Global EV sales,which include battery-only ones and plug-in hybrids,totaled 4.1 million units in the first three months this year,up 29 percent from the same period last year,according to statistics from Rho Motion,a leading EV research house.

Of them,sales in China reached 2.4 million units,up 36 percent year-on-year.It was followed by Europe,where 0.9 million units were delivered,marking a 22 percent growth.

Rho Motion Data Manager Charles Lester said the first quarter,while turbulent,saw a strong rate of growth globally for the EV market.

Some countries,such as the UK,had a record-breaking March as drivers continued to go electric,but the removal of subsidies in France had a shrinking effect on sales,said Lester.

In North America,EV sales stood at 0.5 million units in the first quarter,a 16 percent rise year-on-year.