Contrary to popular belief, EV sales grew more in 2024 than 2023 – report
In 2024, the world sold 3.5 million more EVs than it did in the previous year, according to a new report by Rho Motion. This increase is larger than the 3.2 million increase in EV sales from the previous year – meaning that EV sales aren’t just up, but that the rate of growth is itself increasing.
However, an entire year of false political, media and industry statements might have had you thinking otherwise.
You’ve probably heard this lie many times over the course of more than a year: that, supposedly, EV sales are in trouble, and are slowing drastically.
This myth has been pushed by many, in many forms, with varying levels of wrongness. The position has been so pervasive that it might as well be universal – it has been taken as accepted fact that EV sales are down, even though they simply aren’t.
Sometimes it has been an intentional distortion from actors who oppose the growth of clean-air vehicles, but the attitude has become so pervasive that many have repeated it unthinkingly, without actually looking at the data. And thus this misinformation has become oft-repeated common knowledge, despite being incorrect.
But today, Rho Motion, an electric vehicle research consultancy, is out with a new report showing what we knew all along – that EV sales are still growing strongly.
No, EV sales didn’t slow
One form of this misinformation says that EV sales are down – which is to say that fewer people are buying EVs now than were in the past. This is phenomenally untrue – per the data at the end of the year (and quarterly data mid-year as well, as we pointed out), EV sales grew and set records in every territory around the world in 2024 except Europe, where they were down just 3%.
Rho Motion’s report, out today, shows that EV sales increased in all regions other than Europe, and across the globe as a whole. China experienced the largest growth at 40%, with North America growing by 9% and the “rest of the world” growing at 27%.
But even the European numbers are misleading, given that European EV sales were mostly up outside of its largest country Germany, which saw a decrease due to the country ending EV incentives in late 2023, leading to a pull-forward in demand and subsequent drop in sales.
But outside of that one region, driven largely by an end in incentives in one country, the rest of the world’s regions, and the globe itself, saw a drastic increase in EV sales.
This rise happened despite the world’s largest EV maker, Tesla, seeing its first sequential decline in sales since 2011, dragging down a market that may have otherwise risen even faster. Tesla’s sales drop was driven less by overall EV disinterest, as proven by continued EV growth across the world, and more by stale models and an incompetent CEO who has abandoned the mission of the company and cozied up with anti-EV interests, thus turning away customers.
No, EV sales growth didn’t slow, either
Another, lighter form of misinformation repeated throughout the last year stated that EV sales growth has slowed. There’s a difference between this statement and saying that sales are down – many headlines described EV sales as falling, cooling, slowing, etc., but those words would apply to a decrease, when in fact EV sales increased.
EV sales “growth” is different, and after so many people lied saying that EV sales were going down, some instead took the lighter position that EV sales would simply not grow as much in 2024 as they had in 2023. The suggestion here was that the rate of change of EV sales (that is, the second derivative of sales numbers) would reduce, and that that signaled trouble.
But we now know that even that assertion is wrong.
Looking into Rho Motion’s data for the last couple years, the world sold 17.1 million plug-in cars in 2024. In 2023, the world sold 13.6 million, and in 2022, the world sold 10.4 million. Rho Motion’s numbers do include both BEVs and PHEVs, but not cars without a plug.
Let’s look at the difference between those numbers. In 2023, EV sales grew by 3.2 million units across the world. But in 2024, EV sales grew by 3.5 million, which for those in the back is in fact a bigger number than 3.2 million.
This means that not only did EV sales grow in 2024, but the rate of growth even went up on a unit basis.
This rise in growth is obscured by using percentages rather than raw numbers (showing 31% growth in 2023, but 25% in 2024, as these numbers do), because any number that starts small and rapidly grows will inevitably experience lower percentage growth over time.
If, for example, your company sold 100 units in one year, then 1,000 units in the next, then 9,000 units in the next year, you would clearly understand that the third year is your best year in sales, and your biggest year of growth, as you added +8,000 unit sales compared to the previous year’s +900 unit sales growth.
But if you look at it on a percentage basis, your growth just went down from +900% to +800%. Even though your company is clearly doing increasingly better, you’ve added far more employees than ever before, your revenues are at an order of magnitude they’ve never reached before, etc., someone who is looking for impossible, infinitely-continuing exponential growth could try to look at this and claim that your company is doing worse than it was.
