Published 14 Oct 2024 · Updated 23 Jul 2026

China is the world's largest market for electric vehicles (EVs), consistently leading global sales with millions of units sold annually. This is driven by government incentives, infrastructure development, and increasing consumer demand for cleaner transportation.

China EV Sales Statistics (2025)

As of November 2025, China recorded 11.46 million new energy vehicle (NEV) retail sales.

Month (2025)NEV Retail Sales (units)
Jan744,000
Feb682,000
Mar992,000
Apr905,000
May1,027,000
Jun1,112,000
Jul986,000
Aug1,115,000
Sep1,299,000
Oct1,281,000
Nov1,321,000

Source · Note: The table shows monthly NEV retail sales through November 2025. The International Energy Agency separately reported that more than 13 million electric passenger cars were sold in China in full-year 2025.

How many electric vehicles are sold in China each year?

Electric car sales in China reached more than 13 million units in 2025, up from more than 11 million in 2024.

  • EV sales in China have shown a steady upward trend, from 5,120 units sold in 2011 to more than 13 million units sold in 2025.
  • The surge from 5.9 million EVs in 2022 to 8.1 million in 2023, a 37% increase, highlights a rapid acceleration, signalling a promising future for EV adoption.
  • In 2025, electric car sales exceeded 13 million units, while sales growth slowed to less than 20% from 2024.
Chart of electric vehicle sales in China by year
Electric vehicle sales in China by year.

Electric Car Sales vs Traditional Car Sales in China (2011-2023)

Learn more about Global EV Sales here.

In 2025, electric cars accounted for almost 55% of new car sales in China.

  • Steady growth was evident in EV sales as the number of sales increased from just 5,120 units in 2011 to 11.3 million in 2024, reflecting consistent growth over time.
  • By 2025, electric cars accounted for almost 55% of new car sales in China, up from close to 50% in 2024.
YearEV SalesNon EV SalesTotal Car Sales% of EV Sales
20115,12015,053,70315,058,8230.03%
20129,86013,496,99013,506,8500.07%
201315,73016,542,16516,557,8950.09%
201473,00018,177,00018,250,0000.40%
2015211,00020,889,00021,100,0001.00%
2016339,00022,261,00022,600,0001.50%
2017580,00023,586,66624,166,6662.40%
20181,090,00022,101,49023,191,4904.70%
20191,060,00020,140,00021,200,0005.00%
20201,140,00018,860,00020,000,0005.70%
20213,250,00017,062,50020,312,50016.00%
20225,900,00014,444,82820,344,82829.00%
20238,100,00013,215,78921,315,78938.00%
202411,300,00020,136,00031,436,00035.95%

Types of Electric Vehicles Sold in China (2024)

In 2024, the number of electric vehicles vehicles in China showed a strong performance across various categories:

  • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) led the market with 6.4 million units sold in 2024, reflecting significant consumer interest in fully electric models.
  • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) followed closely behind with 4.9 million sold, appealing to those seeking a blend of electric and traditional power.
Chart of types of electric vehicles sold in China in 2024, comparing BEVs and PHEVs
Types of electric vehicles sold in China in 2024 (BEVs and PHEVs).

What are the leading models of electric vehicles in China?

  • Tesla Model Y topped the list with approximately 480,309 units sold in China in 2024.
  • BYD Seagull was second on the list with an estimated 453,593 units sold, followed by BYD Atto 3 with 275,223 units sold.
Chart of the leading electric vehicle models sold in China in 2024
Leading electric vehicle models sold in China in 2024.

Leading Electric Vehicle Models in China (2024)

  • Tesla Model Y was the leading electric vehicle model sold in China in 2024 with 480,309 units sold.
Chart of leading electric vehicle models in China in 2024 by units sold
Leading electric vehicle models in China in 2024, by units sold.

Explore the Latest Trends in EV Sales by Brand and Model.

What are the leading brands of electric vehicles sold in China?

