Electric cars are no longer a futuristic dream—they’re officially mainstream. According to the latest Global EV Outlook 2024 by the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric vehicle (EV) sales surged past 17 million units globally, marking a record-breaking year and a 25% increase from 2023.
That means more than one in every five cars sold worldwide this year was electric.
China Leads the Charge
China continues to dominate the EV landscape, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global sales. In fact, 1 in every 2 cars sold in China in 2024 was electric. This boom is fueled by a strong domestic auto industry, affordable EV models, and government-backed incentives encouraging people to trade in their old petrol cars.
Europe followed with electric cars making up 25% of all car sales, while the United States hit around 11%. Although some tax credits expired, America’s Inflation Reduction Act still gave EV buyers and manufacturers a major push.
Battery production also kept up. Thanks to a global ramp-up in gigafactories, supply shortages were mostly avoided. However, 90% of EV batteries are still made in China, raising concerns about supply chain dependency for the West.
The IEA estimates that EVs are now replacing the use of 1 million barrels of oil per day—a big win in the fight against climate change. The world’s electric car fleet now stands at 58 million, and it’s still growing.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the IEA predicts global EV sales could top 20 million by 2025, especially if prices drop and charging stations become more accessible.
Governments, automakers, and investors are now racing to make EVs the new normal. And if these trends continue, your next car might just be electric.
Stay tuned to Uzalendo News for more updates on the electric vehicle revolution, African market adoption, and what it means for jobs, infrastructure, and the environment.