So, even these arguments focusing on slower sales growth are misleading. EV sales went up in 2024, and they went up by more than they did in the previous year. Some of us thought at the beginning of 2024 that this may end up being the case, even in the face of all this disinformation from anti-EV forces in media, industry and politics. Those of us who predicted that are vindicated, now that all the cards are on the table.
Gas car sales are in long-term decline
Meanwhile, one thing that all of these headlines ignore is that gas car sales are in long-term decline.
Among all the false focus on EV sales throughout the year, relatively fewer headlines have noted that global gas car sales hit their peak in 2017, have not hit that peak again, and likely will never hit that peak again. They’re down about a quarter from that peak, and show no signs of recovering, as it’s likely that any increase in vehicle sales will be taken up by growth in EV sales, not gas car sales.
So the growth in EV sales should look even stronger when compared to the long-term weakness of gas car sales.
This is great news for the world, and for everyone’s health, as gas cars create pollution that damages every organ in the body, kills millions of people per year, and is a primary driver of climate change which is already causing an uptick in natural disasters and threatens to displace over a billion people.
Of course, cars themselves, regardless of powertrain, still have numerous other negative environmental effects, and a shift to micromobility and mass transit would be even more environmentally preferable. But as long as gas cars are unfortunately still being made, seeing them trend downward and be replaced by vehicles that don’t spew poison from their tailpipes during every second of operation should be cause for celebration for all living things on Earth.
But what isn’t great is that, even with today’s news showing how false all of these headlines have been throughout the year, we’re not sure any of this is going to stop in our current post-truth era. The lies have not just been proven wrong today, but were wrong all along – EV sales weren’t down at any point over the course of the last year, but people kept ignoring the data and saying it.
Why does it matter? These lies influence policy – and cause more pollution
All of this matters because these constant incorrect statements have caused changes in plans for both automakers and governments who are pulling back their EV targets, and because it contributes to incorrect consumer perceptions which in turn actually can affect demand, all of which dooms humanity to worse health and climate outcomes.
Early on as this pattern of lies started to show itself in the media, David Reichmuth of the Union of Concerned Scientists suggested that one motivation behind the false headlines could be to influence regulations. The idea goes that, by pretending EV sales were “cooling,” despite that they were not, automakers could convince governments to pull back on their future commitments, thus allowing them to continue business as usual instead of having to put in effort to make actually good cars that don’t poison everything around them.
But those regulations already passed and timelines were loosened after automaker whining, so congratulations, you got what you wanted. You get to do little to change, you left open the door for new entrants to take over your industry, and you get to poison people a bit more for a few more years. You can stop lying now.
And yet, the headlines continued, and so many outlets continued to push the same false narrative that they had for more than a year claiming that EV sales are down. Some number of consumers who hear these constant falsehoods may have their EV buying decisions delayed as a result, which could in turn have suppressed EV sales below the even higher level that they might have been at without so much incorrect reporting.
And yes, higher EV sales growth rates would be preferable to the current status quo and are needed to meet climate targets. Or rather, a faster decline in gas car sales is what’s truly needed – and would be beneficial to all living beings on this planet.
The environment cannot wait, and humans can’t spend the next 10-20 years breathing down the poison coming out of the tailpipe of each gas-powered vehicle sold today. This needs to end and it needs to end now. The faster we act, the easier it will be for the world to reach carbon reductions that are objectively necessary to achieve.
So stop lying about EV sales trends
But overall, the point of this article is that media headlines and political statements suggesting a slowdown in EV sales are simply incorrect. And it’s hard to imagine that these headlines, which continued for more than a year, were not intentional.
Each journalist, politician, or auto company CEO who perpetuated the myth of an EV sales slowdown could have read any one of our articles, or googled a single number showing year-over-year EV sales in any region or for most countries and most brands, and found that outside of a few outliers, they are still going up. The information is out there and easy to find.
Today’s report ought to be the final nail in the coffin that gets people to stop repeating this nonsense. Thankfully, we’ve seen it less in the last couple months, so hopefully it’s petering out by now, but we expect this falsehood will still linger on in some realms. But if you hear it, now you know the truth: EV sales are up, and they were up more in 2024 than they were in 2023.
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The Tesla Solar Roof tiles are still alive, but the product is on the back burner at Tesla as it failed to achieve its promises.
When launching the solar roof in 2016, CEO Elon Musk presented it as a critical product to accelerate solar power deployment, as it opens up the market to people who want to go solar but also need to replace their roof soon.
He said that he aimed for Tesla to produce 1,000 new solar roofs per week by the end of 2019.
However, Tesla didn’t reach volume production of the solar roof tiles until 2020, and even then, it was at a fraction of the deployment it was aiming for.
