Global sales of electric vehicles (EVs) rose nine percent in July compared to the same month last year, to 1.85 million vehicles, continuing growth for the fifth consecutive month, according to data from consulting firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.
Growth was almost entirely led by Europe, where sales of electric vehicles, including all-electric and plug-in hybrids, rose 33 percent year-on-year to 450,000 vehicles, Reuters reports.
The highest growth among major European markets was recorded in France, where sales increased by 81 percent, followed by Germany by 46 percent and Great Britain by 43 percent.
Benchmark says the reintroduction of electric vehicle subsidy programs in a number of major European car markets has contributed to strong demand.
In contrast, sales of electric vehicles in China fell by five percent year-on-year to 980,000 cars. China remains the largest single market for electric cars, but Chinese manufacturers are increasingly dependent on exports to offset weaker domestic demand.
An even more pronounced decline was recorded in North America, where sales decreased by 27 percent, to 140,000 vehicles. The decline followed the elimination of US federal tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles, further weakening demand.
Global sales of electric cars in the first seven months reached 11.5 million vehicles, the report notes.
