Japan EV Sales Statistics

Japanese automakers are making significant efforts to regain market share in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, as Japan is surpassed by China as the world's largest car exporter¹.

Japan’s electric-vehicle (EV) fleet has expanded rapidly over the last decade.

• As of the year ending March 2024, total “electrified” vehicles (BEV + HEV/PHEV) reached 13,022,214 (BEV: 196,475; HEV+PHEV: 12,825,739)².
• Electric vehicle registration in Japan increased further to a total of 14,167,026 in 2025 (BEV: 221,889; HEV+PHEV: 13,945,137)², a gain of 1,144,812 vehicles (+8.8% year over year).
• Important note on definitions: In this dataset, “EV” includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) plus hybrids and plug-in hybrids (HEV + PHEV)

In 2025, zero-emission and electrified vehicles in Japan continued to grow strongly across key categories:

• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) dominated Japan’s EV market with 13,657,334 vehicles registered⁴, highlighting sustained demand for hybrids as a practical, fuel-efficient transition toward full electrification.
• There were 287,803 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) registered in Japan in 2025⁴, appealing to drivers who want electric-only commuting with the flexibility of a petrol engine for longer trips.
• The number of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) registered reached 221,889 in 2025⁴, driven by rising interest in fully electric cars, expanding model options, and improving charging access.

• In 2025, the top-selling car brands in Japan were led by Toyota with 1,413,632 new vehicles registered, more than the next two combined: Suzuki on 728,952 and Honda on 619,437⁵.
• Kei specialist Daihatsu took fourth with 535,919, ahead of Nissan (403,105), Mazda (149,526) and Mitsubishi (117,874)⁵ — a top seven made up entirely of domestic makers.
• Rounding out the top 10 car brands sold in Japan in 2025 were Subaru (111,297), Lexus (87,418) and Isuzu (74,607)⁵. Figures count new registrations of all vehicle types, kei cars included.

• Counting kei cars, Japan sold 60,677 battery-electric passenger cars in 2025, up 1.6% on 2024. Nissan led on 18,968 (31%), almost all of it the kei-sized Sakura — 14,093 units, still Japan's best-selling EV even after falling from 22,926 the year before⁶⁷.
• Imported brands took just over half the market, 30,458 in all. Tesla was the largest single importer at an estimated 10,693 (18%), ahead of BYD on 3,742 — up 68% year on year — and Hyundai on 1,111⁸. The established European marques (Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo and the rest) made up the remaining 14,912.
• Among the other Japanese makers, Toyota took 4,213 as the new bZ4X more than doubled its registered-car EV sales; Mitsubishi sold 1,442 eK X EVs, Subaru 330 and Mazda 9⁷.
• Two figures are estimates rather than published totals: JAIA does not name Tesla in its brand table, so the Tesla number is its unnamed “Others” line, and Honda's N-ONE e: total is summed from monthly reporting between August and December.

Demand for electrified vehicles in Japan remains strong. By the year ending March 2025, total electrified vehicle registrations rose to 14.17 million, up from 13.02 million in 2024²—a gain of 1,144,812 vehicles (+8.8% year over year).

EV market penetration also continued to improve:

• 2025 electrified share: 17.13% of total registered vehicles
• 2024 electrified share: 15.77%³
• Change (2024 → 2025): +1.4 percentage points, showing steady growth in Japan EV adoption and electrified vehicle market share.

• Global Climate Commitment: Japan is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of its climate goals, particularly under the Paris Agreement.¹¹
• Technological Leadership: The country aims to maintain its leadership in automotive innovation by advancing electric vehicle (EV) technologies like hybrids, battery EVs, and fuel cell EVs.
• Long-Term Zero Emission Target: Japan has set a 2050 goal for "Well-to-Wheel Zero Emission," ensuring that all aspects of vehicle operation, from fuel production to driving, are carbon neutral.¹²

Projections for EV Sales in Japan

Japan is committed to achieving net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, in line with legal obligations outlined in the Net Zero Strategy.

• 46% Emission Reduction by 2030: Japan aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, with a further ambition to achieve a 50% reduction.¹¹
• Net-Zero by 2050: Japan is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.¹¹
• Global renewable capacity pledge: Japan endorsed the COP28 pledge to triple global installed renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030.

Government Policies for ZEV Adoption

Government initiatives aim to introduce new regulations to target vehicle emissions as part of efforts to increase electric vehicle (EV) uptake.

• Green Transformation (GX) Basic Policy: Focuses on decarbonization while promoting technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, but lacks concrete emissions reduction targets for 2030 or 2050.¹³
• Energy Plan: Aims for 36-38% renewable electricity by 2030, with 19% from coal¹⁴, which is inconsistent with global 1.5°C targets¹³. It also promotes nuclear power despite public resistance.
• Vehicle Electrification: Targets 100% of new car sales to be "electrified vehicles" (including hybrids) by 2035¹⁵, resisting a firm zero-emission vehicle commitment​.

• Green Innovation and Job Creation: By investing in green technologies, Japan is promoting innovation across industries, which is expected to create new jobs and boost economic growth.
• Energy Independence: Expanding renewable energy sources will reduce Japan's reliance on imported fossil fuels, leading to enhanced energy security and economic stability.
• Sustainable Growth: Through its decarbonization strategies, Japan aims to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, driving long-term economic resilience.