Harvest of 2025: Electric Cars Take Over the World's Roads, What About 2026?

SadaNews - The world witnessed a radical transformation in the transportation landscape in 2025, as electric cars continued to dominate the roads at an unprecedented pace, becoming a strong competitor to fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

In just a few years, electric cars have transformed from a limited alternative choice to a major force reshaping the future of the global industry, driven by rapid advancements in battery technology, expansion of charging infrastructure, and supportive government policies aimed at reducing emissions.

As the share of traditional vehicles gradually declines, the presence of electric cars is increasing across various continents, marking the beginning of a new era of smart and sustainable mobility.

Massive Surge

The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in the prevalence of electric vehicles, with the number of electric cars on the roads reaching about 40 million by 2023, before jumping to nearly 58 million by the end of 2024, more than three times the fleet size recorded in 2021, according to data from the International Energy Agency.

Forecasts do not indicate a slowdown in this growth, as "Gartner" estimates that the total number of electric vehicles across all categories will reach about 85 million by the end of 2025, confirming that the shift towards electric vehicles is rapidly becoming a reality.

Electric Vehicle Sales Statistics: One Vehicle out of Every Five

Global sales of fully electric vehicles increased by 35% during the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.

For the first time, the share of fully electric vehicles exceeded 21% of total cars sold globally, equivalent to one in every five cars, according to data from a global strategic consulting firm.

China Leads the Global Electric Vehicle Market

China remains the largest driver of global demand for electric vehicles, accounting for about two-thirds of global sales. During the third quarter of 2025, sales surged by 36% year-on-year, exceeding two million new vehicles.

The market share of electric vehicles in China rose to 34%, driven by demand for affordable basic models, while the market for plug-in hybrid vehicles saw a 6% decline during the same period.

Growth of the Electric Vehicle Market in Europe

The electric vehicle market in Europe continues to show remarkable performance, with battery electric vehicle sales increasing by an average of 24.1% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the "European Transport and Environment Association".

Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which collectively account for 62% of all fully electric vehicle registrations, recorded noticeable annual growth. The six largest automotive groups in Europe achieved a total increase of 32% in electric vehicle sales from the first to the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with notable jumps for the Volkswagen Group (+76%) and Renault (+63%).

Electric Vehicle Market in America: Record Numbers

The United States recorded the highest quarterly sales of electric vehicles in its history during the third quarter of 2025, after selling 438,487 units, an increase of 40.7% compared to the previous quarter and 29.6% year-on-year. The market share rose to 10.5%, the highest percentage recorded to date, according to estimates from "Kelley Blue Book," a well-known American automotive research and valuation firm.

Despite this growth, Tesla's market share fell to 41% from 49% a year prior, amid expanding competition. The "Tesla Model Y" topped the sales list with over 114,000 units, followed by the "Tesla Model 3", and then the "Chevrolet Equinox".

With federal tax incentives coming to an end, "Cox Automotive" predicts a possible decline in sales during the last quarter of 2026 and early 2027, although the long-term outlook remains positive as internal combustion vehicles continue to decline.

Electric Vehicle Market in the Middle East

The size of the electric vehicle market in the Middle East reached $6.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $7.4 billion in 2025.

The "IMARC Group" predicts that the market size will increase to $14.5 billion by 2033, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the period (2025-2033).

The growing demand for sustainable transportation, along with the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, is the primary driver of the regional market.

In the Gulf region, the market size is estimated at around $1.62 billion in 2024, expected to rise to $10.44 billion by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 22.3%, as the region enters a phase of rapid expansion since 2025.

Electric Cars in 2026 and Beyond

The share of electric vehicles is expected to rise globally to 26.7% in 2026, reaching 42% by 2030, then 64.1% by 2035, up to 83% by 2040, according to the "AutoVista 24" platform.

"BloombergNEF" strategic research also predicts that sales of electric passenger vehicles will reach about 22 million cars by the end of 2025, driven by declining battery costs and the expansion of lower-priced models.

China will continue to lead the global market, followed by Europe and then the United States, while emerging markets are recording accelerating growth.

Despite this momentum, "Bloomberg" has lowered its global electric vehicle adoption forecasts due to regulatory changes in the U.S. market and rising electricity costs in some countries, making affordability a critical factor for sustained growth.

The electric vehicle market appears to be on the verge of a new phase that will reshape the future of global transportation, driven by sales growth, production expansion, and lower battery costs, while the success of this transition remains dependent on addressing infrastructure, charging costs, and regulatory stability challenges, observers say.