EV Sales Record Shattered in 2025 as Driving Experience Rivals Petrol Cars

EV Sales Record Shattered in 2025 as Driving Experience Rivals Petrol Cars originally appeared on Autoblog.

Global H1 2025 sales jumped 28%. We break down the torque, handling, and comfort winning over drivers

EV sales record headlines don’t usually come with this much torque: 9.1 million electric cars sold globally in the first half of 2025, a 28 % leap over last year, according to fresh data from Rho Motion. That’s the strongest half-year on record, and it’s built on better batteries, sharper handling, and EVs that now stand up to petrol rivals on every measure that matters to drivers.

Performance and Drive Feel That’s Fully Charged

Today’s EVs carry the kind of throttle snap that makes turbocharged petrol engines feel sluggish. Steering response is precise, with just the right weight to make quick lane changes feel natural rather than twitchy. Thanks to a low-slung battery pack, body roll stays minimal — even in family crossovers.

Compared to a similar-size ICE SUV, the electric alternative steps off the line like it’s been waiting all day to move, and it stays planted over uneven tarmac. Cabin noise drops to a murmur, so tyre and wind sounds become the only cues you’re picking up speed. It’s not just straight-line grunt—cornering is flatter, braking is more immediate, and regenerative systems now feel progressive instead of grabby.

Real-World Usability: Range, Cabin Comfort, and Running Costs

The surge in sales owes plenty to EVs that slot easily into daily life. Many mainstream models now post ranges north of 300 miles, which covers most drivers’ weekly needs without constant top-ups. Driving 22 hours and 57 minutes, the Polestar 3 (Long Range, single‑motor variant) recently drove 581.3 miles (935 km) on one charge in the UK, earning a Guinness World Record for range on an electric SUV. Fast-charging networks are expanding in key markets, with more 250+ kW stations that can add 200 miles in 20 minutes.

Inside, minimalist dashboards keep eyes forward and controls intuitive. Rear passengers get generous legroom, and clever storage touches—front trunks, under-floor compartments—make better use of space than most petrol competitors. Efficiency is where EVs crush the math: 3–4 miles per kWh is common, and when home charging runs well under $0.15/kWh in many US states, fuel costs become an afterthought.

Even with EV prices still above their ICE equivalents, upfront costs 20%-40% more than ICE, total cost of ownership tilts in favour of electric once you factor in lower maintenance—no oil changes, no exhaust systems, fewer moving parts to service.

How the Numbers Stack Up Against the Market

The 9.1 million half-year figure keeps 2025 on track to break the 20 million mark for the first time. For perspective, the entire year of 2024 saw just over 17 million EVs sold worldwide. China remains the biggest driver of volume—more than half of global EV sales—while Europe’s gains are supported by tighter emissions rules. The US market is steadier: Q2 2025 saw 310,839 EVs delivered, down slightly from last year but still the second-best quarter on record.

Against hybrids and petrol sedans, EVs now compete on performance, cost, and livability, not just eco-cred. The gap is closing fast enough that 2026 may be the year global EV share passes one in four new cars sold.

Verdict: A Record Worth Feeling Behind the Wheel

The half-year sales record is as much a driving story as a market one. Electric cars now steer with confidence, accelerate without delay, and make long drives calmer and cleaner. The days of trading comfort or range for the sake of going electric are ending.

From the wheel, you notice it in the way the car stays flat in a fast curve, how the cabin hums at motorway speed, and how quickly you can get back on the road after a charge. That’s why millions more drivers are joining in—not because they have to, but because they want to.

EV Sales Record Shattered in 2025 as Driving Experience Rivals Petrol Cars first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 17, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 17, 2025, where it first appeared.