In 2022, Electrek reported that Tesla installed solar roofs for the first time and confirmed that the Company deployed 2.5 MW of solar roofs during the second quarter of 2022, equivalent to approximately 23 roofs per week, which is far short of its goal.
Since then, Tesla has even further pulled back its solar effort – and even stopped reporting its solar deployment.
Many people are asking what it means for the solar roof, which Musk touted as a revolutionary product.
In 2023, we reported that Tesla began phasing out its solar business, particularly its in-house installations.
Tesla shifted its focus on deploying Powerwalls and solar inverters through third-party installers.
The same thing is happening with Tesla’s solar roof tiles. The company appears to be giving up on installing them itself, but some installations are still happening with third-party certified installers.
Tesla doesn’t even give online quotes on its solar roof anymore and has people submit requests for quotes through third-party installers:
“In order to receive pricing and product information, Tesla will share your contact information with a Tesla Certified Installer.”
We are hearing less about solar roof installations lately, as Tesla has gone virtually silent on the program; however, some ongoing installations are still being carried out by third-party installers.
Weddle and Sons Roofing just posted about a new 20 kW Tesla Solar Roof installation in Topeka, Kansas:
It’s challenging to determine the exact deployment rate of the solar roof, but based on our checks with a few installers, it doesn’t appear to have increased since 2022.
Tesla-certified installers are even convincing potential buyers to opt for a regular roof with solar panels instead of a solar roof. Potential buyer Jeff Betty shared this text from an unnamed installer:
This is not entirely surprising, as the primary issue with the Tesla Solar Roof tiles is their pricing. Tesla aimed for the solution to be competitive with higher-end roofing options, but it remains expensive and much less affordable than many durable roof options, plus solar panels.
Electrek’s Take
In short, the Tesla Solar Roof is still alive, but it’s nowhere near the revolutionary product Tesla claimed it would be.
Instead, it has become a very niche higher-end roofing product that Tesla deploys in very low volume through third-party installers.
It’s not in any way a significant part of Tesla’s energy business, which is now almost entirely Megapacks and Powerwalls.
While Tesla’s solar roof is not for everyone, now is a great time to go solar with rooftop solar panels.
If you want to make sure you’re finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage. EnergySage is a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar – whether you’re a homeowner or renter. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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Environment
Retrospec Valen Rev+: A fat tire e-bike with the spirit of an all-terrain scrambler [Video]
![Retrospec Valen Rev+: A fat tire e-bike with the spirit of an all-terrain scrambler [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/DSC08478.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
For the Valen Rev+, Retrospec managed to get the best out of that iconic moto-style scrambler spirit and put it into a comfortably handling fat tire e-bike while also keeping the performance bits that make it fun, and the best part is it comes at a reasonable price of just under $1,800
Aside from the looks and price this bike has a unique fun factor that comes from a combination of a few key components here.
One is the 20 by 4.0 inch Fat MTB tires with puncture protection and reflective sidewalls. Aside from these tires offering an extra layer of protection and suspension, Retrospec’s decision to offer wide tires also gives way more stability than a typical bike tire, which makes going through ruts, mud, or sand pretty effortless.
The second key component is the front suspension, which is fully adjustable and has 100mm of travel. Combined with the extra suspension from the fat tires, as mentioned earlier, this makes otherwise challenging terrain turn into fun detours that you’ll likely go out of your way to use.
The third component is the 750w rear hub motor, which gives the bike a 28 mph assisted top speed. Combined with the secure handling and added front suspension, the Valen Rev+ is the kind of bike you want to plan an adventure with. Whether that’s a dirt road shortcut on your commute or a day to the beach, the comfortable long seat makes it hard to say no to a trip with the Valen Rev+
On the practical side, Retrospec put some significant thought into the design and build of this bike to ensure that riders are cared for with those often less thought of yet still essential features. Starting with the battery, the fully integrated 720Wh battery uses LG 21700 cells for a total of 68 miles of range when fully charged. In addition, the battery is lockable and easily removable for both on- and off-bike battery charging. It’s also seamlessly integrated into the bike’s frame, making for a clean look.
For safety, Retrospec added Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with e-bike-specific rotors, which is an important upgrade, considering an improved rotor typically allows for better heat dissipation and better overall performance. There are also Integrated front and rear lights with 100 Lux illumination for the front. Safety aside, the design here for the front light looks amazing.
