Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) have seen a remarkable evolution from their early innovations to their current status as a pivotal element in the transportation industry. This document explores the rich history of electric vehicles, focusing on their development through various periods, and provides an overview of the different types of EVs available today. Through data visualizations and analysis, we highlight global EV trends, the growth of EV sales, and the distribution of various powertrain types across regions.

The electric vehicle landscape has evolved significantly, influenced by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and shifting market dynamics. The modern resurgence of EVs reflects a growing recognition of their potential to reshape the transportation industry and drive towards a more sustainable future.

History of Electric Vehicles

The history of electric vehicles is marked by a series of innovations, declines, and revivals, spanning over a century. This section delves into the early history, the impact of the oil crises, and notable electric vehicles like the Sinclair C5.

Early History of Electric Vehicles

Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century

Origins:
Electric vehicles have their roots in the early 19th century. The first practical electric vehicle was built by Scottish inventor Robert Anderson between 1832 and 1839. This early electric carriage was powered by non-rechargeable batteries and laid the groundwork for future developments.

Early 20th Century Market Share:
By the early 1900s, electric vehicles, petrol-powered cars, and steam cars each held significant shares of the market. At this time, electric vehicles were favored for their quiet operation and ease of use compared to the noisy, cumbersome petrol cars.

In 1900, electric vehicles held about one-third of the automotive market. They were popular among urban drivers due to their reliability and the convenience of not requiring manual hand-cranking, as was needed for petrol vehicles.

Decline:
The decline of electric vehicles began with the rise of petrol-powered cars, facilitated by innovations such as the electric starter and mass production techniques introduced by Henry Ford. By the 1920s, the market for electric vehicles had diminished significantly as internal combustion engines became more widespread and infrastructure for petrol vehicles expanded.

The 1970s Oil Crisis and the Revival of Interest in EVs

Oil Crisis

The oil crises of the 1970s, including the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and the 1979 energy crisis, renewed interest in alternative energy sources like electric vehicles. The sharp increase in oil prices and concerns about energy security highlighted the need for less oil-dependent transportation solutions.

During this period, there was a resurgence in the development of electric vehicles as a means to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of future oil shortages.

Early 1970s Efforts

Various automotive manufacturers and research institutions explored electric vehicles during this time. Despite the enthusiasm, many early attempts were constrained by the technology of the era, including limitations in battery performance and range.

Notable Vehicles and Innovations

Sinclair C5 (1985)

Overview:
The Sinclair C5, designed by Sir Clive Sinclair, was an electric vehicle launched in 1985. It was a small, three-wheeled vehicle intended for short trips and urban commuting. The C5 had a top speed of about 15 miles per hour and a range of 20-30 miles on a single charge.

Reception:
Despite its innovative concept, the Sinclair C5 faced criticism for its limited speed, range, and lack of weather protection. It was also deemed unsafe by some due to its low profile and exposure to road hazards. The vehicle was not commercially successful and was discontinued after a brief production period. Nonetheless, it remains an important historical reference in the development of electric vehicles.

Other Notable Early EVs

General Motors EV1 (1996-1999):
The GM EV1 was one of the first mass-produced electric cars of the modern era, introduced in the late 1990s. It was notable for its advanced technology and was designed specifically as an electric vehicle.

The EV1 was praised for its performance and efficiency but faced limitations due to high costs and lack of support infrastructure. GM eventually decided to discontinue the EV1 and retrieve most of the vehicles from customers.

Modern Resurgence

21st Century

The early 2000s marked a resurgence in electric vehicles, driven by advances in battery technology, increasing environmental concerns, and government incentives. Tesla Motors, founded in 2003, played a significant role in popularizing electric vehicles with models like the Tesla Roadster and Model S. Othe...

