The future of sustainable mobility: hybrid and electric vehicles in a global context

This dream, which once seemed distant, is getting closer thanks to the rapid evolution of electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. The transition is no longer just an ecological wish: it's an urgent necessity, supported by data showing unprecedented growth.

The question currently preoccupying drivers and manufacturers is clear: are we prepared for this global transformation? The challenge is not only technological, but also emotional and social. Switching from a traditional combustion-engine car to an electric one involves breaking long-standing habits, overcoming fears about autonomy, and adapting to new forms of mobility. However, the latest data shows that the shift is already underway, driven by government policies, advances in charging infrastructure, and the commitment of brands like Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, and many others.

According to data from the consultancy Rho Motion, 9.1 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in the first half of 2025, representing a 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This increase confirms that EVs are no longer a niche, but a fundamental part of the global automotive market.

These figures show that, although China continues to lead with more than half of sales, Europe maintains a strategic role thanks to supportive policies and an increasingly extensive charging network.

Despite the promising outlook, sustainable mobility faces considerable challenges. One of the most discussed is battery life. The definition of TESLA battery failure on the AUTO-DOC.PT website explains that the most common problems are linked to cell degradation and loss of range over time. This means that, although electric vehicles require less maintenance than combustion-powered vehicles, the cost of battery replacement remains a critical issue for consumers.

On the other hand, hybrids also have limitations. AUTODOC experts point out the following problems with hybrid cars, including the technical complexity of the system and the high cost of repairs in the event of a breakdown. These factors remind us that the transition to electric isn't just a path of advantages, but also of necessary adjustments and learning.

The European Union plays a crucial role in this transformation. With the ban on the sale of combustion-powered cars starting in 2035, member countries are investing billions of euros in tax incentives, direct subsidies, and infrastructure programs. Thanks to these measures, by 2025, one in four new cars sold in Europe will be electric, according to data from the Heycar platform.

Germany, France, and Spain stand out as expanding markets, each with its own particularities: Germany leads in absolute number of registrations, France in direct incentive policies, and Spain in the fastest percentage growth of public charging points.

Sustainable mobility isn't just about numbers and technology. It also reflects a shift in mindset. For many drivers, making the switch to an electric car represents a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation: enthusiasm for contributing to a cleaner planet and fear due to concerns about range and charger availability.

However, the emotional and social benefits are clear. Those who drive an electric car experience reduced stress associated with noise and fuel costs, as well as a sense of belonging to a pioneering community committed to a healthier and more equitable future.

According to Market Data Forecast, electric vehicles are expected to account for over 40% of global car sales by 2030. This expansion will be driven by the progressive decline in battery prices, the increase in average vehicle range, and the consolidation of ultra-fast charging infrastructure along international corridors.

What seems like an innovative choice today will soon be the norm: electric mobility is becoming the backbone of a new global transportation ecosystem.

The future of sustainable mobility is already evident in the numbers. With global growth of 28% by 2025, with China and Europe leading the transition, electric and hybrid vehicles are not just a passing fad, but the foundation of a structural change in the way we travel. Technical challenges, from battery life to maintenance costs, should not be seen as obstacles, but as opportunities for innovation. The mobility of the future is no longer a promise: it is a reality that accelerates every day, and the time to be a part of it is now.

• Rho Motion, Global EV Sales Report 2025;
• Heycar, Electric Cars Statistics and Projections 2025;
• Market Data Forecast, Electric Vehicle Market Outlook 2030.