Energy / Europe
Monitor Europe energy trends, electricity markets, supply pressure, regulation and regional resource dynamics.
EV Sales Aren’t Collapsing: 2025 Wrapped & Our 2026 Predictions!
Topic
EV Sales and Predictions
Key insights
- The podcast reflects on the highs and lows of 2025, focusing on electrification.
- Global EV sales in October reached 1.9 million plug-in vehicles, with battery electric vehicles up 19% year on year.
- PHEV sales globally decreased by 5%, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards battery electric vehicles.
- In Europe, battery electric vehicle sales increased by 38% year on year, while the rest of the world saw a 35% increase.
- Vietnam experienced a remarkable 117% increase in electric vehicle sales, with India at 98%, Indonesia at 101%, and Turkey at 157%.
- The best-selling global electric vehicle was the Wuling Mini EV, which outsold the Tesla Model Y in October.
Perspectives
Year-end wrap-up on EV sales and predictions.
Pro-EV Growth
- Highlights global EV sales reaching 1.9 million in October 2025
- Claims battery electric vehicle sales increased by 19% year on year
- Argues that European EV sales rose by 38% year on year
- Notes significant increases in EV sales in countries like Vietnam and India
- Proposes that consumer interest is shifting towards battery electric vehicles over PHEVs
Skepticism on Market Dynamics
- Warns that Chinese EV brands face challenges in the UK market
- Questions the sustainability of the current growth momentum in EV sales
- Denies that the anticipated tidal wave of Chinese EVs has materialized in the UK
- Rejects the notion that all consumers are satisfied with their electric vehicles
Neutral / Shared
- Acknowledges the importance of innovation in the automotive industry
- Notes the advancements in battery technology and its impact on EV range
- Mentions the significance of live events in raising awareness about EVs
Metrics
global_ev_sales
1.9 million units
total plug-in vehicles sold worldwide in October
This figure highlights the ongoing demand for electric vehicles despite market challenges.
in October, there were 1.9 million plug-in vehicles sold worldwide.
europe_battery_ev_growth
38%
year-on-year increase in battery electric vehicle sales in Europe
Reflects strong market performance and consumer adoption in the European region.
In Europe, it's up 38% year on year.
vietnam_ev_growth
117%
year-on-year increase in electric vehicle sales in Vietnam
Demonstrates rapid growth in the electric vehicle market in Vietnam.
Vietnam, I love this figure, 117% increase this year.
turkey_ev_growth
157%
year-on-year increase in electric vehicle sales in Turkey
Shows exceptional growth potential for electric vehicles in the Turkish market.
Turkey, 157% increase.
price_difference
£20,000 GBP
price difference between Kia PV5 and VW ID.4
This significant price difference positions the Kia PV5 as a competitive option in the electric commercial space.
it costs something like £20,000 less than an equivalently spec to VW ID bars.
mileage
350 miles
maximum range of the new Nissan Leaf in optimal conditions
A longer range increases consumer appeal and market share for electric vehicles.
it does, it has a genuine, I think, 350.
mileage
55 miles
maximum range of the original Nissan Leaf in adverse conditions
Understanding the original Leaf's limitations highlights the advancements in EV technology.
If you got 55 miles out of it, yes, result.
mileage
90,000 miles
total mileage of the speaker's first electric car
Demonstrates the durability and longevity of electric vehicles over time.
It's just passed 90,000 miles.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
In October 2025, global EV sales surged to 1.9 million, driven by a 19% increase in battery electric vehicles, indicating a strong consumer shift towards electrification.
- The podcast reflects on the highs and lows of 2025, focusing on electrification.
- Global EV sales in October reached 1.9 million plug-in vehicles, with battery electric vehicles up 19% year on year.
- PHEV sales globally decreased by 5%, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards battery electric vehicles.
- In Europe, battery electric vehicle sales increased by 38% year on year, while the rest of the world saw a 35% increase.
- Vietnam experienced a remarkable 117% increase in electric vehicle sales, with India at 98%, Indonesia at 101%, and Turkey at 157%.
- The best-selling global electric vehicle was the Wuling Mini EV, which outsold the Tesla Model Y in October.
05:00–10:00
Chinese electric vehicle brands are facing challenges in the UK market, impacting their growth despite strong global sales, particularly for BYD.