In the third quarter of 2025, over ******* battery-electric vehicles were sold in the United States. This was a year-over-year increase of over ***percent compared to the sales recorded in the third quarter of 2024. The third quarter of 2025 also recorded a hike in sales compared to the second quarter of that same year, making it the best quarter for BEV sales in the country ever. The stark increase in sales in the third quarter of 2025 is tied to the elimination of EV purchase incentives by the U.S. government. The fourth quarter of 2025 could very well see a decrease in sales. Global EV Race - Where does the U.S. stand? Over the last few years, consumers have perceived Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a far more appealing option due to their increased range, battery life, variety of models, and affordability. Therefore, the EV market has grown fast in recent years and is forecast to expand to ****billion U.S. dollars in 2029. Though the global demand for electric cars has been escalating, American sales lag behind Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. In 2024, Chinese customers bought around **** million plug-in EVs, considerably more than American customers' purchases, around *** million that year. China leads the global EV race, with a substantial **** percent growth in sales year-on-year in 2024. However, given the market share of electric vehicles in the global automotive industry, this still can be anyone's race. Outlook of the U.S. market There is still a lack of interest in electric vehicles among American buyers compared to European and Asian consumers. In the first half of 2021, the share of the battery electric vehicle was **** percentage points more in Norway than in the U.S. One of the main reasons is that American consumers still anticipate that EVs are more expensive than gasoline vehicles and diesel internal combustion engine cars (ICE). This perception is partially true in the U.S. since the battery production market is highly concentrated in Asia, where the companies have logistical advantages, leading automotive makers to offer better prices. On the other hand, high licensing fees for electric vehicles are another factor affecting the consumption behaviors of automobile purchasers. In many states, the licensing fees for electric cars are considerably higher than their ICE counterparts. EV licensing fees were around *** U.S. dollars compared to ** U.S. dollars for standard vehicles in Georgia in 2021. Together, these factors significantly impact the individual perception of electric cars in the United States.

Around ******* electric vehicles were sold throughout Europe in the first quarter of 2025. This sales volume includes sales of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Europe is one of the leading markets for plug-in vehicle sales worldwide. EV popularity and regional mandates keep the market growing The European plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market had declined by ***** percent year-over-year between 2023 and 2024 and subsidy rollbacks could impact sales even further. Road transport, including passenger cars, made up most of the European Union’s transport sector carbon dioxide emissions in 2022, amounting to around **** percent of the emissions. That same year, the use of electric vehicles in Europe displaced the equivalent of *** billion liters of gasoline, making a dent in the region’s motor fuel consumption. The benefits of electric cars still depend on consumers’ perception of EVs. Charging infrastructure access impacts consumers’ perception Over half of the consumers in the European Union reported intending to purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle in a survey from the third quarter of 2022, a share which dipped to ** percent in rural areas, where charging infrastructure is less accessible. Various factors can still make PEVs an inaccessible option for potential buyers. German consumers’ leading concerns regarding BEVs were their driving range, their cost, and the lack of charger at home. The rise in electric vehicle usage requires changes to the transport infrastructure, including a sufficient number of publicly available electric vehicle charging stations. Around ******* such charging stations were spread across Europe as of 2023. However, while the number of charging stations has increased, European countries still struggle to expand their network. There were under ***** charging locations per *** kilometers of roadway in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy as of July 2021.

In the financial year of 2025, two-wheelers led the electric vehicle market in India, with sales reaching approximately *****million units. This represented a substantial growth compared to the sales figures from the previous year. Meanwhile, the sales of four-wheeler electric vehicles stood at around ********for the same period. Notably, all sectors of the electric vehicle market witnessed significant growth that year. Electric vehicle market The market projection for electric vehicles (EVs) in India is promising, with a significant increase in sales volume expected in the coming years. In the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors has carved out a substantial market share. Meanwhile, Ola Electric is leading the charge in the two-wheeler EV segment. However, the share of EV sales in total vehicle sales in India, while growing, is still relatively small. This points to a gradual yet steady shift towards EV adoption across various vehicle segments in the country. Challenges in EV adoption With the growing environmental concerns, the acceptance of EVs is on the rise in India, with the willingness to invest in sustainable modes of transportation. However, this transition is not without challenges. Concerns about the availability of public charging infrastructure and the safety of battery technology are prevalent. Addressing these issues will be crucial in accelerating the adoption of EVs in the country.

📝 Description

This Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales and Adoption dataset contains detailed records of electric vehicle sales, including vehicle details, region, customer segments, and sales metrics. It aims to help data enthusiasts and businesses forecast EV sales, analyze market trends, and derive insights to improve marketing and inventory strategies.

📊 Collection Methodology

Data Aggregation: Combined from (fictional) public EV registration records, automotive dealership sales reports, and online retailer transactions.

Quality Control: Only confirmed EV transactions are included; partially-completed orders and canceled orders were filtered out.

Revenue Calculation: Reflects the final sale price after applying any applicable discounts or incentives.

Feature Engineering: Customer demographics (segment, region) are included to facilitate market segmentation analysis.

🚀 Potential Use Cases

Sales Forecasting – Predict future EV sales volume based on regional and demographic patterns.

Market Trend Analysis – Identify which brands and vehicle types are most popular in specific regions.

