The landscape of electric vehicles is rapidly transforming, globally marking a significant milestone with one in five new cars sold now being electric. This impressive ascent, highlighted by data from the International Energy Agency and echoed by Oxford Professor Jan Rosenow, underscores a dramatic shift from merely a decade ago when electric cars were a rare sight on roads. Amidst this global embrace of EVs, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian passionately advocates for continued innovation, urging creators and innovators to 'keep going' in their endeavors, recognizing the profound impact they can have on shaping the future.
Global EV Surge Contrasts with US Market Dynamics
On a recent Thursday, November 14, 2025, Jan Rosenow, an esteemed professor from Oxford University's Climate and Energy Policy program, disseminated compelling statistics from the International Energy Agency. His post on the social media platform X revealed that electric vehicles now constitute 20% of all new car sales across the globe, a staggering increase from their almost negligible presence a mere ten years prior. Reacting to this monumental progress, Alexis Ohanian, a prominent figure in the tech and entrepreneurial world, utilized his platform on X to convey a powerful message of encouragement. He articulated a philosophy of persistence: 'Make things people love, keep going, change the world,' directly linking the success of the EV sector to unwavering dedication and innovation.
However, this electrifying global narrative faces a divergent trend within the United States market. Major automotive players such as General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have adjusted their strategies, signaling a more cautious approach to EV expansion. Despite this, GM launched the production of its highly accessible Chevrolet Bolt EV in Fairfax, Kansas, underscoring its commitment to making electric mobility more attainable. Ford, on the other hand, is reportedly contemplating a revision of its F-150 Lightning Pickup truck program, even as it holds the title of the best-selling electric pickup in the U.S. Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly affirmed his resolve to compete vigorously in the EV arena, particularly against international contenders, emphasizing the necessity for Ford to remain a global entity in the electric future, despite earlier projections of more modest EV adoption rates in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Tesla Inc. has encountered its own set of challenges, experiencing a notable downturn in sales in several key markets. European sales saw a 36% dip in October, although France showed resilience due to governmental incentives. Similarly, the Chinese market recorded a significant reduction in Tesla deliveries during October, hinting at potential full-year declines, contrasting sharply with a robust sales performance in September.
The journey towards widespread electric vehicle adoption is a complex tapestry woven with threads of global triumph, localized challenges, and the persistent spirit of innovation. Alexis Ohanian's call to 'keep going' resonates deeply within this evolving landscape, serving as a reminder that progress, even when facing headwinds, is the sum of continuous effort and a belief in the transformative power of creating things that people truly value. The narrative of EVs, from a nascent idea to a quarter of global car sales, is a testament to what is achievable when visionaries and engineers persist.