For the less thought-of yet essential features, Retrospec included an easy-change rear wheel removal system that uses braze-ons located at the lower part of the bike, so there’s no need to remove zip ties. Unlike other e-bikes, the Valen Rev+ kept it simple with the same axel nut for both the front and rear which means fewer tools, but what makes the process itself a lot easier is not having to wrestle the chain when re-installing the wheel thanks to the chain hanger.
One of the great feelings of the Retrospec Valen Rev+ e-bike is how simple yet stylish it is; the display is a center-mounted color display with controls on the left-hand side of the handlebars. The control panel has only three buttons, so it’s as simple as it gets. With the up or down control, you can change through 6 levels of pedal assist, but if you’re looking for more control, you can also use the controls on the right side of the handlebars to cycle through the eight speeds on the Shimano Altus derailleur.
For how comfortable the moto-inspired Valen Rev+ is, it also feels great to pedal on in case you’re looking for more exercise and want to opt for the pedal assist rather than the throttle only. Unlike other e-bikes on the market, Retrospec’s Rev+ makes riding very approachable. For those who are newer to riding, that long seat and wide tires add a level of stability, making the overall learning experience much more enjoyable. With how comfortable the bike rides, it might make you think more about leaving the car at home more often and opting for the bike paths.
For those looking to get as much fun as possible out of an e-bike aside from the fat tires and front suspension, Retrospec’s BMX style handlebars offer excellent geometry and height that gives you much more control over the bike in case you wanna stand up and tackle some of the more challenging trails. In addition, if you’re looking to forget pedaling altogether, you could even choose to get the optional footpeg accessories, which, combined with the BMX-styled handlebars, will make the bike much more functional for off-road riding.
Overall, Retrospec seems to have put a lot of effort into bringing that scrambler moto spirit into a comfortable bike with loads of features that other manufacturers haven’t quite nailed down. From the easy rear wheel removal to the BMX-styled handlebars and comfortable long seat, it’s a very approachable and easy-to-maintain e-bike that can still rip on trails for those who want to tackle more of that tough off-road terrain.
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![This is it: Mazda EZ-60 crossover interior revealed ahead of global launch [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-19-at-6.35.22 AM.png?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
We got our first look at the new-for-2026 Mazda EZ-60 electric crossover just last week, but Mazda played coy with the interior, leading many in the media (including us) to believe that the interior would be pretty similar to the EZ-6 sedan‘s. We were wrong.
I’ll cut right to the chase. The new Model Y rival from Mazda is coming for the Y’s old sales crown with a starkly elegant 26.45-inch 5K ultra-wide display with dual screens and (get this) a massive 100″ (!) augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield, alerting the driver of pedestrians, speed limits, etc.
You can check it out for yourself, below.
Mazda EZ-60 interior revealed
As you can see, the interior largely eschews buttons, knobs, or physical interfaces of any kind in favor of touchscreens. Those screens enable EZ-60 drivers and passengers to control and adjust a 23-speaker, 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos audio system, while a separate touchscreen in the rear allows drivers passengers to adjust climate and entertainment settings for themselves.
Other interior features include super-slick digital wing mirror displays (the exterior “side mirrors” are aerodynamic cameras), and fully twenty kid- and family-friendly storage compartments sprinkled liberally throughout the vehicle. A relatively small 350-liter (12.3 cu ft) rear trunk expands to 2,036 liters (71.9 cu ft) with the seats folded flat. A 126-liter frunk (4.4 cu ft, or about the size of the mini fridge in your college dorm) adds extra practicality.
The electric Mazda SUV itself is built on the Changan EPA1 platform, and is believed to be powered by an 80 kWh battery good for 295 miles of WLTP range, and a 93 kW charging speed that can take the EZ-60 from 30 to 80% charge in a little over 30 mins.
Following the crossover’s Chinese launch – officially slated for April 23rd. Changan Mazda plans to release the EZ-60 in overseas markets under the Mazda CX-6e nameplate.
Electrek’s Take
Mazda is on a hot streak right now – and not just in China, but in the US as well. The brand’s near-premium positioning is perfect, targeting middle class buyers who are willing to pay a premium to drive a vehicle with better fit and finish than the Ford, Chevy, and Stellantis offerings – but not enough of a premium to justify a move into Acura/Volvo territory. And, frankly, no one in the industry is doing paint as well as Mazda right now. Not until you start doubling the Mazda’s MSRPs, anyway.
Here’s hoping this one comes to the US.
SOURCE | VIDEO: Changan Mazda, via China Auto Show, Planet Car News.
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