Battery and Range Insights – Correlate battery capacity and fast-charging options with sales performance.

Consumer Behavior & Segmentation – Understand different customer segments' purchasing habits and price sensitivities.

Environmental Policy & Incentive Impact – Investigate how discounts or tax incentives affect adoption rates.

🔑 Key Features

Date: Represents a month in YYYY-MM format.

Region: Geographic region where sales took place.

Brand: Automotive brand (e.g., Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, etc.).

Model: Specific EV model name.

Vehicle_Type: Category (Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, etc.).

Battery_Capacity_kWh: Battery capacity in kilowatt-hours.

Discount_Percentage: Any discount applied to final sale (%).

Customer_Segment: Broad segmentation (High Income, Tech Enthusiast, Eco-Conscious, etc.).

Fast_Charging_Option: Indicates if the vehicle supports fast-charging.

Units_Sold: Total number of units sold (in train.csv).

Revenue: Total revenue from units sold (in train.csv).

This dataset is well-suited for machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization projects that address growing interest in electrification, sustainability, and emerging transportation technologies!

Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Lucid data was reported at 5,766.000 Unit in Sep 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,822.000 Unit for Jun 2024. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Lucid data is updated quarterly, averaging 2,318.000 Unit from Dec 2021 (Median) to Sep 2024, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,940.000 Unit in Dec 2023 and a record low of 460.000 Unit in Mar 2022. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Lucid data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Cox Automotive. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA008: Electric Vehicle Sales: by Brand and Model: ytd.

Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Rivian data was reported at 8,553.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 51,579.000 Unit for Dec 2024. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Rivian data is updated quarterly, averaging 17,087.000 Unit from Dec 2021 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 51,579.000 Unit in Dec 2024 and a record low of 583.000 Unit in Dec 2021. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Rivian data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Cox Automotive. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA008: Electric Vehicle Sales: by Brand and Model: ytd.

Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Toyota data was reported at 5,610.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 18,570.000 Unit for Dec 2024. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Toyota data is updated quarterly, averaging 4,634.500 Unit from Jun 2022 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,570.000 Unit in Dec 2024 and a record low of 232.000 Unit in Sep 2022. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Toyota data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Cox Automotive. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA008: Electric Vehicle Sales: by Brand and Model: ytd.

Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Kia data was reported at 8,656.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 56,099.000 Unit for Dec 2024. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Kia data is updated quarterly, averaging 13,566.000 Unit from Mar 2021 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 17 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 56,099.000 Unit in Dec 2024 and a record low of 680.000 Unit in Mar 2021. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Kia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Cox Automotive. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA008: Electric Vehicle Sales: by Brand and Model: ytd.

Electric Car Registrations in China increased to 1715000 Units in October from 1604000 Units in September of 2025. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for China Electric Car Registrations.

It is estimated that 2024 saw plug-in electric light vehicle (PEV) sales of around 17.5 million units. The Chinese market picked up steam after a period of slowdown in 2020, as vehicle manufacturing and demand were at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, electric vehicle sales in some of Europe's five largest markets surged in 2024. Electric car sales growth Global automobile production dropped significantly with the pandemic, with millions of jobs in the industry at risk globally. Later in the year, when lockdowns were lifted, demand for new cars bounced back, but the automotive semiconductor shortage impacted supply. Despite these issues, the electric car market experienced a record year, with an increase of over three million in global electric car sales, and notable market share growth. A present task for the future Many governments put forward green stimulus packages during the pandemic, many of which were directed towards supporting the automotive industry and securing jobs in the sector, with an emphasis on the clean transition. In China, the full new energy vehicle (NEV) subsidy program phase-out was postponed from the end of 2020 to the end of 2022. However, these investments are starting to be rolled back. In Germany, the largest car market in Europe, electric vehicle subsidies abruptly stopped at the end of 2023, following in the footsteps of countries like Norway, which have also moved away from subsidies.

This dataset provides a detailed overview of the electric vehicle (EV) market in India from 2001 to 2024. It includes monthly sales data, sales data categorized by manufacturer, and vehicle class-wise sales data for different manufacturers. This rich dataset is ideal for market analysis, trend forecasting, and research on the adoption and growth of electric vehicles in India.

