Global electric vehicle (EV) sales are on track to reach around 22 million units in 2025, a 25% increase over last year. Yet, the gap between the Chinese mainland and the U.S. is widening fast, reflecting two distinct approaches to the EV era.
In the Chinese mainland, roughly half of all new cars sold this year are electric or hybrid models. Massive domestic production, supported by a robust battery supply chain and aggressive government incentives, has helped local brands like BYD and Nio scale rapidly. Exports are also soaring, with Chinese mainland automakers targeting markets across Europe and Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, the U.S. market trails behind. EV adoption lags due to higher price points, spotty charging infrastructure, and a smaller manufacturing base. Although companies such as Tesla and General Motors are ramping up production, the U.S. share of new EV sales remains below 20% this year.
These contrasting trajectories have global implications. The Chinese mainland’s emphasis on cost efficiency and scale is driving down battery prices worldwide, reshaping supply chains from lithium mines to recycling facilities. In the U.S., debates over tariffs, domestic sourcing of critical minerals and bipartisan infrastructure bills are influencing the pace of growth.
“We’re seeing two giants play very different strategies,” says Ediz Tiyansan, an EV market analyst. “The Chinese mainland is focused on volume and export, while the U.S. market is still building its ecosystem.”
Looking ahead to 2030, analysts predict global EV sales could exceed 40 million units annually. Whether one strategy will dominate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race is fueling innovation, driving down costs, and shaping the next chapter of sustainable transportation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