BYD led the electric vehicle market in China in 2024, with 3,718,281 units sold.

  • Geely followed in second place with 862,933 units sold.
  • Tesla China ranked third with 657,102 units sold.
  • SAIC-GM-Wuling and Changan also exceeded 600,000 units sold.
Chart of the leading electric vehicle brands in China in 2024 by units sold
Leading electric vehicle brands in China in 2024, by units sold.

How strong is the demand for electric vehicles today?

  • Electric car sales in China reached more than 13 million units in 2025, accounting for almost 55% of new car sales.
  • Monthly electric car sales exceeded a 50% sales share in 11 out of 12 months in 2025, up from 5 months in 2024.
  • By the end of 2025, China had an estimated 44 million electric cars on the road, representing around 13% of total car stock.

Related Statistics

How many EV charging points and facilities are there across China?

At the end of 2025, China had over 4.7 million public charging points, up from nearly 3.4 million at the end of 2024.

  • China accounted for more than 65% of public charging points globally at the end of 2025.
  • Fast and ultra-fast public chargers increased from 1.5 million in 2024 to 2.2 million in 2025.
  • China had around 10 electric light-duty vehicles per public charging point at the end of 2025.
  • As of the end of August 2025, China had nearly 17.35 million total EV charging facilities, up 53.5% from a year earlier.
  • China's 2027 infrastructure plan targets 28 million charging facilities nationwide by the end of 2027.

Note: Charging facilities, charging points, and charging stations are not always the same metric. Public charging points should be kept separate from total public and private charging facilities.

Why is China investing in zero-emission vehicles (ZEV)?

  • Air Quality: China is adopting ZEVs to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and address health issues associated with urban pollution.
  • Climate Goals: China aims to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, with EV adoption supporting lower transport-sector emissions.
  • Energy Security: Investing in ZEVs helps China reduce reliance on imported oil and boosts energy independence through domestic electricity production.
  • Global Leadership: China leads the global EV market, accounting for six out of every ten electric cars sold globally in 20251.

Projections for EV Sales in China

China's current charging-infrastructure plan aims to build a nationwide network of 28 million charging facilities by the end of 2027.

  • Charging Infrastructure: By the end of 2027, China aims to build 28 million charging facilities, with public charging capacity surpassing 300 million kilowatts.
  • Infrastructure Goal: China's 2027 charging plan is designed to meet the charging demand of more than 80 million EVs2.

Government Policies for ZEV Adoption

The government initiative aims to introduce new regulations to target vehicle emissions as part of efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) uptake.

  • Regulatory Framework: China's NEV mandate, introduced in 2018, requires automakers to produce more NEVs, aiming for 20% by 2025. Emissions standards push manufacturers to boost EV production and earn credits.
  • Financial Incentives: NEVs bought in 2024 and 2025 are exempt from purchase tax, capped at 30,000 yuan per eligible passenger vehicle. NEVs bought in 2026 and 2027 receive a halved purchase tax, capped at 15,000 yuan per eligible passenger vehicle.
  • Trade-In Support: In 2025, eligible consumers scrapping an older vehicle and buying a qualifying new energy passenger car could receive a 20,000 yuan subsidy.
  • Infrastructure Development: China's three-year charging plan targets 28 million charging facilities nationwide by the end of 2027.
  • Local Incentives: Regional governments offer perks like easier licence plate access in crowded cities.
  • Strategic Goals: China's charging-infrastructure plan is designed to support charging demand for more than 80 million EVs by the end of 2027.

Sources

  1. From Zero to Hero: Chinese Investment in Electric Vehicle Supply Chains in the Visegrad Four · chinaobservers.eu ↑ cited in text
  2. Trends in electric cars — Global EV Outlook 2024 · iea.org ↑ cited in text
  3. China EV Charging and NEV Policy · english.www.gov.cn · background
  4. 2025 Consumer Goods Trade-In Policy · ndrc.gov.cn · background