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The Automotive Update: What does China’s slowing EV market mean for global sales?
What is happening in China’s electric vehicle (EV) market? How much is Uber investing in autonomous vehicle charging hubs? Can Europe build its own EV batteries? Tom Geggus, Autovista24 editor, discusses these points in The Automotive Update podcast. In this episode, Autovista24 analyses China’s slowing EV market and reveals the best-selling models in the country. Plus, how has Tesla avoided suspension of its dealer and manufacturer licence in the US? Subscribe to the Autovista24 podcast and listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple and Amazon Music. China’s slowing EV market Globally, China accounts for 59.1% of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales and 70.3% of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) deliveries. But despite dominating the figures, the country saw its total EV numbers struggle in December. Figures rose by just 0.5%, according to the latest data from EV Volumes. Despite total plug-in sales increasing between January and December last year, this was not helped by the country’s PHEV market. It experienced a run of monthly declines from July onwards. One reason for this poor performance was the decline of BYD. The brand accounted for 33.3% of total EV sales in China during 2025 and dominated the PHEV market. Yet its sales were down 9.9% across the year. However, with new players entering the PHEV market, 2026 will see more brand diversification. This could help boost figures, while new BYD models will also help impress buyers. BEV sales rose by just 4% in December 2025 following a run of double-digit improvements. China’s carmakers will be hoping this is not the start of a new trend, especially if the PHEV market continues to struggle. Tesla avoids suspension Tesla has avoided a 30-day suspension of its dealer and manufacturer license in California. This follows the brand halting its use of the term ‘Autopilot’ in its vehicle marketing in the state. The Department of Motor Vehicles adopted a decision that the use of the term is ‘misleading and violates state law’. This is linked to Tesla’s use of Autopilot to describe its advanced driver-assistance systems. Uber invests in autonomous charging Uber Technologies will invest more than $100 million (€84.9 million) into autonomous vehicle charging hubs, according to Reuters. The company will deploy DC fast charging stations at its fleet depots and other locations throughout priority cities. This is expected to begin in the Los Angeles Bay Area as well as Dallas, before hitting other hubs. Uber will also work with charge point operators to establish ‘utilisation guarantee agreements’. This will support the rollout of hundreds of new chargers in cities across the world. EV charging offer in the Netherlands Leasing provider, Ayvens, has launched a new EV charging offering. Ayvens Power promises customers in the Netherlands access to over one million charging points across Europe, spanning different operators. Drivers will get real-time availability and pricing details before arrival. Meanwhile, a fleet portal will provide charging insights, cost visibility and reporting tools. The solution is due to roll out in France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the UK later in 2026. Can Europe build EV batteries? Yann Vincent, CEO of the Automotive Cells Company (ACC), has questioned who will make batteries for Europe’s domestic carmakers. ‘One crucial question remains: who will manufacture the batteries for European cars?’ Vincent asked. ‘Asian players, particularly Chinese giants, as is already the case for 99% of them? At the risk of putting the strategic independence of European car manufacturers solely in the hands of BYD, CATL, LG, etc?’. The CEO also confirmed that the ramp-up of ACC’s gigafactory in Hauts-de-France is taking longer and costing more than expected. This is weakening the company’s financial position. He also stated the goal of building the factory was ‘too close to give up on.’
