22 August 2025
What were the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe and China during the first half of 2025? What has the latest round of tariff talks between the EU and the US produced? Autovista24 special editor Phil Curry explores the week’s headlines in the latest Automotive Update podcast.
In this week’s episode, Autovista24 journalist Tom Hooker analyses Europe’s battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) markets. China’s best-selling EVs are also revealed.
Additionally, the outcome of the latest tariff discussions between the EU and the US. Plus, a partnership sending shockwaves through the fleet sector, and the latest EV battery news.
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European EV battles
The European EV market has been competitive in the first half of 2025. In the BEV sector, the Tesla Model Y was the clear leader in the first half of the year. It was followed by its sibling, the Model 3.
However, the Volkswagen (VW) ID.4 was not far behind. The brand’s ID.7 and ID.3 were close in fifth and seventh, respectively. Additionally, the Renault 5 and the Alpine A290 increased pressure in fourth, as well as the Skoda Enyaq in sixth.
In the PHEV market, there was a close battle for first. The Volvo XC60 led the year-to-date standings from January to May. However, the VW Tiguan squeezed past it to top the table at the halfway point. Behind, the BYD Seal U could also contend for first, even after a slow start to the year.
EVs and upward momentuma
Tesla rose to the top of China’s BEV market in June. The carmaker’s Model Y recorded the highest volumes during the month, thanks partly to its quarterly reporting patterns. The Geely Geome Xingyuan took second, while the BYD Seagull finished third.
Geely’s Geome Xingyuan comfortably led China’s BEV market after the first six months of 2025. The BYD Seagull and the Tesla Model Y jumped up a position to second and third place, respectively. Meanwhile, the Wuling Mini fell from the runner-up spot to fourth, having led the market in April.
In the PHEV sector, BYD continued its domination. The Qin Plus took the monthly top spot in June, while the Song Plus secured second, and the BYD Seal 06 came third. The BYD Song Plus led the way in the first half, followed by the BYD Qin Plus. The BYD Song Pro remained third, while the Li Auto L6 held onto fourth.
EU and US tariff talks
The EU and US have issued a joint statement establishing a framework for ‘fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade and investment.’ This confirms and builds on the political agreement reached at the end of July.
The statement lays out in detail the new US tariff regime towards the EU, with a tariff rate of 15% on most EU goods. The rate will apply to passenger cars and car parts, with the EU initiating the procedures for tariff reductions in relation to US products.
Industry association ACEA said it is encouraged by the confirmation that the US will reduce its tariffs on imports of EU passenger cars from 27.5% to 15%.
Hertz joins Amazon Autos
Hertz Car Sales has joined Amazon Autos. The pair will let buyers browse, finance, and purchase from a selection of thousands of used cars.
As Amazon Autos’ first fleet dealer, Hertz Car Sales is expanding the available inventory on the platform, offering a wider selection of vehicles. Customers can now browse the company’s listings on Amazon Autos, complete their purchase online, and pick up their vehicle at Hertz Car Sales locations.
Initially, this will include four US locations, with plans to expand to the company’s 45 sites across the country.
Battery partnerships for EVs
Nissan has partnered with US-based LiCAP Technologies to develop production process technology for the cathode electrode in all-solid-state batteries. In the US, Hyundai has filed a patent application. This covers a method allowing copper to be used inside the cells of solid-state batteries, as reported by Electrive.
Elsewhere, Mobility Sweden and the Norwegian Bilimportørenes Landsforening have entered a strategic partnership, according to Electrive. The two companies are cooperating to meet the upcoming requirements of the new EU battery regulation.