Updated Files Included

EV Maker by Place

List of popular EV Makers and their location of Manufacturing Plant

Operational PC

Total Operational Public Charging Station for EV available in each state

Vehicle Class

Total vehicles (includes electric and all other fuels) registered (manufactured) by category from 2001 - Aug 2024

ev_cat_01-24

Total electric vehicles manufactured from 2001 - Aug 2024 and vehicle category

ev_sales_by_makers_and_cat_15-24

Total electric vehicles manufactured by makers from 2015 - Aug 2024 with the vehicle class

Potential Uses

• Market Analysis: Understand the growth trends and market share of different manufacturers in the Indian EV market.
• Forecasting: Predict future sales trends based on historical data.
• Research: Study the adoption patterns and the impact of various factors on the EV market in India.

Acknowledgments

This dataset was compiled and web-scrapped from Vahaan4 Dashboard

Note - The data for name of Manufacturers is only available from 2015

The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and discusses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe. It is developed with the support of the members of the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI).

Combining historical analysis with projections to 2030, the report examines key areas of interest such as electric vehicle and charging infrastructure deployment, energy use, CO2 emissions, battery demand, and related policy developments. The report includes policy recommendations that incorporate lessons learned from leading markets to inform policymakers and stakeholders concerning policy frameworks and market systems for electric vehicle adoption

A cleaned, state-level and category-wise dataset of Indian EV registrations from 2015 through projected 2025 figures. Data organized by vehicle type (e‑2W, e‑3W passenger/cargo, e‑4W, e‑buses), annual counts, penetration rates, and trends. Sources include the Vahan Dashboard, EVreporter analysis, and JMK Research, covering both calendar and financial years. Great for time-series modeling, regional adoption comparison, and policy impact analysis."

Explore the comprehensive history and modern trends of electric vehicles with our Global EV Sales Data. Discover key innovations, market growth.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that use one or more electric motors for propulsion. They can be powered by an external electricity source or autonomously by a battery, which may be charged by solar panels, fuel cells, or a generator. EVs include road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft, and electric spacecraft. In the context of road vehicles, EVs, along with technologies like autonomous driving, connected vehicles, and shared mobility, contribute to the future vision of Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric (CASE) Mobility.

This dataset provides detailed information on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) registered in Washington State in 2024. The data includes the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), county, city, state, postal code, model year, make, model, type of electric vehicle, eligibility for clean alternative fuel, electric range, base MSRP, legislative district, Department of Licensing (DOL) vehicle ID, vehicle location, electricity provider, and 2020 census tract.

With this dataset, you can analyze electric vehicle trends, explore the distribution of EVs across Washington State, and gain insights into the adoption of electric cars in 2024.

Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Fisker data was reported at 1,660.000 Unit in Mar 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2,669.000 Unit for Dec 2023. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Fisker data is updated quarterly, averaging 1,660.000 Unit from Sep 2023 (Median) to Mar 2024, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,669.000 Unit in Dec 2023 and a record low of 997.000 Unit in Sep 2023. Electric Vehicle Sales: ytd: Fisker data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Cox Automotive. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA008: Electric Vehicle Sales: by Brand and Model: ytd.

This dataset shows the Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) that are currently registered through Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

In 2023, some ******* battery-electric vehicles were sold in California, representing some **** percent of the total electric vehicle sales in the state that year. As technological advances led to an increase in available BEV models with a wider driving range, the sales volume for this EV segment has been steadily rising since 2013, when it recorded under ****** sales. The leading electric vehicle state in the U.S. For every ***** people in California, there were nearly ** electric cars, making it the U.S. state with the highest ratio of EVs per population, over ** EVs over the ratio recorded for the second in the ranking. The fast pace of the Californian EV market comes perhaps as no surprise, as the Golden State is also the largest car market across propulsion types in the United States. The battery-electric vehicle fleet in California has steadily risen since 2010. Comparatively, the gasoline-powered light-duty vehicle fleet fluctuated in the past years, dropping between 2021 and 2023. An expanding charging infrastructure To meet the charging demand of a growing electric vehicle fleet, California relies on its EV charging network. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, there were around *** electric vehicle supply equipment ports per 100 EVs in the state, a ratio far below the one recorded in most other states, partly due to the size of California's EV fleet. California's charging infrastructure further faces the same issue recorded on a global level: The largest share of its public and shared private network consisted of Level 2 chargers, which are alternating current (AC) chargers. AC chargers, in contrast to their direct current counterparts, tend to have longer charging times, which impact consumers' EV adoption. However, the Golden State is committed to expanding its infrastructure: California was the second state to receive the largest grants from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program in 2023.

View yearly updates and historical trends for US Electric Vehicle Sales: Cars. from United States. Source: International Energy Agency (IEA). Track econom…