how many people buy electric cars globally , where adoption is strongest, which countries lead in sales, and what the future holds for the EV market.
How Many People Buy Electric Cars Globally?
As of 2025 , the global EV market has reached record growth , with:
- 🚗 Over 14 million new electric car sales per year globally
- 📈 More than 40 million EVs on the road worldwide
- 🌍 Roughly 1 in every 5 new cars sold being fully electric
This means that tens of millions of people are now choosing electric cars annually , with adoption rates rising sharply in Europe, China, and parts of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Where Are the Most Electric Cars Being Bought?
🇨🇳 China – The EV Superpower
- Annual Sales : ~9 million EVs
- Market Share : Over 35% of global EV sales
- Key Brands : BYD, Geely, NIO, Xpeng, Li Auto
- Government Policy : Strong push toward electrification and subsidies
China leads the world in both production and consumption of electric vehicles.
🇪🇺 Europe – Green Mobility on the Rise
- Annual Sales : ~3.5 million EVs
- Top Markets : Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands
- Policy Push : EU emissions targets and EV tax breaks
- Growth Rate : +18% YoY increase in 2025
European buyers are shifting fast to EVs, especially in countries like Norway , where over 90% of new car sales are electric .
🇺🇸 United States – Steady Growth
- Annual Sales : ~2 million EVs
- Top Models : Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Bolt
- Policy Support : Federal tax credits, state-level incentives
- Growth Rate : Slower than Europe but picking up momentum
U.S. adoption is growing, supported by expanding charging infrastructure and new local manufacturing plants from Tesla, Rivian, and legacy automakers .
🌏 Rest of the World – Emerging Markets
- 🇮🇳 India: ~300,000 EVs sold in 2025 — growing fast in cities like Delhi and Mumbai
- 🇧🇷 Brazil: ~250,000 EVs — Chery and BYD leading the charge
- 🇷🇺 Russia: ~600,000 EVs — filling the gap left by Western brands
- 🇲🇪 Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar investing heavily in EV infrastructure
While these markets are smaller compared to China and Europe, they’re showing rapid growth and increasing interest in electric mobility .
Top Countries Buying Electric Cars in 2025
| 🇨🇳China | 9 million | 35%+ |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 750,000 | 15–18% |
| 🇬🇧UK | 400,000 | 14% |
| 🇫🇷France | 500,000 | 16% |
| 🇳🇴Norway | 150,000 | 90%+ |
| 🇺🇸USA | 2 million | 7–8% |
| 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia | 80,000 | 4–5% |
| 🇦🇪UAE | 50,000 | 6–7% |
These numbers show how electric car ownership is becoming mainstream in many parts of the world.
Who Is Buying Electric Cars?
EV buyers come from a wide range of demographics, but key buyer profiles include:
1. Young Urban Professionals
- 📱 Tech-savvy buyers who want smart features and low emissions
- 🚶♂️ Often live in cities with access to public charging
2. Families Seeking Low Operating Costs
- 👨👩👧👦 Looking for spacious, reliable vehicles with minimal fuel costs
- 🔋 Often choose plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) before switching to full BEVs
3. Eco-Conscious Buyers
- 🌿 Want to reduce carbon footprint and support green technology
- 🛠️ More willing to pay a premium for sustainability
4. Affluent Early Adopters
- 💼 Wealthier buyers who value innovation and brand image
- ⚡ Often own multiple vehicles and view EVs as tech gadgets
5. Businesses & Fleets
- 🏢 Companies transitioning to electric delivery vans, taxis, and corporate fleets
- 🚕 Ride-hailing services (e.g., Careem, Uber) are adopting EVs aggressively
Why Are More People Buying Electric Cars?
Several factors are pushing more people to go electric:
| 📉Falling Prices | EVs are now available under $30,000 USD in many markets |
| ⚡Government Incentives | Tax credits, free registration, and reduced tolls |
| 🧠Advanced Technology | OTA updates, Level 2 autonomy, AI-powered cabins |
| 🌍Environmental Awareness | Reducing emissions and fossil fuel dependence |
| ⚙️Improved Range & Charging | Modern EVs offer400–700 km rangeandfast-charging networks |
| 🚘Local Production | Chinese and European brands are building factories closer to home markets |
How Many People Own an Electric Car?
- ✅ Over 40 million people worldwide now own an electric car.
- 📊 That number is expected to reach over 100 million by 2030 if current trends continue.
- 📈 In just five years, EV ownership has grown from 7 million (2019) to over 40 million (2025) — a fivefold increase .
Which Age Group Buys the Most EVs?
| 18–30 | 25% |
| 31–40 | 35% |
| 41–50 | 22% |
| 51–60 | 12% |
| 60+ | 6% |
The majority of EV buyers are between 31–40 , often early adopters with strong digital habits and environmental values.
What Income Groups Are Buying Electric Cars?
| 💰 Low-income | Limited due to high upfront cost |
| 💵 Mid-income | Growing segment, especially with used EVs |
| 💼 High-income | Highest EV adoption, often luxury models |
While higher-income individuals dominate current EV purchases , the used EV market is helping middle-income buyers enter the space .
Final Thoughts
So, how many people buy electric cars? In 2025, over 14 million electric cars are sold annually , and more than 40 million people now own one . With governments pushing for cleaner transportation and prices coming down, EV adoption is only going to grow .
Whether you’re in China, Europe, the U.S., or the Middle East , the shift to electric is well underway — and more people than ever are making the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many people buy electric cars each year?
A: As of 2025, over 14 million people purchase a new electric car every year globally.
Q: How many electric cars are there in the world?
A: Over 40 million electric cars are currently on the road worldwide.
Q: Which country buys the most electric cars?
A: China leads in total EV sales, followed by the USA and Germany .
Q: Are electric cars affordable now?
A: Yes, many entry-level EVs are now priced below $30,000 USD , with used options even lower.
Q: Will electric cars replace gas cars soon?
A: By 2030–2035 , many countries plan to phase out gas-only cars — meaning EVs will become the norm.