Francisco Sancho
The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2025 report offers a detailed overview of the current and future state of electric mobility worldwide. In a context of growing climate urgency, electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a key solution for reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and transforming the transportation sector. This article summarizes the report’s main findings, including sales data, projections to 2030, technological evolution, public policies, and economic challenges.
Explosive Growth in Electric Vehicle Sales
The year 2024 marked a new record for electric vehicle sales, with more than 17 million units sold globally, representing more than 20% of total automobile sales. This figure is expected to exceed 20 million by 2025, representing more than a quarter of the global market.
Main markets:
- China: Leading the market with nearly 50% of global sales. EVs are projected to represent 60% of total sales in the country by 2025.
- Europe: Although sales stabilized in 2024, they remain at around 20% thanks to stricter regulations.
- United States: Sales grew 10% year-over-year, reaching more than 10% of the market.
- Emerging markets: Asia and Latin America show accelerated growth, with increases of more than 60% in 2024.
Projections to 2030: Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS)
The report uses the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) to project the future of electric mobility:
- Global fleet: The number of EVs on the road (excluding motorcycles) is expected to quadruple by 2030, reaching 250 million units.
- Battery demand: Will increase significantly, driving the need for sustainable and secure supply chains.
- Oil Displacement: EVs could reduce oil consumption by more than 5 million barrels per day by 2030.
Charging Infrastructure: Expansion and Challenges
Charging infrastructure is a critical component for EV deployment:
- Public charging points: More than 4 million have been installed worldwide, with China leading in number and speed of expansion.
- Home charging: Remains dominant, but further investment in urban and rural networks is required.
- Heavy-duty vehicle charging: Fast-charging corridors for electric trucks are being developed, especially in Europe and North America.
- Technological Innovation: Batteries, Efficiency, and Digitalization
The report highlights key advances in technology:
- Batteries: Improved energy density, reduced costs, and greater recyclability.
- Software and Connectivity: EVs integrate intelligent systems for energy management, navigation, and predictive maintenance.
- Production: An industrial reconfiguration toward specialized EV and battery factories is observed, with labor and geopolitical implications.
Public Policies and Regulation
Government policies remain the main driver of EV growth:
- Emissions regulations: The EU, China, and the US have tightened standards for new vehicles.
- Tax incentives: Subsidies, tax exemptions, and benefits for manufacturers and consumers.
- National plans: Countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa have launched strategies to encourage the electrification of transport.
Economic and Employment Impacts
The transition to electric mobility has significant effects:
- Traditional automotive industry: Risk of job losses in sectors linked to combustion engines.
- New opportunities: Job creation in battery manufacturing, software, infrastructure, and recycling.
- Vocational training: Training in new technologies and digital skills is required.
Battery Trade and Geopolitics
The report highlights the growing strategic importance of batteries:
– Geographical concentration: China dominates the production of batteries and critical materials such as lithium and cobalt.
- -Diversification: Europe and the US are seeking to reduce dependence through local investments and trade agreements.
- Recycling: The circular economy is being promoted to reduce pressure on natural resources.
Pending Challenges
Despite progress, obstacles remain:
- Acquisition costs: Although prices are falling, they remain a barrier in emerging markets.
- Uneven infrastructure: Gaps between urban and rural areas.
- Supply chain: Risks of disruption due to geopolitical conflicts or material shortages.
Towards Sustainable and Equitable Mobility
The Global EV Outlook 2025 shows that electric mobility is on an upward trajectory, but its success will depend on coherent policies, continued innovation, and international cooperation. The electrification of transport is not only a response to climate change, but also an opportunity to transform the economy, create jobs, and improve quality of life.
Source: Global EV Outlook 2025 – International Energy Agency (IEA)