- Tesla is the second largest electric vehicle manufacturer, but significantly behind the top brands, most of which are Chinese.
- Seven out of the top ten best-selling electric vehicle brands are Chinese companies, indicating their strong market presence.
- Despite initial expectations, Chinese brands are facing challenges in the UK market, with slower uptake than anticipated.
- BYD is highlighted as a brand that is selling a significant number of cars globally and is expected to eventually succeed in the UK market.
- The growth of electric vehicles is not linear; while momentum may appear to be slowing, people are not returning their electric cars.
- The speaker expresses excitement about the new Hyundai Ionic 6N and the upcoming BMW i3, indicating a preference for innovative electric vehicles.
10:00–15:00
The upcoming Genesis GV90 is anticipated to maintain unique design features, enhancing its appeal in the luxury SUV market.
- The speaker expresses excitement about the upcoming Genesis GV90, hoping it retains the unique features of the GV60, including the intriguing crystal ball gear selector.
- The speaker shares their positive experience with the Pulsar 2, noting it as a close second to Tesla in terms of ease of driving and comfort for their wife.
- The Pulsar 5, set to release next year, is described as extraordinarily beautiful and a tempting choice for the speaker despite their usual preference for utilitarian cars.
- The speaker reflects on their enjoyment of driving the Maserati Gran Turismo, acknowledging its high cost but also the joy it brought them.
- A humorous comparison is made between the Maserati and an electrified DeLorean, highlighting the unexpected nature of their joint test.
- The speaker recalls a memorable shoot with the microlino roadster convertible, praising the production team's talent and the beauty of the resulting video.
15:00–20:00
European brands are innovating to compete with the Chinese auto industry, leading to significant advancements in design and technology in vehicles like the BMW iX3 and Kia PV5.
- The new two-seater motorcycle purchased is undrivable in Europe due to registration issues, but is appreciated as a beautiful sculpture.
- The BMW iX3 and Kia PV5 were highlighted as the most impressive cars of the year, showcasing significant advancements in design and technology.
- The iX3 has completely reinvented its design language, platform, software, handling, and interior, leading to a strong positive reception.
- European brands are innovating to compete with the Chinese auto industry, as seen in the iX3 and Kia PV5, which offer better pricing and efficiency.
- The Kia PV5 is positioned as a hero car in the electric commercial space, being significantly cheaper than its VW ID.4 counterpart.
- The response to the Kia PV5 has been overwhelmingly positive, with its videos ranking as the most viewed this year.
20:00–25:00
The new Nissan Leaf's advanced battery technology allows it to achieve 350 miles in optimal conditions, significantly improving from the original Leaf's 55 miles, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- The speaker's first electric car has passed its second MOT and has only needed minor repairs despite being 16 years old and having over 90,000 miles.
- The new Nissan Leaf has a significant technological leap in software compared to the original model, making it feel solid and secure to drive.
- The new Leaf can achieve around 350 miles in optimal conditions, a stark contrast to the original Leaf's performance, which struggled to reach 55 miles in adverse conditions.
- The speaker expresses curiosity about the delay in Nissan releasing a new electric car, noting the advancements in battery technology and cost.
- The Nissan Leaf is manufactured in Sunderland, where a battery factory has been operational, which the speaker feels has been overlooked.
- The speaker expresses a desire to visit the Sunderland factory, highlighting the importance of such facilities in the electric vehicle industry.
25:00–30:00
The speaker's experiences with innovative clean energy solutions in Namibia and Vancouver highlight the growing importance of sustainability in modern technology and lifestyle choices.
- The speaker reflects on a year with few car shoots, mentioning only the BYD C-Lion 7 and G-wagon.
- They highlight inspirational experiences, including meeting Judith Leary Joyce, who wrote a book on retrofitting homes for sustainability.
- A trip to Vancouver included visits to the Site C Dam, prompting reflections on historical human rights and environmental issues.
- The speaker expresses excitement about new lithium refining methods using electrolysis.
- In Namibia, they experienced a solar-powered electric safari boat, emphasizing the importance of clean energy and nature conservation.
- The speaker initially doubted the legitimacy of the invitation to Namibia, thinking it was a scam.