Research company Rho Motion: Global electric car sales increased by 35% in October, with Europe barely achieving growth.

Noticed, market research firm Rho Motion stated on Wednesday that global sales of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in October increased by 35% compared to the same period last year, with sales in China increasing by 54%. Data manager Charles Lester said that sales in Europe only increased by 0.8%, but continued to grow year-over-year for the second consecutive month, and the research firm expects growth in the region for the year. The European auto industry is facing many challenges, including high production costs, managing the transition to electric vehicles, and competition from Chinese automotive rivals. Europe's largest automaker Volkswagen announced plans to close at least three factories in Germany in October last year. Rho Motion's data shows that global sales of electric vehicles in October (both all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles) reached 1.72 million units. Sales in China reached a record 1.2 million units. In the United States and Canada, electric vehicle sales increased by 11.4% to reach 160,000 units, while in Europe, electric vehicle sales reached 260,000 units, slightly up year-over-year but down by 14% compared to September. In other regions of the world, sales increased by 10.9%. Rho Motion stated in a statement: "As Chinese car sales enter the last two strong months of the year, the Chinese electric vehicle market shows no signs of slowing down." Lester said that November and December are typically strong months seasonally. He mentioned that the EU's carbon reduction targets set for next year could lead to price reductions as automakers aim to increase electric vehicle sales to meet the targets and avoid fines.